Chapter Thirty-Five: Allie's 'Grant Family' is Finally Born!
"Oh, Millicent, you look absolutely stunning!"
She was dressed in a silk champagne-colored travel dress that had long tucks all along the bodice, hugging her tiny waist. The neck came up high just under her chin. The long sleeves were slightly gathered and puffed at the top, and the skirt fell softly about her from the long tucks, ending in an elegant short train.
As if the dress wasn't already stunning enough, there were large embroidered appliques of deep blue and purple violets splashed at the upper back, around the high neckline, across the shoulders, and even at the wrists of each sleeve.
They were also strategically placed sporadically across the front.
She wore matching kid gloves and heels, with her hair in a classic and very chic French Twist.
She topped it all off with her gorgeous huge hat, in a deeper champagne velvet shade, that had a deep blue and purple velvet bow and the same hand-fashioned violets with greenery, all in velvet, perfectly matching the appliques.
The entire hat was covered in natural netting, and it was glorious!
Nathan was right. She looked breathtaking, and he secretly loved her big hats…
He had even mastered learning to kiss under those huge hats of hers! And for some reason, the very thought sent a spark through his entire body.
Nathan couldn't help but smile, remembering their first kiss under that gigantic floppy brim at the Train Depot. That had been the kiss the photographers had desperately tried to capture for their newspapers. But thankfully, due to Millicent's hat, that most intimate moment had remained private.
To be only theirs alone!
Their luggage had already been taken, and the Steward, who had been assigned to deboard Serena and Cookie, was in their stall with them, doing his best to keep the two horses calm.
Nathan reached for Millicent's coat, a long, but simple fur, in the same champagne color, although a deeper shade, that matched her hat.
"You really do take my breath away, Mil! I love you beyond what I could ever imagine loving anyone, just as you are. But I admire you so much for taking on your role with Allie. You're showing such care, endless compassion, utter concern, and the utmost of love. It's all there and I see it so clearly. My - our - daughter, although she doesn't know it yet, is truly blest to have you as her mother."
Millicent smiled through her nerves.
The nerves that only Nathan would have been able to tell were even there.
His smile, though, calmed her inside, and then he reached to kiss her, squeezing both of her hands.
And somehow, she knew everything was going to be alright!
The three of them were going to be more than alright…
In her mind, they were already a family.
She, naturally, was just concerned about the transition for Allie, who had already been through so very much.
But now, there was peace…
Nathan was attired in his navy suit, that matched Millicent's embroidered violets perfectly.
His tie was the paisley one that was really his favorite, although he didn't know why. But it was a mix of Millicent's blue and purple, splattered on a deep Champagne, almost gold, background, and was, of course, another past gift from Millicent.
It had been chosen with her exquisite taste, but also, he now realized, her love for him.
As always, the couple looked beautiful together.
They had dressed for Allie wanting to make their meeting as memorable and as special as they could.
Perhaps it was silly.
Especially since they would only be going to the Livery to make sure Serena and Cookie were settled, followed by the three of them heading home.
But a sixth sense told them, yes, it was the right thing to do…
"Do you think the Weisses will bring Allie?"
"I'm sure they'll want to, Love. But I've got a sneaky suspicion Allie will be escorted by her Uncle Bill."
"What makes you say that?"
"The man has to be in the know about everything! And I do mean everything! He's been dying to figure out where I've been! I'm surprised he hasn't hired a detective!"
Millicent couldn't help but laugh!
"Surely not!"
"Surely yes! You just wait, Darling, till you get to know him better. God broke the mold with him!"
The plan was that Nathan would go out first and prepare Allie for her surprise.
Security was going to wait inside with Millicent, then Nathan would step back in to escort her to Allie.
They were confident it was the best plan...
Millicent, as excited as could be, stayed hidden from their window, as the train finally pulled in to Hope Valley, promptly at half-past five!
Nathan waived once from their suite, as soon as he saw Allie standing there in her navy coat and navy/red plaid beret and scarf set, with the navy mittens her Gramma had knitted. She was jumping up and down, she was so excited! And yes, Bill was anxiously waiting right beside her!
Nathan ran through their Cabin Suite door, kissed Millicent quickly, and flew down the steps to his daughter!
"Dad! Dad!"
She ran to him and took a running leap into his arms!
He swung her round and round till he elicited a host of her giggles, smothering her with kisses.
"Oh, Allie! It is spectacular to see you! I love you so much, Sweetheart!"
"I missed you so very much, Dad! I love you so much, too!"
Nathan could tell she was already crying, so he just held her, stroking her hair, soothing her.
She suddenly pulled back, just enough to see his face, with her hands still on his shoulders, as he had knelt in front of her.
"Dad, you look so happy! I mean like really happy! Like happier than I've ever seen you look!"
"I am very, very happy, Allie! And very happy to be back home with you in my arms!"
Nathan gave Bill a glance to let him know he needed a moment of privacy with Allie.
Bill winked and quickly stepped back just a bit.
"Dad, are Gramma and Grappa with you? Is that my big surprise?" asked Allie anxiously, looking around to see if she could see them.
"No, Sweetheart! But they sent you something. Allie, this is an even bigger surprise! You know how we've been praying that our family would be complete, with a wife for me and a mother for you? And I told you God already had a better dream, a better plan than the one we dreamed?"
"Um-hmm…" she nodded but her eyes were downcast.
His voice was so gentle, his focus was only on his girl.
And it was that gentle voice that brought her downcast eyes back to his…
"Allie, He did have a much better dream than we dreamed. And Allie, Sweetheart, our prayers have finally been answered. I have a big surprise for you, someone I want you to meet again. Someone who really loves you, Allie, so very much. Someone who wants more than anything to be your mother."
Her lip was trembling because this just couldn't be happening. This was too good to be true. It couldn't possibly be true…
She had been terrified, terrified that her new prayers wouldn't be answered.
Unknown to Nathan, Allie had been very specific in her prayers as to who her new mother should be.
The poor girl had even been afraid to pray them, because she had prayed them before for someone else, and everything had gone horribly wrong.
She twisted her lip, unsure, afraid to get her hopes up.
She began to pray silently with more urgency than she had ever experienced in her entire young life.
'Please God, let it be her. Please let her be my mother. Please. She's the only one I want… Please, just this one thing!'
Allie was trembling, and Nathan couldn't let go of her.
Millicent could see his struggle from her hidden spot.
She couldn't stand not hugging her daughter for a single second longer, so she simply ran to the platform, calling for Allie.
"Allie, Allie!"
Nathan helped her down with his free hand, as Allie literally collided into Millicent wrapping her arms tightly around her waist, sobbing.
"It's you! I prayed you were my surprise! I just wanted it to be you so bad. It's really you!"
"I love you so very much, Allie. With my whole heart, I love you! You're my daughter, Allie, my beautiful daughter!"
"I love you, Momma! You're the only Momma I wanted. The only one!"
All three were sobbing, with their arms around each other.
And truth be known, Bill was sobbing, too, standing there, watching all this love evolve.
Without even realizing it, Allie had called Millicent Momma.
It had to be true…
All three of them had heard it!
Bill couldn't help but think how Hope Valley had seen a lot of hurt in its time.
And in Bill's mind, these two young people he loved so much had had to bear much more than most.
But the Judge also knew Hope Valley had seen a lot of love in its time, as well.
"Though nothing like this…" he marveled to himself.
A family was being borne right here before his very eyes.
A family of three people who had seen more than their share of difficulty and pain. A family that would heal together from their pasts. A family that would stand the test of time, with each and every one of them growing better and even stronger because of their union.
A family that would appreciate each person in it, like no other!
It was an unbelievable sight to behold.
A joyous sight, a profound sight, and also a very intimate one.
Every single feeling, from the mix of feelings being brandished throughout the air, which couldn't even be completely defined, was palpable, raw, and so very real.
This was love in motion; love at its very best.
The Judge's very soul was full.
As were Nathan's, Millicent's, and dear, sweet Allie's.
Completely full and abundantly overflowing…
The tears wouldn't stop!
All three had prayed and prayed to God, laying their souls bare to Him, with their desires and needs.
And although it may not have seemed like it at the time, God had heard every single plea.
He had felt Nathan's anguish and pain.
And He had cried at the losses this beloved child had endured.
He even understood Millicent's longing prayers of wanting to just feel normal, wanting to feel as though she belonged, with a partner she loved, and the family that was meant for her.
God had been in this union of a couple, and of a family.
It was, in fact, his powerful hand that had choreographed and directed it all.
Three loving and somewhat broken people to varying degrees, who needed each other in ways they didn't even understand yet…though God knew.
"But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Psalm 115: 3." (*16)
And God was very pleased.
But His work with this particular family was just beginning in so very many ways…ways they couldn't even begin to imagine.
For God had an extraordinary future planned for these three that wouldn't have been believed if they had been able to see it now.
But God was making sure that their future would amaze them and surpass all their dreams…all they had to do was love each other and trust Him.
That's all He asked.
He would take care of the rest.
When the three were finally able to stop their tears from flowing, although all their faces were still wet with tears, Nathan looked up to see Seth standing off to the side, with Serena and Cookie.
He motioned to Millicent, and the two of them wrapped their arms around Allie, who stood between them, and the three started walking together in Seth's direction.
But not before all three greeted and hugged Bill, who was still crying and not able to get out a single word.
Bill walked with the new family, alongside Millicent, toward Seth, beginning to understand what was about to happen…and he couldn't help but smile through his tears.
"Allie, this is my horse, Serena, who used to be stabled on your grandparents' farm. Your Grappa and Gramma even birthed her Baby. But your Father thought we might need them here in Hope Valley."
Allie's mouth was wide open and her eyes were as big as saucers.
"Allie, this is Cookie, and she's your new foal!"
Allie let out a gasp and just buried her face into Millicent.
She couldn't let go of her waist, and she sobbed all over again.
Millicent beamed with a mother's love, her chin over Allie's head, holding her close, stroking her long hair, and Bill and Nathan started crying all over again.
Millicent kissed the top of Allie's head over and over, soothing her new daughter.
Then she very gently led her to meet and pet Serena first, so the Mother would be okay with letting Allie close to Cookie, her Baby.
And if that little foal didn't go straight to Allie!
Nathan and Bill couldn't believe it.
Millicent showed Allie how to hug Cookie, and Cookie just nestled right onto Allie's shoulder.
"You're Cookie. I'm Allie. And I love you so much! Momma says you're gonna be my horse and we're gonna make a really great team together just like my Dad says we should be. As good as my Dad and Newton! And as good as my Momma and Serena! And as good as Uncle Bill and Fireball! I promise I'm gonna take care of you and I'm gonna love you so very much! I'll feed you and brush you and bathe you. And when you get big enough, I'll ride you. We're gonna have so much fun together, Cookie!"
The Judge was strutting like a peacock, so pleased his Allie had included him as part of the family!
And yes the tough old Judge may have shed another tear or so!
Conductor Matheson rushed out to say goodbye to Nathan, as the Ladies were quite busy, totally occupied with each other and their horses.
"It's been an absolute pleasure, Sir. I have it all worked out about Miss Bradford's return trip, so no worries there. She'll have the same Suite. Everything is just as you wanted. I also had the Depot's car pick up the Gentlemen and take them to the Queen of Hearts. I hope that was alright. They said they'd wait for your instruction there."
"That was perfect, Colton. Thank you. Truthfully, I'm embarrassed to say I had forgotten all about them. But as Millicent has the two top law officials of Hope Valley with her, I'm sure she'll be well taken care of."
The Constable looked so sad, and Colton knew he was thinking of Millicent's departure in a week's time, so he quickly added with a pointed look and a wink, "Don't forget to get me those dates for your Holiday trip to Montreal. We book up quickly around Christmas! And it will be here before you know it!"
Nathan offered a half-smile.
"Why don't we shoot for a departure date of the fifteenth, Colton? I think I can manage that. I do have a lot of unused vacation time," and looking over at Millicent, he added, "besides I don't want to leave all the wedding work to Millicent!"
Colton smiled.
"No, Sir! You sure don't! I'll see you and the Young Lady on the early morning train, on the 15th of December, headed to Montreal! Looking forward to it, Sir!"
"Likewise, Colton. Thanks again for everything," and Nathan handed him a most handsome tip.
"This is appreciated more than you know! Thank you so much, Sir! And don't forget your luggage, sitting there!"
The two men shook hands, then saluted, and Conductor Matheson boarded once more, waving to the two Gentlemen from the platform.
Suddenly, with three loud bursts of noisy steam, the Train took off down the tracks, and out of sight.
"Allie, I think it's time we take these two Girls to their new homes. What do you say?" asked Seth gently.
"Yes, Sir! I think we better feed them. Cookie looks awful hungry to me!"
Seth bit his lip in an attempt to not laugh at her seriousness, feeling quite sure Cookie had had more than enough to eat on the train!
But for Allie's sake, he played along.
He had been wrong before!
"Well, a snack never hurts, especially when you're that little! And these two are going to need plenty of rest. They've had a long trip! Why don't we go make them comfortable?"
She nodded excitedly.
Seth had brought his old truck with the new Horse Trailer, he had recently purchased.
It was used, but new to him, and he was beyond proud to be using it for the first time!
"You don't see these around much, but they sure are handy things," he explained, as he let Nathan and Bill peek inside.
"Wow, Seth, this is a great thing for the town to have access to! Can't tell you how many times this would have come in handy for our Mountie work!"
"Isn't that the truth? So, we're the first to use it eh?" asked Bill.
"Yes, Judge! Serena and Cookie are my first transports! It's as easy as this."
And it was easy, for Serena, as she allowed Seth to lead her straight in!
But feisty little Cookie wasn't having any of it!
Until Allie and Millicent gently coaxed her.
Finally, they were able to get her to follow her mother, but Allie had to actually get inside the trailer with Cookie to get her to go inside.
Allie was torn. She didn't want to leave her Dad and new Momma, but she sure didn't want to leave Cookie, either!
Nathan could see her anguish.
"Sweetie, why don't you come with us? We'll go straight to the Livery and check on them, okay?"
She kissed Cookie one last time, then petted Serena, and Nathan helped her down from the trailer.
"We'll follow close behind, Sweetheart. I promise."
She smiled and wrapped her arm back around Millicent's waist.
Nathan reached his arm around her and lightly touched Millicent's back.
Bill saw the look the couple gave each other, with their daughter once again between them.
It was a look of pure love.
And truthfully Allie's look was as well.
"Nathan, Lee dropped his car off for you to drive us home in. Here's the key!"
Nathan raised his hand for a Porter to come to get the luggage.
"That was awfully nice of you both! Thank you, Bill. I'll be sure and thank Lee, too! How have things been while I've been gone?"
"Oh, they're fine. I'll catch you up later tonight since I'm gonna be stayin' with you."
Nathan was nonplussed.
Bill had said it so matter-of-factly, as a statement, not a question.
"Well, I figured I'd chaperone," he explained gruffly.
Nathan squinted his eyes, still puzzled.
Then it dawned on him. Aww, Bill knew! He had somehow seen the paper!
"That's awfully nice of you, Bill!" grinned Nathan, although honestly, he hadn't even thought about needing a chaperone.
Bill just clapped him on the shoulder, knowing now wasn't the time to talk about it all, although he could barely wait for the time to come!
Because he wanted engagement details! All of them!
Nathan knew the Judge was right, things were totally different from Millicent's last visit, and as an engaged couple, yes, they needed an adult chaperone, or all of Hope Valley would be abuzz!
And that was the last thing Nathan wanted.
Nathan winked at Millicent, who smiled back at him, understanding the situation.
"That's great, Bill! That will give us a chance to get to know each other better!" she said excitedly.
"That's what I thought, too, Millicent," smiled Bill, pleased as punch he had staked his claim!
That was just an added plus of chaperoning.
He'd get to really know the woman, the man he thought of as a Son was going to marry!
And my goodness, she was a Barrister, they had to have a ton in common, and Bill was really looking forward to finding out just what!
Maybe she could even teach the old Judge a thing or two!
Nathan shook his head, knowing exactly what his colleague, friend, and even family member was thinking!
The Porter followed them to Lee's car and packed their trunk for them, as the men stood and observed, and the ladies chatted away!
Nathan tipped the Porter, then turned and helped Millicent into the back seat with Allie, because Allie was refusing to let go of her Momma.
Bill quickly jumped in the front seat with Nathan.
"Everybody ready?" smiled Nathan.
He couldn't help that his voice cracked the slightest.
The reality had just hit him that this was his family right here in this car, together for the first time.
He felt as though his chest was about to explode, and he knew he could not possibly be any happier or prouder than he was right now, at this very moment…
As they rode into town, the couple was glad to be back in Hope Valley especially to be with Allie!
"Oh, Allie, I have a little something for you!"
Millicent reached into her purse and took out a worn deep blue velvet pouch, the same one Colleen had given her the locket in so many years ago.
"This is a gold necklace your Mom gave me when we were your age. And as a matter of fact, she gave it to me in this very pouch!"
Millicent opened the heart locket to show Allie the pictures.
"That's Mom, and that's you, Momma! At my age?"
"Yes, exactly at your age. We were twelve years old. This piece means a lot to me because my very best friend in the whole wide world gave it to me. But, you know, I think both of us want you to have it now, Allie!"
"Really? From both of you?"
"Yes, I'm sure if your Mom was here with us, she would say the exact same thing. It belongs to you, now, Allie, with both your Mom and Momma's love. Your Mom's and my love, given to you, Sweet Daughter!"
Nathan glanced back through his mirror, and he could see the tears trickling down both Allie's and Millicent's faces.
And somehow, he was sure Colleen was looking down with joy. But maybe with a happy tear or two, as well!
Yes, his twin was passing the torch of motherhood to their very best friend, with pure contentment in the knowledge that all was now well.
Allie had a mother…
"I love it, Momma. Do you think we could pray to God and he would let Mom know, too? That I have it, I mean?"
"I think that's a perfect idea. We'll do it when we go to bed tonight! How does that sound?"
"Perfect!" she smiled broadly, through her tears.
"Here, Sweetie, turn around a bit and I'll put it on you."
Allie had to let go of her hand for Millicent to smooth her daughter's hair back and hook the necklace on her neck.
But both men in the front seat noticed, Nathan by looking in the mirror and Bill by glancing back toward the ladies, that Allie immediately reached for Millicent's hand again, and Millicent drew Allie to her, wrapping her new daughter securely in the arms of a mother's love.
"I love this, Momma! Now I have both of my Mothers with me all the time."
Millicent smiled and kissed the top of Allie's head.
"Yes, you do, Sweetheart. Forever!"
Nathan looked back once more through his mirror, thinking.
'Without a doubt, Allie has the two best mothers in the world! Thank you, Colleen, for our little girl! Millicent will now handle all the things I didn't know how to handle, and she will carry on for you in all the ways I couldn't…'
At that very moment, all his feelings of angst, doubts of incapability, and feelings of inferiority over facing the teen years as a single parent, and the myriad of new problems they would bring, just faded away.
In one fell swoop, they simply vanished!
Because, now, he had Millicent.
Allie had Millicent.
And the three of them would make it through together.
Another thought came to Nathan that surprised him.
'It's the oddest thing! Allie never once asked Millicent what she should call her. She just started calling her Momma like there was no question and it was the most natural thing in the world. Colleen is Mom and Millicent is Momma. I love that,' thought Nathan, and he could tell by Millicent's total look of contentment, she loved it, too!
'Leave it to Allie to figure out what we adults couldn't!'
The adults had thought this introduction of a mother might get complicated and take time.
That it might even be resisted.
The child knew better.
"Dad, I think you better buy Momma a ring, really quick!"
"Oh, you do, do you? Why don't you look on her left hand?"
Millicent held out her hand for Allie to see.
"Wow! You did that, Dad? That's the most beautiful ring I've ever seen! Does this mean we're really engaged already?"
"'We're' really engaged already, Allie!" confirmed her Dad.
Allie looked up at Millicent.
"Really and truly! I'll tell you all about it when we get home! But I must say your Father did it up right! The most beautiful ring mixed with lots of fun! And, I daresay, the most romantic proposal a girl's ever had! There might have been a Ferris Wheel involved," teased Millicent.
Allie's eyes widened in shock!
"A Ferris Wheel? In winter? Dad…"
"We'll tell you all about it, Allie. When we get home!" laughed Nathan.
"Can't wait to hear the details of that!" chirped in Bill enthusiastically, and Nathan gave him a look that clearly said 'Really, Bill? Is there no privacy?'
"Hey, congratulations, you two! Couldn't be happier about all this!" Bill finished more sedately and succinctly, trying his best to cover his blunder.
But he was still going to get the scoop!
"Thank you, Bill! But we'll tell you, too," laughed Nathan. "Hey what's all the commotion in town?"
"Aww, just some sort of gatherin goin on. I think everybody's up in the air about all this mayoral stuff. Maybe, we ought to stop and see how they're doin? I tell you, politics is a rough business. Mark my word, these mayoral candidates are gonna be the death of Hope Valley!"
"Wait, I thought you were running!"
"Too busy with my Constable taking off to parts unknown!"
"Oh, I see!" laughed Nathan, secretly relieved as another job was the last thing Bill Avery needed!
Nathan looked at Millicent.
"Are you okay with stopping, Love?"
"Of course," she smiled and nodded.
"You okay, Sweetheart? We'll go straight to the horses afterward," promised Nathan.
"It's okay, Dad!"
Nathan pulled over, parking the car as close as he could get to the Saloon.
He helped Millicent and Allie out, and Bill led the way in through the Queen of Heart's front entrance, with Nathan, Millicent, and Allie following closely behind!
Oddly, upon opening the doors of the Queen of Hearts, everything was dark and deathly quiet, but as Bill opened the door and moved to the side, the lights came on all at once, and everyone jumped up and shouted out "Surprise!" "Happy Engagement!" "Congratulations!" "Welcome Home!"
The entire town was elated with the news of their Constable being engaged to one beautiful Millicent Bradford!
And they were most certainly happy to have their Constable back!
But they were thrilled Millicent was with him!
The band started playing the liveliest and most festive music ever, with gusto.
And it was suddenly a full-fledged Hope Valley Style Party!
The Happy Couple reached over Allie to kiss, and then they were separated, literally deluged by their guests, who were overjoyed with their news, happy to offer all kinds of advice and good wishes!
Yes, they had missed their Mountie very much, but apparently, they had all missed Millicent more, and were thrilled to actually have her back!
Allie was proudly re-introducing her new Momma to everyone, and held on to Millicent for dear life, only letting loose of her grip long enough for her Momma to kiss and hug her guests.
After every single hug, between greeting each of her guests, Millicent's arm automatically and proudly, went back around her new daughter, hugging her close.
"Congratulations, Nathan! I couldn't be prouder of you or happier for you! You have a gem in Millicent. An absolute gem!" said Rosemary as she reached to kiss him. "She is quite the beauty, both inside and out!"
"Yes, she certainly is! That means so much, Rosemary, coming from you. You did all this, didn't you?"
Carson interrupted them briefly to take a photo of them, as he was scurrying all over the place, taking candid shots for the couple to have to remember the night by.
"Congratulations, Constable! Millicent's quite the beauty! I just took a gorgeous shot of her. Although I don't think she could possibly take a bad one!"
Nathan smiled posing with Rosemary, thanked Carson for the shot, then turned back to his conversation with her.
"I'm sorry, Rosemary. You were saying…"
"Well, when Bill showed me the Montreal Papers this morning, how could I not? I was just so excited for you, Nathan, and for Allie. And truthfully, for Millicent, too. I don't know her well, but I'm sure looking forward to getting to know her! But, I thought you two might be ready for a good old-fashioned Hope Valley welcome after being in the big city. We have all your favorites, along with Beef and Pork Barbecue, as well as Fried Chicken with all the trimmings! And there's homemade ice cream with every kind of pie you can imagine for dessert. Plus, there will be dancing whenever you're ready!"
"Only if you save me one, Rosemary," he winked.
"You'd better dance with me! At least once! I'm holding you to it, Constable!"
Nathan grinned and looked over the crowd.
He couldn't think of a single person who was missing!
Even Lucas was standing in the shadows.
The entire town had come out to celebrate with them, and it humbled him, knowing these people had fully accepted him and those he loved.
It had taken humility, lots of patience, and even forbearance for him to get these people to accept him as their new Constable. But, finally, deep inside, he realized Hope Valley was now his town. The people trusted him, even loved him, and that indeed warmed his very heart.
He couldn't help but chuckle, though, realizing his Millicent was truly the real draw. Everyone had missed her so much after her visit. And now, to learn she would be a part of them, they were ecstatic!
"We love that you kept it casual! Everything looks beautiful, the menu is wonderful, and it's all perfect! This means so much to us. Thank you, Rosemary, from the bottom of our hearts!"
"I was going to offer for Millicent to stay with us, but Bill is insisting on playing Chaperone! Whatever you need, though, from us, know that we're here to make it happen."
"The posters with our 'dreaded' photos are very nice. The pictures are beautiful, but that little publishing accident wasn't supposed to have happened! Can't believe they made it all the way to Hope Valley."
"Nathan, I'd say these beautiful pictures are all over Canada by now! We thought there was a story to tell there!" she laughed, knowing Nathan would never have agreed to them, had he known!
"Oh, there is, and we'll be happy to share later! How in the world, did you have time to do all this?"
"Oh, I had a lot of help," she smiled. "But it does look wonderful, doesn't it? I could have looked at these photos all day long. You two are so much in love, it just jumps off the paper! We couldn't be happier for you, both! And for dear sweet Allie! The child looks jubilant, Nathan. Positively jubilant."
"I've never seen her so happy! She's prayed an awfully long time to have a real family, a mother."
Rosemary reached her hand to his cheek.
"I know she has," she said simply, but her look was saying a thousand unspoken words.
Nathan took Rosemary's hand and kissed her cheek, as she had been a dear friend, helping him to get through his pain to this wonderful place in his life, and that, he would never forget.
It might have been a Hope Valley hoedown with square dancing and all, but it was done up, just right, with Rosemary's always elegant touches.
All the tables were draped and garlanded in the same red and white checked bunting as the tablecloths, with huge bouquets of white flowers in the center, although she didn't know they were Millicent's favorite color of flowers.
Or did she?
"Rosemary, did you know Millicent's favorite flowers are white?"
"Amazing what you can find out with a single phone call," winked Rosemary.
Posters of Nathan and Millicent's Engagement Photos were hanging everywhere, and the entire place was festooned with red and white ribbons and balloons of all sizes.
The festive mood was clearly matched by the mood of all the townspeople.
One of celebration and pure joy!
Nathan couldn't remember the town ever feeling so celebratory, and it warmed his heart that this was for Millicent, Allie, and him!
His family.
He smiled as he watched the women and girls try on Millicent's fur coat, which he had thrown on the coat rack. Millicent caught his eyes and smiled, too, happy for them to be enjoying themselves with her coat.
It didn't bother her in the least, that they were also taking turns trying on her beautiful hat, she had laid on a nearby table, and having the time of their lives doing so!
To say they adored the ring, was a massive understatement. There was a constant stream of excited exclamations, marveling at its classic beauty and loving the oval Emerald with the many uniquely set Diamonds! For many, one look just wasn't enough!
"Oh, that emerald is the perfect match for your beautiful eyes!" was heard on repeat!
"Why it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!" was a close second.
"But most of all, we just love that you're here with us again!" was heard just as often!
The townspeople were positively thrilled to have Millicent back!
Especially as one of them!
"Ladies, I think we may just have to bring hats back to Hope Valley," laughed Millicent. "Looks like Faith and Fiona are having an awfully lot of fun with that old hat of mine!"
"Oh, please do," begged Florence. "I miss them so. Let's all get ours out and wear them to Church with Millicent this Sunday!"
Everyone agreed and very quickly, as the buzz spread, the women of Hope Valley were united in their plan!
"I must say, Millicent Bradford, you simply add class to Hope Valley, and don't you dare change your fashion! We can't wait to see what you're going to be wearing next!" begged Mollie.
"I'll just be myself," promised Millicent with a grin. "And bring all my old clothes from home!"
Nathan loved that about her.
She was always true to herself.
And he didn't want her to change her clothes either, they were a part of her that he loved.
"Can't believe how fast all this happened, Nathan, but I'm all for it! Never have seen you look so happy!" bragged Lee.
"That's because I've never been so happy, Lee! Or so sure about anything in my entire life!"
Lee clapped him on the back.
"It's obvious, Nathan!"
Nathan grinned.
"Thanks, tons, for the use of your car, Lee. I might just have to get some leads from you for the best places to buy in Union City. We can't keep borrowing yours, every single time we turn around!"
"Happy to do it anytime. But you'll love having your own, too. It's somehow freeing to know you can pick up and go whenever you need to!"
Nathan smiled but chose not to mention that wasn't going to be quite as easy for them any longer.
He sighed, all that would come.
And somehow, he knew in the end, that everything would all work out.
Tonight, he was just going to enjoy their Surprise Engagement Celebration and having the woman he loved with him and his daughter in his own town.
'No, wait a minute, Allie is clearly now 'our' daughter,' he thought and he simply couldn't wipe the smile off his face that thought brought!
But my, he was missing Millicent desperately!
Even though she was right there in the room with him, they were separated by the crowds of people between them.
He turned and started making his way to her, needing her. She noticed him in the distance and did her best to make her way to him, too, with Allie still at her side.
"Let's find your Father, Allie!" whispered Millicent conspiratorially.
Allie beamed.
"Here, Momma!" and just like that, Allie cleared their path to each other.
The three of them embraced, and after a second's hesitation, Nathan bent to tenderly kiss Millicent, then he kissed Allie too, to a boisterous round of applause!
All three smiled radiantly, breathing a collective sigh of relief together.
They had found each other.
And there was no doubt about it.
They were finally home…
(*16) King James Bible, Psalm 115:3, Public Domain
