Chapter 61: Unexpected Timing and Wooden Crates
Nathan and Millicent left the Café on Cloud Nine.
Even with the crowd of people that had filled the Café, their evening had been about just the two of them, as this was their first official 'outing' together since the shooting.
The evening of sharing each other's company had been enjoyable, fun, light, and even romantic, the perfect break both so desperately needed.
All in all, it had been a pivotal night.
One that refocused them from the horrors of the shooting and the difficult aftermath they had endured, showing them just how far they had come in the recovery process, and reminding them of all the good things to come in their not-so-distant future!
"Tonight, was perfect, and oh so romantic, Darling! Loved my poem and will treasure it forever."
"One of many poems to come, Love. You make everything romantic, Mil. You look so very beautiful, but I see your inside beauty too, which is just as lovely. I can't help falling more and more in love with you every single minute of every day! As does the whole town, I might add. You've already made such a difference in Hope Valley, with the McCaliffe Family, the Coulter Family, the Bouchard Family, and last, but certainly not least, the Grant Family!"
"Now, don't you go making me into a heroine! That, I am not! I was just doing my job in the first three cases, and loving my Family in the last!"
"All of it was much more than a job, and you know it. It was you, Darling, who made it all happen!"
He kissed her right there in front of the Boardwalk, causing the cold around them to puff up in a cloud of mist from their joined lips, chilling their eyelashes and making them both laugh as they parted. She then attempted, again, to help him get inside the Car. But the truth was, she didn't even want to leave him to walk around to the Driver's Side, and he didn't want her to leave him.
They communicated silently with each other for a moment, with their eyes, and expressions in that language without words that only lovers understand.
In fact, it was that shorthand language of romance that perfectly explained why it took Nathan a couple of moments before he could even release her hand to let her go.
Such a simple separation of mere moments, but still difficult, as though they were somehow physically tied together with a touch that couldn't be severed.
As she got behind the wheel, she turned and he reached to kiss her once more, causing her to giggle.
"You behave! It seems I'm tasked with driving you home, tonight, Kind Sir! And I can hardly do that if we're going to sit here kissing all night!"
"Now that's an idea I love! Why had I not thought of that?"
"I don't know! Maybe because we might just get ourselves arrested?"
"I'm certainly not arresting us, and I dare anyone else to try! For that reason, Miss Bradford, and that alone, I might just have to pull rank!"
A romantic idea flashed through his mind that he should have her drive to the pond so they could watch the stars together, something he had always loved to do, but then he shuddered remembering what had happened the last time he had taken her there.
But, thankfully, the shudder instantly cleared and he was able to put the whole matter out of his mind, concentrating instead on this wonder by his side.
They both laughed at his joke, but then he grew serious and stared at her in the dark the entire way as she drove them home, marveling at this love they shared together, the power it held over each other, and even over their Daughter.
For Allie was their Daughter in every way that mattered and would be legally on their marriage, along with Millicent's formal adoption of her.
To see the love between Millicent and Allie that was just instantly there had warmed Nathan's heart beyond what he thought was possible.
And just as he and Millicent were growing closer every day, the same was true with Millicent and Allie, as well as all three of them together.
Millicent had even helped him fulfill his promise of teaching French to Allie when he returned home from his trip to Montreal, with the two of them sitting on his bed every chance they got, going over basic introductory French words and phrases.
He hadn't really felt much like taking it on, except to listen in and comment occasionally, so Millicent had happily taken on the task in his place, including him as much as he felt up to it!
Watching the two of them together, with Millicent making something educational so much fun for Allie, had been the highlight of his days.
The three of them had laughed so much together, with all three speaking French, comparing accents, and coaching Allie with hers!
He could see Allie's stability grow right before him in a myriad of little ways.
His Daughter was truly happy.
Yes, she had been happy before, he knew that. Yet there had always been an emptiness, a longing for family, that Nathan didn't know how to fill. But with Millicent there, that emptiness was gone. The longing was gone.
Because together, they were simply the Family Allie had so long desired.
What he and Millicent had was real, an all-encompassing love that reached into the crevice of their every need, and even Allie's needs. A selfless love that accepted each other exactly as they were, flaws, insecurities, weaknesses, and all. A love that would last through the disagreements and trials of life, but the joys and wonders too!
Without a doubt, theirs was a love focused on supporting each other and growing together, as both a couple and a family.
And it was that commitment of love that superseded all others.
Millicent knew, even in the dark, that Nathan was watching her, with his eyes never leaving her face, the whole time smiling, relaxed, happy, contented, and yet so serious.
She understood because it was exactly the same for her.
She was so happy, so contented, and even a bit overwhelmed at the seriousness, the depth, the breadth of their love, and the feelings it stirred.
Neither could wait for them to be Husband and Wife.
Unknown to Millicent, Nathan was determined to get out of the car on his own when they reached his rowhouse.
He had felt bad about not being able to help her in and out of the car, instead, needing her assistance, himself, to even get in the car...
So, on arrival home, he insisted she wait in the car, carefully got himself out, and gallantly walked around to open her door for her.
Such a small gesture, but it meant everything to her, as it meant her fiance was getting better, stronger.
Security was already there, though thankfully, they were doing their utmost to be discreet.
But not even Security could have stopped Nathan from taking her in his arms right there, and kissing her again, as he was unable to wait a single moment longer, proud of his accomplishment, sharing it, and warming her in the cold night air.
They walked up the porch steps and to the front door, with Nathan's arm around her waist, and hers around his.
They had barely gotten inside.
He helped her off with her coat, scarf, and gloves, smiling that flirty lopsided grin of his, the entire time.
With a similar smile of her own, she helped him off with his coat, as always being careful with his injured arm.
Then she took his scarf and playfully helped him peel off his leather gloves.
"I could get used to this, you know," he winked. "I think I like this being pampered!"
"You'd better get used to it because I'm afraid you're stuck with me. And pampering you is very much my goal!"
"Afraid you won't get any complaints from me, but you know that pampering goes both ways! Besides, you couldn't get rid of me if you tried."
"Neither can you! Remember, I've got Essie in my corner! She'd come after you!"
Just as they laughed together, the phone started ringing, and Nathan drew Millicent to his side to walk with him.
Somehow, both instinctively knew this was an important call, a call that would totally alter their relaxed plans for the rest of their evening at home with Allie.
"Constable Gr…I mean Chief Inspector Grant," answered Nathan, but he had still not released Millicent from his grip, as she was holding the mouthpiece for him.
"It's happening tonight, Nathan. We have word they're arriving by horseback around midnight, via Union City. Are you up to help?"
"You couldn't keep me away, Gabe. How many?"
"Based on the phone line, which wasn't at all clear, at least two, possibly three, maybe even four. Checked with the Union City Mounties to confirm, and they have only spotted three they think are working together, but they also think there is another one in the Hotel room, based on the switchboard activity."
"Is our Madame Deschenes accompanying them?"
"No, and we know that from the Mounties who are constantly surveilling her. She's now home from the port city of Prince Rupert, and they're ready to arrest her back in Jasper, whenever you say the word. Apparently, she is always protected by a team of four bodyguards, who they've also got under surveillance along with her. The Mountie Office there needs to talk to you about how you want them to proceed with the actual arrests, once you get here."
"Where's Bill?"
"He's on his way!"
"Be right there!"
He hung up the phone, facing his fiancée, knowing they were facing his first real dangerous mission together, since being engaged.
He looked down as he took her hands, and slowly met her eyes.
He knew how hard this had always been on Allie, and even his Mother, both when she knew of a specific case and even when she didn't.
He couldn't imagine exactly what this was like for the love of his life, being the very first time to experience this.
But he could tell by her eyes, she already knew.
"Millicent, I'm ready, and I give you my word, I'll do my very best to stay safe. You and Allie are my everything and I will do my utmost to come back to you both. Always."
"But, Darling, it's just…are you truly ready? Physically I mean. You're still recovering. And…"
"I promise you I'm ready. I know my arm isn't a hundred percent, but I can work around that."
She nodded, knowing she had to trust his judgment.
"Will you promise me you won't further injure your arm? You'll protect it?"
"I will be very careful, Darling. And I'll do my best to protect my arm. But I'm not leaving you alone. I'll have Tom go get Allie and make sure the others surround the row house. I can't do this unless I know you and Allie are safe here, together, inside."
She nodded again and threw her arms around him.
"We will be waiting for you here. You come back to us unhurt, you hear me?"
Her emerald eyes were penetrating his, and the look on her face was adamant.
She was willing it so, and he knew it.
"I do hear you…and I promise to do my very best. Bill, Gabe, and I are an excellent team, Darling, the best! We know what we're doing."
As their eyes locked, their lips met fervently, searchingly, fighting for the assurance of each other that everything was going to be alright. A kiss that combined their very beings, with each urgently pulling the other closer to them, their hands desperately and passionately reassuring each other as though neither could let go. Their breathing was rapid and shallow, but of one breath, with both feeling the enormity of the dangerous and precarious situation that was coming into their lives so much sooner than expected.
Now.
This very night.
There was nothing else either could do, with both trying their best to be strong for the other.
There was no more time to prepare, this was it.
"I have to get dressed in my Uniform…"
"You go change. I'll help you with your Serge, your Officer's Coat, when you come down."
He pressed his lips against hers several more times, but this time much more quickly.
Then he pulled her to the stairs with him, where she stood as he tore himself away, hurriedly climbing the stairs to his bedroom to get changed...
She stood there alone, with her head spinning, feeling the enormity of the coming danger, throughout her entire body.
Struggling, reassuring herself aloud.
"This is the Man I love more than life itself, and this is what he is trained to do. I have to trust him and his training. I have to."
She automatically headed to the kitchen, her practicality shining through, where she quickly went through the motions of making a pot of coffee, the only thing she could think to do for him.
She wanted him and those around him alert, and thinking clearly.
She knew, without doubt, he was as well trained as an Officer could be. Of that, she was confident.
But she also knew he had been shot just a matter of a few days ago.
And he still wasn't as strong or as healed as she would have liked.
Would those awful moments ever leave her mind, or would they always linger there, to be relived at a second's notice?
Both for him? And for her?
His nightmares weren't as frequent. For that she was thankful. But they were still there, surfacing when least expected.
She had two choices.
She could give in to her fear and panic, or she could fight against them and stay strong for him.
In that instant, she knew that whatever was going to happen in the next few hours, she would choose strength. She would always choose strength. She would ground herself on her faith in God and in Nathan, and she would resolutely believe with all her being, that God would watch over him and keep him safe.
Nathan was going to come back to her whole. Unharmed. And they were going to overcome this first test of their strength together as a couple who had chosen difficult and even dangerous careers, especially in Nathan's case.
The simple truth was, she loved him with her whole heart, her entire being.
But the hard truth was, she loved all of him, everything that made him the Man he was. And that included his profession. Being a Mountie was his core.
She wouldn't change that, even if she could.
She wouldn't even want to.
This was all part of him.
The most dangerous and difficult part to experience with him.
But that, she had to do.
Why, where would the world be without Men like him?
Somehow, she determined right then and there, with God's magnificent grace, to be the strength Nathan needed. The strength Allie would need. The strength they would need together as a Family, to not only get through tonight's mission but all future missions as well.
This was part of her new role, and God would somehow give her the strength she so desperately needed, each and every time.
She was counting on it.
She had to be strong for the two people she loved most in this world.
She poured the steaming coffee into two thermoses, locked the tops, and ran with them as she heard Nathan's steps toward the stairs...
He came quickly down the steps, already dressed in his Uniform Pants and Boots, but carrying his new, much-decorated Officer's Coat over the arm of his Henley, along with his Campaign Hat.
She swallowed hard at the sight of him, almost ready to leave her, putting himself in harm's way…looking more handsome than a Man had a right to look!
But also looking brave, courageous, and strong.
Everything was suddenly very real.
With an import more cutting than she had ever imagined.
"You made me Coffee?" he smiled his lop-sided grin.
"I want you alert!"
"Thank you, Mil. How thoughtful!"
She caught her breath, sat down the thermoses, and reached for his brand-new Officer's Coat, very carefully pulling it first over his injured arm, then over his other arm. She moved in front of him, buttoning each button for him with a silent prayer. As she finished the last one, he grabbed her and wrapped his long arms around her.
He needed her as much as she needed him.
He had had no idea it would be this hard to leave her to do his job, yet she had surmised in her mind over and over again, dreading this specific first mission, knowing it would be very difficult for them both, especially for her.
Would it get easier?
That she didn't know.
But Nathan was already part of her, and she would, by the Grace of God, somehow make it through.
She was willing herself not to cry, but he could see the water pooling in her eyes because of him and his choice of profession; the tears she was refusing to shed.
"It's okay. I'm not alone, Darling. I've always made sure I have God and His Word with me."
Then he quoted his standby verse.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (*43)
She nodded and countered, looking steadfastly into his eyes as she remembered the perfect verse.
"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (*44)
But as she glanced down having quoted the words, he tilted her chin upward, piercing her luminous green eyes with his very concerned blue ones, repeating the words he always prayed before commencing a mission.
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (*45)
They both understood.
God was with them. Both of them.
"God is on our side, Mil. He will give me wisdom out there. And now that I have you, these are your verses too. Hold onto them for me, and for you, and for Allie. I love you, Darling, with all my heart, with all my being. Nothing will ever change that."
She flung herself tighter against him.
"Be safe, my Love! I'll be praying and waiting for you."
"I'm sending Tom to stay inside with you and Allie. Promise me you won't come out for any reason. Not till I'm here, Mil."
She nodded.
But it was then that her tears spilt over onto his Officer's Serge.
He tilted her face to him and tenderly kissed the rest of her tears away.
"I love you, Millicent. With all my being, I love you."
"I love you, Nathan. You are my life."
"And you are mine. I'll call as soon as it's over. Hey, we're in this together."
He squeezed her hands.
She nodded, and squeezed his hands back, then reluctantly let his hands go...
But as he turned to walk out the door, she placed her hand on his back, and he turned, drawing her close once more, bending to kiss her desperately, one last time, while still holding her to him as he gave instructions to Tom.
"They'll be here soon. I want you, Tom, to get Allie, and then stay inside with my Girls. Don't leave their sides, till I give the all-clear. Have Matt, Kyle, and Lance to surround the rowhouse."
"Consider it done, Chief. I will see to it personally that they are safe. But won't you need help?"
"I don't want to put any of you at risk like that."
"It's what we're trained to do, Sir! Let me send Matt with you, and have Kyle and Lance guard each entrance. We'll be more than secure and you might need the extra hands."
"We could. But only if he understands and is willing to take the risk."
"That's why we're here, Sir! We all understand the risk, and we are all willing to take it."
"Nathan, they are here to guard and help you, too!" insisted Millicent, knowing Nathan hadn't really thought of their presence like that."
"Are you okay with this, Matt?" asked Nathan.
"Wouldn't choose to be anywhere else, but with you, Chief!"
Nathan waited and spoke with Matt, as Tom went next door to get Allie and Kyle from her babysitting, and Millicent went to retrieve the thermoses of Coffee, handing them to Matt.
As soon as Allie came out, she ran over to Nathan and Millicent and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"I'll be fine, Baby Girl. You take care of your Momma."
She nodded.
"I will. Stay safe, Daddy!"
Nathan couldn't help but smile, without realizing, since her Adoption, Allie had always called him 'Daddy,' when he left on a mission, rather than the 'Dad' she normally used.
He held his two Girls, and kissed Allie's head, then bent one last time to kiss Millicent.
"The two of you are my world! I'll be home before you know it!"
"Be safe, Darling!"
Millicent held one arm around Allie, and touched his face with her other hand, as he lovingly touched hers, with their eyes saying everything that needed to be said.
Then Nathan and Matt turned and started their trek toward town, as Tom gathered Millicent and Allie, who were both watching the Men intently as they left, back into the Grant rowhouse…
Gabe, Bill, and Lucas were all gathered at the Mountie Office when Nathan and Matt walked in.
He wasn't loud, or even pretentious, but it wasn't long before Lucas realized it was the calm, soft-spoken Nathan who was clearly in charge.
Lucas stood amazed at the precision with which the Men were addressing the situation overall, but particularly Nathan.
He had never seen Nathan in command to quite this degree before and was surprised that even Bill looked to him for direction.
Although Lucas knew Nathan was just doing his job, he also knew the Chief Inspector and others in this Office were now facing danger because of his own actions.
It was Nathan's calm that overwhelmed him most.
He was now briefing the Commissioner over the phone, who in turn assured him help was already on their way from Union City in the form of six Mounties.
The Mounties were far ahead of their 'guests,' and were expected to arrive on horseback within the half-hour, as they had been dispatched by the Commissioner to Hope Valley, as soon as the Syndicate Members presence was made known in Union City.
Commissioner Anderson was not about to take any chances, and whether or not the men moved on to Hope Valley was immaterial, although experience had taught him that was exactly where they were going.
But all this had been done as a precaution, long before Nathan's wiretap had proven them right.
Along with their collective intel, which was now also backing them up.
The decision had proven to be a very smart one.
"Thank you, Sir. Will report back as soon as the mission is accomplished."
"I'll call the Mountie Office in Jasper handling the Mastermind, myself, and give them your instructions, so that will take one more thing off your plate. You focus on what's happening there."
"Thank you, Sir!"
"Nathan, I know you won't need it, but Good Luck!"
"Thank you for that, Sir! A Prayer wouldn't hurt either. With God's grace, we're about to put this entire little ring out of business! It's going to be a win for justice tonight, Sir. Thanks for all your assistance!"
"It's the largest cross-country bust we've had on my watch, Son, thanks to you! Only this small piece to go. With the ones you've already had arrested and the ones we get tonight, including the Mastermind, it's a massive dent in the criminal faction. Don't underplay it."
And with that, the two men hung up.
"Okay, we've got to be quick. The decoy art has been crated and stacked just enough beyond the other wooden crates to give us some space in between for maneuvering. Lucas, give them an account of what's in the first stash of crates holding the art you've already processed, and then your job is to play dumb as to what is in the second stash of crates. You've got to make sure you get your 'Colleagues' to open the crates, to see what's inside for themselves. That will buy us time to overtake them, and if they agree to manage the added art, that will give us even more concrete evidence against them. That's when we'll swoop in. From the beginning, we'll station three of the sharpshooters who are coming, up on the balcony just under the roof, so that you're covered at all times. The rest of us will be covering you from the ground, from every direction. Are you clear, Lucas?"
"Yes, but what if something goes wrong?"
"What are your concerns?"
"What if they don't take the bait to see what's in the other crates?"
"That's where you have to get creative. Have the crowbar and lanterns there, so there is no choice. Insist you waited on them for opening and logging, as you haven't yet received any instruction, except to send all crates. Which you can't do without logging. You have been instructed to wait for their approval. Place the responsibility on them, and make it the mysterious offer they can't refuse. Got it?"
"Got it. Just really nervous."
"Listen, Lucas, you got yourself into this mess, and so far you've been able to ride it out with your smooth talkin' voice that's like silk. I know that because I've heard you use it, myself, many times. And you know who I'm talkin' about! You've got the best team in the business helpin' you out, here, tonight. Just do what you've been doin' all along for those criminals. Your 'cohorts' have no reason to think anything is different," interjected Bill, more than a little impatiently. "Besides if this doesn't work, it's your last chance, as far as I'm concerned!"
Nathan intercepted in a much kinder voice.
"Lucas, as much as we hate all this you've done, without involving us, this is where we are now. We're not going to let anything happen to you. It's our job to protect you. You're our prime witness against all this. Man up, and know this part of your bad choices is coming to a close," suggested Nathan. "I can't make you brave, Lucas, no more than you can make me brave. Bravery is simply a choice. Tonight, you just have to trust us. And find your own bravery in that. We know what we're doing, and we will do our job to the utmost of our capability, Bill included. That's all we can promise. You know how to smooth talk with the best of them, and that's an art in of itself. It's also exactly what we need you to do tonight! You just can't show that you're nervous. That will be a dead give-away and could cost lives. Both yours and ours. I tell you what, you and Gabe go into one of the cells and practice."
"Got it, Nathan," answered Lucas, as Gabe started leading him into the far cell, leaving Bill and Matt to the remainder of Nathan's briefing.
But Lucas turned.
"Nathan, I'm truly sorry for all this."
"I believe you are. This is what we do, Lucas, it's our job. Just take all this to heart and don't ever let there be a next time," warned Nathan. "You're better than this."
Lucas nodded, then raised his head.
"I assure you, Nathan, there will not be a next time. I give you my word on that. I plan to prove to you, I am better than this. Much better."
"I'm counting on your word, Lucas. And for what it's worth, I do believe you."
But another pressing thought came to Nathan.
"Lucas, this is important. How many overnight guests do you currently have?"
"All rooms are full but two, so that's eight."
"We need to move your Father and Sister to get them away from all this."
"They should be fine, Nathan. I have them registered under a different name, and I had cut off all contact with my Father, so they wouldn't involve him."
"Yet, you called your Father just days ago, which negates all that. But, it's your Sister's connection to her 'Auntie Charlotte' that really bothers me."
"It's that connection that protects her. Mademoiselle Deschenes, well, according to Father, Madame Deschenes, she may be evil, but she won't touch her niece."
"Are you absolutely sure about that, Lucas?"
"Absolutely. Listen, I know I haven't been the best brother to Toni, and I regret that, but I would never put her at risk in any way. I don't want to upset them, Nathan. They're my Family. They don't need to know about all this until it's all over."
Lucas then followed Gabe into the cell.
But before Nathan turned back to Bill and Matt, he called out to Gabe.
"Gabe, may I see you a moment?"
Gabe motioned for Lucas to sit down inside the cell and walked back to the desk where Nathan had just sat back down.
"Sure, Chief! What's up?"
"You can cut the 'Chief' stuff!" warned Nathan, giving Gabe a brotherly look.
"Sorry, Chief, that's what you are. You're just gonna have to get used to it!" grinned Gabe.
"I just thought of something. And I don't like it a bit, Gabe. Bill, I need you to listen in too. We need a backup plan. Antoinette's at risk. I can feel it. If they decide they need a hostage, they'll go after her. Not John Henry, he's too big and strong. If something goes wrong, and that happens, can you or Gabe make sure to remove her from any danger? I'm afraid my left arm isn't strong enough for physical force. I can distract, but that's about it, till this arm fully heals."
"Then, that's what we'll do. If somethin' weird happens, and she's there by some odd chance, you distract, and the one of us that's closest to her, goes in. Got that boys?"
"Got it, Bill! If that's it, Chief, I'll get back to Lucas."
Gabe was having trouble wiping the grin off his face.
He loved razzing Nathan better than just about anything, which at this point Nathan chose to ignore!
"Got it, Bill!" agreed Matt.
"But Matt, I want you with the three new Mounties on the ground."
"Chief, with all due respect, I'm with you."
"He's right, Nathan. The three of us along with Gabe are the core. We don't leave each other's sight. The three visiting Mounties on the ground will have to mostly cover us, as they don't know the area and where to move since they'll be workin' in the dark. With them, though, that's still a ground core of seven with three sharpshooters above us. We've got this," insisted Bill.
Nathan looked down at the diagram of the back lot he had sketched.
"I need you to take the ground crew over the physical layout of the land, Bill, while I get the three stationed on the balcony. I want the three additional ground Mounties stationed hidden beyond the second set of wooden crates. One in the back and one on each side. There should be enough cover between the hedge and shed, there, to do that. We'll come in from the back office. Do you have any questions, Matt?"
"No, but know I'm there first and foremost to protect you, Sir!"
"You just keep yourself safe while you're doing it, you hear me, Matt? That's my first and foremost. And Antoinette. I'm tempted to bring her in as a security measure."
"Nah, Nathan, no need for that. Then we've gotta get someone to look after her. And you heard Lucas. It'll be fine. We've got a plan. And if anything does go wrong, we've got it covered," interjected Bill.
"Agreed. I'm trained to stay safe, Chief. Both Military and Security. I can watch out for you and the girl, too, if need be."
"Thank you for that, Matt. Bill, can you deputize him while I finish this up?"
"Do you, Matt Logan swear to uphold the law as an 'As Needed Officer of the Law?'"
"I do so swear, Judge."
"Then it is with honor, I officially deputize you as Law Enforcement, charged to do whatever is necessary to keep Hope Valley safe…"
"Momma, I made us some tea."
"Oh, Allie, that's lovely. Thank you, Sweetheart!"
"There's some for you too, Uncle Tom."
"Thank you, Allie. This looks wonderful. Just what we need!"
There was silence as Allie sat the tray down on the low table in front of the settee where Millicent was sitting ramrod straight, looking blankly, yet pensively ahead.
"Momma, I even brought your honey and cream…"
Millicent quickly shook herself out of her 'self-thoughts' to attend to her Daughter.
"That's perfect. I really appreciate it, but Angel, are you alright? This is a lot to come home to."
She patted the seat beside her and Allie sat down there.
"We have to be alright, Momma. I always get a little sick inside, but then I think how good Dad is and I know it's his job. It will get a little easier Momma, but to be really honest, not a lot. But now, we have each other."
Allie said it with such hope in her eyes.
"Oh, Allie, I'm so sorry. You've always had to go through this alone. I'm just so sorry!"
Then Millicent brightened, and drew Allie close to her, kissing her on the top of her head.
"Of course, we have each other. We're in this together. It's you and me, Allie, always! From now on. I'm so thankful you're here with me, helping me through this. I think it's just extra hard for me because this is my first time to see your Father leave on a mission. And it's really hard."
Allie took her hand.
"He'll be safe, Momma. I know he will."
"You're absolutely right. I know he's going to be alright, too. I can feel it, Allie. And we're just going to have to have the faith to see it through. Why don't you tell me about your night at the Coulters? How did your babysitting go?"
"Pretty good! The twins were fussy but Oliver was great. I think he really likes me. I took care of Sadie because Sophie was extra fussy. Poor Auntie Rosie walked and walked with her. She didn't want to be rocked at all. But Sadie was happy as long as I rocked her. And I only had to change two diapers. I hope Baby Sophie's not getting sick, though."
"Sometimes Babies are just a bit cranky. Is Sophie cutting a tooth, perhaps?" asked Millicent.
"Auntie Rosie thinks so. She said her little gum had a tiny bump on it like one's started. Momma, Auntie Rosie insisted on paying me. Is that really okay?"
"Yes, Sweetheart, your Auntie and I discussed it. She insists she pays Laura and should do the same for you. She's just honestly happy to have the help."
"And she told me you were a huge help, Little Boss!" interjected Tom, proudly.
"Thanks, Uncle Tom. I suppose it will give me money for my trip to Montreal. I'm sure gonna have a lot of Christmas presents to buy for my new Family there, and then there's Gramma and Grappa and Dad and Momma, Uncle Bill, Uncle Tom, Uncle Matt, Uncle Kyle, and Uncle Lance too! Oh, and Auntie Rosie and Uncle Lee and the kids too! Boy, I'd better get busy! Momma, can we go shopping when I come to the city?"
"Christmas shopping for the two of us is already on the schedule! And you're very lucky because I know the very best shops! Can't wait to take you and introduce my new Daughter to everyone!"
"It's gonna be so much fun! I can't wait!"
"Neither can I, Allie! Speaking of fun, why don't you choose a board game? Your Uncle and I will do our best to try and keep up!"
"Really, Momma?"
"Really, I think that would be a good distraction for all of us! Your choice."
"How about 'The Landlord's Game?' It's a lot of fun!" (*46)
"Didn't your Dad say you were a whiz at that game?"
"Yes. Ma'am. Not to brag, but I'm pretty good at all of them."
"Yes, I remember your Father saying that too!" laughed Millicent. "You are definitely your new Grandfather's granddaughter, Allie! He's going to love playing that game with you!"
"Does he already know how to play it?" asked Allie excitedly.
"Yes, both the game and in real life! He's an absolute whiz! You'll see. You might just have met your match, Sweetheart! He'll play the game for hours, till all the other grandchildren give up. But my Girl won't do that! I think he's going to have a real competitor on his hands! As, for the two of us, Tom, I just hope we can keep up tonight," smiled Millicent, as she took a sip of her tea and scooted to the edge of her seat on the Settee.
While Allie went to find the game, Tom reached out to Millicent, touching her hand.
"He's going to be alright, Miss. I can feel it, too."
She smiled wanly and shook her head in agreement, trying her best to disguise her concern for Allie's sake.
"I know he is," she whispered aloud as reassurance. "I'm so nervous, though. It's just the waiting I'm not used to."
"The hardest part, Miss. Try not to worry. Every time a worry crosses your mind, send up a prayer. I promise it works."
"You sound like Essie!" smiled Millicent, weakly. "But that's great advice, Tom. I'll do just that. Thank you for the reminder!"
"Momma, I found it. Do you want to set it up here or on the Dining Table?"
"Why don't we do it right here, in front of the fire?"
"Perfect," and Allie sat the game down on the low table and pulled up a stool to sit on, while Tom scooted his chair a bit closer to see.
Millicent knew it would be way past Allie's bedtime before they finished this rather lengthy game, but she also knew there was no way their Daughter could possibly sleep, knowing what her Father was facing.
The three of them would stay together till it was all over.
And somehow, the distraction of just doing something seemed to help!
Given that, with the fire crackling, all three settled in for what they knew would be a very long night…
(*43) Psalms 46:1, King James Bible, Public Domain
(*44) Deuteronomy 31:6, King James Bible, Public Domain
(*45) Psalms 138:7, King James Bible, Public Domain
(*46) The Landlord's Game, Elizabeth Magi, 1904, Public Domain
