Chapter 57: More Surprises

"Allie, your makeup grades were all great! I'm so proud of you! I can't wait for you to show your Father!"

"Mrs. Nelson said I'm all caught up! Oh, and she loved her perfume, too. Put it on as soon as she opened it! She said to thank you for her, just until she can thank you personally herself!"

"Glad she liked it! Here, let me help you out of your coat!"

Millicent did just that, playfully pulling off Allie's hat, and quickly smoothing her hair she had fixed in a French Braid for her earlier this morning, then she unwound Allie's scarf from around her neck.

"Momma, may I run up and say hello to Dad?"

"Of course, Sweetheart! Just make sure he's not sleeping, first. I'll go get dinner started!"

Millicent smiled as she watched Allie quietly maneuver the stairs, then went into the kitchen to sort through all the food and figure out what needed to be done to complete dinner.

Because tonight was a very special evening.

Faith had cleared Nathan to take meals with the Family downstairs, so they were preparing a celebratory dinner, and Millicent wanted everything to be perfect!

She had even called Sophia to get her recipe for Nathan's favorite Apple Brown Betty as a surprise for him. And Bill had made Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream which was already on ice...


"Dad's sleeping, Momma! So, I guess I'll just have to wait till Dinner to tell him my grades. Does he really get to eat with us downstairs?"

"Yes, he does, and that means we have to have everything perfect for him!"

"I want to help. What can I do?"

"Plenty, but let's get you in an apron first so you don't muss your school dress!"

"Momma, Serena and Cookie were so glad to see us after school, but do you really think Serena will let me ride her?"

"I most certainly do, in fact, I'm counting on that! As soon as your Father is able to ride again, he's going to help you feel comfortable with her, so you can ride her for me, especially while I'm in Montreal."

"Ugh! I don't want to think about that! I'll miss you so much, Momma! I'll take good care of Serena for you, but I do hate to leave Cookie alone, while we ride."

"I'll miss you, too, Allie, very much! But I have a million things that need to be done back home, so we can all be together for good! I'm sure the time will pass faster than you can imagine!" reassured Millicent, wistfully hoping the same was going to happen for her. "As for the horses, you know, it's going to be quite some time till Cookie will be old enough to ride! Though, I'm sure Seth will keep her occupied while you exercise Serena! Just like us, he's already fallen in love with her, too!"

"I know! He's always giving her treats! But healthy ones, not sugared ones. Momma, what are you making?"

"It's your Gramma's Apple Brown Betty recipe, a favorite of your Dad's!"

"May I help?"

"You most certainly may! Why don't you start by measuring out 2 cups of oats and a cup of packed brown sugar? I've just about got all the apples sliced…and then we'll get it all mixed together! Oh, and we're going to need a half cup of flour, too! But I can get that."

"Two cups of oats, a cup of packed brown sugar, and half a cup of flour. Got it! Oh, you've written it down here! Momma, did you really mean what you said about your new necklace, last night? That you'll give it to me someday…"

"I most certainly did!" smiled Millicent. "It's our first family heirloom, and someday it will be yours, Allie."

"But…I was thinking. You and Dad will have Babies and I really want that to happen. I really do! But…"

"What's wrong, Sweetheart? Does that trouble you? I thought you wanted Brothers and Sisters."

"Oh, I do! I mean, I want Brothers and Sisters really bad. And lots of them! But I was thinking, and Opal even said it out loud. So, I guess that makes it true…"

"What were you thinking, Allie?"

"That if you and Dad have a real daughter…won't you…won't you want her…to have the necklace? I mean it's our family necklace, and…she would be more family than me. Opal said so."

Millicent quickly set her paring knife down on the table, and immediately stood up, trying her best to hide the anger she was feeling inside.

She took both of Allie's hands, looking straight into her eyes.

"You, Allison Rose Grant, ARE already my real daughter. You are my first daughter, you are your Father's first daughter and you will always be our first daughter together, no matter how many children we are blessed to add to our family. No one ever replaces you, Allie. Not ever."

"You really mean that? Opal said you would have to love them more than me if you carry them in your body like my Mom carried me."

"I mean that with all my heart. Opal is very wrong. You see, a good parent loves their children equally, and you are your Father's and my first child, Allie. You are the one teaching us how to be a Father and Mother for all those who come after you. You know, your Mother and I were very best friends from the time we were a little younger than you. Actually, from the very first time we met! We shared everything, and I do mean absolutely everything! From dolls to clothes, to diaries, to dreams. I adored her and she adored me. We took care of each other. There wasn't anything we wouldn't do for the other. So yes, you came from my best friend's womb, but as far as I'm concerned that's the same as coming from my own womb. And if I had had a Daughter, your Mother would have felt the exact same way about her. There is no difference, Allie. And there will be no difference in this family. Not ever. If we are fortunate enough to have additional children, your Father's love, my love, and your love will simply grow to include them. You'll be the best big Sister! I just know it! You, my Angel, will be the role model, any Sisters or Brothers who come after you, will look up to!"

With those words and without hesitation, Millicent reached behind her neck, unlatched her locket, and tenderly placed it around Allie's neck, whose eyes widened.

"This necklace, my beautiful Daughter, will be yours someday, and yours alone. How about you try it out tonight?" and Millicent placed the necklace around Allie's neck, and latched it there. "There, it looks beautiful on you!"

She then wrapped her arms around Allie.

"I'm so blessed to have the privilege of being your Mother, Allie. I love you to the moon and back again!"

Though Allie didn't see the tears in Millicent's eyes, she somehow knew they were there, because they were in her own eyes as well.

With that one gesture of sharing her necklace, Millicent was entrusting Allie with something that was already priceless to her, banishing all of her Daughter's self-doubts away.

Allie immediately understood the significance of that trust and the strong Mother-Daughter bond the two of them were forging together.

"You know, I think you and I should set one night each week aside as Mother-Daughter night!"

"What would we do?"

"We'll think of all sorts of things. But we'll start by going to Dinner at the Café just the two of us! It will be our Girls Night Out!"

Allie smiled radiantly, having never felt more loved as Millicent kissed and embraced her.

Somehow, at the very same time, this beautiful giving woman made Allie feel her own special, everlasting maternal love, right along with her own birth Mother's boundless love, too, all wrapped gloriously into one!

Allie loved Millicent as her Mother, just like she loved her own Mother.

Something she had never even known was possible before Millicent came into their lives as family!

As badly as she had wanted a Mother, deep down, she had always thought there would be a difference.

But with Millicent as her new Mother, she actually felt closer to the Mother who had brought her into this world, the Mother she had trouble remembering because she had been such a little girl when she died.

But Millicent wasn't competing, nor was she threatened.

Allie's new Momma loved Colleen completely and helped bring memories of her back to life for Allie, even filling in gaps Allie had no knowledge of.

It was a miraculous gift! One Allie never expected to receive! But one she treasured even at her young age.

With her Dad sick, Millicent had stepped right in and made Allie's life proceed seamlessly, filling her every need and more, even treating her like an adult, by including her in her Father's progress.

"Thank you, Momma, for everything. The necklace is so beautiful."

"As are you, Sweetheart! Now, let's get this Brown Betty together and into the oven for your Dad! What do you say?"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

And Allie's smile was as radiant as her heart was full.

She was a 'real Daughter,' no matter what Opal said.

And she was going to tell her best friend so, as soon as she saw her.

Deep in her heart, Allie vowed she would never feel less than again...


"Oh, Allie, the table looks wonderful! And the flowers are such a lovely touch!"

"There were so many to choose from, it was hard. Dad sure has gotten a lot of flowers. But I think these are perfect!"

"Yes, they are! I love the all-white bouquet. My favorite flowers are all white – hydrangeas, roses, and orchids! As I told everyone who would listen, your Father brought me the most beautiful massive bouquet of them when he arrived in Montreal, just like the smaller bouquet you saw that the Conductor and staff on the train gave us! Why our Wedding Flowers are even going to be the same - all-white with favorites of the Mothers and Grandmothers added in!"

"Just like the snow, we're bound to have outside for our Wedding! But, I don't even know what my favorite flowers are…"

"Ah, but you will, soon! It's all part of the magic of growing up! Sometimes a flower becomes our favorite because of a special memory, or scent. You'll see," smiled Millicent, knowingly. "There's no rush. These things take time! It's one of the many pleasures of slowly becoming a Young Lady. Here, let's light the candles. Would you like to go tell your Dad and Uncle Bill that dinner is ready?"

"Yes, Ma'am! But Momma," as Allie glanced back from the first step, "I love you so much!"

"I love you, too, Allie! More than you'll ever know..."


"Bill, don't fuss. I'm perfectly fine!"

But as Nathan started down the staircase, he suddenly felt dizzy and became a bit wobbly, with Allie grabbing his good arm to steady him.

"I think it's the morphine. I can't wait to stop it!"

"Here, Allie, you go down before us, and I'll help your Dad! Just lean on me a bit, Chief! You haven't gotten your sea legs yet! And you're right - the morphine doesn't help walking, but it sure does help the pain. So don't get any fancy ideas of stopping it quite yet!"

"Darling! So wonderful to see you up and about!" smiled Millicent, intentionally overlooking Nathan's stumble.

Seeing her, his face lightened into a smile, and he was suddenly himself again.

As he reached the bottom step with Bill's assistance, Bill let go, while Nathan kissed Millicent and offered her his good arm, which she proudly took, leading him to the head of the table.

"My, this looks wonderful! And quite the feast! What are we having as our main course?"

"Prime Rib, Darling, compliments of your friend, Mrs. Hemstadt! And by the looks of things she's outdone herself! The Prime Rib truly looks divine," and Millicent lifted off the cover, causing a scrumptious scent to fill the air.

"What can I say? She always has the best cuts of beef! Owning a cattle farm doesn't hurt, but the woman sure can cook!" commented Nathan sheepishly.

"And she obviously loves cooking for you! She also sent a note, expressing her displeasure that you're no longer doing rounds in your new position! I do believe she's missing you, Love, although she insists it's her cattle doing the missing!" teased Millicent, causing Nathan to blush from ear to ear, as he lowered his face.

"Yep, it's pretty much common knowledge that she thinks Nathan hung the moon!" declared Bill, as he held Allie's chair and seated himself, while Nathan did the same for Millicent. "You might otta watch her!"

"Bill…" warned Nathan. "She's just lonely since her husband died. Keep it up and I'll start doing some match-making with a certain Judge I know."

Millicent and Allie couldn't help but laugh.

"What are you two laughin' about? I'm perfectly fine just as I am! Alone! I have enough female problems keepin' up with Little Mountie, here!"

"Uncle Bill!"

"Bill, would you please lead our prayer tonight?" asked Millicent, adroitly changing the subject, while stifling a giggle.

"Happy to have the honor!"

"Dear Father, we thank You for healin' Nathan enough to have him at our table with us tonight. We just pray that You continue to help him improve day by day, and night by night, till he is fully whole again. We thank You for our family, each and every single one, gathered here together. We thank You for this delicious food set before us, and we ask that You nourish our bodies, but especially Nathan's body, and make him better for havin' partakin' of it! We also ask that You be with the McCauliffe's as Chad faces all that his surgery involves, and begins the recovery process. We ask that You continue to be with the Coulters as they adjust to their new family life. We also ask that You be with Elizabeth and Charles and their children to help them form a strong, loving family unit together. And we ask for your wisdom as we face the many work-related mysteries being thrown our way. Bind the four of us together as a family, pleasing to You, in Your most Holy Name, we pray. Amen!"

"Amen!"

"Thank you, Bill. That was a beautiful prayer!" smiled Nathan.

"And a most needed one!" thanked Millicent.

"Just the facts, Nathan. Now, what else do we have here, Millicent? This looks like a bonafide feast!"

"Let's see. Thanks to Mrs. Hemstadt, We have Yorkshire Pudding with Gravy, Creamed Spinach, Scalloped Potatoes, and Roasted Acorn Squash!" noted Millicent. "Plus, Bill brought us some of Minnie's Yeast Rolls!"

"Which didn't rise nearly as high as mine!" interjected Bill drily.

"So noted, Bill! It all looks wonderful, Darling!"

"Afraid I can't take the credit, Love! Except for the Creamed Spinach, which I made because you need the iron, and your special Dessert, which Allie and I made together, with some help from Bill!"

"The Dessert is a favorite Dad, and Momma even called Gramma for the recipe!"

"Well, now, I'm intrigued," but then Nathan's face lit up. "Did you make her Apple Brown Betty? Mother always made that for me when I was sick!"

"You guessed it, Dad! But Momma added Pecans!"

"She did, did she? Sounds delicious, but you might not want to mention that to your Gramma!" warned Nathan.

And everyone laughed at the now exposed secret!

"Oops!"

"It's fine, Allie. Your Dad still hasn't seen it yet! So, he'll just have to imagine what it looks and tastes like!" laughed Millicent. "We only hope we did half as good as Gramma!"

"Well, I for one, am ready to eat this meal quickly, so I can get to my favorite, newly-enhanced Apple Brown Betty, made by my favorite two Girls!"

"There might be one other surprise waiting…" teased Millicent, as she served Nathan's food onto his plate, then passed each dish around the table for Allie and Bill. "But you take your time and enjoy this wonderful meal! We don't want to disappoint Mrs. Hemstadt! She's outdone herself!"

"Goodness, Allie, you look like a Princess with that necklace!" noted her Uncle Bill.

"It's Momma's, Uncle Bill. See, I'm this star, right here, and here's Momma, and here's Dad!"

"Well, I'm impressed! Didn't know you had such good taste, Nathan! But where am I?"

Nathan was looking into Millicent's eyes as she cut his prime rib for him, and barely heard Bill's words, much less the question.

"Oh, sorry, Bill! Thanks…I think!"

"Nathan has very good taste! Always has!" smiled Millicent, as she touched Nathan's cheek. "And Bill, you're right here, in our hearts! Always!"

Which brought a huge smile to Bill's rugged face.

"Dad, I made all A's on my make-up papers!"

"And two A plusses!" interjected Millicent proudly.

"That's wonderful, Allie! So, you're all caught up?"

"Yes, Sir. Momma helped me!"

"And she obviously did a great job, as did you!"

Nathan glanced at Millicent, who smiled and nodded, knowing exactly what he was asking and planning to do next.

"Your Momma and I meant to talk to you about this last night, but we didn't really get a chance. So, I think now is the perfect time to celebrate your scholastic accomplishments! We were wondering if you'd like to stay with your Uncle Richard, Auntie Margaret, and new cousins in Toronto after the Wedding while we're on our Honeymoon…"

"Really!" shrieked Allie, looking back and forth between her Dad and Momma. "Are you sure?"

"Very sure. Your Uncle Richard and Auntie Margaret are thrilled with the idea, as are your Cousins! They're all hoping you'll say yes. This way you can do your lessons with your Cousins, who have excellent Tutors. And your Father and I will pick you up on our way back from Niagara Falls, so we can all go back to Montreal to spend some time at our place there with Auntie Essie and Uncle Hendrix, and then later come back to Hope Valley on the train together!"

"You mean I get to be part of the Honeymoon?"

"Yes, Sweetheart. This will give you a little break and a chance to get to know your cousins better, while at the same time allowing you to keep up with your schoolwork! And later, spend some family time with us in Montreal. What do you say? Are you interested?" asked her Dad.

"Interested? This is beyond! I get my very own Honeymoon Vacation! And I get to see Toronto, too. In addition to Montreal! Plus stay in my new home! Yep, this is really beyond! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"I thought good things were the bomb…" deadpanned Bill. "I'm never gonna be able to keep up with this kid's lingo!"

"Uncle Bill, things change really fast, especially words. Beyond IS the bomb and well…beyond! Don't worry, I'll keep you up to date!"

"Well, as long as I can count on my Little Mountie!"

"You can. But Uncle Bill, girls aren't really Mounties!"

"Well, you never know, Allie! Look at your Momma, she's a Barrister, which was unheard of a few years ago! Besides, there are already female Pinkertons!" noted Nathan. "You might very well be the first female Mountie!"

"I might! But I think I want to be a Barrister just like Momma!"

"Well, Gentleman, whatever Allie chooses to be – Mountie, Barrister, Doctor, Teacher, Artist, Rug Weaver, Businesswoman, etc., she is going to be great and we three are going to be extremely proud of her!"

"Your Momma's right, Allie, whatever you decide to be, just be your best! That's all we can ever ask!"

"I will, Dad. I promise!"

Conversation flowed brilliantly, along with Bill's wild stories and lots of laughter, most of which Nathan serenely watched, feeling quite loved and overcome with the fuss being made over him.

He might be a bit broken, and he was definitely healing, but he couldn't remember a time in his life he felt more complete, more whole.

This was his family, his present, and his future.

And it was more than a man could ever ask for.

"Allie, would you like to help me with Dessert?" smiled Millicent.

"Sure, Momma!"

As the two Ladies got up to go into the kitchen, Bill could tell Nathan was deeply touched.

"Yes, you are very blessed, indeed, Nathan. Beyond any doubt, this is the life you are meant to live."

Nathan swallowed hard.

"And I don't deserve any of it, Bill! But Millicent opens up a whole new world. She makes me whole. She gives me purpose. She makes me feel like nothing is impossible."

"That's love, Nathan. True, all-encompassing love. I see it. In both your eyes. I see it with Allie, too. The three of you are already a family. And it's a beautiful thing to see!"

Even Bill felt emotional and very quickly did an about-face to lighten the mood.

"Hey, Nathan, what have you been readin' upstairs?"

"A really great book I got in Montreal. It was just released this year by Zane Grey." (*38)

"What's the title?"

"The U.P. Trail! It's already a bestseller and I can see why. It's hard to put down. I'm almost finished. I'll pass it along and get started on the Ranch's history." (*38)

"What's the book about?"

"Lots of adventure and real-world things, sprinkled with romance! A true Western. Warren Neal is an Engineer building the Union Pacific Railway across the intercontinental divide, with twists and turns teetering on the impossible. His Sweetheart is Allie Lee, but don't tell Allie! She'll want to read it and it's not a book she is anywhere near ready for. The poor thing is kidnapped more times than I can count. But there's a lot of depth to the story, too. It's about progress, or is it really progress? That's the big question. There's a lot of evil in the book, but can good overcome the bad, the bigotry, the evil? Another very important question. The tale includes greed, courage, fear, loyalty, and so many other emotions. The human psyche laid bare if you will." (*38)

"You've sold me. I'll take a look at it when you're through."

"Bill, I've been thinking about what you said last night…"

"Dad, look at your surprise!" announced Allie, as she interrupted, rushing from the kitchen. "I have Uncle Bill's Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, and Momma has your Apple Brown Betty with Pecans!"

"Yum. Smells delicious! Can't imagine a better ending to our meal!"

Millicent served the warm Dessert, topping it all off with the cold Ice Cream, and to say it was delicious was an extraordinary understatement.

Even Nathan had two servings, while Bill had three!

"This is perfect, Mil, Allie! Just perfect…and the Ice Cream, too, Bill!"

Just like Allie had felt so much love, Nathan was feeling exactly the same.

And he was resolved more than ever to recover, as quickly as humanly possible.

For these people, he loved so very, very much…


"Allie's quasi tucked in! She's reading till you can complete the job, on your way to bed, Darling!"

"Come sit with me, Mil."

"Do you two need some alone time?"

"No, actually, Bill, I'd like us to review our conversation from last night. Work isn't going away, because I'm healing," reminded Nathan. "And I want Millicent's opinion."

"Well, the crates I told you about haven't been touched, as of this evening. Still out back behind Lucas's Office. But I keep expecting them to disappear durin' the night. We do have photos, though."

"How many did you say?"

"Six crates, but we're not sure there aren't more inside the Queen of Hearts!"

"Any idea what's inside them, Bill?" asked Millicent.

"My money would be on liquor…"

"Or actual cash needing to be laundered," suggested Nathan.

"What I don't understand is how did they appear? Were they shipped in or are they prepped to be sent out?" asked Millicent.

"Well, your very astute question from last night caused Gabe and me to review the Train and Stagecoach logs, as well as the Mercantile's Delivery logs. We even checked with Lee, and sure enough, his men made the crates to Lucas's specifications just last week. So we can now confirm that the crates were definitely filled here and are waiting to be shipped out. Just still not sure what's inside them. Whatever it is, has been here in Hope Valley for quite a while, though, because there haven't been any recent shipments of anything special."

"What if it weren't liquor or money?" suggested Millicent.

"What would it be, Darling?"

"Art. I noticed a painting in The Queen of Hearts was missing the last time we were there."

"What painting?" asked Bill.

"The one on the inside wall next to the staircase. I particularly remember it, because it was a Marcel DuChamp. He's part of the Dada Movement out of New York City. Although it actually started in Europe, I believe. Their art is political, basically anti-everything, from war to bourgeoise. But their works are sometimes subtle, hidden in collages. They are quite coveted and almost impossible to acquire. I found it so odd to be hanging on the wall of a Saloon in Hope Valley." (*39)

"Could it have been a copy?" asked Nathan.

"I don't believe so, Love. The brushstrokes were authentically DuChamp, and they would be very difficult to copy."

"That's it, Bill! If he had one original, he had more. They're selling art on the black market. But I'm still not convinced money isn't involved as well!"

"But Nathan, what about the liquor? Wouldn't that be easier, given Lucas's occupation?"

"Easier, Bill, but also more obvious, and moving alcohol in and out would put his establishment at greater risk for being shut down, especially with Prohibition. I'm sure there's liquor involved in the operation, but I just believe Lucas would bow out from being involved in that, due to the high personal risks."

"The art wouldn't be so easy to trace back to a Saloon," suggested Millicent.

"Millicent, I had never seen that bronze statue before. The one sittin' on the credenza behind Lucas's desk. Did you notice it?"

"I did. It's a Francis Picabia. Also, part of the Dada Movement. Worth at least a quarter of a million. I know because it was exhibited in Montreal for one of our Charity Balls. That's how I recognized the Painting as well." (*40)

"Would you recognize other pieces, Darling?"

"Yes, there were several works of art on display for the event. And it was such an interesting concept, I read everything I could get my hands on about the Movement, as well as the art. It was odd, though, because there were many people at the Ball, who would have gladly purchased the works, but no sales were allowed."

"Which means they can get a much heftier amount on the black market to sell in Europe," explained Nathan. "Besides, they definitely don't want any of their proceeds going to Charity, Love!

"Hadn't thought about that, but it does make perfect sense."

"How could Lucas have money like that?" asked Bill. "What we've been able to trace doesn't show that kind of money! He's comfortable, but not as wealthy as he appears, unless there's a hidden stash somewhere we don't know about!"

"He doesn't have to have his own money or even his own art. He just has to launder whatever it is, along with the illegally acquired money" revealed Nathan. "Bill, you have to pay Lucas a visit and specifically notice if the sculpture is missing."

"I can do that, but I don't have Millicent's eye for art."

"Oh, no you don't! Don't even think about it," warned Nathan. "Not while I'm laid up!"

"Darling, I have my hands full at the moment getting you well. But it wouldn't hurt if perhaps when you're better, we have lunch at The Queen of Hearts," suggested Millicent. "And even pay Lucas a visit in his office. Perhaps lay a little guilt trip on him over the shooting. Indirectly, of course!"

"Now, that, we can do! Together, not a bad idea at all. But Bill, you also said you've ruled out every single person we had on our list for leading the operation…"

"We have, and Headquarters agrees. All of them have been disproven."

"Which takes us back to our original premise. The mastermind is someone new to the game, or someone who has been so smart, they are an unknown entity. Someone without a record, who would never be suspected. As for the hub locations, we've narrowed them all down but one…and without a doubt, that is the main hub."

"Agree. Definitely the main hub. I keep hopin' Lucas is gonna mess up and we're gonna get more info from our wire-tap."

"Not sure that will happen, Bill. Don't think we can count on it."

"For what it's worth, I agree. I can't see Lucas slipping unless he's forced into a situation…"

"Millicent, that's genius. Bill, we find out what's in those crates, by noticing any art or sculpture, even photos, that disappear from The Queen of Hearts, then we float a similar decoy, and cause ripples – Lucas won't have been informed and will have to call the mastermind for directions because none of the underlings will know anything about it!"

"I like that…we bait him playin' his own game," mused Bill.

"Or the game of whoever is over him, calling the shots…our Mystery Person. Otherwise known as our Mastermind!"

"You know, we're also gonna have to broaden our search to include any art heists. I'll call Winston in the morning and get Headquarters to start workin' from that angle."

"Dad, I'm ready to go to sleep!" called Allie from the top of the staircase.

"Coming, Sweetheart!"

"Darling, enough work for tonight. You're looking tired. Tuck in our Daughter, and off to bed you go!"

"Please sit with me."

"Wouldn't think of being anywhere else, Love."

And Nathan reached to kiss Millicent, this time on the lips, with his fingers slipping through her silky hair.

"I think that's my cue to go check on the Coulters!" announced Bill with a grin as wide as could be…


After tucking Allie in for the night, Nathan and Millicent sat on her bed as her Dad read to her.

After Allie was sound asleep, they shared some private conversation back in Nathan's room before Millicent went back downstairs to clear the table.

When Bill returned from the Coulters, he helped Nathan bathe and get into fresh pajamas.

Then he went back downstairs to help Millicent with the dishes.

"I've never seen Nathan so happy. And you do know, it's all because of you, Millicent!"

Millicent blushed.

"He makes me just as happy, Bill! It's the craziest thing, but from the moment he told me he was in love with me, I've never had a single doubt. And I don't think my feet have touched the ground since! Allie was my big concern, but thankfully, that's worked out beautifully. Perhaps I should be concerned about everything else, with all this reorganization, the Practice, the Charities, the Wedding, the Homes, and everything we're having to go through, but I'm just not worried. It will all work out. As long as Nathan and Allie are happy, I'm happy! Deliriously so."

"That's because you two are crazy in love, and you both love our Girl!"

"Yes, that's exactly what we are! And we do, Bill! I can't imagine my life without Nathan or Allie. Bill, may I ask you a question?"

"Of course, you can always ask me anything."

"Will the nightmares ever end?"

"I pray so. I hope so. All you can do is be there with him and help him through. But I do know one thing, that man loves you more than you can imagine. And a love that powerful IS gonna get him through, whatever you two have to go through together, even this."

"He's frustrated by all this. I sense it goes beyond the actual wound. He was so close to healing emotionally, and now this physical setback."

"It's an emotional one too. He has progressed so far, Millicent, with you here. I see a world of difference. We all do. He's findin' himself again. Even playing music and singin'! All because of you! Everyone knows it's you."

"But how do I make him truly well again?"

"Just do what you're doin'. Keep lovin' him. It's workin', Millicent. And miraculously so, if you ask me..."


As Millicent knocked lightly on the door to Nathan's room, he took off his reading glasses and looked up expectantly.

Their joint smile lit up the room, as it did whenever the two of them came together.

"Did you finish your book, Darling?"

"I did! It was a pretty spectacular read. Tomorrow I start on our Ranch history and I'm pretty excited about that!"

"That should be fascinating! I can't wait to hear!"

"Darling, I have something for you!"

"Nathan Grant! You just gave me the most beautiful necklace ever…"

"This is different. Can you bring those rolls of paper to me from the corner of the wardrobe?"

Millicent did as he requested, and brought the long rolls of white paper to her Fiance, reaching to take his book as she handed him the rolls, not knowing at all what was in them.

Nathan raised up and Millicent plumped his pillows in order for him to sit upright.

"Come, sit," smiled Nathan, patting the edge of the bed, beside him. "I want to show you something Lee and I have been working on."

"I can't leave you for a minute. You, my Darling, are not supposed to be working!"

"This was fun work! Come look…" and he unrolled the first roll of papers.

"Nathan, is this what I think it is?"

"It's our home, Darling. Our Hope Valley Home. It's just a huge old farmhouse…"

"No, it's our home. A beautiful, beautiful Hope Valley home; it fits into the location as though it has always belonged there! But three stories?"

"A very large attic, for now, that can be refinished as we have our family…" he whispered with twinkling eyes.

"I see, you're planning on keeping me very busy!" she whispered back with her own eyes dancing. "I love the curved porch with the columns that wrap partially around the sides…it's both informal with a touch of formality, and stunning!"

"That's so we can have one swing to watch the sunrise and a second to watch the sunset!"

"That's perfect. You've thought of everything, Love. You know, my Grandmother has a lot of antique wicker furniture from one of their old porches that will go perfectly here. She even has two wicker swings! They're all in storage now, but I'm sure she'll be happy for us to use them!"

"Everything fits, doesn't it?"

"Yes, Darling! Father says it's because we fit!"

"Your Father's right! There's a separate Cottage for the Security Team here and a Guest Cottage here. And these are the Stables."

"But what's the fourth building?"

"That might be a surprise…"

"Nathan Grant, you're incorrigible! But, please, never change!"

"Want to see inside?"

"Yes, please!"

He reached for the second roll of papers and unrolled it so she could see the first floor of the interior, causing her to literally gasp.

"In my dreams, this is the interior of the old Victorian Manse we loved so much, back in Montreal! The stairway is so different and simply stunning!"

"Living room to the right, dining room to the left, behind that your service pantry, kitchen, food pantry, keeping room, then sunroom opening out onto a huge terrace!"

"But what's this huge room behind the living room?"

"Our Office and Library. It has a bump out with floor-to-ceiling windows, so there are plenty of windows for the light to come through!"

"With French Doors out to a Garden! And window seats to curl up in on each side! Oh, Nathan, you've thought of everything."

"I tried. The kitchen has a cooking fireplace because I remembered how much you love the one at the Ranch, and I wanted you to feel just as comfortable here, Love!"

"First floor is perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. Not a single thing! The kitchen and sunroom are glorious!"

"Let's go to the second floor," smiled Nathan as he unrolled the third roll of papers. "And our Master Suite, then Allie's bedroom, a huge Nursery, and guest rooms for now!"

He reached to kiss this woman he would do anything for.

This stunning woman filled his every fantasy, and his reality in a way he could have never imagined, which left him truly gasping for more.

He doubted he could breathe without her in his life.

As their lips met, their fulminant kiss displayed all the love they had between them, all the desire, all their dreams...

When their firey passion subsided enough for them to catch their breath again, breathing heavily he grinned her favorite lop-sided smile, and flirtatiously unrolled the roll of paper containing the third-floor schematic, that was built to look like an attic from the outside but was a full floor on the inside.

"This is like magic. Truly spacious and wonderful. I love how you've carried the stairway identically through each floor. It's spacious, but with a cozy feel, and simply perfect for the three of us and…"

He wrapped his hand around her neck, playing first with their necklace that she had put back on when Allie had gone to bed. Then his fingers wandered into the locks of her hair, and he stretched to place his lips on each of her closed eyelids.

"This is our Hope Valley home, but you, Millicent, are my forever home. Wherever we are together, that will be home."

"This is the best surprise, Love. You are batting a thousand! And you were right, I was wrong; we do need the space! You couldn't give me anything I'd love more! And I love you all the more for doing this! When will we build it?"

"We were just waiting on your approval, Darling! Lee will bring in a top-notch crew whenever the weather allows, and they'll work straight through. Lee's optimistic. And he's so thrilled with our plans, he and Rosemary are drawing up their own, and buying some land not far from ours!"

"That's wonderful! I would love to have the Coulters for neighbors! But, Darling, you look absolutely exhausted."

She kissed both his cheeks, then took the large sheets, and started rolling them up, and when finished, she stood them by his bedside table.

"You did perfectly, my Love! Now, close your eyes and try to get some sleep! The plans will be here tomorrow!"

"You look so beautiful, Milli. Dinner was perfect, and Allie told me what you told her about being our First Daughter. Thank you, Love! You think of everything, things I would never think of, and I love you for it!"

Millicent reached to kiss him Good Night, but he pulled her closer and kissed her deeply, passionately, once more, a fire burning within him that only she could quench.

Her words were breathless.

"You kiss me like that…and every care in the world…simply flies away, into oblivion!"

"I adore you, Millicent Alexandria Bradford. You complete me."

"That's a very good thing because you are the only man in the world who completes me."

"I'm getting well as quickly as possible. For you, Mil."

She kissed his forehead and tousled his hair lovingly, then smoothed it again, running her hands along his chiseled jawline, and pulling the covers up around him.

Sitting down on the chair beside his bed, she took his hand from under the cover, watching as he held her own hand tightly, helplessly drifting off to sleep.

He slept for about thirty minutes before the nightmares returned.

And they returned with a vengeance.

Millicent hadn't yet closed her eyes, as though she somehow knew.

His screams were heard throughout the small house, waking even Bill, who normally slept like a log, when not on some sort of watch.

Millicent was immediately holding Nathan, rocking him, doing her best to calm him.

"Everything is alright, Nathan. Everything is fine. I'm here, Love."

Nathan's body shook within her embrace.

Bill, troubled, walked to the door but saw that Millicent was doing everything that could be done, so he turned to leave them some privacy, softly closing Nathan's door behind him, turning to go back to his room, all the while praying.

On the way, he opened Allie's door and thankfully could see she had somehow slept through the screams.

Nathan's brow was dripping with sweat, as Millicent wiped it gently with a damp cloth.

When she checked the time, she reached for what Faith called an 'as needed dose of medicine.'

The evening had been too much on Nathan.

"No, no medicine. I just need you."

The urgency in his eyes couldn't be dismissed, so she lay down on top of his quilt beside him and held him in her arms, as he calmed, and swiftly fell asleep again with her beside him.

This time, with no terror. Only love…


After walking Allie to school, Millicent was catching up on her phone calls to Montreal while Nathan was sleeping peacefully.

Promptly at Ten A.M., Tom knocked at the door, with a rather large imposing, but distinguished Gentleman behind him.

The Head of Security spoke in a low voice, so as not to be heard by the Gentleman Millicent had expected.

"All his papers check out, Miss. And as you suspected, he is desperate to speak with you. I have his weapon, which he willingly gave me to keep for him."

Millicent glanced at the passport Tom had handed her, then nodded, and turned to the Gentleman as Tom stood to the side.

"Won't you come in Monsieur Bouchard?"

As Monsieur Bouchard, Senior crossed the threshold, so did Tom, closing the door behind them, and standing inside, as though at attention.

Although his intuition told him everything was on the up and up, he was risking nothing, not where Miss Bradford was concerned. Kyle was at school with Allie, Matt was at the front door of the rowhouse, and Lance was at the back. He, personally, would remain stationed inside as long as the elder visitor was there.

"Mademoiselle Bradford! My wife and I can't thank you enough for taking such good care of our Daughter! We were literally frantic when we learned she had left her Aunt's house. And we weren't able to contact her Aunt at all. It was quite harrowing not knowing where she was or if she was alright!"

"I'm sure it was most disturbing. But, I can assure you, Nettie has been well taken care of while in Hope Valley! Won't you make yourself comfortable, Monsieur Bouchard? I understand we have much to discuss…"

(*38) The U.P. Trail, Zane Grey, Published by NY: Harper & Bros, 1918, NY, 1918, Public Domain

(*39) Marcel DuChamp, Dada Movement, History and Wikipedia, Public Domain

(*40) Francis Picabia, Dada Movement, History and Wikipedia, Public Domain