Chapter 64: Aftermath

As soon as Nathan got a moment after helping Bill transport Lucas to the Infirmary, he slipped out of the examining room to call Millicent.

Bill had gone ahead to the Mountie Office, taking Matt along with him, to oversee the arrests and detainees till Nathan could get there.

But right now, Nathan simply had to hear Millicent's voice.

As he had the switchboard ring his own number, he thanked God for being with him and his team on this most important night, for directing them and guiding them, as well as for giving him the necessary wisdom to lead.

"Darling! I'm fine. I just had to hear your voice."

"Thank You, Dear God! I've never been so relieved to hear you, my Love! Are you absolutely sure you're alright? Where are you?"

"Lucas is okay, but he was grazed by a bullet, so I'm in the Infirmary with him, John Henry, and Antoinette."

"I'm on my way, Love…"

Nathan smiled.

Before he could get out a single word, she had hung up the phone and he had no doubt was already out the door, making her way to him as quickly as she could!

Just that thought alone caused his stomach to quiver in revelatory anticipation.

To wait for her, he sat down on one of the waiting room chairs, his head lowered, with his arms perched upon his knees and his hands clasped just below his chin, and there, he offered a second, most humble prayer.

"I don't deserve Millicent. I know that. But whatever higher plan You have, I am so very grateful for You bringing us together and will be till my dying day. Help me be the Man she needs. Help me fill her every longing. Even those she doesn't know she has. Thank you for her love and her strength. Thank you for our beautiful Allie, and for all the people who make our lives easier. Our Families, the Security Team, our Friends, our Colleagues. My heart overflows from Your many abundant blessings. And I know I'm not worthy of any of them. But by Your Grace, I am so very grateful."

He raised his head and leaned back in the chair, as uncomfortable as it was, breathing a deep sigh of relief.

Thankfully, his arm had not been an impediment tonight. And for that too, he was most thankful.

Yet he knew that was only because, fortunately, there hadn't been a physical altercation. He also acknowledged that had there been, he would have still been covered given the number of added Colleagues he had working with him, along with Matt who was to return any minute from the Jail.

Yes, his team had been more than sufficient to offset and protect him, had there been a situation beyond his physical ability to master.

And that knowledge had bolstered him with confidence, and given him the necessary courage that even with his impediment, he would be able to manage without putting anyone at risk.

A frailty he humbly admitted to.

It was this thought that gave him pause to consider that he should perhaps slow down somewhat in his anxious quest for a full and speedy recovery.

It was as though God was telling him to be patient, that complete healing would come, his full strength would return, but all in due time.

Through all of this Syndicate business, there was one overpowering and pressing concern that had lingered in the back of Nathan's mind since he began putting the pieces of this case together.

What did justice look like for Lucas?

The two Men had never seen eye to eye on anything, but Lucas was one of Hope Valley's own.

Nathan knew that in large part, it would be up to Millicent, Bill, and him to at least shape the justice which would be meted out to Lucas.

Although it was true that a Judge or Jury would make the final decision in rendering his sentence, and in so doing, determine his ultimate fate.

The answer to what Lucas's future would be, Nathan simply didn't know.

That would be open to wide conjecture!

Nathan only knew he couldn't betray the Law, nor could Millicent or Bill.

It wasn't in him to do so, nor in them.

The Law was the cornerstone of his very being, their very beings.

But he, as did the others, also saw repentance and humility in Lucas as pertaining to this very murky gray situation, that was neither crisply black nor overtly white.

How much was Lucas coerced, and did he himself truly not gain anything at all from his untoward actions? What were his true motives in so easily acquiescing to the Syndicate's demands? Was all this truly done solely to benefit the Syndicate due to their threat to his Family's life?

The hard part was that all this had gone on for so long without Lucas coming to them.

That point and length of time, in and of itself, was the biggest detriment to his case, no matter what Judge or Jury he stood before.

What was fair? What was just? What was the right thing to do?

Perhaps only God knew.

However, Nathan and Bill had no option on the House Arrest, although they had agreed to keep it private, at least for the time being, or as long as they feasibly could.

They did that out of deference and respect for Lucas and his Family. Nothing more and nothing less. But that wasn't to say things wouldn't get out, despite their best-laid plans, and all involved knew that.

It was doubtless that rumors would at some point be rampant, despite their legal discretion.

And those rumblings, no one could prevent.

All they could do was buy time, delaying the inevitable.

Still, Lucas's House Arrest was mandatory till everything was sorted, according to Law.

Nathan knew whatever they did to help, Lucas's future could go either way, depending on the particular Judge or Jury assigned to his case.

Suddenly, Nathan realized all that he, Millicent, and Bill could ethically and possibly do was to vouch for Lucas and work within the confines of the Law to present the facts as they had occurred, allowing those facts to drive the end result.

Lucas's future.

That was truly all they could humanly and professionally do.

And of course, pray, which they all had already been doing for quite some time, and would continue to do so.

Nathan sighed heavily, as he got up and walked out into the cold night.

Millicent should be here…


After a few moments, he could actually hear the powerful hum of his car in the distance, steadily moving toward him, the anticipation rising into his chest.

His heart lurched as the car rounded the corner, and he caught sight of her.

Everything he held most dear in life was inside that car.

And as his grin widened, suddenly they were in full view!

As soon as Tom pulled up in front of the Infirmary and brought the car to a stop, Allie excitedly jumped out from the back seat and ran to her Father.

He could see Millicent hurriedly get out of the car, with a mix of undefinable expressions on her gorgeous face, anxiously wanting to run to him, but doing her best to hold back a bit, in order to allow their Daughter to experience her Father's first few hugs and kisses, which he freely gave.

By this time, Tom had rushed out of the car and was standing beside Millicent, but Nathan looked at her over Allie's head, and with his longing eyes begged her to come to him.

She quickly did so, with him wrapping both his Girls in his arms, not once thinking about the pain shooting from his left shoulder.

Only feeling their immense love.

"I am the most blessed Man!"

Millicent could barely speak at first, so she simply touched his cheek in the most loving way, as she so often did to express that which was beyond words.

Tom, came up to them after a few minutes and patted Nathan on his good shoulder.

"So thankful all is well, Chief! Allie, Sweetheart, let's get you inside out of this cold!"

Then he placed a grandfatherly arm around Allie and led her happily into the warm Waiting Room inside.

As the door was closed, there was a moment of silence outside, with the Couple just gazing one at the other.

"Oh, how I love you, Millicent Bradford," the words came out in a guttural gasp, till he was able to collect himself, swallowing hard. "For the first time in my career, I wasn't alone. You were right there with me, Love, the entire time."

She still couldn't speak. She could only take turns holding him, touching him, making sure he was really okay.

Suddenly, she could hold back no longer, releasing the night's torrent of apprehension and emotional wrangling, which manifested in the form of copious tears, that once started could not stop from falling torrentially.

But Nathan knew they were simply tears of love. Her great love for him. Leaving him most humbled while falling deeper and deeper in love with her, right there on the spot.

"We made it through, my Darling. Everything's all alright!"

She nodded, still unable to speak, trembling at his touch.

He cupped her cheek and lifted it to him, very gently kissing her beautiful lips, while at the same time moving his hand to the back of her head, slipping the tips of his fingers into her fancy upswept do, using his other hand gently to stroke her face.

She wrapped her arms around him, and spread her fingertips through his hair at the nape of his neck, pulling him closer to her.

Their kiss in the moonlight deepened and deepened as though they were one entity, united in this major first test, just as though they had truly been one the entire night, although they had physically been apart.

Both knew something important was shifting inside them at this very moment.

Not only had they met their first real obstacle head-on, but their love was also deepening, maturing perhaps, because of it.

And they had done it both as a Couple and as a Family.

Somehow in this moment, both realized together or apart, their love was a living thing that would always, always carry them through. Their love was invincible. It had stood the test and would continue to do so.

Whatever came for them to face, they could now depend on their love to carry them through as it would always be there.

Yes, even in a separation to prepare for their lives together, their love would still exist and carry them through.

It was now tangible.

They had weathered the storm.

"I didn't know love could be this powerful," she whispered the words, as though she was in awe, and she truly was.

He tenderly tucked the fly-away tendrils framing her face, smoothing them back into place.

Oh, how he loved those tendrils. Somehow, they brought out the carefree, playful child in her, the angel in her. They symbolized her human imperfection in what to him was otherwise a perfect her.

He couldn't help but lay his hands on each side of her stunning face, framing it to look deeply into the emerald green ocean of her eyes.

He kissed her once more, sweetly, reverently, almost as if she were so fragile she might break at his touch.

He drew her closer and held her there, nuzzling his face down to hers, warming her with his breath, his presence, in the cold winter night under the moonlight, as though he was physically willing her trembling to stop, while at the same time bonding himself even more emotionally to her.

How was this even possible?

He simply didn't know.

Torrents of love ran through him.

This love of theirs was a miracle, a gift from God.

Had He placed their love for each other there in their hearts even before they were born?

Had He truly made them for each other?

Looking back, their love had been there since their very first meeting as Children, along with that undefinable attraction that even a Child can recognize while not understanding enough at all to know what to call it.

He kissed her again, and again, and again.

Light, feathery staccato kisses, that told her he was doing his best to hold back from the deep cusp of passion they were on the precipice of.

They tore their lips apart and gave each other that look that lovers do when there is a point of full understanding, that copious look of pure love.

He pulled the coat around her shoulders closer, and in a low gravelly voice whispered.

"You are my everything. You are part of me. And that will never ever change."

She nodded as he dried her tears.

"Are you ready? I've got to get you inside, out of this cold!" he insisted.

She nodded, chilled to the bone, and not caring at all, or perhaps not even knowing in the least, that she was freezing.

She straightened herself and reached up to tenderly touch his face once more.

"I love you, Nathan Grant, with everything I am and have, I love you and only you."

He ran his fingers along her high cheekbones and bent to kiss her closed eyes.

Then he wrapped his strongest arm protectively around her waist and led her from the cold they had barely noticed, into the warmth…


As they walked inside, together, a pale Antoinette walked out of the exam room.

"Dr. Carter's stitching some of the wound together. She thought I should come out here for a while."

Millicent held out her arms to the Girl, and she ran into them, for the first time tonight crying little wisps of tears.

"Mademoiselle Millicent…"

"It's okay, Nettie. Everything's okay. I don't know the particulars, but I know you and your Family have been through a lot tonight. Are you doing alright?"

She nodded but still hung on to Millicent for dear life.

"Let's sit, Sweetheart," and she led Antoinette to a chair close to Allie.

"Nettie, this is my Daughter, Allie Grant. Allie, this is Antoinette Bouchard, Lucas Bouchard's Sister."

"Is your Brother alright," asked Allie, with compassion in her voice.

"The Doctor says he will be," nodded Antoinette.

"I'm so glad! That's really good!" smiled Allie encouragingly.

Nathan moved forward on his chair next to Millicent, leaning out toward the tenuous girl.

"Antoinette is the hero tonight, Darling. She pushed her Brother out of the way of a bullet and protected him by then laying on top of him. You saved your Brother's life, and that's a most courageous act of heroism!"

Nathan said the words gently, with such sincerity that Antoinette looked up at him.

"Really?"

"Really! I was there and I watched it all. But from where I was standing, I couldn't see the second gun, until you pushed your Brother, and then I caught a glimpse. Those protecting him behind and above couldn't have possibly seen it, but you did. You not only saw it, but you were also brave enough to do something about it. You are a true hero, Antoinette, and I'm so very proud of you!"

"Merci. I just did what I had to do to help my Brother stay safe."

Her eyes were downcast, not seeing herself as anything other than a loving, but worried, Sister.

Nathan reached and patted Antoinette's hand in reassurance.

He was hesitant to say anything else, as the Girl was exhausted and still very concerned about her brother.

"Where are you from," asked Allie.

"Paris."

"Paris, France?" exclaimed Allie excitedly.

"Oui!"

"I've never met a person from France before. You're really pretty!"

"Merci beaucoup!"

"I know what that means. My Momma and Dad are teaching me French!"

After a bit of initial shyness, the Girls soon were in a lively conversation that didn't need the adults, so Nathan and Millicent moved across the room, to where Tom was sitting, so the adults could discuss the particulars of what went on tonight.

"There were six Syndicate Members in all, a Senior Team of three as well as a Junior Team of three. Thankfully, we had six extra Mounties sent to us from Union City, who made it here a half-hour before the gang got here, giving me just enough time to brief them and get them situated into position. Bill was first positioned under the Boardwalk to listen to the Syndicate as they arrived because that Man can literally hear a pin drop!"

He lowered his voice and glanced to make sure Antoinette was otherwise occupied in her conversation with Allie.

"We knew from their initial discussion, they were going after Antoinette. But we also knew they were under direct orders not to hurt her. We had two plainclothes Mounties within the Saloon monitoring the situation at all times just in case. So, although, she was in no real danger, she didn't know that, making what she went through still quite traumatizing! I must say prior to that, Matt was incognito, playing the part of a drunk in the Saloon, giving us the info that it was the Senior Team who would be working outside. But back to Antoinette, one of the Junior Team abducted her from her bed and gagged her. Then the three younger Men brought her to Lucas's Office under gunpoint. When they put their guns away inside the office, I was told, she summarily kicked each of her abductors and stood by Lucas daring them to touch her again, or her Brother! All of this was in front of the Senior Team, who apparently was quite impressed. While there, the Syndicate unloaded a bevy of hot diamonds for Lucas's new assignment, sealing their fate beyond what we could have hoped for. The Junior Team stayed to catalog them, as the Senior Team came outside to inventory the crates, along with Lucas and Antoinette. Just prior to that I had sent a third Mountie to help inside, which allowed them to capture the Junior Team, remarkably with no casualties, and not even an injury."

Feeling he had given all the detail about the escapade that needed to be told, for now, Nathan stopped there.

"But the shooting," asked Tom.

In a low voice, Nathan decided to brief Tom, as he had with Millicent, on the actual shooting.

"That happened when the Syndicate Members outside heard warning gunshots from inside. Antoinette was the hero. From where I was, I couldn't see at first, that a second small gun was pulled, as it was mostly hidden by the Shooter's waistcoat, but Antoinette saw, and she instantly pushed Lucas out of the way, signaling for me to look closer. By doing so, she saved her Brother's life. The aim, I could tell by the position of the gun had been for Lucas's heart."

And that was where he decided to leave the details for tonight.

His preference would be forever.

He simply didn't see how any further detail at this point benefitted anyone.

The story's main points were told.

Anything further would simply be worrisome to Millicent, and a common detriment and fallibility of their jobs.

The possum, among other things, was a prime example; a small animal that could have inadvertently and unexpectedly proven deadly.

"Where is Lucas shot," asked Millicent.

"Ironically, his right shoulder. Thankfully, the wound isn't as deep as mine was, but he was definitely grazed, though thankfully, without as much blood loss. I feel so badly that it happened at all, but there was just no way for us on the ground to see that second gun being pulled, as Stanwyck hid it under his waistcoat as much as possible, plus Lucas, himself, was blocking the view of the Mounties guarding him from behind. Also, the Sharpshooters above were unable to see it, as well, as it was a very small gun, and of course, Stanwyck had his back to them. I just wish I could have seen it earlier. I was even looking right at the three Men the whole time, and still missed it."

"Chief, doesn't sound like anyone could have seen that type of scenario. You can't possibly feel responsible for this, as you one hundred percent are not!"

"But Tom, I promised Lucas we'd do our best to keep him safe."

"And that's exactly what you did, Darling!"

Nathan gripped Millicent's hand tighter.

He knew she and Tom were right, and he was going to have to let it go, as he couldn't have possibly done anything differently that would have prevented this, short of killing Stanwyck in cold blood prior to him drawing the gun, which was most definitely not even a thought, and never a possible option.

"Chief, this shooting isn't a tit for tat either. You didn't cause this, and even with the irony of it being similar to your own shooting, although thankfully, not as serious, you and your Men are not responsible. Deep down you know that. Mr. Bouchard knew there was a risk going in. The way I look at this, from what you've told me, had the arrests tonight not occurred, he would be looking at an even greater risk than what he experienced tonight. Eventually, I dare say, at the cost of his life."

"You're right, Tom. Thanks for reminding me of that. The Syndicate leaves no witnesses. I'm just thankful his wound isn't any more serious than what it is. Although the preference, of course, is always no injury at all."

They looked up as the front door to the Infirmary opened, and there was Matt arriving from the Jail, rubbing his ungloved hands together!

"Matt," called Nathan, directing him over to them. "Just want to thank our latest Deputy again! You wore the badge proudly and were a huge help tonight. Your work didn't go unnoticed. Bill and I greatly appreciate your assistance!"

"Thanks, Chief! It felt good to help," smiled Matt.

But Matt was soon distracted as Dr. Faith Carter stepped into the doorway.

Millicent noticed the Doctor blush slightly as she realized Matt was there, although she quickly recovered.

Ironically, Millicent couldn't help but smile when she saw Matt do the exact same thing.

"Nathan, Millicent! Lucas is asking for you both."

Nathan offered his hand to help Millicent up, and they walked into the Exam Room with the Doctor…


"Lucas, I'm so sorry you're going through this. You as well, John," offered Millicent with all sincerity.

John stood up and greeted her with a kiss on each cheek.

"We appreciate that. Thank you for coming. I think my Son just needed a bit of reassurance from his Attorney."

"Lucas, before we get to that, how are you feeling?" she asked.

"Better, thank you," but his eyes were worried, and she realized his look wasn't from the bullet, but worry over the legal quagmire to come.

She continued in a very professional and succinct, yet calming voice.

"I know this is difficult, but I need you not to worry about any of that for now. The legal process will no doubt take quite some time. In fact, I believe that Nathan and I will be back from our Honeymoon long before either of us is needed to assist with your legal case. I'm sure nothing will even be looked at during the Holidays and probably not even during the month of January, as I've already checked and the Union City Court Docket is full till mid-February. I am, however, going to bring in an excellent Colleague of mine who works out of Union City, to have as a backup in my absence, just in case you have concerns or questions of any kind, or if anything is needed while we're gone. Right now, your focus is getting well and getting your strength back, as well as adjusting to your newfound freedom from the Syndicate. All the rest will work itself out in due time."

"Can you give us all your contact information as well as your Assisting Attorney?" asked John.

"I've already got the file ready for you, but he's actually coming to Hope Valley tomorrow, so we can all meet together before I leave. I'll give the file to you then as well."

Lucas nodded.

"I should have known you'd have all contingencies covered! Thank you, Millicent. My Son and I appreciate that very much," nodded John.

"Lucas, Bill, Nathan, and I are committed to making sure you get the best possible resolution to this matter. All three of us are very good at what we do, and we will leave no stone unturned. You've got to trust that we will give you the very best legal care possible because as your Attorney, I insist that you have a clear mind. That will help all three of us defend your case more importantly than anything else."

"I understand. Everything's just so muddled."

"We know that, Lucas, but we're all hoping that with the resolution that comes from tonight, you will begin to feel less muddled, especially as you start to feel better, and realize you are no longer under the Syndicate's control," suggested Nathan.

"Nathan makes an excellent point, Lucas. We need you to adjust to being in charge of your life again, even within the confines of House Arrest so that you can learn how to relax again. My advice, for the time being, is to concentrate on healing and focus on enjoying your Family. You'll be surprised how much that is going to put you in the best possible frame of mind, for when we do all have to face the repercussions of your actions. And we will all face this together. Always remember, you are not alone in this."

"Lucas, if you and your Father don't need anything else from me, I need to return to the Jail to complete my work. If it's alright with Faith, Matt has been deputized and he is taking my place to not only guard you but also protect you."

"Of course, Chief Inspector!" smiled Faith, not at all disappointed at the prospect.

"Then that settles it, Matt will take over for me for now. I'll send him in."

But Nathan thought of something else and turned back toward Lucas.

"You know, Lucas, as badly as I hate that you were injured, it's somewhat of a blessing in disguise, as it's not at all safe for you to be with the other Syndicate Members, not even in jail. But on the other hand, for your own safety, they do have to believe you are being treated exactly the same as them. You being detained here for the night allows us to handle things much more discreetly, without directly involving them, as they'll be transferred at daybreak."

"We appreciate your attention to detail where my Son and his safety is concerned, Chief Inspector. Thank you very much, indeed," thanked John Henry earnestly…


In order to grab a few moments alone, Nathan and Millicent, walked arm in arm from the Infirmary to the Jail, reveling in their quiet time together despite the cold, as Tom and Allie slowly drove the distance.

"I can breathe again, Love," whispered Millicent, with a rather weak smile.

"I'm so sorry to have put you through this, Mil. I know it's been rough."

She sighed, and then with a more resolute wan smile answered him.

"I suppose I realize more than ever if I'm really going to be the Wife of Chief Inspector Nathan Grant, I'd better learn this is a part of my life. I'm afraid it's the price of being in love with a brave, most extraordinary Man! But look at Allie, Nate – she's a Child and she's done this all these years by herself. I feel like a fool that it's hit me so hard. If she can do this, I can do this! Now, at least, we have each other while we wait for you!"

"It was harder than you expected, wasn't it?" he asked with concern written all over his face that was clearly reflected in his shaky voice.

She nodded hesitantly, not wanting to admit it.

He drew her hand to his and kissed it so tenderly right there in the moonlight.

But when he placed her hand in his, her hand clutched his, so much so that without her realizing it, her nails were cutting into his palm.

He didn't waver or even flinch.

Although he had doubts, too.

He understood the jumbled mess of emotions she was feeling.

Was it even right of him to expect her to adapt to this horrible thing?

Waiting on him time and time again, knowing he was in danger?

Somehow, they just had to struggle through all this together.

He bent down to her ear to whisper to her the only thing he could think of to change the subject and lighten the mood.

"What do you say, let's just look at the Moon, Darling?"

She glanced up at the 'Waning Gibbous Moon' which was growing smaller and smaller each day, yet had still not reached the last quarter moon. (*48)

But instead of the usual joy nature brought her, another night instantly flashed into play.

The night of a full moon, dancing through her mind and heart in horrific, very real detail, taking her breath away.

The dreaded night when Nathan was shot.

He saw in her eyes that she was reliving it all in that instant, and his heart broke for her all over again.

"I'm here, Millicent. You're here. And we're safe and sound together. Look at me, Love. Everything is okay."

She threw her arms around him, shaking.

"I'm so sorry!" but she couldn't control it.

Not by herself.

He began to soothe her just by being there with her, holding her, and repeatedly telling her everything was okay.

"You know, if you don't cheer up soon, we may have to catch a train and find a Ferris Wheel somewhere…" he teased. "Or…"

And he tilted her chin up to his, with his eyes dancing.

"We could…just elope, Miss Bradford!"

She thumped her palms lightly against his chest.

"Nathan Grant! Don't you dare tempt me! Our parents would disinherit us! And then what's worse, Essie would kill us!"

"Ah, I forgot about Essie! You've got to admit it's a pretty good thought, though! Can I at least get a smile?"

"It's a beautiful thought! A perfect thought, and if it were just the two of us, I'd take you up on your offer and even be willing to face Essie's wrath. In a heartbeat!"

"It's our Parents, isn't it?"

She nodded.

"You've already moved away from your Parents, and now I'm moving away from mine, for at least a large part of the year. Both sets of Parents need this joy, Love. They would be crushed to not get to celebrate with us."

He grinned that grin of his that only she could decipher, even in the dark.

"Sadly, I know you're right! But as Bill would say, drats! Here I thought I had the perfect solution to all our problems!"

She grinned, which slowly turned into her first real brilliant smile of the evening!

"Just what are you staring at?" she asked flirtatiously.

"You! I simply can't take my eyes off of you! You know, the brightness of the moon did help us see tonight more than you can know! And I'm truly grateful for that. But, I love it even more right now at this very moment!"

"What do you mean?"

"I wouldn't miss seeing you cast in its pearly glow for the world!" he announced with twinkling eyes, but a solemn, sincere face.

"That's because you love me!" she teased.

"That's because I adore you!" he chuckled.

"Darling, how much more work do you have to do tonight?"

"I have to call the Commissioner, then initiate the report for him. After that, I have to call the Mountie Office in Jasper to coordinate the transfers of Madame Deschenes and her cohorts to Union City. So don't wait up."

"Oh, no you don't! I'm waiting up, no matter how long it takes! I want to make sure you get some rest, Nathan! This has been a lot for you, and you're not even fully recovered. I just don't want a setback due to exhaustion."

"I should have all the work done in a couple of hours. I tell you what, you're right! I am tired. Very tired, in fact! I think I'm going on adrenalin right now. I'll just see that I have it all done within a two-hour time frame. I promise. You just try to rest."

"You're hungry, aren't you?"

"How did you know that?" he asked puzzled.

"That funny little movement your jaw makes when you're starved!"

He laughed and stopped at the door to the Mountie Office, and held her close.

"You know me too well! It's so hard to leave you, Mil," his voice was hoarse, and he could barely even say the words.

"But the quicker you start your work, the faster you'll get it done, and be home with me in front of the fire. What are you hungry for?"

"Surprise me…"

"Funny! I plan to be doing that very thing the rest of our lives!"

They kissed in the moonlight, giving each other their full attention, yet again surprising each other with the intensity of their now playful kiss, but with Nathan being careful Millicent wasn't seen standing in the moonlight by any of his prisoners…


"Sweet dreams, Angel! Your Father and I will see you at Breakfast!"

"Momma?"

"Yes, Allie…"

"I love you!"

"I love you, too. All the way to the moon…and back again! And Allie…"

"Yes, Momma?"

"Thank you for helping me tonight. I couldn't have done it without you! And I mean that."

"You helped me too, Momma!"

Mother and Daughter beamed over another unbreakable bond they had forged. A difficult one, but a most important one! So important, Allie kept that smile on her face as sleep began to overtake her.

"And will you teach me more Needlepoint?" she asked through her drowsiness.

"Of course, I will! Whenever you're ready. You just say the word."

Millicent pulled the covers up and tucked her Daughter in, leaving a kiss on her forehead.

She quietly changed into her gown and robe, let her hair down and brushed it quickly, then pulled it back into a quick French Braid.

Then she blew a kiss to her sleeping Daughter and quietly slipped out the door, and down the steps…


As she reached the bottom of the staircase, there sat a distinguished-looking Tom reading one of the Classics in front of a roaring fire.

He had added enough wood to the fire, that the entire rowhouse was already warmed again.

"Need anything, Tom?"

"No, Miss, I'm fine right here by the fire!"

"Tom, thank you!"

"Whatever for, Miss?"

"For being you and for being with Allie and me. For keeping us busy and keeping us calm! Besides, that was the best cup of Cocoa I've had since my Engagement night!"

"Well taking care of you and Miss Allie is my distinct pleasure! But wait, just exactly how many cups of Cocoa have you had since your Engagement night, Miss?" he teased.

She laughed.

"More than you might think…"


In no time, she found herself in the kitchen, starting to make her own grown-up version of Allie's favorite Brownies, which also happened to be a favorite of Nathan's!

She loved to cook, but never as much as she did when it was for her Fiance!

Maybe this would help her get out of this strange mood she was in.

Since these Brownies were for Nathan, she added some Coffee in along with the Chocolate, as well as some of the Vanilla Paste she had asked Florence to order.

Essie had taught her that Coffee enhanced the flavor of the Chocolate, and she, herself, had discovered the Vanilla Paste gave a richer overall taste than the regularly used extract, which was watered down by the alcohol used to make it.

As the Brownies baked in the oven, a heady aroma of Chocolate, Coffee, and pure Vanilla began to fill the rowhouse.

She then went to work on fixing a Roast Beef Sandwich, with the leftover Roast Beef from the day before, all while thinking about the night they had just endured.

When it came to cooking, Millicent was even particular about her sandwiches, and always made sure that they were special.

So, she mixed up a homemade horseradish sauce to slather on the beef and sourdough bread, still not fully understanding the crash of emotions that was descending upon her.

'Just push them away!'

The thought leapt to the forefront of her mind and she did her very best to do just that!

She knew Nathan liked his Sandwiches with Lettuce and Tomato. But there were no Tomatoes to be had, so instead, she decided to improvise and grabbed a glass jar filled with Sun-dried Tomatoes, and finely diced those to assimilate a similar taste.

Then she found a jar of Sweet Pickles and captured three of those by spearing them with her fork. A couple to slice for the sandwich, and one to serve on his plate.

Anything to get her mind off those crazy emotions she preferred to keep at bay.

'What is wrong with me? Everything is alright! Why am I feeling like this now?'

Then she wrapped the entire concoction prettily in parchment paper, and set it in the icebox, trying to think of what else she was missing.

Suddenly, she knew what else was needed.

His mother had always fixed them thin deep-fried slices of potatoes with their sandwiches, and Millicent and Richard had loved them so much, Mrs. Grant had shown Cook how to make them.

They were so much better than the ones you could buy at the Mercantile, so she grabbed a couple of potatoes and the sharpest knife she could find, then meticulously worked at getting the thinnest slices possible.

After that feat was accomplished, she filled a pot with oil and brought it to a high temperature, dropping the potato slices in a few at a time.

After they turned golden, she laid them on a strip of cheesecloth to help soak up the extra grease and sprinkled them with salt.

Then after they cooled, she collected them and piled them high in a small bowl.

It was funny.

The rowhouse kitchen was small, and not at all fancy like her kitchen at home, but how she was going to miss it!

Then it hit her.

Forget the emotions.

Home was wherever Nathan and Allie were.

She wouldn't choose to go through another night of waiting while knowing Nathan was in danger, but she couldn't not do it again, and again, and again, and however many times it would prove necessary.

Whatever nerve-wracking emotions she would have to trample through, she would…

Because she loved Nathan completely and couldn't begin to imagine existing without him.

No, she would be right there with Allie, waiting.

Always.

She only hoped it would get a bit easier for both of them.

Thankfully, they would be together. Allie would no longer be alone. And neither would she.

That was the good overcoming the bad she was feeling.

And that outweighed everything else!

She put a couple of bottles of Ginger Ales on ice, then took out her Brownies, and sprinkled the glossy tops with Sea Salt (another cooking trick she had learned from her Parents' Chef) that countered and brought out their chocolately taste even more!

She left the Brownies to cool and walked back into the living room, where she curled up in a corner of the Settee across from Tom and all the security he offered.

He got up to spread an afghan over her and soon she dozed off with a smile on her exhausted face…


Millicent didn't hear the door open, or even that Tom had slipped out.

But she awoke a bit as Nathan bent over her, kissing her forehead ever so gently, while lightly touching her French Braid, running his hand along it.

"You look more beautiful than I believe I've ever seen before, Darling!"

Her eyes were still half-closed but her arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him closer to her, and without ever opening her eyes, as he drowned in her scent, their lips met, in one very long and very breathless kiss.

"You're home! But what are you doing?" she whispered with wide eyes.

"Trying to carry you to bed."

"Not before you eat, you don't!"

And she opened her eyes, matching their sparkle with a most brilliant smile, full of love.

"You take my place and wait here!"

"Normally, I'd fuss, but I'm so tired, I think I'll do just as you ask."

As he got settled, stretching his long frame out and over the settee, she kissed the top of his head and pulled the afghan up to his chiseled jaw.

"Rest!" she ordered…


It only took her minutes to put her tray together in the kitchen, but when she returned, his weary eyes were closed, and she thought perhaps she'd better put everything back where she had gotten it from, and just allow him to sleep.

But without opening his eyes, his right hand reached out for hers.

"I'm starved," he whispered, rather pitifully.

"Well, in that case, I'll feed you, Kind Sir, as you just happen to be my Hero of the Night!"

He chuckled.

"Hero, eh? Could I possibly ask for more?"

She set the tray down on the low table before them.

"Well, there is Chocolate involved if you eat all of your meal!"

On second thought, he sat up and pulled her to sit down by him.

She snuggled up against him, allowing him to reach for the tray.

"Mil! You made Mother's Potato Crisps!"

"I did! Afraid you're getting it with the Roast Beef leftover from yesterday, though!"

He bit into the sandwich.

"Either I'm starved or this is the best sandwich I've ever tasted."

She laughed.

"Maybe it's a little bit of both!"

"And the Crisps are every bit as good as Mother's. You know I didn't know I was getting a Gourmet Chef when I confessed my love for you! Now, I'm worried about gaining weight!"

"You won't, I promise!"

He caught the teasing smile in her eyes.

"No, I won't!" he chuckled. "Not with you around! There will never be a dull moment! Oh, how I love you, Millicent Alexandria Bradford!"

They ate the rest of the meal, feeding the Sandwich and Crisps to each other in silence, although she was careful to make sure he got the most of it all.

Well, silence except for the giggles, low chuckles, and sweet kisses between them.

When the Sandwich and Crisps were gone, Millicent extracted herself from his hold long enough to reach for a Brownie to give him.

As she lifted it to her sleepy Fiance's mouth, she heard a low, deep moan.

"Great Day! What did you do to these?"

"Just some cookery tricks! Part Essie, part me!"

"Well, I'm in Heaven! This is the best Brownie I've ever had. They've got Bill's beaten to pieces. But what did you do?"

"Added Coffee, Vanilla Paste, and Sea Salt! They all enhance the Chocolate!"

"You can say that again! Just like you enhance me. You do, you know? You make me the best I can be Mil! You and you alone do that."

"It's my job!" she grinned. "Want a second one?"

"Yes, please!"

She fed him the second Brownie, pinching off smaller bites with her head lying on his chest, trying to keep him from gobbling it all down in one huge bite as he had practically done with the first one.

When he finished savoring the tiny pieces, he bent down to kiss her with the chocolately goodness still on his mouth, leaving the most delectable goodnight kiss either could remember ever having had.

"I have to help you to bed," she winked.

"I have an idea," and he stretched out his legs across the end of the table and repositioned her in that spot where she so perfectly fit against him. "Bill will be in later. Kyle and Lance are outside. Why don't we just sit here? We only have a few hours to sleep anyway! Besides, I'm so tired, I don't need my bed. I just need you beside me! So, please…"

He looked so pitiful, but before he could finish his plea, he had shut his eyes and was already drifting off to sleep, with his head leaned back against the settee.

She took off his boots and laid them by the door.

Then with no strength to object, she curled up beside him and soon began drifting off to Dreamland herself…


Hours later, when Bill entered the low lit rowhouse, he couldn't help but smile at the exhausted couple snuggled up together on the settee in front of the fire, with Millicent's head on Nathan's chest, wrapped in his arms, her fingertips lightly stretched up touching his neck, his hand over her other hand, sharing a single quilt spread over their laps.

It was perfectly innocent but somehow so intimate.

Bill was touched and couldn't help but fall deep into thought.

He didn't know what had changed in Nathan that night just a month or so ago, when he had clearly seen for the first time that his future was with Millicent, and immediately boarded a train to head to Montreal to tell her so.

But since Nathan felt like his own Son, Bill was thrilled, now, that the revelation had occurred.

Truthfully, he hadn't been thrilled at first. He hadn't fully understood it. And he had still hoped that maybe…

But when he actually saw these two get off the train together as an engaged Couple, he couldn't imagine either one of them not being with the other.

There was just something about them.

Both were great individuals, bright, intelligent, selfless people you'd always want in your corner.

But together they formed a "gestalt," an organized whole that is perceived as much more than the sum of its parts. (*49)

Ironically, these two serious people were light and fun together! Mixed with something ferociously deep, strong, and invincible. Theirs was a deep combined intellect, but it was always intertwined with an intense, joyful, even playful, and always overflowing air of romance.

Nathan was complete with her. An even better, more confident, contented, and overall happier person than Bill had ever seen. Nathan was hopeful, truly hopeful, and looking forward to his future for the first time Bill could remember. He was a whole Man again, for what Bill expected was the first time since the death of his Sister.

With Millicent, Nathan's past, present, and future collided beautifully into one entity. He, himself, was now open instead of closed, sure instead of faltering within. His future now was unlimited, with no boundaries, and that had nothing to do with his newfound wealth.

It had everything to do with Nathan's and Millicent's individual character, drive, and strength. Combined, they filled exactly what the other needed most. Making them invincible and unstoppable together as a Couple!

What more could you want for a Son you loved like your very own?

But when Bill's eyes followed the scent on his nose and drifted to the tray with those delectable Brownies, a huge smile spread across his face, as he quickly made himself comfortable sitting down across from the sleeping couple.

Needless to say, he soon polished off every single Brownie that was left there!

Yes, the entire plateful.

Luckily, Millicent had been smart enough to save more back, hidden in the rowhouse kitchen, so there would be a few left for tomorrow, as well as a couple for Allie to try.

But as Bill wiped gooey Chocolate from his mouth with a napkin, he looked up the stairway, to the creaking he had just heard there.

"Uncle Bill, I can't sleep!"

Thankfully, each and every Brownie had been devoured by now, because Uncle Bill would have been chagrined to have had to share a single morsel, even with his Favorite Niece!

These Brownies were that good, and he was going to have to have Millicent show him how she made them!

Why they beat the Cafe's recipe by leaps and bounds, although he had no intention of telling Millicent that; Hope Valley just needed a change in their Brownies, that was all!

"Well Little Mountie, grab us a quilt over there, and we'll stretch out together here! Let me stoke the fire first!"

Bill added a couple of logs to the fire, trying to be as quiet as he could, then he moved the large ottoman in front of the huge leather chair, and offered Allie a spot to slide into.

"Uncle Bill, look at Dad and Momma!" whispered Allie with a grin. "They look so cute and happy together!"

"You don't look so uncute or unhappy yourself, Young Lady! Want to help me chaperone these two wild ones?"

Allie giggled.

Uncle and Niece soon were under a cozy spell from the warmth of the fire, curled up under their quilt, but most of all covered with love.

Before too long at all, both had drifted off to Dreamland, with Bill softly snoring, still in his clothes, and only his boots removed!

Soon Allie's sleepful raspy breathing joined her Uncle's soft snores forming a rhapsody of sorts that partially awoke her sleeping parents.

"Good grief! Just how many holes does he have in those socks?" laughed Nathan softly.

"Too many to count even from here!"

"Mil, we're getting that Man a dozen pairs of socks for Christmas!"

To which Millicent giggled and reached up to kiss Nathan's cheek.

And that's how the Chief Inspector, the Barrister, the Judge, and one much-loved precious, precocious girl, all closed out this angsty, conflicting, dangerous, emotional, intriguing, precarious, untoward, unusual...

And most stressful night!

Full circle back to exactly where they should be – encased in their own strong circle of love.

By contentedly slumbering the rest of the night away, together.

With each other.

Their ready-made Family.

And doing a bit of Christmas shopping to boot!

Or more accurately socks!

Poor Bill!

Just imagine what wonderful gift Santa might have brought the Judge!

Had necessity not ruled.

After all, these were the two Men, along with the Commissioner, who had just led the charge and successfully brought the largest Syndicate in all of Canada, right down to their knees…

(*48) Definition for 'Waning Gibbous Moon,' Webster Dictionary, Public Domain

(*49) Definition for 'Gestalt,' Webster Dictionary, Public Domain