Chapter 46: Hat Parade Sunday Part II

The Café was abuzz with after Church Diners, as all the Ladies were wanting to show off their beautiful hats!

Bill had arranged a couple of tables together in the very center of the dining room and had seated Nathan, Millicent, Allie, Rosemary, and Lee there.

He was planning to join them after serving their meal.

But right now, he had Yeast Rolls to tend to!

"Oh, Rosemary, I should tell you Elizabeth is arriving tomorrow by Stage Coach," remembered Nathan.

"She is? Why hasn't she said? And if you don't mind my asking, Nathan, how do you know that?"

"She sent me an urgent telegram last night."

For once, Rosemary was silent.

"Rosemary, are you okay?" asked Lee.

"No, Lee. I'm not okay. I don't understand why she would do that. She knows Millicent is here in Hope Valley because I told her so. And that's just plain rude. I'm sorry, Millicent, but it is."

Both Nathan and Millicent were relieved that Allie was off at another table chatting away with a couple of her friends, as this conversation had just taken a turn they'd rather her not hear.

"It's okay, Rosemary. I don't mind at all. I think it's a good sign she's coming back. Don't you?" asked Millicent.

"Truthfully, I'm not at all sure. There goes that dependency again, and you two need to watch out for it! She could have just as easily telegrammed me. Why she could have just told me on the phone. We've spoken every single day! What time did you get the telegram, Nathan?"

"Let's see, we had just started dinner. So, it was about 6:45."

"That's funny. She and I spoke for at least twenty minutes somewhere between 8-9, and she didn't mention a single word about coming. I think the entire subject of conversation was about a new wardrobe!"

Nathan and Millicent, who were holding hands, glanced at each other, not sure what to make of this information, but deciding together, in an instant, to take the high road.

"It will all work out, Rosemary," assured Nathan, squeezing Millicent's hand.

"You be careful. I have good instincts and this is not right," she insisted.

"Do you think she's doing any better, at all, Rosemary?" asked Millicent, hopefully.

"I don't know. She seems much more relaxed, which she should be without any responsibilities. But my gut says no. And the reason is, she just chit chats. Doesn't talk about anything of substance at all, which is odd because we always get right to the meat of things. And when I ask about Little Jack, he's always with the new Governess, they've hired. Oh, I hate this. But I'll just be completely honest, here. We all have to be, in order to help her through this. She has asked about all three of you on each and every call. Thankfully, I've been able to keep everything in very general terms. As much as we missed you, Nathan, it was almost a relief to be able to truthfully say 'I have no idea where Nathan is!' while you were gone!"

"Do you think she's seen our Engagement pictures?" asked Millicent.

"She has, she mentioned it to me after you all got here. She was talking about her new wardrobe, and that she was looking at the Montreal paper for new fashion pieces. Of course, she saw your Engagement photos everywhere instead. She said she wasn't at all surprised, that deep down she knew you both loved each other way before the pictures but was just shocked at the timing."

"Rosie, don't scare them to death. We'll all rally around her," promised Lee. "And you two as well!"

"Yes, we will, Sweetheart. I just hope that's enough! This best friend is running out of rabbits to pull out of the proverbial hat!"

At that moment, Allie came running back to their table and sat down by Millicent, who wrapped her arms around her in a hug.

"Allie, I love your hat," exclaimed Rosemary, changing the conversation entirely. "I meant to tell you at Church, Sweetheart!"

"Thank you, Auntie Rosie. Robert liked it too!" beamed Allie.

"Now that's a smart young man!" declared her Uncle Lee.

"The Rolls are done, and I'm ready to serve dinner!" announced Bill, carrying a huge platter of Pot Roast surrounded by Celery, Carrots, Leeks, Parsnips, and Potatoes.

"This looks scrumptious, Bill!"

"Thank you, Lee! More coming! Get ready for the casseroles and salads!"

Next Bill brought out a second tray with an Orange Beet Casserole, Scalloped Corn, and Fried Green Beans.

Then he made a third trip and brought out the third tray with Macaroni Salad, Gelatin Fruit Salad, and, last but not least, his famous Yeast Rolls!

"Goodness, Bill, this is an absolute feast!" grinned Nathan.

"Yes, it is, and you all just enjoy! Lee, would you like to say Grace?"

"Be happy to!" smiled Lee.

"Dear Father, we thank You for the beautiful Sunday Morning Service we have just attended, and we thank You from the bottom of our hearts for the soul-filling song we got to hear. We thank You for our fellowship here together today. And we ask that You be with Elizabeth and Little Jack as they travel home to us. We thank You for this bountiful table of food, and we ask that You bless those who prepared it and bless it to the nourishment of our bodies, for your sake, Amen!"

There was a round of hearty "Amens!" from everyone at the table.

Bill began passing the food, with the men over-filling their plates, and the women taking much smaller refined portions!

"Millicent, how long are you getting to stay?" asked Rosemary.

Nathan, Millicent, and Allie all glanced up with pained looks on their faces.

"I leave on the Wednesday Train, Rosemary."

Nathan and Allie literally blanched at the words, and truthfully, so did Millicent.

"I should have added you to our prayer for safe travels, Millicent, but I was hoping you'd be here with us a lot longer!" offered Lee.

"Thank you, Lee! Appreciate your prayers when the time comes. It's going to be very hard to leave these two."

"And it's going to be so very hard for us to let you leave, Darling! But, we have a Wedding to get ready for, and this is the only way to make that happen!" explained Nathan. "We Grants and Bradfords come from strong stock. My Girls and I will somehow make it through, won't we Girls?"

Both Millicent and Allie nodded, trying their best to smile, but they were weak smiles at best.

Nathan reached to kiss Millicent's cheek, offering a smile of encouragement.

"The time will pass faster than a shootin' star! And we'll all be together again before you know it," encouraged Bill.

"We'll all be praying," promised Rosemary. "And we can't wait for the Wedding! I've never even been to Montreal before! So, really looking forward to that too!"

"I've only been once, and I loved it! Rosie is going to absolutely fall in love with all of Montreal!" smiled Lee.

"What can I do to help you with planning the Wedding?" asked Rosemary.

"Ned and Florence gave us the most beautiful Wedding Planner Journal, but I have no idea what to put in it!" admitted Millicent.

"Well, I usually plan all the weddings of Hope Valley, so why don't I give you a list to go by, when we head home? Would that help, Millicent?"

"Immensely, thank you, Rosemary! I really didn't know where to start. So very much appreciated!

"Bill, every single thing is delicious. I can't even decide which is best. It's all so good!" complimented Nathan.

"I second and third that!" spoke Lee between bites.

"Lee, you don't get two seconds!" laughed Rosemary.

"When you love good food as much as me, you do! Besides, I've kept my trim and youthful figure!"

"Oh, sure…," laughed his wife.

"Uncle Bill, I agree. Everything tastes really good! But I have a favorite…"

"And what is that, Allie?"

"You made my Scalloped Corn, and it's the bomb!" smiled Allie broadly.

Bill beamed from ear to ear.

"Well, now, it doesn't get better than the bomb, does it? And by the way, I made that just for you, Young Lady!"

"Thank you, Uncle Bill, and no, Sir, it sure doesn't get better than the bomb!"

"Unless, of course, there's Lemon Meringue Pie for Dessert!" retorted Bill, tongue-in-cheek.

That brought a murmur of delight from every single person around the table, especially Allie…


Nathan and Millicent had the Grant rowhouse to themselves to spend the entire afternoon planning their Wedding.

But Nathan had already been warned, no lollygagging around this time!

Which meant fewer kisses, and overall fun, with a lot more work in their place!

Bill had gone riding with the Security Team, all except for Kyle, that is.

The Judge was hoping to better familiarize the "Boys" as he called them, with the entire Hope Valley area, according to his high standards, along with all the historical detail involved, from as far back as he could remember.

To say nothing of improving their riding skills.

Poor men, because it was going to be a long afternoon out in the cold.

Lucky Kyle got out of Bill's riding critique, at least this time, since he was watching over Allie as she was spending the afternoon at Angela's reading aloud one of her new books to her.

Which was a good thing for Kyle, given his riding abilities, or lack thereof!

And because Nathan and Millicent wanted to spend as much time with Allie as possible, there weren't many nights left, for Nathan and Millicent to have a date night.

So, Bill had magnanimously volunteered his office for their special romantic dinner tonight, that Gustav was preparing.

He had also offered to take Allie to the Café to have a private dinner with his niece at the same time!


"How are you really feeling, Milli? Are you sure you're okay with all this Elizabeth stuff?"

"Of couse, Love! I'm completely confident in us. And in our love. I do hope she finds someone she can love and truly be happy with, though, as well."

"I am truly sorry, Babe!"

"Whatever for, Baby?"

"Rosemary's right. Elizabeth should have told her she was coming. Not me. I overlooked it before I realized they were speaking on the phone every day."

"Nathan, this isn't a problem. It truly isn't. I won't have you feeling bad about something that is out of your control."

She wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Besides, we have a Wedding to plan. Our Wedding!"

He already had her in his arms.

His voice came out in a low, guttural whisper.

"I love you! With all my being I love you!"

"I adore you, completely. You are my heart, Nathan Grant!" she smiled up at him lovingly.

The two just held each other tightly, not wanting to ever let go.

"I am so happy to be alone with you!" he whispered as he deposited light, feathery kisses first, into her hair, then moving on to her gorgeous face.

She smiled, then tiptoed to kiss him more easily, fervently pressing her lips against his, with her fingers funning through his hair, tenderly caressing him, and loving him with her whole heart.

"You, my Love, gave me the very best present you could ever give me, at Church, this morning."

"I sang the song for you, Darling. Only you! It's a covenant, our covenant. You are my vision, and God is our vision together."

"That's so beautiful, Love! You sang so beautifully, too, Nate. I've never heard the words sung with such impact. You put your whole heart into it. I could feel it. And by doing so, you touched every single heart in the Congregation!"

"Maybe, although definitely with the exception of one."

"I noticed! But you know, you truly never know what he really took from your words. Just standing there in front of the entire town, and opening yourself up like that had to have left an impact. You were witnessing, Nathan. And mark my words, whether Lucas acted like it or not, at some point in time, he will remember."

"I suppose you're right. You know, Mil, I don't see how we can ever go wrong as long as we seek God in our marriage, first and foremost."

"Agreed. As we do that, I know He will pour out His blessings on us."

"He already has poured out his blessings, Love! With Allie wanting us to be a family as much as we do and being as excited as us. By working out our Security situation. With the entire town coming together to honor our Engagement. With our gifted Ranch or Farm as we like to call it, north of Montreal. With our gifted new land right here in Hope Valley. With my new job, and all its possibilities. Having clarity on the charities we want to start, and getting approval for mine. Even working out about the car. Abundant blessings, rich blessings! Blessings I never ever dreamed possible. But, don't ever forget this, the most wonderful blessing of all, is you, my beautiful Love! You matter to me more than anything in this entire world, and always will!"

"God truly has blessed us abundantly already, Love! And I feel exactly the same about you. My privileged life, and I know that it is, was so very empty without you. And don't you ever forget this…you have always been, are presently, and always will be, my greatest blessing of all! I am so very grateful and humbled to be sharing my life with you."

"Together, there's going to be so much love, and we're going to make such a difference, Mil."

"A wonderful difference, Love!"

They embraced once more, and then, smiling, Nathan took the hand of his soon-to-be Bride and led her to the dining table, where they had placed their Wedding Planner Journal, a stack of Paper, and a couple of Pens with Ink, along with Rosemary's Outline for the perfect Wedding.

Millicent smiled as he held her chair.

"Colleen's painting is in the perfect spot for us to be sitting! It's like she's helping us plan our Wedding!"

"Well, that would be a whirlwind for sure!" laughed Nathan, knowing exactly how exuberant his sister was. "But you look at that painting, and without a doubt, she's here! Where do we start, my gorgeous Fiancee?"

"Oh, I forgot to get the coffee. We're going to need plenty of that!" and Millicent jumped up to run to the kitchen.

Nathan followed and helped prepare a tray with her honey and cream, while she poured the hot brew into a Coffee Pot.

"Do we need anything to munch on?" he asked.

"Are you kidding me? I'm so full from that lunch of Bill's, I don't think I could eat another bite!"

"That's good because all I need is this…" and he bent to kiss her, drawing her closer, right there in the kitchen.

"This, is what always gets us into trouble, Nathan Grant! We have to focus…"

"That's no fun!" he pouted.

"Oh, but it's going to be so much fun…" she teased. "Just think, newlywed life, you and me, and this is how we get there!"

He groaned, regretfully letting her go, and lifting the tray.

"Well, when you put it that way, I'll try really hard to be good…"


Nathan and Millicent walked back to the dining table in the living area next to the kitchen.

Both had changed, along with Allie and Bill, into more comfortable casual clothes for the day, but of course, Millicent looked as stunning as ever.

"How do you do it, Love? You look wonderful in whatever you throw on!" asked a nonplussed Nathan, as he sat down their tray.

"Thank you, Darling! That's a very nice thing to hear from my handsome Fiance, soon-to-be Husband!"

"It's just the truth! You always look incredible, Mil!" he kissed her cheek. "But I guess we've got to get cracking! Don't forget, you and I have a big important dinner date tonight, so where do we start?"

They sat and took a few sips of coffee, then Nathan literally rolled up his sleeves, as he leaned back in his chair…

"First thing, Darling, according to Rosemary, is our Wedding Announcements and Invitations. I was thinking classic, white with gold engraving, in a simple, but flowing cursive script," suggested Millicent.

"That's perfect! Simple is good!"

"Gold Wax Seal with our two initials intertwined?"

"Perfect."

"Now for the hard part! Guest List. I'm deferring to Mother for my part. Who do you want to add to the list?" asked Millicent.

"Well, I'm deferring to my Mother for my part!"

Millicent giggled.

"Sorry, Love! Afraid it's not that simple for you! Your poor Mother can't possibly know who you want to invite from the Academy, the Mounties, or from Hope Valley. You have to at least take care of those lists, just as I will have to for my work and charities. Why don't we make those lists now, and get that part over with?"

"Sounds good," sighed Nathan, as he reached for paper and pen. "Okay, I'll start with the Commissioner and his wife, then, of course, Gabe and Lillian. Followed by a few of my buddies who went through the Academy with me…"

After some time, Nathan proudly announced, "There, that should do it for work!"

"What about the Superintendents and Inspectors? You can't leave them out, can you? Especially not with your promotion!"

"I suppose you're right! But I don't want them to feel like they have to come."

"They won't. Anyway, better than feeling like they were overlooked!"

"Well, when you put it that way…we'll add them in."

"Nathan, would you be okay with you and your men wearing your uniforms for the Service?"

"But if we do that, what about Richard and William?"

"I was thinking maybe they could usher and then, come up and stand beside you along with your other attendants. If you'd like, William can even escort Allie and Pippa down the aisle and Richard can escort Margaret, as they're family, then the others can come down in pairs after them."

"That's different, but it just might work! I like that it would be family coming down the aisle together, and ending with family with you and your Father!"

"I like it too," and she reached to seal their decision with a quick kiss. "But, Darling it will be ending with you, me, and Allie as a family!"

"Now that's a spectacular thought! And hey, if I keep getting kisses along the way of this planning session, I might even like doing this!" chuckled Nathan. "How many attendants are we talking about?"

"It will depend on you more than me since yours will be work-related by title. You come up with a list, and I'll match it. How does that sound?"

"That works. I'll get a list with addresses and phone numbers of all the Superintendents and Head Inspectors. In fact, I think I already have it in my briefcase. We can divvy it up and have some form the Honor Guard if you'd like to have that. Usually, it's required when Mounties are involved in a Wedding, though, Love!"

"Then Honor Guard, it is. Besides, that might just help with Security," she mused.

"Always thinking, Babe. It most certainly will help with Security! A great idea I hadn't even thought of! That way, at least we'll be able to make it to the car! We sure don't want a repeat of our Engagement Sunday! It's just that I'm super worried about what Richard will come up with, to do to said car, inside and out!"

"Oh, don't even mention Richard! I'm going to have our Mothers talk to him, but frankly, I don't think it's going to do much good! It appears our Fathers are in cahoots with him!"

"I'm even thinking about having a backup car, and just have them replace the original one when we walk out!"

Millicent laughed.

"That's genius! I love it! You have to play smart with Richard! Beat him at his own game!"

"Does that take care of Invites?"

"What about invites for Hope Valley? We already have Rosemary and Lee, Florence and Ned, and of course, Bill. Who are we missing?"

"I'll ask Bill, who he thinks might want to come all that distance. Although I probably should ask Florence, as she's more in the know about those sorts of things. I'll check with both of them and get you a list," offered Nathan.

"What about the rest of our neighbors? I hate not to ask them, since Rosemary and Lee are coming. They all have been so nice to accept all our baggage!"

"I think it's a great idea to ask them all!" agreed Nathan.

But then there was dead silence as both realized that meant Elizabeth would be included.

And the last thing either of them wanted to do was to hurt her.

"But does it hurt her more to not ask?" asked Millicent. "I don't think she'll attend, but it might be nice to be included in the asking."

"I don't want you to worry about that. I'll add it to my list, and talk to Rosemary about it. She'll know what's best to do better than anybody else," noted Nathan. "But, I just had a thought. What if more want to come from Hope Valley than we expect?"

"We'll just work it out. You know we can't keep everyone at the townhouse, but for the ones besides Bill, Rosemary, and Lee, the family will pay for a block of hotel rooms as well as their food, so they won't have to worry about any of that. In fact, I'm sure Father will take care of their travel, too."

"That's really nice, Mil. I know that will allow several to come who couldn't otherwise afford it. Thank you for that!"

Then Nathan hesitantly added something else, almost as an afterthought.

"Mil, the people in Montreal and those in Hope Valley are so very different from each other…do you think that's going to be a problem for them?"

"You mean socially? Darling, the people of Hope Valley, who choose to attend our Wedding, will be treated as our honored guests, just like the snobby society folks will be! I will personally see to that, myself. Besides, you know Mother! She always makes sure everyone is treated equally! And the staff is the same way. They would never look down on anyone. Believe me, Father would have made them redundant long ago, if they had. Our family just doesn't condone that sort of thing! And quite honestly, the staff has been with us so long, they don't condone anyone being treated differently either!"

"Of course, I didn't mean to imply otherwise. I just want everyone to feel welcome," and he reached to kiss her cheek. "But you do have to admit, it's going to be quite the mix of people! Add my Dad in and we've got one wild party – a regular Irish Ceilidh!"

"Doesn't that mean to dance and rejoice? I certainly hope so! Your Dad will be the life of the party! He can't help it. He simply oozes that Irish charm of his. Sort of like his son, just a much louder, less reserved version! But the differences you were speaking of, are what makes life interesting, Love! It's going to all work perfectly!"

"You, Millicent Bradford are my Kalie."

"Is that good or bad? That's one I don't know!"

"It's very good," he grinned, taking both her hands, but his eyes were so serious and full of love. "It's Gaelic for Darling and Beloved! Which means you most certainly are my Kalie, my Darling, my Beloved."

"I love being your Kalie, your Darling, your Beloved. Because you are my Kalie, my Darling, my Beloved!"

They both stretched to kiss, causing them to laugh, as they barely could reach each other's lips.

"Good grief, I've been worried about Richard, and Dad's just as bad. There's no telling what the two of them together will cook up!"

Millicent giggled because she loved both his parents, but it couldn't be denied, no one could party like Nathan's Dad, and no one could prank like Nathan's Dad, that is except maybe for Richard!

"Mil, it's not funny. Our Wedding Reception will be a regular Irish Jig!"

Millicent broke out laughing at her shy Fiance.

"But aren't we lucky to have someone we love who is so charismatic, and plain old fun? Good grief, he'll make everyone feel at home!"

"We'll just wait to see if the Bride's saying that when he waltzes her around the dance floor in a jig at a speed faster than an automobile, that won't stop! Because there are absolutely no brakes on that man!"

Millicent, laughing, broke her own rule and moved to set on Nathan's lap, putting her arms around his neck.

"Somehow, I'll manage, because I'm sure my handsome and charming Groom will save me by cutting in."

"You are absolutely correct," and he kissed her once more, with passion, caressing her back. "My beautiful Bride better save her entire dance card for her Groom!"

"For my handsome Groom! Oh, that's a promise, Chief Inspector Grant, except for the Fathers, of course! I do believe there's a compulsory dance or two including the Fathers!"

They laughed a bit with kisses of all kinds, playfully enjoying each other, till both realized they had lots more to do!

"Whew, feels like we've accomplished a lot," exclaimed Millicent, as she got up from his lap, and went to warm up their coffee. "Break time, but tons more to do, Darling!"

"And I was just getting so comfortable…" he pouted.


She laughed, that lyrical laugh he loved, retired to the kitchen, and soon returned with their fresh drinks.

"Here, hot coffee will do the trick!"

Nathan rose and set the two Coffee Cups on the table.

"Next item, Love! I want to get this done, and have you and me time," begged Nathan.

"Love, this IS you and me time!"

"Yes, but I just want to hold you. You'll be gone before I know it," he complained while he was doing just that.

He looked so sad, she ran her fingers along his jawline.

"I'm here now, Baby, and we've got all day together, plus rumor has it that some handsome Gentleman I know has a very special night planned!"

He brightened, "And that handsome Gentleman you know better be me, Babe!"

She laughed and gave him a loving kiss of reassurance.

"Nathan Grant if you don't know by now that you're the only handsome Gentleman in my entire world…"

He stopped her words with another kiss.

"Hmm, I was hoping that was the case…" he whispered, pointedly rubbing his cheek against hers.

"Time out! That is an unfair tactic! It's back to work for you and me. Remember, I'm the one who has to face our Mothers! Alone, I might add!"

"Yikes! That is daunting! We HAD better get back to work, like now," he grinned.

He helped Millicent back to her chair, unable to resist kissing the back of her neck, which brought a giggle from her and a chuckle from him.

"Okay, for colors, to match your Uniform, I thought maybe gold. I like it too because it's different. Also, I can't think of anything that would look better with the Serge, or of anything that says New Year's Eve more."

"Gold will look best, for sure!"

"Gold, it is! Any flower preferences, Love?" asked Millicent.

"An explosion of your bouquet, Darling, will be perfect, unless you have something else in mind?"

"I love that! White Orchids, White Hydrangeas, and White Roses it is. Oh, with lots and lots of White Lily of the Valley, your Mother's favorite, and lots of White Gardenias, my Mother's favorite, all thrown in!" remembered Millicent.

"They will love that, Mil! This way our flowers represent all three of you!"

"We'll also probably have to do something taller to fit the Sanctuary, but Mother said she had an idea about that! I believe she's thinking to bring nature in, maybe with lots of green trees that can later be planted in the Church's Garden."

"I actually love that idea. Leave it to Victoria to bring Nature into the Sanctuary and then plant everything later!"

"So, now we have our flowers! Next is music. I would love for the processional to be Pachelbel's Canon in D?" (*26)

"With Beethoven's Ode to Joy from Symphony 9 for the Recessional?" asked the Groom-to-be. (*27)

"Perfection! Now for in-between…"

"'Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,' 'O Perfect Love,' and 'The Lord's Prayer,'" offered Nathan rattling them off quickly. "Those are my favorites!" (*28) (*29) (*30)

"Those are truly perfect, because they're my favorites, too, Love! But, can I add one more?"

"You can add as many as you like, Darling! You are the Bride, after all!"

"I know it's too much to ask you to sing it to me at our Wedding, so I won't do that, but could we have 'Be Thou My Vision,' too? As our private covenant." (*31)

"I think that's wonderful! You and I will know the words are coming from me, Mil, and that's all that's important."

"I love you! Just one more, when we sign the adoption papers, do you think it would be nice to sing 'All Things Bright and Beautiful?'" asked Millicent. "For Allie! It's light and she loves animals."

"That is absolutely perfect, Darling. Perfect. She loves that song. With that, I think we have our music, and it's going to be really beautiful!" declared Nathan. "Besides all of the music perfectly suits us."

"It does, doesn't it? Okay, invitations, flowers, and music! That only leaves us with finishing the Guest List and firming up the Attendants! Right?"

"Well, I'm no expert. What does Rosemary's list say?" asked Nathan.

"Clergy, but that's done. Although I would love if Joseph and Minnie could come, and he could have a part."

"We'll have to ask them if that's possible. But if they can come, I'm sure he would love to be a part of the Service."

"Nathan, there's one other thing. Scripture. The Bishop said he would give me a list of suitable scripture and I thought we could select our favorites over the phone. What do you think about asking Hendrix and Estella to read our Scripture selections in tandem, and, then ask Joseph to perhaps read First Corinthians 13?"

"Millicent, that is the sweetest thing I've ever heard. Hendrix and Estella will be over the moon to be included, and they are family. I love that idea!"

"Then as Essie would say, I think our Wedding Service is a wrap!"

"And what a Wedding it's going to be!" beamed Nathan as he rose to help his Fiancee up and wrap her in his arms.

"With the most beautiful Bride anyone has ever seen..."


"Momma looks beautiful!" announced Allie, as she came running down the stairs.

Both Allie and Bill were waiting with Nathan, who had also dressed formally for their special date!

Nathan was pacing a bit, back and forth.

"Son, no need to be nervous. You two are engaged! She can't say no now!"

"Very funny, Bill. I just want everything to be perfect for her."

"You're her date. Of course, it's gonna be perfect!"

Promptly at half past six, Millicent came down the stairs, looking stunning in an empire-waisted purple printed velveteen dress, with a wide flower-bedecked cumberbund in solid purple velvet and an ivory lace bodice. She wore long purple hand gloves that elegantly extended up past her elbows! She carried a purple velvet handbag trimmed in filigreed sterling silver with chain and oval medallion, as well as purple and blue crystals.

"Allie's right, Darling. You look exquisite," as he greeted her with a sweet kiss.

Her scent wafted over him, and he instantly calmed.

He helped her all the way down, and she instantly went to Bill and kissed him on the cheek, which caused him to blush and gasp in surprise.

Then she turned her attention to Allie, stooping down to hug and kiss her.

"You and your Uncle Bill have a great time together. We'll read some when we all get back here. How does that sound?"

"That sounds great. You and Dad have a great time too, Momma!"

"Thank you, Allie. I'm sure we will!"

Nathan reached for Millicent's fur coat and wrapped her in it.

"Are you ready, Darling?" he asked gently, not wanting to let go of her.

"So ready, Love," she smiled back.

He turned and kissed his Daughter goodbye.

"Allie you be good for your Uncle. Bill, thank you!"

"My pleasure!"

Both Allie and Bill smiled and quickly walked to the doorway to see the couple off.

Nathan opened the door of their new car for Millicent and proudly walked around to the driver's side.

As he started the car, and pulled out into the road, Allie and Bill waved from the doorway, then turned to bundle themselves up to make it to the Café for dinner.

None of the four realized that their carefully planned lazy Family Monday was going to be anything but that...


"Darling, this is so romantic!" on her seat was one White Hydrangea, one White Orchid, and one White Rose tied loosely together with a White Satin Ribbon. "Thank you!"

"It's my pleasure!"

"Do you realize this is the first time we've been in a car without Albert driving?"

"I hadn't thought of that, but you're right. How does it feel?"

"Marvelous!" she reached for his hand lying on his thigh, smiling up at him.

"It feels like we're free, just you and me!" she whispered.

"No offense to Albert, but it is pretty wonderful!" agreed Nathan.

He smiled back at her, quickly pulling up to the Judge's Chambers.

He was hoping everything had gone just as he had planned, as he jumped out of the car, to open Millicent's door.

She stepped out on a trail of white rose petals, that glistened from the golden light of the wall lanterns.

"Darling…this is magical!" she exclaimed.

He took her arm, and led her up the steps of the boardwalk, into a room that was beautifully bedecked with her favorite flowers.

Abundant, but not overdone.

It was just right, elegant even.

Everything had been moved, and only a very beautifully set Table for Two was placed in the very center, with two tall tapers that had already been lit.

The room was also lit by several lanterns spaced out perfectly around the room, giving everything the perfect romantic glow!

Soft music was playing from a Gramophone off to the side.

"This is perfection, Darling! It's wonderful. Thank you!"

"I'm glad you like it!" he smiled. "It's not the fancy restaurants in Montreal, but it's perfect because you're here."

Nathan then reached to help Millicent out of her coat.

Her hair was in a beautiful low chignon, and he couldn't resist placing a tender kiss next to it, on her slender neck, which brought a coy smile to her face.

He then turned to hang her coat on the rack by the front door, not wanting to leave her for a second.

When he returned, he took both her gloved hands.

"Tonight, is your night, Millicent Bradford, Hope Valley style."

She placed her gloved hands and arms around his neck, and he smiled at the sensation they created.

"I like Hope Valley style!" she smiled.

He kissed her passionately in response, enfolding her to him, creating an intense fire between them.

And instantly, he truly didn't know how he had ever survived without her.

"What do you say, let's get you out of your gloves so you can eat…"

He released her to gently hold her right arm first, looking at her just a bit hesitantly.

"I've never done this before."

"You're doing fine. Just peel the top down…just like that," encouraged Millicent.

He couldn't help but look at her.

Such an innocent thing to do, but somehow, it felt so very intimate, standing here along in this romantic setting.

She felt it too, and was breathing faster than normal.

His own breathing matching hers.

Their hearts were racing.

This was the man to whom she had given her heart, although perhaps he had always had it.

This was the woman to whom he had given his heart, although perhaps she had always had it.

This was the man she would soon marry and love the rest of her life.

This was the woman he would soon marry and love and protect the rest of his life.

There would be many intimacies ahead for both of them, this was just a tiny beginning.

As he slowly pulled the first glove down, when he got to her wrist, he entwined his own fingers into hers, both looking directly at each other, with him finishing his task by touch.

He slowly removed the long glove from her hand and laid it over his shoulder.

Then he took her ungloved hand and brought it to his lips, tenderly kissing it, as though she was the most precious thing in the world, because she truly was!

He removed the second glove more confidently, but just as slowly, looking in her eyes just as intently.

"I love you, Kalie! My Darling, my Beloved!"

"I love you, Kalie! My Darling, my Beloved," she responded in kind.

The fervor of his intensity brought tears to her eyes. And she found herself thanking God for this beautiful, sensuous man, who filled her heart and her very soul.

It was at that moment both realized there was nothing that could truly separate them.

Not even being apart physically.

And both gained strength in that realization!

He kissed her left hand just as carefully as the right, adoring her with his whole being.

"Shall we eat?"

He seated her and then sat opposite from her.

They took both of each other's hands across the table.

"Dear Father, we thank You for each other and for our most heartfelt love together. We thank you also for our many blessings and for the special meal we are about to receive. We ask that you be with us and undergird us with your strength, as we face this time period of being physically absent from each other before our Wedding. In your name we ask."

And they jointly said "Amen" together.

First, Nathan opened a bottle of champagne, popping the cork across the room, causing Millicent to clap with delight.

He then poured the bubbly nectar into their champagne flutes.

"To the most beautiful woman in the world, who is my everything!"

Then Nathan got up to bring a Platter of Broiled Oysters with Warm Mignonette Sauce and Slivers of Bacon, from a side credenza.

"Oh, yum!" and they playfully fed each other the Oysters from their Shells. "I'm not even going to ask how you got these!"

"A man has to have some secrets!" he smiled slyly.

Next was an earthy Wild Mushroom Risotto.

"I wanted Shrimp, your favorite, but they weren't to be had! You'll find we often have to make do in the 'wild west' as Allie calls it!"

"We're 'making do' just fine! I love Mushroom Risotto, and this one is delicious, Darling! Did Gustav make this?"

"He did! Bill said this one was out of his league!" smiled Nathan.

After their Risotto course was finished, Nathan brought the main course to their table.

"This looks wonderful, Love!"

"It's Beef Tenderloin with Bordelaise Sauce, Gustav's specialty, and Caramelized Carrots, Parsnips, & Shallots. It looks even better than I imagined!"

"It's scrumptious. I'll have to thank him!"

"Let's do that together, Darling!"

"Of course, Love!"

Millicent had no idea Nathan was concerned about her being in the saloon without him, even with Tom or the rest of the Security Team.

They had been briefed, but still, they didn't know the situation or the people involved like he and Bill did.

Where Millicent was concerned, he simply was not taking any chances, and although he truly thought the risks were minimal, they were still there.

Next, came a Fruit and Cheese Course, which consisted of a beautiful assortment of Apples, Grapes, and Pears, alone with a Brie, Chevre Goat Cheese, Manchego Cheese, and Mascarpone.

The Platter was made complete with Marcona Almonds and Toasted Sugared Walnuts, an assortment of Jams, Jellies, and Mustards, as well as slices of Prosciutto and pieces of Toasted Baguette, to put everything on.

The competitive couple scooted their chairs together and made a contest of seeing who could make the most delicious combination of flavors, tasting and laughing, trying to outdo each other!

In the end, it was a whole lot of fun and unequivocally a tie, until Millicent created her masterpiece at the very end, succinctly robbing her Fiance of a chance to come back!

He moaned at the concoction she placed in his mouth, and summarily gave up without resistance!

"I'd say Allie and I are in pretty good hands as far as cooking is concerned!" he laughed. "I bow to the Queen!"

And then he kissed her, with the delectable flavors of her concoction still on his lips.

"Dance with me, Mil!" and Nathan took her hand, and went to the Gramophone to put on a Waltz, specifically 'The Love Waltz.' (*32)

They danced beautifully, fluidly, together, already as one.

Holding her in his arms was everything to him, and being held in his arms was everything to her.

"I love you, so, Nate."

"I love you, to the moon and back again, Mil," whispered Nathan. "So completely. To think the last time we danced in Hope Valley, we were just friends is inconceivable to me, but I'm so very thankful you were here. You healed me, Mil. You filled me, and I could see so very clearly it was you, and had been you forever."

They danced a few different waltzes, then went back to their original waltz, dancing closely together once more, feeling each other's love as Nathan had just said, "so completely."

As the Love Waltz ended, Nathan bent and kissed her fervently and longingly, even reverently. (*32)

It was a kiss that would stay with them, one that would always be remembered from this very special night, when the two of them took a bit of time for just each other, after they had planned their Wedding during the day.

"I have a surprise for your Dessert. Are you ready?"

"Feed it to me and you have a deal," she smiled.

He led her back to their table, anxious to show his special surprise, one that she still hadn't noticed.

He lifted the silver dome with a flourish, and she awed!

"This is perfect! Where in the world did you find Strawberries?"

"Again, a secret! It's a Strawberry, Chocolate Meringue Torte. I described your favorite flavors and Gustav made it especially for you!"

"Look at the layers of Meringue, all separated by Chocolate Ganache, with fresh Strawberries everywhere and topped with Whipped Cream! This looks positively heavenly!" she exclaimed, anxious for a taste, which Nathan promptly fulfilled.

He fed her and she fed him, playing with their bites of food and each other.

"This is incredible, Darling. Thank you ever so much! We really do have to thank Gustav. And I have to get the recipe!"

And yes, there might have been some Whipped Cream gone astray to lots of laughter, but there was absolutely no problem cleaning it all up...

When they were finally finished with their special dessert, Nathan rose.

"Excuse me, just for a moment, Darling!"

He went back to the credenza where he had hidden a wrapped package behind the food and off to one side.

He carried it carefully, back to her, handing it gently to her.

"With my heart, Millicent!"

"Nathan…"

"I want you to have this, at least until we're ready for it elsewhere."

She opened the package hoping, but not knowing…

"Oh, Nathan, I so desperately wanted this to take home with me. I just couldn't ask."

"You keep it, Darling, till after our Wedding, then if you still think it needs to be in my new Office, we'll put it there. If not, you can keep it wherever you like."

It was the painting Colleen had done of Nathan, the one that depicted him just as he was, handsome, debonair, reticent, quiet, and even shy, but also confident, strong, and a force to be reckoned with.

It depicted him as what he was: a hero of a man, and a man of faith who was secure in his own skin.

A most remarkable man.

The painting was so multi-layered, it somehow had captured all of him on that canvas, in a way no one but his twin could have ever done.

Nathan was sitting beside her now, and she moved to his lap, loving him, thanking him for this gift that meant so much.

It would somehow get her through their separation, and in an odd way, knowing she had the painting of him would help him through their separation as well.

For they were beginning to realize, they weren't just planning a month and a half apart.

Instead, they were planning a glorious lifetime together…

(*26) Canon in D, Johann Pachelbel, 1680, Public Domain

(*27) Ode to Joy from Symphony 9, Ludwig van Beethoven, 1822-1824, Public Domain

(*28) Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, Charles Wesley, 1747, Public Domain

(*29) O Perfect Love, Words by Dorothy F. Gurney, 1883, Tune by Joseph Barnby, 1890, Public Domain

(*30) The Lord's Prayer in Song, from 1870-1885 Collection, Library of Congress, Public Domain

(*31) Be Thou My Vision, Irish Folk Melody & 6th Century Hymn, Translated by Mary Elizabeth Byrne, 1905; Verses by Eleanor Hull, 1912, Public Domain

(*32) Love Waltz, E. Mack, Lee & Walker, Philadelphia, 1873, Monographic, Public Domain