Chapter Thirty-Six: Allie's Trunk of Gifts

Now, Nathan and Millicent, the couple of honor, certainly weren't dressed for square dancing in their dressy travel clothes, but square dancing they did!

And were most happy to do it…

Taking their place of honor as the lead couple in their Quadrille, the classic style of square dancing that had actually originated in the French Courts and English Elite Class, they were exuberant to be celebrating their good news with the people of Hope Valley

But thankfully, Canadians had livened up those stuffier old dances like never seen before at Court!

The livelier movements being well-choreographed and synchronized with four couples forming a square, that continuously morphed in and out into a circle.

Their square, along with them, consisted of Lee and Rosemary, Ned and Florence, and Joseph and Minnie.

Bill was the caller, which shouldn't have surprised Nathan, but it did, as that wasn't a talent he had yet seen his friend use!

"This ought to be fun!" Nathan whispered to Millicent since in square dancing it was up to the caller to choose which steps he wanted to put together and when.

"We're basically at his mercy, Darling," laughed Millicent. "Are you ready?"

"Start the Tip!" called out Bill.

Everyone immediately squared up.

"Let's start with a Promenade!" he called out loudly.

The Beaus and Belles moved counterclockwise, with their left shoulder toward the center of the set, making a complete circle around.

"Wrong Way Promenade!"

The Beaus and Belles then quickly turned to promenade in the opposite direction.

"Face your Partner!"

And Nathan turned to face his beautiful Millicent, as all the couples turned to each other, Beaus to Belles.

"Dosado!"

The Beaus walked clockwise around their Belles in a full circle and ended facing their Belles again!

"Allemande Left!"

Beaus and Belles joined left forearms, holding the left arms with their left hands, walking around their partners halfway. Then they dropped hands and turned to face their partners again.

"Grand Right and Left!"

Oh no, the 'climbing the ladder' step! The Beaus gave a right pull with their Belle, then a left pull with the next Belle, then a right pull with the next Belle, and then a left pull with the next Belle. Each couple ended facing their original partner, but on the opposite side of the square!

"Four Ladies Chain!"

The four Belles moved to the center in a circle and then moved back out, but to the Beaus opposite, who were originally standing across from them.

Nathan gave Millicent a longing look, preferring to not be separated, but continued soldiering on with the other Beaus, in spite of his change in Belles.

"Ladies Center, Men Sashay!"

The Beaus and Belles circled up and moved right. All hands were dropped, the Belles took three steps forward, "whoop," and three steps backward, reforming the original circle while the Beaus continued to circle in the same direction around the outside! Then everyone joined together, circling in the same direction!

"Swing!"

Now, naturally, Nathan did this lively step with Millicent, because after you swing your Belle, you become partners again!

"Pass Thru!"

The Beaus and Belles faced each other, passed right shoulders, passing the dancer they were facing to end in their starting point, back-to-back.

"U-Turn Back!"

Here the Beaus and Belles turned 180 degrees in place, turning to face the opposite wall, then turning back to face their adjacent partner.

"Stir the Bucket!"

And each Beau and Belle couple moved one position to the right!

"Box the Gnat!"

The Beaus took their Belles' right hands, then moved behind the Belles. The Belles then turned left, under the Beaus' arms, and ended up facing the opposite direction, without ever letting go of each other's hands! Such a fun step, almost like a jitterbug!

"Courtesy Turn"

The Beaus, the left-side dancers, turned the Belles, the right-side dancers, ending on the opposite side of the ever-evolving square to circle and going back again, but in opposite positions, although both times the Beaus brought up the outside, while the Belles were kept protected in the center!"

"Four Ladies Chain One More Time!"

The Belles moved to the center one last time and rejoined opposite Beaus as partners.

"And Let's Wrap It Up with A Swing Back to Original Partners!"

Which Nathan and Millicent happily did while laughing!


The couples were completely out of breath, due to Bill's frenzied calls, yet they were super energized by their lively dance, laughing and talking with each other about what Bill had just put them through!

"Great job, Bill! That was a real zapper!"

"Aw, I was goin easy on you guys!"

The Party could have gone on forever, but as tonight was a school night, regretfully, it had to come to a close.

But a most happy close at that, with everyone greeting the elated couple at the door, once more offering hugs and kisses, along with congratulations and best wishes!

And yes, a few more choice bits of advice, Hope Valley style!

"Thank you, Rosemary, with my whole heart! This has been perfect, just so perfect! And we know we owe it all to you!"

As Millicent embraced the woman who had done so much to make their beautiful Surprise Engagement Party happen, both women knew right then and there, despite the odds, they were going to be fast friends!


"Look, Nathan, I think Cookie loves her already!"

Nathan was standing behind his fiancée with his arms wrapped around her, watching their daughter in Serena'a and Cookie's stall at The Livery.

"I think you're right, Darling! How are you feeling? This has all been pretty intense," he said in a low voice.

"It's been perfect, Love. Just perfect!"

"Are you okay with 'Momma?'" he whispered, turning to search her face, wanting to make sure.

She turned to him, and her eyes were dancing just like two sparkling emeralds.

"Oh, I'm deliriously happy with 'Momma!' I hadn't even thought of a name, but it's really perfect, you know? Allie always called Colleen Mommy and Mom, and I don't ever want to take those titles away from her. I can't believe Allie figured it out so beautifully. I think our daughter might just be a genius!"

"In this particular thing, I think you're right," and Nathan bent to kiss his Millicent, unable to wait a second more.

Allie had had her back turned to them, but as they kissed, she glanced back toward them, and smiled from ear to ear, watching her father pull Millicent closer to him, with one hand at her waist, and one hand holding the back of her head, bringing their lips together…

"Thank you, God," she whispered aloud.

"Allie," called Nathan, unaware she had seen them kiss. "Are you ready to say goodnight to Serena and Cookie?"

She hesitated, but her father knew her well.

"We'll come back before school in the morning, Sweetie. And don't forget we do have presents in the trunk of the car!"

Well, that did the trick!

"Coming, Dad!"

Allie went to kiss Serena, then came back to Cookie.

"You curl up against your Momma real close, and she'll keep you warm, Cookie. I'll come back and see you first thing in the morning! I love you bunches, Cookie. You have sweet dreams!" and Millicent and Nathan proudly watched as Allie gave Cookie one last hug and kiss.

"Thank you so much for Cookie, Momma! I love her to the moon and back, just like you and Dad!"

"You're so welcome, Allie!"

She bent to accept her daughter's kiss, then knelt and looked straight into Allie's eyes.

"That's good, Allie. Because Cookie needs a lot of love, and frankly, she'll be a lot of hard work. Just like Serena was for me when she was that age. I'm trusting you, Allie, to take the very best care of her. She loves you already, but the harder you work for her, she'll love you even more and that companionship and love she will give you will be worth all the hard work you'll have to put in, I promise!"

Allie hugged Millicent with all her might.

"I promise, I'll make you proud!"

"I'm already so very proud of you, Angel! You just make Cookie proud!"

Nathan watched as Allie nodded with a brilliant smile on her face, and he honestly didn't know which of his Girls he was proudest of.

Millicent had given Allie this extravagant gift, even though it was a gift from her heart and something she already had.

But here she was, reinforcing the responsibilities of the gift to Allie and clearly setting expectations in a way that made Allie feel both capable and responsible.

Yes, Millicent had passed Parenting 101 with flying colors!

Allie wasn't the only one beaming.

Her Dad was too!

"We'd better go pick up your Uncle Bill. Even he should be packed by now!" winked Nathan.

Lee and Rosemary had walked home from their engagement party, insisting Nathan and Millicent keep the car for their special night.

And now after checking on Serena and Cookie, picking up Bill, their chaperone, was next on the agenda…


"Bill, you wait here, and I'll come back to get the luggage!" instructed Nathan with a grin, as he parked in front of his rowhouse.

Then Nathan quickly jumped out of the car and escorted his Girls up the step to his front door, which Allie was opening.

Suddenly Millicent erupted into giggles.

Without her realizing what he was doing, Nathan had scooped her up and was carrying her over the threshold!

Allie was giggling, too!

The young girl in her was thinking her Dad was being very funny and silly.

But the young lady in her was thinking her Dad was being very romantic.

Whichever it was, or maybe even a combination of the two, Allie loved it!

All three were laughing now, till Nathan finally sat Millicent down, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, with one for Allie, too!

"We're just so happy, Momma!"

Millicent wrapped her arm around her daughter.

"Me too, Angel! Me too!"

"Let's see! I think those presents have to be somewhere in that car. You don't suppose they got misplaced, do you, Mil?"

"Dad!" and there was that famous Allie eyeroll!


Bill and Nathan had to make a couple of trips each, but finally, all the luggage was in its rightful place upstairs, except of course, for Allie's trunk!

Which they kept in the living room for her to open!

"How does Hot Chocolate sound?" asked Millicent.

She received a rousing chorus of 'Yes, please!' from all three.

"This house does have Marshmallows, doesn't it? You do know it's sacrilege to have Hot Cocoa without ooey-gooey Marshmallows!"

"I knew I liked this Girl!" complimented Bill. "Make mine double! The marshmallows, that is!"

"Here, Momma, I'll help you find them!"

The 'Girls' retired to the kitchen, giving the men a bit of time alone, while also giving them a bit of mother-daughter time.

"Son, I'm absolutely thrilled for you. This is right. It just feels so very right! Everyone in town says so. And quite frankly, we're just all ecstatic to see you so happy!"

"Thank you, Bill! I've never been so sure of anything in my entire life. I don't understand the path it took to get us here, but I'm so very thankful we're here!"

"God works in mysterious ways, Son!"

"His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm," finished Nathan solemnly. (*17)

The two men looked at each other, both amazed at the profound statement.

Then Nathan's face broke into a beautiful smile, and Bill's face soon followed!

"And what a beautiful calm after the storm!"

"And the very best part is yet to come!" assured Bill.

"You know, this being so happy is not a thing I've ever been accustomed to. But, Bill, it just feels so wonderful. I've felt more in a week than I have my entire life! I've been alive more if that makes sense. But enough of that!"

Bill reached and patted Nathan on his leg.

"No, never enough of that, Son!"

Nathan smiled in utter contentment.

It was good to share these remarkable feelings with another man, especially Bill.

"There's a lot we need to talk about, Bill. Security and such, but let's hold off on all that till tomorrow. Okay?"

"I think that's best. We'll talk in my…your office," he slipped.

But Nathan was too happy to notice.

"Allie has no idea, but she's about to get that big family she's always wanted, another set of grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins, and all!"

"That's just wonderful! But she better not forget her old Uncle Bill!"

"Never, Bill. You're one of a kind! You could never be replaced!"

Bill immediately puffed out, taking that remark as a huge compliment, whether it was meant that way or not!"

"I noticed Lucas was sort of somber tonight. What's going on with that?"

"A lot. And we're not going to ruin your first night home talking about it. I will say, however, your hunches are spot on. And yes, there's gonna be a day of reckoning for our Monsieur Bouchard! And I for one can't wait!"

"Sounds like you're going to have to deputize yourself again, to do the honors, Bill!"

"Hmph, I already have the document drawn up!"

"Hey, who's ahead in the mayoral race?"

"It's gonna be Lee by a longshot! And I'm pretty pleased with that if I do say so myself!"

"Lee knows his stuff. He's an astute businessman, and an honest one to boot! Quite frankly, don't think we could do any better!"

"Agreed! Oh, has Winston gotten in touch with you?"

"No, why, is he trying to reach me?"

"He just forgot you were on vacation and called here wantin to talk to you personally. I reminded him you were gone. And told him I expected you back this week. I hate to tell you this, but he's wantin you to come to Union City this Thursday to talk to him there. He's there on business all week, but Thursday was the only day he had open. He's got you penciled in for from one to four, I think."

"Three hours? Oh, I hate the timing! Especially with Millicent here! Though I did promise Allie a trip to Union City. But if I have to be gone…"

"Don't worry, I'm gonna go with you and take care of the Girls while you're with Winston. We'll take the early train in and the late train back. That ought to give you a few hours with Millicent and Allie in the big city, before and after your meeting!"

"You'd do that?"

"Of course, I'm doin it! Already worked it out. Wasn't about to let you go alone to the Commissioner's, anyway! Now, I'll just have company while you do that!"

"Appreciate that, Bill. But what in the world does the Commissioner want with me? Superintendent Stiles in Montreal hinted as much, though. That maybe some changes were coming. Bill, I really don't want to think about moving right now."

"Good grief, no! And I made that clear to Winston. I think he's got somethin pretty big planned for you, though! But as much as I cajoled him to tell me more, he was pretty closed-mouthed about the specifics, saying he wasn't at liberty to say, as it was a novel project. I pretty much insisted you had to stay here, and he didn't seem like that was gonna be a problem. But with him, who knows! I'm still furious at him over takin my serge back!"

Bill was turning red just thinking about it! Or more correctly, 'fuming' about it!

Nathan made a mental note. He was going to talk to the Commissioner about that very thing. It made no sense whatsoever to him that they requested Bill's Serge back after all these years. Surely, there had been some error!

"So, Thursday, we go to Union City!" he said aloud.

"Yep, we do! And I think Thursday is gonna turn out to be a big day for you, too! Mark my words!"

"I'll have to take Allie out of school for the day. I may take her out Friday too, so we can spend some family time together before…"

Bill's face softened.

"Hey, a week's a long way off!"

"Yes, and we're going to pack this week with everything we can! The truth is, I just don't know that I can see Millicent off, Bill. The very thought terrifies me. It was hard enough the last time. But, now…I just don't know."

"I'll be there for moral support, and I know it's gonna be hard, but we'll get you through it! You've gotta be tough! There's gonna be a heartbroken little girl here, too, when that day comes!"

"Oh, Bill, of course, there is. I hadn't even thought about that!"

"Hey, we're gonna make this the best week ever. Let's just focus on that!"

"You're right! And you have a wedding to come to in Montreal on New Year's Eve! I have to have you stand with me!"

Bill's face lit up!

"It's an honor, Son! Wouldn't miss it for the world!"

"Are we interrupting," asked Millicent as she and Allie came through the kitchen door with trays in both their hands.

"Not at all, Love. Here, let me take that," and Nathan rose to take her larger tray.

"I found some cheese and crackers, Dad!"

"Great, Allie! You know how I love my crackers with Hot Cocoa!"

"And Dad, here is my art project, four coasters! Momma loves them."

"Well, I can see why! These are beautiful, Allie! But I still haven't seen your painting!"

"I was so excited to see you, I forgot to bring it home with me! I'll get it tomorrow, Dad!"

"Oh, that reminds me, I brought some pastries from the Café!" chimed in Bill.

Bill went to retrieve the box by his duffel bag.

"Here Bill, I'll get us a plate," offered Millicent.

Within a couple of minutes, she returned with a beautifully laid tray.

"Too big for a plate, but my, these look really delicious!"

Nathan got up and helped Millicent sit by him on the Settee, wrapping his arm around her.

And just like she had always done in Montreal, she nestled in beside him.

"Bill, would you like to say a quick prayer over our food?"

"Dear Father, we have so much to thank you for, startin with our Millicent. Thank you for sendin this beautiful creature here to us, in Hope Valley. We thank you for this brand-new family and we thank you for the food we are about to receive. Help us have a wonderful, most special week together. In your Holy Name, we pray. Amen!"

Amens came from all three, then Millicent served, first passing little linen napkins around that Nathan had forgotten he had, while Allie passed out her coasters!

"This looks delicious, Millicent. And Bill, the pastries do look scrumptious!"

The four chatted non-stop with questions galore for the happy couple!

Allie finished her Cocoa first, dying to open the big trunk sitting in front of her.

"Allie, Sweetheart, I think we've tortured you long enough! Would you like to open your gifts?" asked Nathan.

"Yes, Sir! Would I ever!"

Nathan opened the trunk lid for her, and Allie was as excited as could be!

"This is like an early Christmas! And look! There's so much!"

"It's a lot, Allie, because a lot of people are looking forward to meeting you, and they all sent you gifts, welcoming you into the family!" explained Millicent.

Allie's mouth dropped open.

"You mean I get another family, too?"

"Yes, a Grandpapa and a Grandmama, two Uncles, well really four, and two Aunties, well really four there, too. And perhaps the best part, four cousins! I think they've all sent pictures, too, so you can get to know them before you come to Montreal and actually meet them!"

"I get to go to Montreal?" Allie's mouth fell open and her eyes were as wide as they could be.

She was practically beside herself with excitement!

"Yes, Sweetheart! We're going to spend the Holidays in Montreal this year with Millicent's family, the Bradfords. Gramma and Grappa will be there, too!"

"Dad, this is just the best news ever! I get to go to Montreal, Uncle Bill!" and she started her happy dance!

"Hmm. You might want to hold off on that judgment of yours, Young Lady. Because, and are you ready for this?"

Nathan looked over at his beautiful fiancée, grinning like never before!

Then he continued on.

"Millicent and I are getting married on New Year's Eve in Montreal, in a great big Church there!"

Allie immediately started crying, and she ran to hug her Dad and her new Momma!

"That's the absolute best! Best, best news ever!" she cried. "I was worried about how long we'd have to wait before we got married!"

The adults hadn't missed that "we got married part," and it touched their very souls.

"Allie, Sweetheart, I want you to stand up with me, right by my side!"

Nathan looked surprised.

He and Millicent hadn't even talked about any of this together.

But his heart was so full that the love of his life would not only include Allie but that she would want her standing by her side in their wedding!

It meant the world to him.

And even more, obviously, to Allie.

"You mean I get to be a Bridesmaid? A real to goodness Bridesmaid?"

"Absolutely! The most important real to goodness Bridesmaid of all! If you'll say yes, that is!" assured Millicent.

"Yes, yes, yes!" exclaimed Allie as she danced around the Settee. "This just keeps getting better and better and better!"

Then she danced to her new Momma and kissed her.

After that, she kissed her Dad, and then even her Uncle Bill!

"Allie, I'd say you're feeling mighty proud about now!"

"You better believe it, Uncle Bill, and soooooo happy too, I'm gonna burst!"

"Well, don't burst! I mean, yuck, that would be an awful mess to clean up! And I've gotta sleep in here tonight!" grimaced Bill.

Allie rolled her eyes to the ceiling, trying to think of a better way to explain herself.

"It's just the best, Uncle Bill. Don't you see, all of the girls have been flower girls, but I'm going to be the very first Bridesmaid! And the most important Bridesmaid, too!" and she very adorably, used her hands most extensively, for added emphasis, making absolutely sure her Uncle understood!

"I see. Well, I suppose that does call for bursting!" he said sardonically, which Allie ignored.

"Thank you bunches, Momma. I've never been a Bridesmaid before. Wait till I tell Emily and Opal! They won't even believe it!"

"Don't brag too much, or they'll be jealous!" laughed Millicent. "Are you ready to start opening all these boxes and meet your new family? There's quite a few of them!"

"I'm so ready, Momma!"

Allie first tore into the beautifully wrapped present on the top with the huge red bow.

"Wow! This is the most beautiful dress I've ever seen! I love the red!" and she jumped up, holding the dress in front of her, dancing back across the room.

"But it doesn't say who it's from!"

"It's from your Father and me! We're just so happy you love it!"

"Your Momma saw it in the window by the Jewelry Shoppe where I bought her ring and later your charm, so we had to go get it for you, Sweetheart!"

"I love it so much! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"We thought you might want to bring that to Montreal and wear Christmas Day. It was by far the prettiest Holiday Dress they had! And there are a few more for you waiting at my place, so you'll have plenty to wear through the entire Holiday Season."

"Oh, Momma, thank you! Dad thank you! For the dresses and for the trip to Montreal! I just can't wait!"

Next, Allie brought out the box Essie had given them from Hendrix, Albert, Grace, and her.

Essie had spoken with Grace over the phone and insisted on including her as she would be living at the 'farm' with them when they were there.

Grace, a lovely person, had been delighted to be included, and after one very long conversation, Essie and Grace were sure they would be fast friends!

Allie tore into the package and first brought out four small silver picture frames.

She immediately brought them to Millicent to identify.

"This is Auntie Essie. Her real name is Auntie Estella. And this is Uncle Hendrix. They both helped raise your Father and me! And we love them dearly. They already love you so much, too, Allie! They've seen your picture on my dressing table and they think you're beautiful, just like your Mom, Sweetie. This is Uncle Albert and his wife, Auntie Grace! You'll love them all and they can't wait to meet you! Was there something else in the box?"

"Yes! It's a red scarf, and red mittens, and a red cap! I love them. And look, they're fancy! Did someone make them for me?"

"Yes, Auntie Essie knitted them for you, and she's a fabulous knitter! This is called a cable pattern. This particular one, though, is quite beautiful and unique. And I think very difficult to knit."

"They're very pretty! Do you think Auntie Essie will teach me to knit? I'll have to thank them all. Will you help me, Momma?"

"Yes, I'm sure Auntie Essie would love to teach you to knit, Allie! And I would be thrilled to help you with your thank-yous! I've got all their addresses upstairs in my address book."

"Oh, here's a box of cookies!" exclaimed Allie.

"Oh no, we forgot Grace's Toffee Cookies, Nathan!"

"Hand them over here. That's my favorite!" declared Bill.

After one bite, he moaned.

"We've gotta get the recipe to these. Oh my stars, they're the best I've ever had! We're keeping this Auntie, Allie!"

Allie laughed.

"Uncle Bill, you have to keep all your Aunties, just like I have to keep you!"

The poor child didn't realize what she had said, but Nathan let out a chuckle that couldn't be contained, though Millicent was better able to cover!

She simply put her hand to her face, smothering her gasp!

Bill passed the box around, not catching the blunder, but Nathan noticed he quickly set the box of cookies back down, next to him, and out of reach from everyone else!

Nathan just shook his head!

Next, Allie opened the Montreal charm from her Dad.

"Montreal, I was afraid to guess that, but I was really hoping that's where you were! Because I knew Momma would be there. And now, I get to go, too! I love it, Dad. It's really beautiful! Will you put it on my bracelet afterwhile? I want to wear it to school tomorrow!"

"I'd be happy to do that, Sweetheart!"

"This one's really light!"

"Oh, Allie that's from your Gramma and Grappa. Be really careful with it. Gramma said it was fragile," warned her Dad.

"Oh, look! It's spectacular! An Angel for the top of our Christmas Tree! And she's gorgeous, like you, Momma!"

"Thank you, Allie!"

"Now, I know why Mother was so particular about us being careful! Allie, that Angel has been in our family for years and years, always on the top of the tree, even before your Mother and I were born! You're really special for Gramma and Grappa to give that to you!"

"I love it, Dad. Can I call them later?"

"I think they'd love that! But, Allie you'll have to wait till tomorrow. It's too late tonight. They're already asleep, Sweetheart. Remember they get up at the crack of dawn, and sometimes before."

"Before you call them, though, I promised your Gramma I'd give you the biggest hug and kiss ever, from her!" and Millicent laughingly started to do just that, chasing her daughter around the settee, with her daughter laughing the whole time, but finally being caught for the promise to be paid!

Next came the two boxes that weren't so subtle.

Allie couldn't help but shake them both.

"Jigsaws," yelled Bill.

"Uncle Bill!" chastised Allie with a grin. "You're not supposed to spoil the surprise!"

"Some surprise," mumbled Bill.

She tore into the paper.

"Oh, this is great! It's a jigsaw puzzle of Montreal where Momma lives!"

"And this one's a jigsaw puzzle of Tor..on..too?"

"Toronto, Sweetie! Like 'toe.' That's where your Uncle Richard and Auntie Margaret live with their children, who are your four cousins!" explained Millicent.

Allie gasped.

"I'm about to meet my cousins! I've never had cousins before and I always have wanted them!"

In the accompanying box, there was a silver-framed family portrait and four individual photos of the children, as well as another silver-framed photo of her auntie and uncle together.

"Oh, there's a photo album, too!"

"Let's see, Allie! Okay, this is Millicent's older brother, Richard, your Uncle Richard, and his wife Margaret, your Auntie Margaret! Richard is my best friend, Allie, my brother. We grew up together in Swan Hills. He's a high-powered Attorney, now, like your Momma, except he specializes in Business! He's a barrel of fun, and you're going to love him!"

"He's the family cut-up, Allie. He'll tease you mercilessly, so we'll have to get you prepared for him! But Auntie Margaret is wonderful, and she'll ultimately make him behave! You'll love her, too! She's just always calm, no matter what's going on around her! Even with four children, although I should say five. Your Uncle Richard is the biggest child of all!"

Allie smiled.

"I think I'm gonna love my new uncle!"

"Just as long as you still love your old uncle, too," exclaimed Bill, in a sad voice.

Allie ran and kissed him.

"Uncle Bill, I'll always love you, too!"

"Aw, that's good to know, Sweetie! I don't like sharin you, but I suppose I'll have to!"

"It's gonna be okay, Uncle Bill! I promise I'll love you just as much!"

Allie dearly loved her Uncle Bill, but she also loved having all this new family, too!

"Their children are adorable, Allie. Let's see. This is your Cousin Jackson. He's twelve just like you! Very handsome, very athletic, and pretty good in school, so you'll have that in common. I think you'll be great buddies! And like his Dad, there's not a shy bone in his body! This is your Cousin Margaret, but we call her Maggie. She's just the sweetest! She's two years younger than you and Jackson, but very mature for her age. Sometimes more than Jackson! She's a real Sweetheart and I think you too will be really good friends! Now, this is your Cousin Jacques, who is three years old and into everything! He's a little dynamo, and as cute as can be! What he doesn't think to get into, his little sister, your Cousin Margeaux, does. Oh, but we call Margeaux, Margie! She's a little doll, but quite the handful! So, your cousins are Jackson, Maggie, Jacques, and Margie!"

"You mean I get to babysit, too?"

"I think Auntie Margaret would be thrilled with that!" smiled Millicent. "In fact, you'll be her most favorite person ever, if you do!"

"Dad, I have four new cousins! Just wait till I tell my friends! They won't believe this! And Jackson is my age! And Maggie's almost my age! Plus I get to babysit the little ones! I can't wait to meet them! Will they be in Montreal for our Christmas?" asked Allie anxiously.

"Absolutely!"

"This is gonna be so much fun! I can't wait! Look Uncle Bill, here's an album with all my cousins!"

Bill patiently looked at each picture in her album, making funny remarks, just as another child would.

Allie laughed with him, sitting in his lap, correcting him when he got the names wrong (on purpose!).

"But Uncle Bill, you'll have to come with us. You can't have Christmas alone."

"Well, I'm sure I won't be alone. Besides, I'm comin to the Wedding in Montreal!"

"Oh, Bill, that's lovely. You'll stay with us!" interjected Millicent, firmly.

"Now, that's an offer I can't refuse! Very kind of you, and I do accept!"

"This one's really heavy, Allie! Why don't we let Uncle Bill help you with this one?" suggested her Dad.

Bill tore into the package.

"It's a pair of silver bookends, in my initials! An 'A' and a 'G!' Oh, I love these. I needed them for my dresser. The card says, Auntie Pippa and Uncle William."

"William is my baby brother, who is in college studying to be a surgeon. Pippa is my baby sister, who is in college studying art. They're on their winter break now, so they'll be in Montreal for Christmas, too! They can't wait to meet you, Allie!"

"Oh, here are their pictures. He's really handsome, like Uncle Richard, and Auntie Pippa's really pretty, too. But she doesn't look at all like you, Momma!"

"No, she has her very own unique look, which is a good thing! Plus, she's a ton of fun! Now, William is more serious, but he's supposed to be siding with your Father, protecting him against all the pranks Richard will try to play on him, especially for the Wedding!"

"Sounds like somebody I need to meet!" winked Bill. "Richard that is, not William!"

"You stay far away from Richard, Bill Avery. I wouldn't be able to survive what the two of you could cook up together!" warned Nathan.

Bill high-fived Allie, and yes, they were up to the challenge!

"Are these my new grandparents?" asked Allie.

"Yes, Sweetheart. That's you Grandpapa Edward and your Grandmama Victoria. They happen to be best friends with my parents!"

"Really? Is that why Gramma and Grappa are coming for Christmas, too?"

"Yes, they're really close, Allie, We're just one big happy family, already! But they're all absolutely thrilled your Father and I are getting married, and making all of us an official family!"

"That's really nice!" surmised Allie.

"Yes, it most certainly is!" agreed Nathan, smiling down at Millicent.

"Wow, my new Grandpapa is very handsome, and my Grandmama is so beautiful. She looks like a Princess! But wait! Grandmama looks like Uncle Richard and Uncle William!"

"Yes, the three of them really do resemble each other!"

"Your new Grandmama is a Cree Indian, Allie. She can tell you the most wonderful stories! She did for all of us when we were growing up. She even taught me the Cree language!"

"You speak Cree?" asked Bill.

Nathan nodded.

"Well, color me impressed! That's a tough language, Son!"

"Yes, it is. Started when I was twelve, but with Victoria's help was pretty fluent by the time I turned sixteen. Nothing better than learning from Victoria throughout my childhood. May I tell this Millicent?"

She nodded knowing what he was going to say.

"You see, Allie, your Grandmama really is a Princess. She was a Cree Indian Princess, and she was promised to the man who would become the Head Chieftan of all the Cree Indians because she was so beautiful. But she didn't love him. When she met your Grandpapa, they both fell madly in love with each other, and that's why we have Millicent!"

Millicent laughed that lyrical laugh that Nathan so loved.

"Is that true?" asked Bill.

"Afraid, it's exactly like he said!" confirmed Millicent with a smile.

"That's a really beautiful story! I can't wait to meet them!" and Bill looked positively smitten.

"They are as nice a couple as you'll ever want to meet, Bill. I look forward to introducing you!"

"I can't believe my new Grandmama is a real Princess! Nobody's going to believe that! I'm gonna have to get a picture! Do you have a picture of her when she was young, Momma?"

"I do, Allie. I'll show you upstairs!"

"Oh, look! They sent me a charm, too. And it has Grant on one side with a large G, and Bradford on the other side with a large B. This makes it official. I now have two families! Oh, Dad can you put this one on my bracelet, too, so I can wear both my new charms to school tomorrow? I want to show them to everybody!"

"I most certainly will, Sweetheart!"

"Allie, how about us takin a walk down by the pond. I think the brisk air might do us some good!"

Allie didn't really want to leave and hesitated, but with an exaggerated look from her Uncle Bill, she finally got it.

"Oh, yes Uncle Bill! Let's go get some fresh air before we turn in!"

"Bundle up, you two. It's cold out there!" reminded Millicent, about to giggle at their charade, but loving them that they would think to give Nathan and her a few minutes alone!

"We may stop in and check on Uncle Lee and Auntie Rosemary on our way back, so don't you two get too worried if we're a little late!" said Bill with a wink.

"Thank you, Bill! I owe you," mouthed Nathan as Allie pulled on her boots, then he bent to give Allie a quick kiss.

The two were barely out the door until Nathan ran and pulled Millicent onto his lap.

"I love you, Millicent Bradford, and I am so very proud of you! You've charmed my daughter and the entire town!"

He kissed her with the pent-up passion of having her so close, yet not being able to do anything about it, with so many others around.

The two held each other close, making up for lost time, till they finally sunk back into the Settee, where they nestled into each other.

"Let's hope Bill wants to take a walk every night!" deadpanned Nathan. "It's hard to not be able to talk to you privately."

"I know, Darling. But there will be plenty of time for that, eventually! Although could those two have been any more obvious about their little ruse? So adorable! I love Allie so much, Nathan! My heart is just overflowing, Love! And I really like Bill, too! It's nice to get to know him. But it's just the nicest of all, for you, me, and Allie to finally be together. It's like we just truly belong together!"

"We do truly belong together…" and he lifted her hand to his lips.

"But as for the ruse, that's Bill, for you! Mr. Subtle. I thought he was going to lift Allie up and carry her out before she finally got it!" laughed Nathan.

"I'd say we have had a perfect first evening in Hope Valley! For Allie to be so happy is more than I could have ever hoped for! It just makes this week so easy and so wonderful! And then our wonderful Surprise Engagement Party! Everything's been perfect!"

"We're an instant family, Darling! And I must admit, the ease with which that happened surprised even me! It appears we're a full-fledged family already. Apparently, Allie was already praying for her new Momma to be you! Funny, she never once said that to me, Mil. But, I am so very grateful. You've made Allie happier than I have ever seen her!"

"She was probably afraid it wouldn't happen if she said it out loud, Love. But, don't forget, we still have the hard parts to get through. The money and the security talks. Can we just wait a day or so?" asked Millicent, wanting to bask in their newfound happiness as a family, and put it off as long as they possibly could.

"We'll try, Love! But I do have to get Security set up tomorrow, and explain to the School Board as well as the neighbors. I don't want a Security Agent getting shot, because he's mistaken for a burglar! Oh, and we'll have to go to Union City on Thursday. Bill says the Commissioner is expecting me, and he offered to go with us so he could keep you and Allie safe, along with Security. I do feel better knowing Bill will be there with you. Let's see. That only gives us tomorrow, doesn't it?"

"Oh, no, does that mean we have to talk to Allie tomorrow?"

"I think so, Darling. We could wait, – no she'll find out if we do it that way. I don't want to ruin her day in Union City, especially since I won't be able to be with her for most of it! I know, I'll have her visit Emily, for a few hours tomorrow evening, who lives a bit away from here, and we'll gather the neighbors while she's gone and talk to them about Security. We'll just have to ask them not to say anything to anyone about it until we've had a chance to talk with Allie. Which come to think of it, we'll probably have to do afterward anyway, since Security has to come with us to Union City."

"I'm dreading it, but it's probably better we do let Allie know everything earlier than later. I just don't want to disrupt her life and make things hard for her."

"She adores you, Mil. She already loves us as a family. She's smart and tough. Just like tonight, I think this is going to be easier than we're thinking. We'll support her through it! And we'll let her talk it all out, as she gets used to everything."

"That's what I'm praying for! For the neighbors, I can fix a couple of desserts to eat along with a dinner drink or two and some coffee. That way the evening won't be all business!"

"That's a great idea! But I hate for you to have to cook and bake. We could just pick up something at the Café."

"No, I want it to be personal. We're asking a lot of our neighbors, and it should come from my hands, and from our hearts."

"You are so considerate and so thoughtful, Mil! Allie will learn just by being around you. But our alone time, my Darling, is running out."

Then his romance gene took over!

"Here, let's make the most of it!"

He grabbed their coats and helped her into hers.


"Here, come with me!" and he took her hand and led her down the back porch stoop, and waltzed her across his backyard, under the stars.

It was bitter cold, but they didn't even notice, as they had each other!

Having her in his arms was everything.

The stars were just an extra bonus!

"This is heaven, Darling!"

"Mil, anywhere with you, certainly is heaven!"

Their happiness exploded around them as they danced in the cold until Nathan led her to the back stoop stairs, where they sat down together like two teenagers would have done, nestled together to keep warm.

He took her in his arms in the starlight, showing her just how much he loved her with the tenderest of touches.

There were literal sparks between them, where his skin touched hers.

They sat there looking up at the stars together, in total contentment, laughing, holding each other, trying to name each constellation.

For the first time since their arrival, their thoughts were only of each other, filling each other with their love, just by being alone, yet close, chatting together.

Their coats were touching each other, side by side, as though, they were seamed together as one.

They could even feel each other's intake and outflow of cold breaths, the rhythm of their hearts beating in tandem together.

They couldn't help but marvel at the power of this, their love.

Theirs was a love so real, and so immense, it was physically palpable, all around them, and throughout the cold air, bringing a warmth that was impossible to explain.

Just then, the full moon moved just enough to wrap the couple in a dreamy golden glow!

"You look like an absolute Angel, Mil!"

Their kisses came slowly and tenderly, then passionately, deepening into their own world.

He started to take her hair down.

"Drats, I can't. Bill will notice!"

She giggled.

"You and your detective friends. This could be a whole lot easier if it weren't for your investigative minds!"

He laughed, knowing she was right!

But then he got serious.

"Tell me you love me, Mil! Here, under the moon and the stars, to last the whole night long…"

His look was tentative, needing or wanting reassurance in some way.

She understood it.

They had left the cocoon of their week alone together.

He knew she loved him, he just needed to hear it in her words, to memorize them and hold onto them through the long night.

"Oh, my Darling, no words exist that are adequate to tell you how very much I love you! It's more than the breadth and depth of the ocean. Higher than all those Mountains we grew up by, and as winding as the beautiful Athabasca River. Life will take us to many places, my Love, and through many different situations, just like that river. But whatever comes, know, that I love you more, so very much more. So much so, there is a strength and a power, and a gloriousness to our love, that will last forever! Nothing can erode it. Nothing can break it down. And nothing can destroy it. That's the essence of my love for you. It just exists, always has, and always will. I already know, with clarity, my love for you will only grow stronger with each passing day. You're my everything, Nathan Alexander Grant. Everything I've ever desired. Everything I've ever wanted, Everything I'll ever need. You color my life with purpose, excitement, joy, love, hope, passion, and the deepest contentment. But also, the wildest exhilaration I've ever known. You make me come alive! I adore you, I cherish you, I love you completely, my Darling! You and your love are my greatest blessing, and always will be!"

Then she kissed him in a way that filled whatever this vacuum was that he was experiencing.

She wasn't sure exactly what it was, but she surmised it had to do with her having to leave him in a week's time.

No matter what it was, she filled it all the same.

With her words, her touch, her love.

Millicent somehow made him whole again, mending him back together, better and stronger, ready now to face their week's end, the very thing that had been haunting him!

She ran her hands through his hair and kissed his neck, and his face, and when she finally brought her lips to his, he was at peace.

His smile told her so.

"You're back, my Love!"

"I'm back, my Darling!"


After their cup of tea with Rosemary and Lee, followed by their goodnights, Bill and Allie knocked on the Grants' front door and came through the living room, only to find Nathan and Millicent in their coats, still sitting and chatting under the stars, on the stoop at the back door.

"Dad, Momma!"

"Come here, Sweetheart!"

Nathan pulled his daughter to his lap and the three of them sat and looked at the stars together.

"Allie, we didn't forget your books, but you've had so much to open tonight. Why don't we wait and open those, tomorrow night?"

"That's a great idea, Dad! It's already been the perfect day!"

Nathan and Millicent couldn't help but smile, because it really had been the perfect day.

Inside, Bill knew the drill, as he had spent the night at Nathan's before, so he got the pillows and the quilt out of the hutch, and sat them at the end of the settee.

Then he went into the kitchen to make some coffee but saw the three of them stargazing from the stoop.

"Bill come join us!" called Nathan.

"Aww, you don't need an old man like me, interruptin things!"

"Get on out here!" insisted Nathan. "You're part of the family, too!"

"Come on, look at this moon! It's something else, Uncle Bill. We should have looked up at it on our walk!"

"My, it is a beauty! Indeed, we should have looked up! I tell you what, Allie, tomorrow, we'll take another walk, and be sure to do just that!" promised Bill.

And somehow that made everyone smile in the moonlight…

(*17) Quote, William Cowper, 11/26/31-4/25/1800, Public Domain