Chapter Thirty-Three: Traveling Together

To say there was a big send-off gathered at the elegant Montreal Canadian Pacific Railway Depot was not at all an overstatement.

It was truly a family affair!

The group consisted of Edward and Victoria Bradford; Archeford and Sophia Grant, who were scheduled to board their own Train home later that evening after an early dinner nearby with the Bradfords; Richard Bradford, who was back in town for a couple of days on business; William and Pippa Bradford who were starting their winter break from College; and Millicent's entire staff, Hendrix, Estella, and Albert, who had enjoyed Nathan's visit so much, they just had to see him off!

Everyone was in formal day dress along with their coats and topcoats, and of course, the women were all wearing their glorious wintry hats with matching muffs!

Millicent's Security Team had already boarded, as the Bradford's SecurityTeam was out on the Platform in full force, doing their level best to keep the Photographers at bay.

Given the newspaper fiasco, both Nathan and Edward had deemed the tight Security necessary, especially given the timing of the known perpetrators' release.

"You two be careful and don't forget to give this to Allie. It's fragile too, so do be very mindful, that you don't let it break, Son!"

"Mother, perhaps we better give this to Millicent to take care of. You know you don't want to put me in charge of anything fragile!"

"Don't I know that! What was I thinking?" so she did just that, handing the small package to Millicent. "Tell her it's from her Grappa and Gramma, Dear, and that we'll see her Christmas, and give her the biggest hug and kiss for us you can."

"Of course, Sophia! A gigantic hug and kiss, it is!"

"And this is just a little something from her new Grandmama and Grandpapa. A welcome to the family, if you will. Tell Allie we can't wait to meet her at Christmas, and she's already part of us, with two new Aunties and Uncles and four new cousins!"

"And this is from Uncle Richard and Auntie Margaret and those cousins Mother was talking about. Margaret insisted on framing a few for Allie, and she put the rest in a little photo album for her to keep. And a girl has to have something fun, too!" winked Richard shaking the box! "Hope she enjoys the gift!"

"Yeah, Allie will never guess what that is, Richard!" teased William.

"Hey, it might sound like a jigsaw puzzle...but that doesn't mean it is a jigsaw puzzle!"

"Well, if it is, she'll love it, Brother!" laughed Nathan patting Richard's shoulder. "Appreciate you spending so much time with us! Give our love to Margaret and the kids!"

"William and I went together to get these; it's a matching set, well really two matching sets! We just hope Allie loves them, from her new Auntie Pippa and Uncle William!"

"This one's from Hendrix, Albert, Grace, and me. We just wanted our Sweet Allie to have a little something to let her know we're thinking about her, and can't wait to meet her at Christmas!" offered Estella. "We each slipped a picture in, too, so the poor child won't be overwhelmed by strangers when she arrives! And there's something warm in there, too! Oh and Grace sent this box full of her special toffee cookies, in case you get hungry on the train!"

"Thank you all! This means so much," Nathan said not knowing exactly how to show his gratitude, but the catch in his voice already had. "Coming from both her old and new family, this will mean the world to Allie."

He looked at Millicent, and added, "And to us. Thank you so very much for disrupting your week, and for just everything you've done, and are doing, for us!"

"We love you so much! You've given us a perfect Engagement Week we'll never forget!" offered Millicent. "Thanks ever so much!"

Their Train was revving up its steam engines, preparing to start its long journey, when Conductor Matheson, himself, walked out on the platform to ensure that all their luggage had been stowed safely on board.

If everyone hadn't been so involved with their goodbyes, they might have noticed the Conductor's A-okay signal to Archie, along with Archie's nod and wink.

But no one did!

Suddenly there was a flurry of hugs and kisses and a few tears too, although they were all happy ones, as they all were going to be reunited at Christmas for the Holidays, as well as a most special Wedding on New Year's Eve, which everyone was positively over the moon about!

"What a difference a week has made," announced Nathan proudly as he smiled at Millicent. "Again, thank you all for everything! Allie and I will see you at Christmas! And if Allie and I can bear to let her leave, Millicent will see you a lot sooner!"

All waved goodbye as Nathan and Millicent boarded their Train, turning to wave to everyone from the small platform.

The Conductor allowed them to stand there for a moment, as the Train prepared to pull out of the Station, and with Nathan holding onto Millicent's waist, they continued to happily wave, ignoring the crowd of Photographers who had just gathered.

But feeling they were about to need more privacy from the Photographers, Conductor Matheson quickly motioned to their families in the direction of their Cabin and led the young couple away from the hubbub to their Cabin Suites, where their luggage had already been stowed.


He waited as Millicent and Nathan ran to the Suite's windows to wave goodbye and say "We love you!" one last time to their families.

Nathan had his arm around Millicent's waist, stabilizing her precarious position, waving with his other hand.

Then as they pulled out of sight, no longer able to see those they loved, he helped her down from the Passenger Seat.

"Are you okay, Love?"

She smiled and nodded, reaching to take off her stylish hat, and laying it on a nearby table, along with her muff and scarf.

Nathan helped her with her coat, and hung it on a nearby coat rack, along with his own topcoat.

"Yes, it was just so sweet of them all to give us such a send-off! But Mother's last words were 'One week only, Young Lady!'"

Nathan laughed as the Conductor cleared his throat, not wanting to interrupt, but needing to make sure they were settled comfortably.

"So sorry, Colton. We're all yours now!"

"Darling, the flowers!" exclaimed Millicent.

"I wish I could take credit, Love!"

"It's just our small way of making you both feel welcome. We also saw that Congratulations and Best Wishes are in order, and we thought this would help you celebrate your Engagement while you're on board with us!"

Nathan looked puzzled, wondering how he could possibly know.

"The Papers, Sir!"

"Ah, yes! Somehow, I keep forgetting about all that!

Colton laughed, "Ah, yes! Perhaps selective memory, Sir?"

"You've got that right!"

"Well, there's nothing small about these flowers at all! They are absolutely lovely, and my favorite, as you already know! They make the suite feel like home, and I was already missing my lovely flowers from the Constable, which are still quite beautiful. Thank you so much!"

"Our pleasure, Miss! I trust these two Suites are suitable. They are our very best. We've opened the partition between the living areas so that there is one large area for your daytime travel, leaving the bedrooms private, of course. Your luggage has already been delivered to your respective bedrooms. Miss Bradford, yours is on the right, and Constable Grant, yours is on the left. I hope you don't mind, our Steward and Maid have taken the liberty of unpacking for you, so everything will either be hanging in your closet or put away in its proper place. Each bedroom has a private bath. The schedule of meals is in the Leather Binder, here on the desk. Just let us know where you wish to partake them and everything will be arranged. If there is anything at all that you need, at any time, just ring the bell, and a Steward will soon arrive. I trust your stay with us will be exemplary," he smiled pausing to see if there were any questions or concerns.

But, as there were none, he decided to take a chance and make a personal statement.

"I must say the Young Gentleman's Lady is everything he said she was and more. It is a distinct pleasure, Miss Bradford to have you with us!"

"Thank you, Conductor Matheson. I'm delighted to be here!"

"Thank you, Colton! Millicent, this is my 1st partner in crime on a mission to secure your flowers! Millicent insists she's my second partner in crime," he teasingly explained, as he tipped the Conductor handsomely for his trouble. "We can't thank you enough for taking such good care of us; everything's perfect!"

The Conductor smiled, knowing this man whom he had such high respect for had had a most productive and wonderful week.

Had he not seen the Sunday papers, he would have still been able to tell by the radiant smiles on their faces, and the gorgeous ring on her left hand!

"Thank you, Sir. It's our pleasure. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything at all!"

Then in a lower voice, for only Nathan to hear, he whispered, 'Everything's taken care of, Sir!"

Nathan nodded imperceptibly and mouthed "Thank you!"

Then Nathan smiled, as he closed the door behind him.

"Mil, I'm so sorry! I didn't know they were going to combine the living spaces. Are you alright with this?"

"Of course, Darling! We'd be together in one way or the other anyway! I personally think we need to be together every single moment we can," and she reached to kiss his cheek.

"You don't think I should have gotten a chaperone, do you?"

"My sweetest Nate, we happen to have four chaperones just outside that door in the form of Security. Besides, Darling, I trust you implicitly!"

"It's funny. I think our mothers would be okay with this. But I don't want to be wacked by Essie, and she'd probably think this is quite improper!"

"My Darling, you're bound to be wacked by Essie, no matter what! Everything's improper with her!"

He laughed.

"Isn't that the truth? I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable…"

"I have my bedroom and bath, you have yours. Nothing improper at all! Besides, I could never feel uncomfortable with you! This is the same as if we were riding in the Main Passenger Car together. Thanks to you, we're just doing it in a bit more style!"

He took her hand, wrapping his arms around her.

"You're absolutely right! Dress for Dinner in the Dining Car?"

"Perfect!"

"But that's hours away…"

He traced her lips with his index fingertip, and she thought she might go crazy if he didn't kiss her right that moment, but surprisingly he didn't.

His mind was intent on another plan.

Instead, he bent and whispered in her ear.

"Why don't you change into something very casual? We're going to take a walk," he winked.

"On a Train?"

"On a Train!"

She looked at him through narrowed eyes but turned to go do as he requested, looking back at him, still puzzled as she shut the door between them.

"Culotte casual," he called through the door, with a grin. "That is if you have them."

She did. In fact, she had brought a couple of pairs, hoping they would get to ride together like they had when she had visited Hope Valley. But why would she need them now?

On a Train of all places!

After all, where in the world could one go on a Moving Train?

She did as she was asked, taking her hair down, and tossing her head, letting it fall onto her shoulders, and then she dressed in the most casual thing she had brought.

Yet she still looked glamorous without even trying!

When she opened the door, there Nathan stood in a ranch shirt and jeans, looking relaxed and oh, so handsome, while smiling wickedly!

"There's my rugged Cowboy!"

"And there's my gorgeous Cowgirl," and that's when he kissed her.

It was long and hard, as though they had been apart for days instead of minutes.

"See that's what you get for not kissing me before..."

"Did I not kiss you before?" he asked with sparkly eyes.

"No, you did not! If I didn't know you better, I'd say you were very preoccupied!"

"Maybe that's because I'm preoccupied with you, Love!"

"Good save, Sir!"

"Ready to stretch those legs?" he asked.

"If that means walking through a Train with you, I suppose so!" although she couldn't imagine where they would be going.

"Ready for one more blindfold?" he asked.

"Now, I'm really intrigued!"

"Turn around, Darling!" and he tied the same silk scarf around her he had used when he had proposed.

"Does that feel okay?"

"Uhm, hmm. Is this getting to be a habit, Love?"

"I wish," he laughed.

He quickly rang for the Steward.

That's also when he really, really kissed her, passionately, romantically, tenderly.

And it was oh so very much worth the wait!

She fell against him, unable to balance properly while blindfolded on the Moving Train.

"Oh, I love this," he moaned.

She giggled.

"You would! You, Nathan Grant, are going to have to help me balance. This is a lot harder to maneuver with the movement of the Train!"

"You rang, Sir?"

"We're wanting to go for a bit of a walk. Stretch our legs a bit. Would that be possible?"

"Yes, Sir!" grinned the Steward who was in on it all and was already carrying the basket of goodies Nathan had ordered.

"This way..."


The Steward led them through their own car, out through a passage into the Dining Car.

"I smell food!"

"Very good, Darling! This is the Dining Car."

Then the steward led them through another passageway, an additional crowded car, and yet another passageway.

But this one was open, and Nathan had to hold on tightly so that Millicent was kept safe.

"Be careful, Love! I'm not going to let loose of you. Just stay right with me! And don't dare step till I step!"

"Are we outside? I feel the wind."

"Yes. Just for a moment!"

As they stepped inside the next car, which happened to be the first Freight Car, the Steward slipped away, leaving his basket and the couple in complete privacy.


Millicent was afraid to get excited…could this possibly be?

"Happy One Week Anniversary, Love!"

She reached, trying to find his lips, still not at all sure what was happening.

He kissed her passionately, so excited for her to finally see his surprise.

And as he untied her blindfold, she gasped, unable to speak, running to Serena and Cookie, not knowing which one to hug first!

"Serena, look at you, and your Baby. Oh, she's absolutely adorable, and look you're such a good little mother! Oh, Nathan, how did you do this?"

Tears of happiness were streaming down her face, as she was embracing her beloved horse and her foal.

"It's been so very long since I've seen you, my beautiful Serena! And this is my very first time to see your Precious Baby!"

Serena was clearly elated to see her, seeming to want to show off her new offspring to her Mistress.

Nathan joined them.

"Hi, Girl!" said Nathan, reaching to pet her gorgeous blonde mane.

Serena whinnied, recognizing him.

Nathan held onto Millicent's waist, till she turned, jumping up to him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I love you more than I can even describe. This is the most wonderful gift you could have ever given me! And Cookie will be perfect for Allie!"

As the couple kissed and embraced, Serena was perfectly content, just being so happy to be with Millicent, the one she loved most in the world.

Millicent moved her hand over almost every inch of Cookie, and Serena was totally comfortable with her doing so.

She was getting to know Cookie just as she had with Serena at that age, already falling deeply in love with the beautiful little foal, who was an exact carbon copy of her mother!

"Look, Nathan, she even has Serena's same broad white marking from her forehead to her nose! It's like a fan across her forehead. Just look at her curly little mane! And their coloring is identical! It's like a miniature Serena when she was that age! Oh, I already love her so much!"

She went from Serena to Cookie and back again!

Nathan did his best to fill in, petting the horse she wasn't petting, making both horses feel as loved as they possibly could!

"Here, Darling, I had the steward to bring treats!"

"Oh, Nathan, this is perfect. Let's see we have a basket of apples, bananas, carrots, celery, grapes, and even strawberries! You two have a treat haven in a basket, thanks to Nathan! What would you like first, Serena? And what would Cookie like? Sorry Baby, no cookies in here!"

She fed Serena her favorite bananas first, then started feeding Cookie a strawberry, which the poor little thing wasn't at all too sure about, followed by a few grapes.

"Aw, you prefer the grapes, don't you, Little One? Look at her Nathan, isn't that the sweetest thing ever?"

"She's beautiful, Love!"

Millicent was sublimely happy to just be with her beloved Serena, and now Cookie!

And Nathan was sublimely happy just watching Millicent enjoy it all!

He smiled as he realized Millicent had no intention of going back to their lovely suite.

Needless to say, they were going to spend the rest of the afternoon in the Freight Car with its floor scattered in the hay!

Forget luxury accommodations!

This was where Millicent belonged, tending to the two horses she loved most.

He wouldn't have had it any other way.

"Look, Love, she's still a little wobbly! Ah, Baby, why don't you lie down and just relax. I think it's the motion of the Train!"

"Mother said they had quite a time with her when they first boarded her. She didn't want to leave Serena, but was clearly confused, wanting them to return to firm ground."

"How did you all ever do this?"

"Come, sit with me, Love," and he helped her down to lean against the wall of their stall and stretch their legs out.

"I called Mother and Dad as soon as I realized they were coming and asked if there was any possible way to bring your horses, and knowing how important it would be to you, they figured it out. It was my idea, but I'm afraid they did all the work, Love. I only paid for it all."

"I'll have to call them and thank them as soon as they get back to the ranch. Darling, this is just the best! Thank you with all my heart, thank you!"

She reached up and drew his face close, with her glistening eyes telling him just how happy he had made her.

She then lovingly wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him to her.

"I wasn't sure after we got the farm whether or not I should just take them there, but when you seemed determined that we stay in Hope Valley, at least for this first school year, I knew they had to come with us!"

"I'm so glad you decided that! You know, it's perfect that Allie will be able to watch Cookie grow from a baby. They'll bond so closely that way, just like I did with Serena."

"That you want Allie to have her will mean everything to her, Mil! She's wanted a horse for the longest time! Never dreaming she would have one so soon, much less a baby to raise! Knowing her, she'll want to sleep in the Livery. I've already called to make sure they have space, and Seth, who pretty much runs the place, is meeting us at the train to take them there. He even promised to clear the stalls next to Newton for them. So, everything is taken care of, Love!"

"You think of everything! I can't tell you how happy you've made me. Best surprise ever, Darling! And I truly had no idea. See, Hope Valley is already our home! Serena's and Cookie's too!"

She drew him even closer to her, bringing her lips to his with tenderness, but he needed her and their kiss deepened, till neither could think of anything else for the moment.

Both caressing the other, needing the other, so blissfully happy together.

She nestled into the curve of his torso, in the spot she fit so perfectly and they sat there together on the floor of the Freight Car's stall, smiling as they watched Serena care so meticulously for Cookie, while still making sure her little baby did exactly as her mother wanted her to do!

Nathan couldn't help by laugh.

"Try that with Allie, and you're doomed!"

"Don't I know it! I remember those pre-teen years perfectly! If Mother had done that with me, I would have bolted for sure!"

"See, you know exactly what you're doing!"

"Let's not go that far, Love!" and she gave him a look that let him know she was fully depending on him to help her know what to do in bonding their new family together, particularly as it related to their daughter!

"But, you know, Nathan, I can't help but think love is the most important thing, just like with Serena and Cookie, and the rest will surely follow. Is that crazy?"

"Not crazy at all, Darling…"


After shaking their hay off while on the open passageway, Nathan and Millicent finally went back to their cabins to bathe for dinner.

"I suppose I smell like a barn now!"

Nathan laughed.

"Maybe a refined barn!"

"Thanks! That's just what I was hoping for, Love!" she laughed cheerily.

"You have one hour and dinner is served!"

"Oh, I can do better than that," she promised. "I'm not one of those ladies that take forever to get dressed!"

"I'm learning that about you, and yet anyone who would look at you would think it took you hours!"

"Hmph! Never. Better things to do, Darling!"

He shook his head.

"You're amazing all right," and kissed her forehead. "No wonder I adore you so!"

And somehow, he ended up pulling her down with him, onto their settee, refined barn smell and all, and took at least a good ten minutes of her allotted hour to dress!

"You are such a bad influence! Go, get dressed," she laughed, as a glance at the clock made them realize dinnertime was near!


Since Nathan had decided to treat this as a real date, he smiled and selected a single white rose from Millicent's bouquet.

Then promptly at a quarter past seven, he walked across their living quarters and knocked on Millicent's door, full of anticipation!

Looking dapper in his black suit, with a royal blue and silver broad striped tie and kerchief tucked in his pocket, he was every bit as excited as he had been a week ago traveling alone to meet Millicent, if not more so.

Now Millicent was his fiancee!

She was actually with him, and nothing could be better!

When she opened the door, it was hard to tell who was more speechless…

Millicent was dressed in a royal blue velvet gown that matched Nathan's royal blue tie and kerchief perfectly! Her outfit was very demure with a high collar and matching velvet buttons down to the front waist, where it gathered in a full skirt and flared into a slight bustle and train in the back.

She often chose dresses and gowns that were simple, and this one was too, although the three-quarter length velvet sleeves had velvet bands that formed a cuff and tied into small loose bows that gave it that extra special unexpected touch her clothes always seemed to have.

It seemed to Nathan, the simpler the gown, and the more unique the touch, the more beautiful she looked.

The deep blue of her gown seemed like an ocean fading into the intense green of her eyes and her emerald ring, making them what you saw first and foremost, instead of the blue.

She was breathtaking as always.

"You look magnificent!" and he reached to kiss her beautiful lips, lingering at the softness of their touch.

"Thank you, Love! And for my beautiful rose! You look extremely handsome, yourself!"

"It appears we sort of match!" he teased.

"More than sort of, Love! It's meant to be. We match perfectly. And here people are going to think I selected your tie when you chose beautifully all by yourself!"

He grinned, pleased to have done something right as to fashion sense.

Maybe he wasn't totally hopeless, as far as his clothes were concerned!

But then, again, he and Millicent had always seemed to be in sync.

"Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner?"

"I can't think of anything in this whole world I'd rather do!"

She gave him her arm, looping it in his, and he looked into her eyes, telling her without words how very much he adored her.

Then he covered her hand with his own, entwining his fingers with hers, and led her through the passageway to the elegant Dining Car, as proud as a man could possibly be…


They didn't notice, but as they entered the Dining Car, all eyes immediately went to them and followed them to their table.

"This is lovely, Nathan," she said, as the Steward seated them at the same banquette Nathan had sat in when he had dined alone.

"To sit here again, but with you here, is everything."

She smiled lovingly, reaching for his hand.

"Sir, tonight we have your choice of Cornish Hen with Grapes and Leeks, Roasted in a Bourbon Glaze, or Filet Mignon with Shallots in a Cognac Sauce."

Nathan and Millicent looked at each other and couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid we've had enough filet to do us for quite a while!" smiled Nathan, glancing to confirm with Millicent.

"We'll have the Cornish Hen please, preceded by the Creamy Shrimp Risotto with Marscarpone, and followed by the Tossed Greens Salad with Grilled Corn. Is that suitable, Love?"

"That sounds perfect!"

"I'll bring an assortment of dressings for your Salads. Sir, would you and the Lady prefer Champagne or White Wine?"

"Champagne, please."

When the Steward left to place their order and retrieve their Drinks, Nathan noticed the Dining Tables were filling up more so than on his trip to Montreal.

Nathan scooted closer to her, taking her hand, looking out over the many passengers filling the tables.

"Lots more people tonight, yet you're the only one I see! Everyone else pales in comparison, Darling!"

She touched his rugged jawline.

They sat in sublime silence sitting side by side together, holding each other's hand tightly, as if neither could possibly let go.

"Sir, is this suitable?"

Nathan looked closely at the label, then showed Millicent, who nodded and smiled.

"Yes, thank you!"

The Steward then popped the cork and quickly filled their glasses.

"To us! You, me, and Allie!"

"To us, Darling! The three of us!"

They clinked their crystal flutes and took their first sip of Champagne.

"Wonderful, but not as wonderful as you, Love!"

Millicent blushed and reached for her miniature evening bag.

"You've given me the best gift ever in Serena and Cookie, and though this can't possibly compare, I have something for you, too, to celebrate our first week together!"

She pulled out an envelope and handed it to him, with 'Darling' written across.

"For later, Love!" she instructed.

He reached to kiss her forehead and smiled as he slipped the envelope into his inner suit pocket.

"I cherish it already," he whispered, reaching to kiss her hand.

When they selected the miniature assortment of desserts to end their meal, it came to them on a silver tray, along with a plate of sliced apples, bananas, and grapes for Serena and Cookie!

Millicent clasped her hands in delight!

"This is wonderful! I thank you! And both Serena and Cookie thank you, too!"

They lingered over their scrumptious desserts, feeding one to the other, until they were ready to visit Millicent's beloved horses once more.

When they got up to leave, again, unknown to them, all eyes turned on the gorgeous couple, following them through the Dining Car, as they left.

But they only had eyes for each other...


"Nate! Look at them curled up asleep. Oh, how I wish I had my camera!"

The horse and her foal woke not so much from Millicent's low voice, but more so from her presence, and possibly the scent of the food.

It took Cookie a bit more time to get up, even with Serena helping her, as her legs were still wobbly from the movement of the train, but both were so ready for their treats!

Nathan held Millicent's dress, as she had forgotten all about her velvet train sweeping over the hay!

He watched the pure exhilaration on her face, as she fed both Serena and Cookie.

"You know, I can see Allie looking every bit as excited as you do right now, Mil, when she meets Cookie for the first time!"

When Millicent finally had fed and bedded her horses down for the night, she turned and thanked Nathan for his thoughtful gift, properly, kissing him tenderly, with her hand around his neck

But their tender kiss in the Freight Car deepened into the love that was clearly there between them, perhaps becoming the most lengthy and most romantic kiss ever given in such a place!


He took her hand and with a smile, led her out onto the open platform, pausing to stop and lean her against the rails, in the darkness.

He wrapped one arm around her and used the other to point out the full golden moon, shining above them.

"This is the richest thing I've ever known in my entire life – just you and me!"

"Just you and me…" he whispered hoarsely.

He placed his face against hers, and as the wind whipped around them, there was nothing else in his whole world but her.

She filled his emptiness, but it didn't stop there. She filled him beyond his emptiness, even the emptiness he didn't know he had, and made him more complete than he had ever dreamed possible.

Completely.

Fulfilled and warm.

It was beyond his understanding.

It just was what it was.

Their love simply existed, and in one form or another, always had.

Yet, what was even more miraculous, Millicent was experiencing the exact same wonderful feelings, as Nathan, and at the exact same time.

Both realizing what an immeasurable treasure they had found in each other…