Chapter 56: Surprises
"Well, that was intense!" sighed Nathan. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that. But it needed to be the both of us, together, Darling."
"I'm perfectly fine, Love. I was just worried about you. But you handled it so beautifully, with such compassion and grace, even with you feeling terrible. I was really proud of you, Nathan! And I think what you said really helped her."
"Mil, I think you helped her as much as I did. But do you honestly think Elizabeth took it all to heart? I'm never sure anymore about anything where she's concerned."
"I really do think she took it to heart. Your words definitely made an impact on her. You closed the door very kindly that she still felt was open. I think you made real progress, but it's still going to be a journey for her, and I think you and I need to understand that. Your prayer was genius with the three of us giving the whole matter to God, which is what we should have been doing all along."
"We'll see how she does. I know Rosemary feels she's done all she can do and is pretty much at her wit's end with her! Now, with our discussion, and continued prayer, we've done all we can do, too," declared Nathan. "Hey, what do you say let's change the subject? What's for lunch, Love?"
"Oh, so sorry! I don't know anything except that it's coming from the Cafe! You know, everyone's spoiling us bringing in all this food."
"You'd better get used to it. It's the Hope Valley Way. Someone gets sick or is injured, the Food Brigade begins! Babe, I'm so tired of being in bed. Do you think I could come downstairs and eat at the table with you?"
"I would love that, but Faith said you should stay in bed three full days, and then after that, she said we could talk about it."
"You're a tough taskmaster!"
"Well actually, Doctor Carter is! I just want you to follow her directions because I want you well as quickly as possible. Selfish, I know!"
"Just so you can turn around and leave me…" he teased.
"No, Silly, so you'll be yourself again. Fully healed! Besides, I do still have my businesses to prep for my move here, and we do really want this Wedding, don't we?"
"Desperately! Like yesterday! So, a bedroom picnic lunch it is! I mean that's really not so bad. Especially if it's just you and me…" he winked.
"You be good!" she teased. "Anything non-Essie approved isn't allowed."
"Well, that's no fun whatsoever! Our Essie's rather prudish when it comes to things like that, but we do love her anyway! Wonder how she and Hendrix are doing?"
"I don't know. What do you think? She sure didn't look prudish when she was dancing with him. She looked like a woman very much in love to me. Which I still can't believe!"
"Told you so. Now, see, that took a trip to Montreal to claim my Love, along with my investigative skills to uncover!"
She laughed.
"Okay, okay, it did! I admit I was totally oblivious to what was going on in my own home with two of my favorite people. But in my defense, I seldom was there!"
"You get a reprieve, my gorgeous work-a-holic!"
"Besides, you most certainly claimed your Love!" she teased nestling in beside him.
"The best thing I ever did," he noted looking straight into her beautiful eyes, with the most serious look on his face.
They sat there on his bed with her head on his good shoulder, and he bent to kiss the top of her head.
"I do, however, think Essie and Hendrix are still a couple, but on the sly. Definitely not officially announced yet, as we would have surely heard! Why don't we call them tonight, Mil, and see what we can find out?"
"Although they would love nothing more, I'm afraid you can't call them till the day after tomorrow! That's when we can take you downstairs, Love, where you can reach the telephone! And when we do that, you need to call both sets of Parents too, at least when you feel up to it! They've been so concerned that they're dying to hear your voice! But right now, it's time for your medicine again!" and she scooted over to get up to get his medication and a glass of water.
"Here you go, Baby."
He grimaced but did as she asked and swallowed the tablet down, laying his head back, wearily, against his pillows when finished.
"You're tired, aren't you, Love?"
He nodded, hating to admit it, and instead deftly changing the subject.
"Mil, do we have any Ginger Ale?"
"I think there's one or two left. I'll run and get what we have and order some cold ones to be delivered."
"Thanks. Seems as though I stay dry. The Juices and Water don't seem to be doing the job!"
"Do you think Iced Tea might help? I can fix your Mother's."
"That does sound really good, too. I'll be happy to give it a try," he grinned. "But for some reason, craving the Ginger Ale for now. You know, maybe Bill could chip some ice tonight. That might be good by itself, as well as in the tea."
"Oh, I should have thought of that! I'll have him chip some when he gets in. That's actually a great idea! More liquids for you!"
He shivered, and she quickly pulled his quilt up around him, tucking him in like his Mother did when he was a little boy, causing all the same wonderful sensations of feeling completely cared for and loved, yet oh so much more!
She playfully tousled his unruly hair, just like his Mother used to do.
But this…this was entirely different!
He was experiencing feelings that made him want to grab her and never let her go…
She made him feel cherished, desired, and even whole, though he was still far from it.
He needed her like the air he breathed.
As much as he wanted her laying there beside him, no matter how innocently, he could hear Essie's aghast voice in his head and decided he'd better be very, very good.
His eyes glistened as he followed Millicent's every movement as she straightened his room, thinking about how wonderful their life together was really going to be.
How had he not seen it so long ago?
Or perhaps, he had, and just not acted on it.
She was his half.
His best half.
And because of her, he was becoming whole again.
He had no doubts whatsoever.
Not a single one.
Not even the Bradford money.
She was his home, and nothing could change that!
All he wanted to do was to take care of her and make her feel like the most important person in the whole world because that was exactly what she was to him.
"That Teal is perfect on you, Love. I think it just might be my favorite. Behind Emerald Green, of course."
She was wearing the suit skirt that Essie had packed without Millicent's knowledge, and it was a beauty!
"Thank you, Love! I'll have to remember that!" she smiled.
"Let's see: there's my most favorite Emerald, followed by blue and red and purple and…"
Then she laughed and bent to kiss him, and he grabbed her tiny waist, resting his hand on her suit skirt's wide cumberbund, enfolding her into his good arm.
"Ah! The tuck-in kiss; now that's the very best part of the whole process…but somehow, your tuck-in kisses are way better than I ever dreamed a tuck-in kiss could be as a little boy."
She laughed again.
How he loved it when she laughed!
"Behave!" she ordered.
And she bent to kiss him once more, then turned with a jubilant smile to go prepare his lunch.
"You nap, while I get lunch ready! But you just wait, Nathan Grant!" she dared as she turned around at the door. "As far as tuck-in kisses go, you haven't seen anything yet!"
Then she winked and flashed a brilliant smile.
This time it was the man, who prided himself on causing the woman he loved to blush on a whim, who was turning red, serge red in fact, with a very broad and happy smile…
After giving Nathan an hour to sleep and her an hour to make her calls to both sets of Parents for updates, along with a few business calls, Millicent took time to make lunch presentable, and just like that, thanks to Bill, their lunch was ready!
Millicent brought up their picnic food on a beautiful tray, with a vase of Ned's Red Tulips in the center.
She had already placed Elizabeth's Peonies on Nathan's dresser, just hoping to make his room cheerier, along with all the others she had carried up.
"My room's getting to be a regular Florist Shoppe!" mused Nathan as he sat up in bed, waking from his nap.
Rosemary and Lee had sent a large vase of a dozen deep Rose-red Roses almost the color of his serge; Minnie and Joseph had sent a Pink and Purple bouquet of a variety of beautiful flowers, including deep Pink Roses, Lilacs, and Lilies, along with Sweetpea, which according to Florence was very hard to find in the dead of winter.
Joseph had brought theirs late last evening when he had gladly come to talk privately with Nathan at Millicent's request.
Causing Millicent to be most thankful that Nathan had seemed more restful since that visit, as Joseph had seemed to help recenter him to better face his nightmares in some way.
The Pastor had also announced he had started a prayer chain for Nathan's recovery, and that he himself would continue to pray on their behalf as well.
The McCaliffes had sent a sweet bouquet of Mixed Daisies, with a lovely sealed handwritten note, not only thanking them for Chad's surgery, but also promising that they were and would be praying for Nathan, Millicent, and Allie while they were in Union City, encouraging them to get through their own awful ordeal.
Cat had brought over a gorgeous and quite large Asparagus Fern, she had grown in her greenhouse out in her backyard.
Millicent had been quite pleased with that particular gift as she had happened to glance out the front window to notice Cat and Tom chatting happily with each other.
'Hmm, there's definitely something there, if only a great friendship,' she smiled lost in her thoughts. 'But I'm hopeful for something more, for both of them! They both deserve happiness. Tom is a good man, yet due to his Service, he's always been alone. Maybe Hope Valley can change that! And Cat's so lovely! You just never know!"
She filed the thought away, thinking she just might have to help them see the potential that lay right there before them…
Perhaps with an invitation to Dinner once she and Nathan were married.
Laura had brought a large rectangular clay pot spilling over on all four sides with colorful lush Violets from her Parent's farm, along with lovely notes from the outlying farms, Nathan always visited on his rounds! Their words were so touching. And they did much to let Nathan know how very much he was loved and missed!
The guys at the Oil Company along with Fiona had sent a bouquet of Blue, Purple, and Pink Hydrangeas mixed with lush greenery.
And there were already more bouquets that had been dropped off downstairs!
But, ironically, at least given current circumstances, it was Lucas who had sent the most ostentatious bouquet of all.
The bouquet was so large it had been difficult to get through Nathan's bedroom door, and it was composed of every tropical flower Florence could find, from Anthurium to Birds of Paradise, to Ginger and Orchids of every type!
It was quite an elaborate arrangement.
A Union City Florist had put the bouquet together at Florence's very specific instructions according to Lucas, and they had sent it by train.
Millicent giggled at Nathan's seeming dismay.
"Your bedroom is officially a Florist Shoppe, I do believe!" she agreed. "But, Darling, just wait till you see downstairs!"
"There's more?"
"There's a lot more! Apparently, everyone loves their Constable, now Chief Inspector! I do believe Gabe has been spreading the word of your promotion!"
She sat their lunch tray down for Nathan to see, although he already knew exactly what it was from the familiar aroma that filled his bedroom, as Millicent gingerly walked up the stairs.
And he couldn't have been more pleased!
"How did you know I was craving fish as well as the Ginger Ale?"
"Well, Bill knew a Fisherman always craves fish! So does a Fisherwoman! All this is thanks to him, who had Minnie to fry everything up!"
"She even made Hushpuppies…"
"And Corncakes!"
"This is just the best!"
"There's Corn on the Cob, too! And ta-da! Your icy cold Ginger Ale! Afraid there was only one left. But more is on the way as we speak!"
"That looks wonderful. I think I could drink it non-stop."
"Would you like me to say the prayer, again, Nate?"
"I will this time, Darling. I need to…" he winked.
That was an encouragement to Millicent because it could only mean Nathan was getting better, bit by bit.
They joined both their hands and bowed their heads together.
"Dear Father, thank You for this delicious food. May it nourish our bodies, and especially help me to heal, for Millicent, and for Allie. But, more than anything, I need to thank You for this beautiful woman by my side, who has cared for me, and like You, is seeing me through. Give her rest, give her sleep with the sweetest of dreams, and continue to give her the courage and wisdom to know this too shall pass. Thank You for the best caregiver ever. The best partner ever. And Dear God, help me to always, always make Millicent feel beautiful, loved, appreciated, and most special in every way, just as she deserves. In your Holy Name, we ask…"
And they both spoke "Amen" at the same time together.
"But Darling, you do make me feel beautiful, loved, and most special in every single way. Don't ever doubt that, my Love!"
He kissed her tenderly, grazing his fingers along her arm.
"It's hard laying here, Mil, when all I want to do is hold you! Really hold you, without worrying about moving my arm."
"It won't be long, Love! Your wound's already looking better, but for now, let's get your food ready while it's still hot," and she tenderly placed her hand on his cheek.
They ate companionably together, enjoying their Fish Fry food, along with the Cobbed Corn, and Cole Slaw with Chopped Apples, Minnie had also made.
Millicent still had to help Nathan quite a bit, especially with the Corn still on the Cob, but she didn't mind at all.
Helping Nathan in any way she could wasn't at all a chore.
Instead, it was her delight.
She would do anything at all necessary to see him well again. And the sooner, the better, even though it would bring their bittersweet separation along with it!
But Nathan being well again superseded even that.
They laughed, and teased each other, and fed each other the small Hushpuppies, enjoying their meal as only the two of them could together.
"That tasted so good!"
"Are you ready for Dessert, Love?"
"Maybe in a minute or so."
"Oh, are you not hungry for something sweet?"
"Yes…but that would be you, my Kalie!"
Yet he had something else on his mind, and it could wait no longer.
"Darling, I have something for you! A surprise. Can you reach into my old Serge, hanging just inside that wardrobe? I hid it in the inside pocket."
"You did, did you? Is this an early Christmas present?" she asked excitedly, moving to the point he requested and opening the wardrobe's mirrored door.
"No, it's a 'Because I love you present.'"
"But…"
He smiled patiently.
"Just reach into the inside pocket, Love."
She did as he asked and removed a long narrow box wrapped in brilliant gorgeous Gold Wrapping Paper and tied with a Gold Velvet Ribbon.
"Nathan…this is beautiful! I don't know what to say!"
"Come here and open it…" he urged.
She sat down beside him.
"I can't believe you did this."
"I got it in Union City as your going-away-gift, to give you when you left on the train, but given all this, I need you to have it now."
Her hands were shaking with excitement as she untied the Velvet Ribbon, and it was then that she caught a flash of real gold!
"Darling, there's a Gold Wedding Charm tied in the bow! And it's engraved with 'The Grant Wedding' and our Wedding Date: '31st of December, 1918!' Oh, Nathan, it's so beautiful!" and she reached to kiss him. "This is real, isn't it. We're really getting married!"
"Yes, my Love, we are definitely getting married. And very soon! Although, as to the charms, I think we may have to start another Charm Bracelet," he chuckled. "One just for us!"
She laughed, but he was right.
Hers was full to overflowing!
Then as she carefully tore the beautiful shiny Gold Wrapping Paper away, she took in a deep breath when she saw the name on the jewelry box in front of her.
"I'm sorry it's not your favorite Cartier. Union City doesn't have that option. But it is your second favorite: Chopard, as they do happen to have a Shoppe in Union City."
"Nathan, how did you even know that?"
"Your Mother mentioned it, when we were shopping for your Engagement Ring. And I may have made a call to confirm!"
"Whatever this is, it's so expensive. Every single thing they make is, but it's all exquisite…"
"But none as much as this; and most certainly not anything, including this, as much as you. Open it, Darling!" he nudged. "I want to see you enjoy it!"
She lifted back the lid and squealed in delight!
"Oh, Nathan, this…this is truly, truly remarkable!"
"As exquisite and remarkable as you are, my Darling! You brighten my life in every way and just as I said, you are my Sun, my Moon, my Stars. My everything. I want you to always know that!"
She reached to carefully throw her arms around him and kiss him.
"This is truly spectacular, and I love it! But most of all I love you!"
He held her as she showed him the Glass Locket, surrounded by a gold band filled with a circular row of sparkly diamonds.
The Necklace Chain was double to hold the weight of the locket, and it was made of very fine gold. The Sun was also Gold, but the Quarter Moon was Platinum filled with a larger Diamond in the center, surrounded by two smaller Diamonds on each side, forming a crescent. The three Stars were also Platinum, each with a Diamond filling its center!
All of the pieces floated freely, almost magically within the Glass Locket when there was any movement!
The piece truly was exquisite, and so very unique.
"The Sun lights our day, and the Moon lights our night. There are three Stars for you, me, and Allie," he whispered as he reached to kiss her neck. "Then we add a new star with each of our Children, Darling! Allie's our first."
"Oh, Nathan, this is the sweetest thing ever," and she couldn't help the tears forming in her striking eyes. "It's truly perfect! This is our Family. This is our first Family Heirloom, and it will go to Allie! Oh, I absolutely adore it! I hope we have to add a lot of stars for Allie's Brothers and Sisters!"
"As many as will fill it, Darling," he said with his blue eyes sparkling like the Stars in front of them. "If we run out of space, we'll just get another one!"
"Nathan Grant!" she exclaimed, but her emerald green eyes were sparkling just as much as his blue ones, as she placed their special necklace around her neck, to spare him the pain of lifting his arm…
"Yoo-hoo, are you two ready for me to babysit?" called Lee, from the foot of the stairs.
Tom had let him in, as he knew the schedule.
Lee was going to sit with the Chief, as he and Matt took Millicent to meet with Bill and Antoinette at Bill's Office.
The plan was for them to meet there and then either go to Lucas's Office or have him come to them.
Millicent walked to the top of the stairs.
"Oh, hi, Lee! Is it already time to go? We were eating a good old-fashioned Fish-fry lunch and I'm afraid we lost track of the time!"
"It must have been a good lunch judging by that beautiful smile on your face!"
Millicent blushed.
"Any lunch with Nathan is a special lunch, for sure," she laughed, admitting it freely, as she walked down the stairs.
"I brought a couple of cold Beers for us guys."
"Oh, no, you can't! Nathan's not allowed any liquor at all with the Morphine! Not even Beer or Wine. But, here, I'll get a glass for yours."
"Nah, don't bother. I'll just drink it from the bottle. But maybe I shouldn't if Nathan can't have one."
"How about some ice-cold Ginger Ale for Nathan, and you go on and have your Beer. Nathan's been craving the Ginger Ale, and Ned just had some more delivered. I heard Tom bring it in from upstairs!"
"Sounds perfect! To tell you the truth, this new Daddy could use the Beer. I think I've gotten all of ten minutes sleep together since the children have arrived. Now, don't get me wrong. I love my three children more than anything in the world, and I'm the luckiest guy in the world to have them! But between us, I'm twisted tighter than a top that can't spin, trying to keep up with the three of them! The girls cry in duplicate trying to see which one is the loudest! And I'm here to tell you it's a tie!"
Millicent laughed, as she retrieved two bottles of cold Ginger Ale for Nathan.
"You know, Millicent, the house is an absolute circus. But I wouldn't have it any other way! We're an honest-to-goodness Family, smack dab in the middle of realness!"
"In a wonderful circus for sure!" she smiled. "This way, Lee!"
"Yeah definitely the circus part! All I'm asking for is a smidge of dignity. I know I look beyond dignified right now, with crayons and toys escaping my every pocket. Oliver stuffed them anywhere there was an opening! And I don't dare take them out. The little guy remembers where he puts every single thing!"
Millicent stifled a giggle as she led Lee up the stairs into Nathan's room.
She had wondered if Lee was gaining weight, but apparently it was just his pockets that all appeared to be stuffed, inside and out...
"Darling, Lee's here! You two Gentlemen chat," she smiled, handing Nathan his second Ginger Ale, and setting the spare on his nightstand. "I'll just grab my jacket…"
"What happened? Did someone die?" deadpanned Lee, as he entered Nathan's bedroom.
"Very funny, Lee! Afraid I'm alive and maybe not well, but at least getting better!"
"Well, Nathan, you don't look quite as pale as Rosie prepared me for, so we can be grateful for that!"
"Thanks, Lee, I think."
Millicent walked back in, putting on her jacket, for which Lee quickly stood and helped.
"You look absolutely gorgeous, Darling! That color really is beautiful on you!" complimented Nathan.
"Thank you, Love! But honestly, it's all Essie. She stuck this one in without me knowing! And thank you, Lee, for helping me!"
"You'll still need to put Rosemary's coat over it, Babe! Our winters are colder than Montreal's winters. And that's not nearly warm enough!"
"I will! You two, I'd better run now, with Tom and Matt, or I'm going to be late," and she bent to kiss Nathan.
"Promise, me both Tom and Matt stay outside at the front and back entrances, and Bill stays at your side at all times."
"I promise, Darling. You have absolutely nothing to worry about! I'll tell you all about it when I get home. Well, at least the parts I can share!"
"Just be careful, Mil," he still had her hand and his eyes were imploring her to do as he asked.
"I promise, Darling. I truly promise," she bent and kissed him. "Everything is going to be fine! Take good care of him, Lee!"
"I promise! He has my full attention, and I see this is his med schedule!"
But Nathan's eyes, still filled with concern, followed Millicent until he could see her no longer.
"She'll be fine, Nathan!"
"I'm just so frustrated that I can't go with her!"
"I hear you had a couple of visitors this morning. Do you mind my asking how that went," asked Lee as he opened one of Nathan's bottles of Ginger Ale, trying to distract him from worrying about Millicent. "Hey, will the Beer bother you?"
"No, not at all, Lee!"
"Good. This new Dad needs it!"
"I remember those early days well. But you've got three kids to my one. Drink the beer! You deserve it!" chuckled Nathan. "I'm more than fine with the Ginger Ale! Been craving the stuff for some reason."
Nathan thought a minute as to Lee's first question, and then he realized he needed another male perspective.
"Lee, I let Elizabeth know, as kindly as I could, that to be a friend to me, she had to be a friend to Millicent. I had already made up my mind, I'm not allowing her to play games where Millicent is concerned. Enough games have already been played with Allie and me."
"That's smart, Nathan. Elizabeth hasn't been herself. And Millicent doesn't need to be drawn into this any more than she has to. Let's hope you gave Elizabeth the wake-up call she needs. Goodness knows, as hard as Rosie and I've tried, it's like we make no headway whatsoever. I have to wonder how long this Charles guy is going to stick it out! To be perfectly frank, I even wonder how long Rosie's gonna hang in there."
"Same here, for both. Rosemary's given her all, and Charles seems to be doing the same! But he really does seem like a nice guy, Lee! Granted he's taking a lot, but something tells me that he knows it! You know, I think he's somebody we'd like to get to know."
"Maybe I ought to offer to take him to the Café with Oliver and Eliza Jade. At least give him a break from Elizabeth's rowhouse!"
"That's a great idea. I'd say he could use it! I'd help, but seems I'm stuck here for a bit!" he declared sullenly. "Not that I'm complaining at all. Millicent's been beyond amazing. But there's just not a lot of privacy, and all I want to do is hold her, and that's what I can't do very effectively with my bum arm. It's just so frustrating to me that she has to go through this, Lee!"
"That girl adores you, Nathan! She's something else! As strong and as smart as they come. Not to mention as beautiful as it gets! I mean your girl is a real stunner!"
"Stunner, I like that! She's all that and more! I am a very blessed man. Now, how about let's get to work on those house plans for her?"
"I'll run downstairs and get the initial plans. I hid my portfolio so we wouldn't spoil the surprise…"
"Nettie, you look so beautiful!"
"Merci, Mademoiselle Bradford! Madame Yost bought my dress for me, and she helped me with my hair. The dress is tres belle, isn't it?"
"It's lovely on you! Madame Yost has very good taste! Nettie, how are you feeling about all this? Are you still sure you want to meet Monsieur Bouchard?"
"Mais oui, very much so! Have you told him about me?"
"No, Nettie. We thought it was best for you to meet him and tell him about yourself. Are you up to that?"
"Oui, Mademoiselle! But, I'm a little nervous."
"Monsieur Bouchard is a very cultured, mannerly Gentleman from what I have seen. Although I must admit, I'm afraid I don't know him that well, personally. The Judge and I, though, will be right there with you, Nettie, right by your side the entire time."
"Does Judge Avery have to be there?"
"Yes, he does. He's a very nice man, Nettie, and he has your best interests at heart, just as I do."
"D'accord! Is Monsieur Bouchard going to come here or do we go to his place?"
Bill knocked on the door of the office he had suggested Millicent use, to speak alone with Antoinette, but just as the girl asked her question, he walked on in.
He looked at Millicent, seeking her opinion first.
"What are you, thinking, Counselor?"
"I believe we go to his Office. Lucas will be more comfortable in his own environment, and is likely to be more open."
"So be it," agreed the Judge.
Then Millicent turned to Nettie.
"Nettie, you do know Monsieur Bouchard may not be able to help us, right?"
"But he has to know something! Somebody who knows my Papa! I mean, they have the same name!"
"Perhaps, but it's possible he will not. It's possible that he and your Papa might not know the same people at all. And we have to be prepared for that, Nettie. I don't want you to get your hopes up and be disappointed. I do believe if Monsieur Bouchard knows anyone that can help you, he'll share that information. But it is very possible, perhaps even probable, that he will not know anyone who knows your Papa."
The girl sighed heavily.
"But you said he's a Businessman, and Papa is a Businessman. Shouldn't they know each other?"
"Sweetheart, it's possible as I said, but we just can't make that assumption. There are many, many Businesses and Businessmen throughout North America, not to mention even Canada alone!"
Nettie sighed even more heavily than before.
"D'accord. I'll try not to be too disappointed," she acquiesced, sounding none too happy about it.
Both Bill and Millicent could clearly tell she already was disappointed, just at the thought that this particular Monsieur Bouchard might not know anything to help her.
In Antoinette's mind, this was her one chance to find her Papa.
Millicent couldn't help but wonder if Nettie perhaps thought Lucas could be her Father, using a different name for some reason. She was only a young teen. And teenagers, along with children, were notorious for wanting something so badly, they could imagine where adults could not.
"Antoinette, you do know if this doesn't work out, we'll still stay on the watch-out for your Father, right?" asked the Judge, unable to stand the thought of the girl's possible disappointment, but knowing it was much more likely than success!"
"Merci beaucoup," she nodded, gratefully.
But in her heart she was hoping beyond hope this Monsieur Lucas Bouchard was the man who could help her, or perhaps he was even her Papa!
Oh, how she missed him!
And her Mama...
Wrapped in the Sable Trimmed Coat, Rosemary had loaned her, Millicent, the Judge, and Nettie, started out walking in the cold wind to the Saloon, along with Tom, and Matt.
And, also, at Bill's request Lance, who was close behind.
Bill turned back to confer one last time with Tom.
"I don't want the girl goin' through the saloon, so we'll take her in via the back door that leads directly to Bouchard's office," he suggested in a low voice. "You three stay there with Millicent and Antoinette while I get Lucas."
Tom nodded.
And on to The Queen of Hearts, the four walked, with Antoinette visibly getting more and more nervous with each step.
Millicent put her arm around her and whispered a few encouraging words, that at least got a smile.
But to be honest, Millicent was a bit apprehensive, too, and she wasn't at all sure why.
Perhaps it was because she really didn't know Lucas that well. Or perhaps it was because she knew things were complicated where Lucas was concerned. But there was a definite feeling she couldn't shake as they drew closer to The Queen of Hearts.
And the feeling kept getting stronger and stronger…
Was Lucas involved with the men who had shot Nathan?
'Could that even be possible? That's silly. There's no basis to think that at all…just get that out of your mind right now,' thought Millicent.
Little did she know Bill was having the exact same thoughts.
The only difference was, he was thinking of them in a different way because he knew the answer!
Bill was still angry, but he was a professional, and he had learned over the years how to expertly cover his anger, or any emotion when need be, for that matter.
In fact, he had worked all morning on doing just that.
And he had done it by triple checking the facts he already knew…
When Bill finally came into Lucas's Office with the man himself, Lucas was looking none too pleased.
But when he realized Millicent was there, he greeted her with panache and his usual charm in spite of the inconvenience that was thrown at him.
"Good Afternoon, Millicent. Lovely to see you. You're looking magnificent today!" and he took her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing it a bit longer than Millicent was comfortable with. "Teal suits you beautifully. But then, again, every color suits you beautifully!"
As soon as Nettie saw this man she wanted so desperately to meet, her eyes were crestfallen.
And Millicent instantly knew with that one look, just as she thought, Lucas was not Nettie's Papa, and yes, sadly, Nettie had been counting on just that!
"Thank you, Lucas, we appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. This is my client and she is trying to find her Father, who is an important International Businessman. We were hoping the two of you might travel in the same circles, and you might know of him or someone who does."
Lucas experienced a flash of frustration, that made him more than a bit irritated at being interrupted for what he considered nonsense, but he covered brilliantly and didn't show it at all to his guests.
"And pray tell, what is the name of your Father?" he asked still standing in front of them.
"His name is John Henry Bouchard…"
Both Bill and Millicent caught Lucas's face going white, but just as quickly as his color had drained, he recovered.
"This is his Daughter, Mademoiselle Antoinette Bouchard. Antoinette, this is Monsieur Lucas Bouchard."
Nettie proudly held out her hand.
"Delighted, Monsieur Bouchard. I am hoping you can help me find my Papa!" she said confidently. "I'm just sure we're probably related! We just have to be."
"Oh, I'm not at all sure about that," he said curtly. "People with the same last name aren't necessarily related, Young Lady!"
Lucas was rattled and didn't even know whether it was appropriate to shake the girl's hand or kiss it, but judging her young age, his manners took over. Or was it his manners? For whatever reason, he did a quick bow of his head, instead, then quickly turned toward his ornate desk, but oddly didn't seat himself in the chair behind it.
It was almost as though he was steadying himself, with his hand against his desk, looking out the window behind it, collecting his thoughts.
But once again, he recovered and when he finally did sit in his chair, he had a broad congenial smile on his face.
Almost too broad as far as Millicent was concerned!
"Can you give me more information? I'm afraid, there really aren't many Bouchards around this area. And because of that, I'm not at all sure I can be of any help, whatsoever."
"Papa works in the Import/Export Business. He works out of Paris, and also somewhere in Canada and the States, but I don't know where. He has lots of smaller Businesses that feed into his larger Business, although I don't know anything about them yet, because I'm too young. But he's going to teach me. He says someday I'll travel with him and help him run them all!"
That statement from Nettie, Millicent noticed brought a darted look of anger, which Lucas couldn't initially hide.
"And why is your 'Papa' missing?" he asked curtly.
Millicent did not like his inflection.
This was apparently a joke to Lucas Bouchard, but he most certainly did not need to demean this poor girl, by questioning her parentage.
Millicent would simply not have it!
But before Millicent could speak up, Nettie did!
"Well, Monsieur Bouchard, he's not missing, exactly. He travels all the time, and I don't know if he even knows I'm with my Auntie Charlotte here in Canada. But, I miss him so. And I just want to find him. I really need to find him. Please, help me, please! I would be forever grateful."
"Do you mind me asking how you got here," asked Lucas curiously, with Bill knowing exactly why he was asking that particular question.
"That's really not pertinent, Lucas," explained Millicent. "The fact is, Antoinette is here and she needs her questions answered. We are desperately hoping you will be able to help us."
"May I ask where your Mother is?"
"She's in Paris at our apartment or at our home in the country. I don't want to bother her. She has enough to deal with, with that…"
"Let's back up. I'm afraid in this instance, it's the child who gets to ask the question, Lucas," announced the Judge firmly, as Millicent instructed Nettie.
"Nettie, we don't need to go into details about your Mama," stated Millicent firmly, afraid Nettie was going to mention Helen's name, not knowing she was Lucas's Mother. "Lucas, our singular purpose here is to find John Henry Bouchard. Can you please help us in any way?"
"I'm not sure it's possible."
'Why is Lucas being so vague? Only one possible reason. He knows him,' of that Millicent was now sure, and she could tell Lucas was not about to give out any information.
"Then Mademoiselle Antoinette, can you tell my about this 'Papa' you claim is yours?"
Millicent noticed Lucas was refusing to use the proper surname of 'Bouchard,' and she suddenly knew the reason.
It was the same reason, Lucas had refused to shake Nettie's hand.
"Sir, I'm not 'claiming' he is mine, he IS my Papa! It's a fact, and I love him dearly, and he loves me dearly. He calls me his Princess!"
"Can he really love you that much if you don't even know where he is?"
"Lucas, that's uncalled for! This is a Child simply wanting to find her Father and yes, we're quite sure he loves her very much! As we said, his Businesses are International, which means he could be anywhere at any given moment. But if you claim you don't know him, then we're wasting your time as well as ours, and we will be happy to take our leave."
"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be rude. You do, however, have to admit this is extremely unusual. You're welcome to look at the pictures on my wall. There are quite a few Bouchards in them. Feel free to check if any of them resemble your 'Papa.'"
But Lucas knew full well they wouldn't.
Of that he was certain because all of his cousins were from his Mother's side of the family.
He wouldn't have offered if he hadn't known.
Every time he said the word 'Papa,' it was in such a condescending manner, Millicent was ready to remove Nettie from this bizarre situation altogether.
"Merci beaucoup, Monsieur!" and Nettie jumped up excitedly to look at the many pictures, lining the walls.
Lucas jumped up behind her and went through every single picture with her, but Millicent could tell none of the pictures remotely resembled her Papa, although there were several cousins, that only slightly resembled the man who's office they were in.
As they went through the pictures on the wall, Millicent noticed, Lucas was leading Nettie around the wall, deftly keeping her back turned as they moved toward and behind his desk, looking at the photos on the credenza behind it.
It was then that Millicent knew everything, and behind their backs she motioned to Bill.
"I'm sorry I don't have additional photos for you to go through. All that I have are framed," explained Lucas to Antoinette.
Nettie was heartbroken, and tears were forming.
"Nettie, I think we should thank Mr. Bouchard for his time and his kindness in showing us his many photos. Come, let me help you with your coat!"
A despondent Nettie shuffled over to Millicent, and Millicent lifted her coat swinging it slightly outward in front of them to hide the fact that Bill was clumsily bumping into Lucas's desk, knocking the large picture frame, and making it fall to the ground in front of them.
"Lucas, I'm so sorry," apologized Bill, as he slowly picked up the framed photograph to sit back on his desk, while also being very careful to make sure Nettie saw the photo in it. "Totally my fault! Thank the Good Lord, it didn't break!"
"Papa! Mademoiselle Bradford, it's my Papa! And…"
"Nettie, are you sure? Men can look alike."
And she then whispered to Nettie, as she put on her scarf, "Don't say anything about the woman."
"Oui, Mademoiselle. I'm sure! It's my Papa!"
Nettie was crying, but she was smart enough to know she had been had, and teenager or not, she was angry at this man in front of her who had been so vague and misleading!
She immediately recognized the woman in the photograph with her Papa, and now, even she knew the woman, that had attacked her own Mama, was Lucas's Mother!
"Who is my Papa to you?" she asked of Lucas, eye to eye as close as she could get, even with her height disadvantage. "And why do you have a photograph of him on your desk?"
"That man is NOT your Papa! That is my Father…" exploded Lucas. "And I am his only Child! So, you are badly mistaken!"
Millicent immediately placed her arms around Nettie's shoulders, pulling her back toward her.
"No, you're not his only Child! Because I am too. And this means you're my Brother and I'm your Sister!" and Nettie, innocent as she was, reached her arms out to embrace Lucas, in spite of his poor behaviour.
"I am not your anything! We are NOT related, and I think it's past time you leave my Office!" snarled Lucas, visibly upset and pulling away from her. "But, I can assure you, again, Mademoiselle Antoinette, my Father is NOT your Father, or anyone else's!"
"Nettie, we need to go and give Monsieur Bouchard time alone! We're so sorry Lucas to have caused any disconcert. Nettie, perhaps your Papa just looks like Lucas's Father. That happens, a lot, Sweetheart," although deep in her heart, Millicent knew this was not at all the case.
Without saying, Millicent had already realized the woman Nettie had seen in Paris was Helen, which only confirmed Millicent's initial thought that Nettie's Papa was indeed Lucas's Father…
"So what's the gameplan?" asked Nathan after hearing the details they could share of their meeting with Lucas.
"Lucas is going to immediately call his Father. In fact, he's probably already done so, and my guess is Monsieur Bouchard, Senior, will arrive in Hope Valley as soon as is humanly possible. That's my prediction! I am sure of two things. John Henry Bouchard is Lucas's Father, and John Henry Bouchard is also Nettie's Father! I am sure Lucas and Nettie are Step-Brother and Step-Sister. There is even a slight resemblance, in the eyes, the jawline, and their coloring, to say nothing of their hair color. Without a doubt, Monsieur Bouchard, Senior, has some explaining to do!" declared Millicent. "But it explains perfectly why Helen was visiting and threatening the younger Mrs. Bouchard in Paris, all of which is in Nettie's record!"
"Nathan, I think Millicent's right on all of the above. Don't forget, we're gonna hear Lucas's conversation with his Father via the wire tap, which will let us know when he's gonna arrive. And I, too, bet that Lucas has already called the man! But, Millicent, are you thinkin' Mr. Bouchard, Senior, is a bigamist?" asked Bill, incredulously.
"Bill, even the thought of that is horrible! For all parties concerned!" noted Nathan.
"No, I don't think that at all, Bill. From everything Nettie has told me about her Papa, he's a good man, even a moral man. And I know Children can sometimes get that wrong, but I don't think so in this case! I think this little story is much more complex than that. And from what you two have told me, Lucas's parents' marriage was anything but smooth, and I would bet that was from the beginning. The first thing I'm going to do is check the divorce records in both Canada and the United States. I believe we'll find a divorce decree between John Henry and Helen Bouchard. And just after that, I believe John Henry married Nettie's mother. My instinct says her Mother is too devout to have entered into an intimate relationship with a man outside of marriage. I would stake my reputation on that. Just don't ask me the particulars. Those I can't divulge."
"Antoinette's Mother might not have known he was married. As bad I hate them, those things do happen, Millicent!" reminded the Judge.
"And wouldn't Lucas know if his parents had divorced, Mil?" asked Nathan.
"Not necessarily. Perhaps Helen was too embarrassed and wanted to keep it from her Son, maybe to spare him the hurt, maybe because of her own pride. Think about it. With John Henry's many Businesses and the lifestyle they would incur, it would be very easy for a wife to explain her 'husband's' many absences to her Son, even growing up, or really at any age. You even mentioned Lucas didn't get to spend a lot of time with his parents, as they were always traveling. Although assumed, that doesn't mean his parents were traveling together, or with him. And think about their ages. Lucas is what, probably thirty-two, thirty-four? Compare that to Nettie's age. Let's say if a divorce occurred, it could have done so say around the the time Lucas was anywhere from very young, up until the time he was about 16-18, which would allow for two completely distinct families, two separate families, and they wouldn't have necessarily had to overlap at all from a legal perspective."
"When Helen was here, I had dinner with her one evening, and she told me she traveled constantly for her work; she never once mentioned Lucas's Father or whether or not he was traveling with her. But I got the distinct impression she traveled alone. Wait a minute! She even said that! She said she wasn't afraid of anything, 'after traveling alone in a man's world!'"
"And there you have it! At least as a strong possibility!"
"Millicent, I like how you think. Are you sure you're not a Mountie?" asked Bill, looking at her through squinted eyes.
"Afraid not, Judge. Just a Barrister with an inquiring mind!"
"You'd better take note of that, Nathan," laughed Bill. "Don't think you're going to get away with much married to this one!"
"Oh, I'm well aware, believe you me!" he retorted with a strong note of pride for the woman he loved in his voice. "But, believe me, Bill, I don't want to get away with anything!"
Bill laughed.
"No indeed! Why would you?"
"Gentlemen…" laughed Millicent, reminding them of her presence.
"Well, that brings me to somethin' else, the reason I've been steamin' like a scorched kettle!"
"Yes, Bill, why would that be…" nudged Nathan. "I've been wanting to hear why!"
"There's no easy way to tell the both of you this. So let's just do it! But stay calm and let me explain it all. Will you at least promise me that?"
"I don't know, Bill. The last time you asked me that, things didn't end so well!" reminded Nathan.
"Just stay calm…"
"I'll do my best! That's all I can promise, You and Gabe have kept me out of the loop on this, and I'm the one impacted, in case you haven't noticed!" grumbled Nathan.
"Millicent, can I at least count on you?" asked Bill.
"Like Nathan, I'll do my best, but I warn you, Bill, I'm as defensive of this man as can be, and I'm positively livid that anyone could do this to him! I'll admit, I got a horrible feeling walking to Lucas's office. He's involved, isn't he?"
"Defensive and rightfully so, Millicent! I've reviewed everything three times and this is what I know. And yes, Lucas is involved. He did know the two guys were comin' and he also knew they were gonna try to 'spook' you as Lucas called it in their lengthy conversation. All of which coincides with our prisoners' stories, by the way! We even have Lucas's conversation all on tape, well at least Lucas's part. He fought hard to get them to not come, to not 'warn' you so to speak. Said he had everything under control. That you were clueless as to what was goin' on. He even begged them, threatenin' to pull something. I don't know what, because that's when the connection on the tap got real garbled."
"But isn't that a good thing that he tried to dissuade them?" asked Millicent.
"Darling, he didn't warn us…that's what Bill is trying to tell us."
Millicent's face was horror-struck.
"You mean Lucas could have prevented all this just by warning us?"
Both Nathan's and Bill's faces were solemn, and both were slowly nodding their heads yes.
Millicent was so angry, she began to pace, then fell on the bed beside Nathan, where he took her hands.
"That's exactly what this means. I would never have taken you to the pond that night had I known. But, wait a minute, Bill, why didn't we catch this from the tap prior to this happening?"
"He used a different phone, a second phone, one you can bet wasn't installed by Fiona. But he was in earshot of the tap microphone, so it caught what he said but not the other end. We didn't have a call signal, so we didn't know to check. But, don't worry, that second phone is already tapped. And it's all foolproof now."
"Wait a minute. You mean to tell me you knew this, yet you let Millicent and a Child go into his Office!"
"Yes, with me and three other bodyguards. I had Lance to join us just in case. But I also knew nothing would happen."
"You can't know that. How dare you put Millicent in that situation!"
"Darling, I'm fine."
"Mil, thank God! But there was no assurance of that whatsoever! Bill, what were you thinking?"
"I wasn't thinkin', I was 'knowin' she was perfectly safe! Millicent is already like a daughter to me, and I was armed and ready to take him out in a second if need be, with backup times three! I had briefed Tom explicitly, who in turn briefed both Matt and Lance! Kyle stayed with Allie! So just calm down, Nathan. There's nothing to be upset about!"
"You don't get to make that call. I repeat, don't you ever put Millicent in a situation like that again, And I mean not ever. Not with Lucas or anyone else. Are we clear?"
The Chief Inspector made his statement with such force, that it couldn't have been more impactful if Nathan had been standing, towering all six feet, three inches, over Bill, instead of laying in his bed.
"Yes, we're clear," Bill retorted curtly. "And I'm sorry. I tried to brief you last night, but your Morphine caused you to fall asleep on me. I did the best I could, Nathan, under the circumstances. If there had been the slightest hint of a risk, I wouldn't have done it. Come on, you know me better than that! And you also know Lucas isn't a killer!"
"I'm sorry. Perhaps I have overreacted. But just so you know, the rule still stands as it pertains to Millicent!"
On that Nathan was firm.
"Perfectly understood. I even agree with it! But that's not what this was. And I'm sorry too. I meant to tell you this morning, but you had just gone to sleep, and Gabe and I got busy and I simply forgot. I truly am sorry, Nathan. It won't happen again, I promise!"
"This better not happen again!"
And Bill knew in the way Nathan said those five words, Nathan meant them with all his being.
"You two stop this. Both of you need to put this in the past right now! We're all okay, and we're all on the same team. Thankfully, we found out a lot today! Plus a young girl is well on her way to finding her Father! Also, you two Gentlemen need to understand I'm not some fragile little debutante, and I resent the implication! I am a Barrister, and yes, there are times I am placed in precarious situations. But as always, I'll be smart about them, and Darling, Bill and I were both smart about this today! Don't forget, even if Bill had not been there, I do have a very proficient Security Team with me at all times!"
"When you don't give them the slip!"
"Those were my pre-Nathan Grant antics. No more unnecessary risks, because you're too important to me, Darling, and so is Allie."
"You know, I'm holding you to that!"
"I do!"
"Oh, if only…" moaned Nathan, wishing it were truly so.
But he was thinking in additional terms, as well as their new agreement.
He was thinking in terms of their Wedding Vows, as the two words brought to him the vision of the two of them standing at the altar, and the very thought made him long for the day!
Both Bill and Millicent broke out laughing at the far-away indescribable look on Nathan's face, knowing exactly what he was thinking about, which caused all three of them to think about the big impending Grant Wedding.
"This isn't funny, you two!"
"No, but the look on your face is priceless! Our Wedding and our Vows are going to happen, Darling. Quicker than you think!" assured his Fiancee.
"Mil, I know you are as smart as they come. I don't doubt that for an instant. That's not why I'm upset. It's just that I'm frustrated I couldn't be there with you, to protect you myself. But please promise me, just like Bill, that you won't knowingly do a repeat of tonight without us discussing it first. Agreed?"
"Always agreed, Love! I promise. Had I known this about Lucas, I would have absolutely discussed it with you first!"
Nathan sighed.
"You're exhausted, Baby!" as she wiped her hand across his brow, making sure there was no fever.
"I am. And yes, Lucas should have warned me. After all the times…" but Nathan wouldn't finish that statement as it would sound like bragging.
And bragging was in no way a part of Nathan Grant.
Yet, the fact remained, Nathan had saved Lucas life several times, and Lucas had still put him at risk!
But Bill wasn't afraid to set the record straight.
"After all those times of you saving his sorry life!" explained Bill for Millicent's benefit.
"Really, Nathan? And he still did this?" asked Millicent incredulously.
"Afraid so," admitted Nathan.
"Wait, are we all finally in agreement here?" asked the Judge.
"We are," answered Nathan and Millicent simultaneously.
"Good, because there's something else we need to talk about…"
