Chapter 42 – A Family Day

"Florence, on staples, we can just repeat what you did for me, but these poor men have nothing in their kitchen as far as dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and utensils. We have to start from scratch!"

Allie was licking her Lollipop at the switchboard, covering for Mrs. Yost, so she could give her full attention to Millicent.

Nathan was out front showing Ned the new car.

"Did you say, four men? I know exactly what we should choose! Something rugged. Let me show you the dishes first…" suggested Florence.

"Oh, definitely the white ones with the blue band. The men have blues and greens in the rest of the house, too. Also, these look good for every day and for fancier as well. What were you thinking for silverware?"

"We don't have quite the selection as Union City or Montreal, but these two sets are my favorite."

"I think this one with the hammered handles. What about pots and pans?"

"This set has everything they'll ever need. And for Utensils, how about we just grab?" laughed Florence, who was in her element with Millicent.

"One-two-three. Go!"

And grab they did.

The women were laughing so hard, Allie wanted in on the fun!

Millicent had very carefully explained the reason for the pies two nights ago, as well as the reason her Security Team was here, and she explained to Florence, that although she and Nathan would much rather have their privacy, they had no choice in the manner, given the daily threats.

"I know, you, of all people, can understand Florence, and we are so hoping and praying that the people of Hope Valley will understand, too, and accept us just as people who love them and want to live as simply as possible when we're here. We really don't want to stay if our presence will offend in any way!"

"Don't you even think about not being accepted here! Of course, you'll be accepted. And of course, you're staying! If I have to personally see to it myself, you just consider it all taken care of!"

"Thank you ever so much, Florence. We knew we could count on you, and it really means the world to us!"

Millicent was not exaggerating, as it was important to both her and Nathan that the people wanted them there, in spite of the obstacles they brought with them.

Then suddenly remembering the task at hand, Millicent realized they had forgotten a few items.

"Oh, we need placemats and napkins, too!"

"How about these?" asked Florence, holding up a set of plaid placemats.

"Perfect – they even match!"

"We also need several lanterns, one for each of them, and also one for the kitchen and a couple for the living room. That's seven. Let's make it eight! And of course, plenty of oil. Some candles wouldn't hurt either."

Florence was writing everything down, as Ned and Nathan came in.

"Flo, that car is a thing of beauty!" exclaimed Ned, as excited as if he had bought the car himself.

"Which I very much would like to see Ned Yost! Here you tend to Millicent. Nathan, take me to see your car!" she insisted as she looped her arm into Nathan's.

Nathan proudly escorted Florence down the steps, to her oohs and aahs!


By the time they returned, she was chattering a mile a minute, with the broadest smile on her face.

"It's just stunning! Nathan's going to take us to Buxton to Dinner in it, Ned! Can you believe it? We get to ride in it!"

"Why, Nathan, you don't need to do that," but then he chuckled. "Although we'd love it!"

"You pick a night that works next week, and it's a done deal."

"Dad, can I take Robert?"

"I'm taking you, Young Lady!"

"You are?"

"Yes, your Momma's going to be working herself mad in Montreal," he wrapped his arm around Millicent. "Getting prepared for our Wedding! So, I am escorting my daughter!"

"Ned, I want to go to their Wedding so very much!" begged Florence.

"Florence, we haven't even been invited yet," Ned whispered under his breath. "But there is a hotel in Montreal I would love to take you to!"

Nathan looked at Millicent, who happily nodded yes.

"Then it's settled, you are officially invited, as our first official guests!"

Florence was elated, not only to get the coveted invitation but, especially to be first!

Although Ned seemed every bit as thrilled, and there were hugs all around!

But the generally unflappable Mrs. Yost was now crying.

"Oh, Millicent, I wish you were going to be here to go to our Dinner in Buxton with us!"

"I do, too! Terribly so. But the truth is my Security isn't set up to do car travel yet, and my Mother will absolutely disown me if I'm not back in Montreal, helping to plan this Wedding we've sprung on them! But you all enjoy the night! And I'll be there in spirit. We'll do it again sometime after our Wedding!"

"That sounds perfect!"

"Well, Nathan, we've kept you three long enough! I'll have Robert deliver all this to the rowhouse. The one next door to you, right?"

"Yes, Ned. That's perfect! Thank you both so much!"

"Oh, and Nathan, congratulations, Chief Inspector!" smiled Ned.

"How did you know, Ned?" asked Nathan, surprised, as he had only told Bill.

"Came by to deliver your mail this morning, and caught Constable Winslow, instead!"

"I'm not even used to it yet, Ned. It just happened yesterday, and still feels surreal…"


As Nathan, Millicent, and Allie walked down the steps of the Mercantile, all three arm-in-arm. Bill came out of his Office and yelled for them to wait.

He came running, all out of breath.

"Let's drive out by the property, Nathan. I want Millicent to see it…"

So, the four jumped into the car, each relaxed and ready to check into possibilities.

Nathan pulled out and headed toward the property Bill had shown him.

"Not that property, Nathan! My other property, that just came off of a retainer hold. I can sell it now! Or give it to you and Millicent, as the case may be. Head northeast," directed Bill.

Millicent's heart swelled with love for this crusty Judge with a heart of gold because she could see right through him and knew exactly what he was doing.

He didn't want Nathan to show her the land that Bill had originally meant for Nathan and Elizabeth.

Instead, he wanted to show them new land together, land he meant for Nathan and Millicent, and only them.

It wasn't that it would have bothered her to see or even live on the other land, but it melted her heart that Bill would be so considerate and respectful of her and of them as a couple, to offer something new.

Perhaps, she shouldn't have insisted they stay in the rowhouse, but it truly didn't matter to her where they were, as long as she was with Nathan and Allie.

That was all that mattered to her.

Everything was happening so quickly.

It was a bit overwhelming but wonderful too!

They hadn't even gotten to talk to Allie about the school year and summers in Montreal.

There was so much they needed to cover, yet they were just relishing in their time together and didn't seem to want to clutter any of it, which was so very precious, by the detailed semantics of their new life together.

Then, too, a lot had happened since Nathan and Millicent's arrival in Hope Valley!


As they drove up to the land, Nathan couldn't believe his eyes.

"This is exquisite, Bill. Absolutely breathtaking. Allie and I have just never gone past where we fish. How did I not know this existed, or that you were the owner?" asked Nathan, as he helped Millicent, and Bill helped Allie, out of the car.

"Uncle Bill, we just passed our favorite fishing hole!"

"Why we did, didn't we? Imagine that!"

Millicent ran up to Bill and hugged him.

"You are an extraordinary man, Bill Avery!" she whispered.

The Judge blushed but was as pleased as punch that Millicent got what he was trying to do, although he hadn't had a doubt, she would!

Millicent walked back to Nathan, and both wrapped their arms around each other's waists, taking in the beautiful views, together.

"I can't believe this, Mil, look at the river! Listen to the sound of all that water! The mountains rising to the sky from behind. And all these beautiful trees!"

"It's a stunning property, Love! Just stunning!"

"Would you be upset…"

"Not at all upset, Darling. I just want you to be happy, and if it means you building us a home, I'll understand."

"You really do mean that, don't you?"

"Always."

"The acreage is so large, you won't ever have to worry about neighbors unless you choose to sell off parcels yourself. Also, this is the only road into the property. There are mountains on the north side, the river on the east and south sides, the road here, along with the town on the west side. The isolation is perfect from a security perspective, yet it's close enough to town, too."

"And there's plenty of lumber to build any kind of house you want. If you two like the place, we men can put up a big old house in no time," assured Bill. "As well as one for Security! Why we can even build a regular complex of whatever you need!"

Nathan was looking at Millicent, who could see the longing in his eyes, and in Allie's, who was standing next to her, for this was just beyond their favorite spot, and even better! This place already felt like home to them, for in many ways, it was.

"Judge, it looks like I'm outnumbered! And since a good Barrister knows when to give in, I totally defer to my fiance!"

Millicent beamed at both Nathan and Allie.

"I think you've got yourself a deal, Bill!" said Nathan with sparkling eyes.

The two men shook.

Then Nathan let out a yell of joy, lifted Millicent up, and swung her round and round and round, both laughing with pure joy!

As Bill and Allie watched with smiles on their faces, Nathan kissed his fiancée joyously and passionately, celebrating this, their Hope Valley home, cementing this important part of their future together, the three of them together, even the four of them together!

Nathan motioned for Allie and Bill to join them, and the four, so full of joy, knew they were bound as family.

Bound by love, and by this land…


"Rosemary, thanks so much for bringing the soup! I'll see that Allie has it tonight with dinner."

"She seems to have a bit more color this evening, which I'm very glad to see! She had me worried this morning."

"Rosemary, while the others are out looking at the car, can we talk privately?"

"Of course, and it's between us, always!"

"Thank you, it is confidential. Allie's going to be fine, but I'm worried about her when I leave. I don't like the idea of this happening again, without her having a woman she can talk to, or even help her if she needs it…"

"Ohhh, so it is what I thought! Oh, Millicent, of course, I'll be here for her. I'm just next door, and I'll be honored to help her, and you, don't worry about a thing. I can't be you, but I can absolutely be an Auntie for her, and will be thrilled to do so!"

Millicent hugged Rosemary.

"Thank you! I can't tell you how much that relieves me. Rosemary, I have another something, well really two things, I feel we need to talk about, as well."

"Of course, anything, Millicent."

"First, I know how terribly close you and Elizabeth are, and I don't want to come between that at all in any way. Yet, I really admire you, and I think we could be great friends, but I just do not want to make this awkward for Elizabeth. What do we do, moving forward to prevent that? How do we handle our relationship?"

"We will just be ourselves. That's really all we can do. Millicent, I admire you too, and I can see us as really great friends. You just put everyone else above yourself. And I truly admire that. There are so many other things I admire, too. I've discussed this very thing with Lee, and the bottom line is this. We are already friends and I get the feeling we're going to be very, very close friends. But I want you to know, as much as I love Elizabeth, and I do love her very much, I can love you, too, in the same way. And I won't betray either of you, ever. Confidences will stay confidences. That's the only way this will work."

"I agree. I won't betray you or Elizabeth either. It's impossible for me to even think like that. Right now, I just want Elizabeth to heal, and I want her to be whole again. I want more than anything for you to help her do that, Rosemary, as I'm not exactly in the position to help her do that, myself."

"I'm not sure how, when, or if that's going to happen, but we can pray for it, together. I think her conundrum goes well beyond just Nathan, although I admit, he is a large part of it."

"I know, and I already do pray for her."

"I thought so. So, do I. Another common bond we have. Isn't it odd, that Elizabeth almost kept us apart, but she also brings us together in our prayers for her? I only know one friendship should never preclude another one. We'll all just sort it out as it comes. But know, I'm committed to doing just that. What was the other thing you wanted to ask?"

"Second, will it be awkward if we invite you and Lee to our Wedding?"

"You'd better invite us! If not, I'll just have to crash the whole thing," laughed Rosemary. "And my 'by the book husband' will not be amused!"

"Consider you both formally invited, then! And I want you and Lee to stay with Bill at my house. Written invitations to follow, as soon as we get them, that is!" laughed Millicent.

"Oh, Millicent. We'd be thrilled! Consider your gracious invitation, formally and proudly accepted!"

"That's just wonderful! We need you there, Rosemary. I can't imagine it any other way! You helped Nathan heal. And I will forever be grateful to you for that."

The two women embraced and parted with a new profound understanding.

Their path was now written.

Or perhaps it had already been written, and was just now being acknowledged!

Both knew they were already friends, but now they had bonded their friendship while speaking frankly about their concerns for someone else they both cared about.

Now, they could put that uncertainty behind them.

They would tread empathetically, always considerate of past relationships, as well as present ones, but also as adults, close adults, who, inevitably, were drawn together, and already a part of each other's lives…


"Let me help you with that, Darling!"

"No, no. You and Bill talk! I'm just going to take this up to Allie," she smiled.

Nathan grinned and nodded, but got up to kiss Millicent's cheek.

"Thank you for doing this," he whispered.

"It's my pleasure," she promised, and her radiant smile proved her words to be true.

It was hard to tell who was happier, Millicent or Nathan...


"Come in, Momma!"

"Sweetie, I noticed you didn't eat much at dinner. So, I brought you some of Auntie Rosie's Chicken Soup. It smells delicious! I also brought you your Macarons your Dad got you from Cosette's!"

Millicent sat the tray on Allie's lap and scooted in beside her.

"Thank you, God, for our food!" was Allie's quick prayer.

Millicent couldn't help by smile.

"Momma, this is good! But I was wondering…"

"What, Sweetheart?"

"Can I ask you some questions when we go to sleep tonight?"

"Of course, Allie. You can ask me anything. I'll always be honest, I give you my word."

"It's just that I don't know really what's happening. I mean I have a pretty good idea, but it…it's just so…confusing. And I can't talk to Dad about this."

"Oh, Angel, it's perfectly normal to have a million questions. I promise I'll do my best to answer every single one!"

Millicent hugged her daughter, and make no mistake about it, Allie was already her daughter.

Millicent knew it and Allie knew it.

And no one in the world could dissuade them from that known fact.

There was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Allie called.

When Nathan entered Allie's room, he was struck by the change in it since Millicent had arrived.

There were, of course, a myriad of new pictures in silver frames on the tables by each side of Allie's bed, with more stretched out on her dresser!

And there was a new pair of Bookends there as well.

Allie's room was now filled with love.

The love of her new family members she had met only by photo.

But it was also filled with the love of her new mother, and Nathan couldn't help but choke at the very thought.

Allie had her big family to love and be loved by!

And most important of all, Allie finally had her beautiful Momma.

He shut his eyes, to keep the glistening tears about to fall from escaping, and covered his eyes instead.

Then he cleared his throat and forced a smile.

"I thought you two beautiful Ladies might like some company. And I thought there might be a young girl who might like the rest of her travel gift from Montreal!"

"Yes, please! There was so much, I almost forgot about my books! But I would have remembered, I promise!"

"Don't I know that, Young Lady!" retorted her father.

With a grin, Nathan sat down on Allie's bed, alongside Millicent, and laid the four wrapped books next to Allie.

"Is there a certain one I should open first?"

"No, just dig in, Sweetheart!"

"Dad, can Uncle Bill come and watch me open them, too?"

Bill was just across the hall, and of course, overheard the question.

"I don't see why not!" he said as he entered through her doorway.

"Come, Uncle Bill, sit over here!" and Allie motioned to the chair beside her bed.

Allie tore into the box on top, in her excitement, flinging the gold ribbon across her room.

"It's 'The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse!' by Beatrix Potter! I love her! And look this is brand new. I haven't even heard of it!" (*19)

"Look inside the cover, Allie!" instructed her Dad.

Allie could barely speak, so she traced the handwritten letters of the author's name in wonder, instead!

"I just can't believe this!"

"Allie, having Miss Potter's signature is a very special thing. But when you share your books with your friends, you know never to brag about having her signature, right? Instead, when you share, you want to make your friends feel included too! It's a very, very special thing to have an author's autograph, and they are very limited in number, meaning only a few people get to have them to enjoy. And you don't want your friends to feel less than because their books aren't signed."

"I understand, Momma. I'll be very careful to share. They'll love it. Maybe we can do a book report together and share it!"

"That's a wonderful idea, Allie. Perhaps you could talk to Mrs. Nelson about that very thing. I'm sure she can help you figure out ways to include everyone," smiled Millicent, so pleased Allie understood.

"Allie, we're proud of you, Sweetheart. And although this particular book may be a little young for you and your friends, it will still be interesting as it's her latest work!" explained her Dad.

Allie reached to hug her Momma and her Dad.

"Thank you so much! I love it!"

"You'd better unwrap the next one, Sweetie!" smiled Millicent.

"It's called 'The Magic Pudding,' by Norman Lin…" (*20)

"Lindsay, Allie. He's from Australia, and the book is a comic fantasy! This one is supposed to be a classic!" explained her Dad!

"Sounds fun! But Momma & Dad, it's autographed, too. This is the best!"

"You'd better open the next, or we're never gonna get to sleep," suggested her Uncle Bill.

"'Snugglepot and Cuddlepie,' by May Gibbs. That sounds interesting. I don't even know what they are!" (*21)

"They are homunculi, essentially tiny little people, who go on adventures and encounter villains! Miss Gibbs is also from Australia, and this book is expected to become the beginning of a series of books!"

"Momma, that sounds like so much fun! And she autographed it, too! I love that!"

"You'd better open the last one, Allie!" suggested her Dad.

"Oh, my stars! This is the twelfth Land of Oz book! I wanted this so badly! Oh! And it's autographed, too! I love it. I love it. I love it!" (*22)

"I want to read that one too," winked her Momma.

"Will you read it sometime to me, Momma?"

"I would love that, Angel!"

"I tell you what, Allie. You pick a book, and I'll start reading, so we can give your parents a little privacy! What do you say to that?" asked her Uncle.

Allie grinned from ear to ear…

"Since we can't go on a walk, I think that's perfect! Here, let's read the comic one, Uncle Bill!"

"Good choice, Allie! Well, what are you two waitin on? My niece and I need some privacy, too! Scoot, I even put some coffee on downstairs."

The two kissed their daughter and in the doorway, turned to smile at Bill, who was busy thumbing through the book Allie had handed him.

"Let's see. Where do I start?"

"Uncle Bill, you start at the beginning!"

"You don't say…"


"What are you thinking, Darling?" asked Nathan as he walked into his living room with their coffee, to find Millicent deep in thought, sitting on the settee.

"That I'm the luckiest woman in the whole wide world," she smiled.

He set their coffee on the low table in front of her and sat down by her.

But, instead of serving the coffee, he enfolded her into his arms.

"I only know I'm the luckiest man in the whole wide world. What a wonderful three days it has been!"

"The most wonderful three days! We couldn't have asked for them to be better. You love the land, don't you?"

"Yes, I really do. Protected by the mountains and the river. The mountains are much too ominous to traverse, and that river is far much too tempestuous to pass through, as it roars around the edge of the mountains. I'll just feel safer with you and Allie there."

She ran her fingers along his jawline.

"A safe place for our family," she whispered.

"Our family…that has the most wonderful ring to it, Mil!"

"Well, if we don't get this Wedding of ours planned, there won't be a family. Afraid the Ceremony will have to be fairly large to include everyone we know. Are you okay with that, Darling?"

"Fill the Church, I want everyone to know I'm in love with the most beautiful woman in the world," and he nuzzled her neck.

"See, this is what gets us into trouble. You do this every time, and we suddenly forget all about making our Wedding plans, Nathan Grant! Is there anyone else in Hope Valley you want to invite?"

Nathan chuckled, deep and low, and kept on doing exactly what he was doing…

He lightly wisped kisses around her neck, up to her chin, till his warm lips landed on her soft ones, and both forgot about anything and everything except each other's tender touch.

Millicent finally was able to get a few breathless words out.

"This is just...so unfair. I have to face Mother...alone…and…"

He lifted the simple sapphire comb holding her stylish French Twist, causing her long blonde tresses to fall out over her shoulders, framing her gorgeous face.

He gasped, always stunned by her beauty!

And he was mesmerized by how that tiny maneuver could totally change his Love's look, making her his alone.

Whether her hair was in a perfect updo or freely flowing round about her, her elegance always shined through, touching his very soul.

But with her hair au naturale, his fingers were quickly lost in the silky mass of her tresses, leaving Nathan otherwise, and very much thoroughly, engaged.

Why between his passionate kisses and tender caresses, he hadn't even heard her words!

And she didn't even remember saying them...

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

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

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

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