Chapter 73: Paper & Gold
Saturday morning seemed to come earlier than usual, as both Nathan and Allie were dreading saying goodbye to Edward.
His departure loomed even closer as the three grabbed their coats, scarves, and gloves to leave the Grant rowhouse together, promptly at 6:45 AM.
"Grandpapa, can't you stay just here a little bit longer?"
"I wish I could, mon Chou, but I have pressing meetings ahead that I can't possibly miss."
"Allie we've already discussed this. Your grandfather is an extremely busy man! We should be most grateful he could find time to come see us at all!"
"I know, and I am, Dad! But I'm just going to miss you, Grandpapa!"
"And I will miss you too, my Sweet! Very much, indeed!"
The visit of Millicent's father had brightened their day and night in a way no one else could have. And neither was quite ready for him to leave!
The two walked with Edward to the Café, with Allie holding onto her Grandpapa's hand the entire way.
Nathan was dressed in his new Uniform, as he had much work awaiting him after Edward's departure, and although he didn't really have to wear it while setting up his new office, it somehow made everything feel official!
Surprisingly, Allie had dressed in her best Sunday dress, without any prompting at all from her Dad!
The girl had a huge heart, and when she let anyone in, it was with complete abandon! But this was her Grandpapa, and thus, even more special. As soon as the two met, a most special love and devotion began to bud.
Somehow the two clicked, instantly drawn together by their inquisitive minds.
Edward, with his commanding presence, as always, looked dignified and handsome.
But he looked even more intriguing, while proudly holding his granddaughter's hand, as it softened him, allowing his love for his family to shine through.
When the three arrived at the Café, Edward's entire Entourage was already very happily seated inside, where Bill was cheerily serving them, with a free side of his best jokes.
Everyone greeted them with smiles as they entered.
It warmed Edward's heart to see his normally somewhat stuffy team now relaxed and thoroughly enjoying their food, thanks to Bill's antics.
"Now, not one of you is leaving our little town without a real Hope Valley Breakfast!" insisted Bill. "And that includes you, Edward!"
Now 'a real Hope Valley Breakfast' meant all the fixings to Bill: Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Hash-browned Potatoes, and Biscuits with White Gravy, served with a side of Pancakes smothered in Maple Syrup and a bowl of Mixed Berries with Honey.
Not to mention the Fresh Juices and a drink so strong it could walk, otherwise known as the Judge's Coffee!
As it turned out the companionable crowd were hearty eaters after all, thoroughly enjoying their meal, along with the company!
"Bill, on behalf of my staff, I can't thank you enough. This meal is absolutely delicious! The best and heartiest Breakfast we've had on our entire trip!"
"My pleasure, Edward! Let me go warm your Coffee!"
"Anyone would know you're a good man if they only saw you drinking Bill's Coffee, Edward, without any untoward faces at all!' chuckled Nathan.
"This stuff's beyond strong. Is this what keeps you all going so strong around these parts!"
"I'm afraid, everyone's too scared to death of the Judge to not like it, whether it's drinkable or not!" explained Nathan, which elicited another chuckle from Edward.
"Between us, one cup is my Coffee quota for the entire week. But don't tell Bill!"
Sitting at the table with Edward and Allie, Nathan, ever the Mountie, noticed the briefcase Edward had been carrying was not his personal one. It appeared identical. But it was new, and missing his name on the gold nameplate, having only initials, instead.
What was really odd, the initials, 'N.A.G.,' belonged to him!
'Hm, he must have switched at dinner last night.'
But Edward noticed Nathan's observation, and figured now was the only chance he would have to explain.
"Son, is there a place here, where we could talk privately?"
"Of course, Edward. Follow me. Allie, why don't you go on and finish your Breakfast," winked her Dad. "We won't be too long."
Nathan led Edward back through the kitchen and into the tiny sitting area beside it.
"Please make yourself comfortable, Edward.
"As you noticed, the briefcase is yours, Nathan. I used your initials because I wasn't sure how to word your new title. We can get that changed when you come to Montreal!"
"No problem, Edward! But, is anything wrong?"
"No, Son, not wrong. But if I know you, perhaps somewhat distasteful!"
As Edward raised his eyebrow, Nathan immediately realized what he was referring to.
Knowing where they were headed, he listened respectfully as Edward continued.
"I know my timing is terrible, but the truth is, there was never going to be a good time. And I was just enjoying yours and Allie's company so much, that selfishly, I hated to disrupt that."
Suddenly, Bill appeared and sat across from them.
"Bill, I'm sorry, Edward wanted…"
"No, Son. It's alright. I asked Bill to meet with us. To be perfectly honest, I need a witness and notary. For that to be a Judge is even more appropriate in this particular case."
Edward opened the shiny new briefcase, which contained a ream of documents.
Documents Nathan disheartedly recognized to be financial ones, as he had already deduced.
And so, he thought he was prepared.
But as his glance caught the figure at the bottom of the first page, he suddenly felt ill.
"I was hoping we could take care of this here in Hope Valley, Nathan. It's just that I don't want you and Millicent to be interrupted right before your Wedding to have to take care of these bothersome details. Millicent loves you, Son, and as you know, she intends to share her Estate equally. As her Estate is vast, it's crucial that this is taken care of prior to the ceremony so that everything becomes effective immediately."
Nathan felt the room closing in on him.
That figure was much higher than the figure he had seen in Montreal.
Much higher, as if the old figure hadn't been high enough!
He had battled fiercely to accept the previous figure!
"Edward, can the Estate possibly grow this much in a few weeks' time?" he asked, almost breathlessly.
"I'm afraid so, Son. There's always fluctuation. But remember, a proportionate amount has already been deducted to go to Millicent's Foundations. That will include yours and Allie's as soon as the Wedding takes place."
"Edward, I've resigned myself to all of this, but I don't know how to manage money like that! You know that I don't!"
Nathan's voice was edged with a measured panic.
"Neither do I, Son! There are professionals who handle that. I prefer to work and let them take care of all this. Although of course, I do review everything and make the final sign-off to make sure it's all in order! As you will also need to do. But, Richard and I will help you with all of that."
Nathan was struggling to understand Edward's words, but he just felt dizzy, almost as though he was struggling to breathe.
Or was the room spinning?
He had accepted all this.
He had come to terms with the money.
Why was he feeling like this?
Why did the doubt and fear hit him all over again, simply because the number had increased so much?
He and Millicent had even resolved all this, together!
Nathan stood, his hands almost shaking, as the other two men remained seated, both unsure as to how the younger man was going to ultimately react.
But suddenly Bill spoke up, abruptly breaking the silence.
"You listen to me, Nathan. And you listen to me good! Millicent loves you, and she's chosen you to share her life with. Do you really expect her not to share everything she has?" asked Bill, gruffly. "What part do you have that you're gonna hold back?"
"That's not fair, Bill!"
"Of course, it's fair! It's all the same. It's all yours together once you marry!"
"Nathan, let's just put all this up, and perhaps we can stop by the Judge's Chambers just before I leave. I'm truly sorry to have had to bring this up."
"No, Edward, Bill's right! I would never hold anything back from Millicent. And I understand she wouldn't from me either. I love her and I know this money is a part of that. Why don't we just get this over with?"
Rattled, but certain he was fully committed to Millicent, Nathan sat and signed document after document, saying 'For Millicent' over and over in his head, with each signature.
When he finally finished, he stood straight and tall.
Then without a word, looking straight ahead and taking long even strides, he rushed straight through the kitchen and the restaurant, through the Café door, and out onto the Boardwalk, gasping for a breath of fresh air.
He stood there, blankly staring at the Mountie Office that used to be his.
But now Gabe was at his desk.
So much had happened, it was almost overwhelming.
Why was he feeling so unsettled over something he had already accepted?
And even committed to.
Was he so resistant to change?
Of course, this was a unique change, a monumental one to be exact.
But he was adjusting to his work changes.
So, he would adjust to this too, no matter how confusing, how foreign…
Bill and Edward remained in the back of the restaurant, not knowing what to do or how to help, while at the same time recognizing Nathan needed to be alone.
But Allie, not knowing what had just happened, saw her distressed father through the front window, and immediately knew something was wrong, so with the wisdom, only a child can offer, she instinctively ran to help him.
She first touched her Dad's arm, without saying anything.
But he remained stoic, staring straight ahead, lost in his thoughts, as though he were completely unaware of her presence.
"Are you alright, Dad?" she whispered.
He sighed heavily.
"I will be," he answered blankly, still staring straight ahead.
She stood with him silently for quite some time, somehow knowing this had something to do with her Momma.
"Dad, you love Momma and Momma loves you, and we're all going to be a family. That's all that matters."
"But, Allie, I don't want to change and I don't want you to change. I don't want money to change us. We're going to have a lot of very nice things that we don't have now. I just don't want those things to change us."
"They won't."
Her words were spoken softly, but so confidently, without any doubt whatsoever.
"How do you know that?" he finally turned to look down at his daughter.
"Nice things didn't change Momma!"
Her face was so innocent, but her words were so profound that Nathan gasped as tears came to his eyes, and he wrapped his arms around his precious daughter.
Wisdom from the mouths of babes.
Allie was one hundred percent right!
Nice things hadn't changed Millicent, and she had had them her entire life. She was the same caring, compassionate, humble, kind, loving girl Nathan had known as a child. She wasn't some selfish brat, never had been. Instead, she had simply used her money to help others, even choosing a career that would allow her to help even more.
If Millicent could remain the same, good and untainted person with money and the lifestyle it brought, he and Allie could too, and they would!
They only had to follow Millicent's example and be themselves…
Having given them privacy, while looking through the window with concern, Edward felt now was the time for him to be with his family.
Something had changed.
He could feel it.
And he could tell it in Nathan's posture.
Nathan was now his calm, unrattled self again.
Closing the Café door behind him, Edward walked out to the boardwalk hesitantly at first, because deep down, he realized he was the major reason for what had been Nathan's confusion, perhaps even the cause of it.
Ironically, it was the troublesome money that came with his industrious will to make living conditions better for everyone. Money hadn't been his purpose at all. His family already had money.
Lots of it!
He hadn't needed more.
It was this intense drive he felt within him, that had led to his wild success, which translated into this obscene amount of money, that seemed to be more of a burden than a positive for all those he loved.
He had taken the family company and had grown it to the max.
Then he had kept building, starting many, many new companies.
All successful even beyond his own imagination!
But it wasn't the money that was important, it was his family!
They were the one thing to him more precious than all the money in the world.
And now, these two were also part of his family.
And as such, he embraced them both as only a caring father and grandfather would do.
"You know, my daughter loves you both very, very much! More than life itself! And as such, she will do everything in her power, as will I, to see that you two stay true to yourselves. Neither one of us wants the two of you to be any different than what you are right now. It's a difficult and sometimes treacherous lesson, but you will soon learn that money doesn't have the power to change you or even control you. Only God and you can do that. What's important is the three of you as a family. You, Nathan, as head of your family, determine what that looks like, not only for you, Millicent, and Allie, but also for my future grandchildren. I trust you to lead honorably, nobly, and with a Christian heart, just as you always have done. Because that is what and who you are. Nothing will change that!"
Looking straight at him, Nathan nodded, fighting for words as Edward continued, knowing he was right.
"There's not another man for my Millicent, Nathan, not in this whole world. You've always been the only one she's loved. We've all always known that."
"I know that too…thank you, Edward, for reminding me. I can't even fathom what took me so long.
"Might I add, Son, we've also known that you've always loved her!"
Nathan grinned his lopsided grin.
"I can't argue with that, Sir! I suppose this money thing is an identity crisis within self of sorts, which is odd. Because even I know that I'm my best self with your daughter and nothing without her. Why does the money still scare me?"
"Your feelings are human, Son. The whole thing takes time! You know, Victoria struggled too. Quite a bit actually. She came from abject poverty into this Bradford world. I like to think we Bradfords aren't intimidating, although I can't say that about my parents in her case. They were old society and positively horrid to her, bashing her at every turn, or worse, yet, pretending as though she didn't exist! But she handled them much better than the money. It was extremely difficult for her to become comfortable with her new material surroundings."
"What changed everything for her?"
"She started giving back to her people with a vengeance! For a long time, several years, in fact, she gave them everything I made!" chuckled Edward, remembering as he continued.
"I never once complained as I dipped into my family's reserve. Things stayed that way until she learned how to give even more via a Foundation. And suddenly she had her reason to live, her cause. Of course, now she has many! All of them are worthy causes, Son. But it's our marriage, not the money, that makes everything work for both of us. Together, we committed to each other, overcoming all the money pitfalls together. Believe me, we still work at it!"
Edward chuckled once more.
"I know it's hard to see now, but you and Millicent will do the same. Together, you will find your way, Son."
"Deep down, I know you're right. I know we will make it through together. But I don't understand why this deep-seated fear of paper and gold seems to come rearing its ugly head at the most unexpected times."
"You know it's funny that you are one of the few, who's not at all intimidated by us Bradfords. Which is rather nice. I mean you're already family! With you, however, it's the unknown due, to the money. An unknown many young men would relish, by the way! And even fought to win her hand over the money alone. But Son, I'm so thankful you don't relish the money! It tells me your heart is true. But it also concerns me. This is your life, Nathan, and I just want you to get more comfortable with the idea."
Both men laughed, knowing that was the difficulty at hand!
"Over time you will, Nathan. Just give it some time."
"It's a crazy world, isn't it Edward?"
"You wouldn't believe the things I see! Wait, you're a Mountie! Of course, you would! I'm sure you've seen much worse than the corporate espionage I have to deal with on a day-to-day basis."
"Evil exists, but it shows that a lot of good also exists!"
"You know, Son, in addition to giving a lot of the money away, I do hope someday, you'll be able to enjoy the rest of it for yourself. I'm afraid it does no one any good if you can't."
Nathan nodded.
"I'll try, Edward. For Millicent's sake, I will try with all my heart!"
"And don't feel guilt, Son! You're going to be able to do a lot of good."
"I think you hit the nail on the head. It's the guilt. Perhaps as Millicent and I are giving together, the money will seem to be a less formidable obstacle. I give you my word, I'll work on the guilt!"
The two men looked down at a smiling Allie.
"Do it for her, Nathan. And Millicent!"
Nathan smiled.
"They are without a doubt my purpose, Edward."
Edward patted him on his good shoulder.
"I know, Son!"
"I love you, Grandpapa!"
"I love you, too, Granddaughter! Very, very much!"
And suddenly, seeing his new family and the love already there, Nathan fully relaxed…
As Bill's guests left for their motorcade, his staff passed out Snack Boxes to everyone.
His recipients were utterly delighted, thanking him profusely for their Hearty Breakfasts as well as their Boxes.
"Bill, this was a spectacular Breakfast. What a wonderful way to start our journey back home. And the Snack Boxes are greatly appreciated by all! Thank you from the depths of my heart! Look forward to seeing you in Montreal, Bill, and catching up there! And I'll follow up on that knoll, using your latest map!"
"Lookin' forward to it, Edward! And I can't tell you how much the entire town will appreciate you takin' a look at our unusual topography! If it's possible to resolve, our safety is increased by leaps and bounds!"
"Hopefully that's possible. You have my word, if it's fixable, I'll send my equipment to do it, as it's the latest and best!"
Finally, the travelers were happy and full, ready for their long travel day ahead!
Allie struggled, already tearing up, not wanting to let go of Edward's hand, as they walked to the waiting motorcade together.
Edward's entourage said their goodbyes to Nathan and Allie, one by one, as the two stood there with Edward.
Then they filed into their cars, leaving Edward alone to say his personal and private goodbyes to his family.
A bittersweet feeling descended on the three and those watching.
Bill quietly moved and stood behind Allie and Nathan, along with Gabe, Kyle, and Lance, who had all made their way to the Boardwalk.
Most of the town had also turned out to see their honored guest and his colleagues off, including the Yosts, Mr. Bouchard and his staff, as well as all the town's other businessmen and many of the townspeople.
It wasn't every day Hope Valley saw a motorcade, not to mention one as impressive as Edward's!
He had been an influential delight for all to meet, as Canada's leading businessman, right there in their own little town.
It had been quite the coup!
But also, because they loved Millicent, they loved meeting her father.
"Grandpapa, I wish you could go riding with us and spend all day Saturday with us! Sabrina would love it too!"
Edward wrapped his arms around his Granddaughter.
"Sweetest Allie, mon Petit Chou, I do too! With all my heart, I'd love nothing better! But duty calls! And now that I have my Wedding Countdown Calendar with me, time is going to fly. Why you and your Dad will be in Montreal in no time! And you know what, I can't wait! Neither can the rest of the family!"
Allie smiled feebly, then Edward suddenly reached into his suit pocket, and pulled out two long-shaped jewelry boxes.
"Now, this first one, Sweetheart, probably won't be fully appreciated till you're much older, but I wanted you to have it for your two special occasions coming up, just in case you needed it!"
"You know about my Dance?" asked Allie, eyes full of surprise.
"Indeed, I do, every young Girl has a dance card to fill, right? Let's just say I want you to be prepared!"
Allie opened the first box with widening eyes.
"Grandpapa!"
"According to your dear Gramma and Grandmama, if I did my job right, this bracelet exactly matches the necklace your dear Mother left you."
"Thank you, Grandpapa! The pearls are so beautiful! And they do match my necklace perfectly! But how did you know?"
"I saw your beautiful Mother wear them on her sixteenth birthday when your grandparents gifted them!"
"You knew my mother?"
Allie was awed.
"I most certainly did! We loved her so much, Allie. She was part of our family too, and so very beautiful. Very special Allie, and full of spunk as well, just like you! And yes, your new Momma told me over the phone, that there's a dance you have coming up this first part of December. So, I thought you might need the bracelet to match that special necklace of yours, in case you wanted to wear them! And then, of course, there's also our huge Wedding! Now I don't know much about jewelry, but I do know the women in the family tend to wear their pearls to Weddings!"
"The pearls are perfect, Grandpapa!" and Allie flung her arms around her grandfather again.
With tears glistening in his own eyes, Nathan mouthed a "Thank you!" to Edward, who had taken the time to do something so thoughtful for both him and Allie, while remembering his twin, Colleen, in the process.
"I also thought you might like something less fussy to wear all the time if you wish. Something not as fancy! I hope this is something a young girl like yourself will enjoy, but also have as something to remember me and your Grandmama by!"
With a smile, he handed Allie the second box to open.
It was so plain and very simple, but so beautiful that Allie shrieked!
"It's perfect! I love this Grandpapa! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'll wear it always!"
He smiled.
It was the daintiest gold chain, with a single matching pearl dangling from it, and as Edward stooped to finish hooking it on his Granddaughters wrist, she wrapped both arms around his neck!
"I'm going to miss you so very much!" she cried.
"I'm in your heart, Allie! Just like your Gramma and Grappa, your new Grandmama and I are right there in your heart, with them, to stay! Just like you are already in ours to stay! Besides, we have a checkers rematch, and quite a few companies to count when you come to Montreal. So, you'd better be ready to work! Hmph! It seems I better get my companies in tiptop shape for inspection! Plus, you've got four new cousins to meet. And lots of Uncles and Aunties! I love you, Allie! Very much! Welcome to our family, Angel!"
"I always wanted a great big family! And now I have it! I love you, Grandpapa!"
After embracing a tearful Allie, who didn't at all want to let go, Edward wrapped his arms around his soon-to-be son-in-law.
"The time is going to pass faster than you can imagine now. And our special day will be here before you know it! I want you to have this, Son!" and Edward handed Nathan a small package with an envelope that had his name scrawled across it in Edward's distinctive handwriting.
"Just put this away for now, and open it later!" he instructed with a wink.
The two men embraced, as Nathan held Edward's car door open for him, and Allie hugged her Grandpapa one last time.
"I love you both, and so nice to meet you all! You have a wonderful town, Hope Valley! Hope to see as many of you as possible at the Wedding, as our Guests!" and he waved to the crowd, which sent a ripple of excitement throughout!
Then Edward turned to hug Nathan again.
"You're going to be fine. I promise!"
Then he called to Bill.
"Thanks for everything, Bill! Much appreciated!
See you very soon in Montreal, for our big Wedding!"
Bill noticed that Edward had included him, and it meant a lot.
After all, he already felt like part of the family, and in their mind was!
Then he turned his attention back to Nathan.
"Don't you let any of this Wedding fuss overwhelm you, Nathan. This, the money, nor the teams of Security, are not what's important, as far as your focus!" he whispered.
"No, Sir! Without a doubt, it's Millicent!"
"Yes, and you! Don't forget that! You're a brave man for taking us on. But everything will work out, even though it might seem overwhelming right now. I promise you so! We'll see to it! And you have my word!"
"I'm counting on that! Thank you for coming to see us, Edward! Your being here has helped both Allie and me so very much!"
Edward smiled as he got into his car.
"I'm the one who's been blessed, Son!"
Nathan wrapped his arm around Allie, as Bill took their packages.
Allie and her father watched as she sniffled, both waving to Edward's motorcade as it slowly moved out of town, and on to Montreal.
"Dad, I already miss him so much!"
"I know you do, Sweetheart! So do I!"
"That man's quite somethin', Nathan! I like him an awful lot!" bragged Bill. "Who would have thunk it? A man like that, as down to earth as they come!"
"Yes, he's a great man, Bill! He's humble too, and doesn't ever seem to realize it! I think he just loves to work! Although undoubtedly, he would prefer to keep it all separate from his personal life if only he could!"
"You're gonna be fine, Nathan! I know this is a lot, but you'll sail through all of it with flying colors!"
"Honestly, Bill, how do you know that?"
"Because I know you, and I know Millicent. You two together are invincible! You'll face all the problems as they come. And now that I've met Edward, good grief, with those two in your corner, there's no way you can fail!"
Nathan let out a heavy sigh, then turned to Bill with a grin.
"You've got that right! No failing allowed in the Grant Family or the Bradford Family!"
"I know this is a lot more than most go through, but the truth is, every couple faces some hurdles, Son! Yours are just…different! Pleasant ones, if you'll relax and let them be!"
"You know, Bill, somehow that actually helps! Allie, want to come to your Uncle Bill's Office and work for your Dad this morning? You can help sort files, as there are stacks and stacks!"
"Really, Dad? YES!" she answered excitedly, but then got solemn. "If you'll take me to lunch that is!"
"Allie, as pretty as you look with that nice dress and your new bracelet, how could I not?"
Nathan winked, thinking his little girl was finally becoming a real young lady, in addition to her tomboyish ways!
He liked the new combination that thanks to Millicent, his daughter was now becoming.
For one fleeting moment, the pain his daughter had endured with Elizabeth came fleeting back, only to be banished by the confidence and love that now filled her face because of Millicent!
'I'm blessed beyond measure,' mused Nathan. 'And so it Allie!'
Father and daughter stepped up to the Boardwalk while Bill chatted with Gabe, Kyle, and Lance.
"See you at the office, Bill!"
"I won't be long! But you might want to put some Coffee on!"
"Gladly, Bill!" and then Nathan muttered under his breath. "It might even be drinkable!"
"What was that?"
"See you later, Bill!"
Then they headed on to the Judge's Office, which Nathan was sharing for now.
"You know, Allie, having your Grandpapa visit has really helped us, hasn't it!"
"Yes, Dad! I love him so much, and it helps to make our new life seem real!"
"Our new life?"
"Yes, our new life with Momma! And I can't wait!"
He chuckled, full of gratitude.
"Neither can I, Allie! Neither can I…"
It had been a very long day, and an emotional one, but late that night after Allie was long sleeping, ruminating over the day, Nathan put on his robe and went back downstairs to stoke the fire.
He fixed himself a cup of Coffee, since he wasn't sleeping anyway.
When it was ready, he poured himself a mug and went to retire on the settee in the now toasty living area.
Stretched out, he remembered the package Edward had given him, left where it had been set, on the end table closest to him.
Not to mention the additional large sum of money Edward had placed in Nathan's bank account in Union City, against his wishes.
But it was the promised money to fill the difference in the cost of their Ranch in comparison to Richard's and Margaret's Wedding gift.
Nathan had so hoped Edward would forget all about that promise, although he knew knowing Edward, that would never happen!
He could hear Edward's words now.
"The difference is yours, Son, to do whatever you wish to do with. Let's just say it's to help level the playing field."
"I appreciate that, Edward, but as you yourself said, the money is a Wedding Gift for both me and Millicent. The account will be a joint account as soon as we marry."
"Which, I suppose, is exactly as it should be," he had smiled, before turning very serious. "
"Just promise me, you'll never feel less than, Son. Because you are so much more than! We all know it to be a fact. You need to know it, too!"
"I can promise that, at least, Edward! I've worked hard to develop self-worth. That's not to say all this is not overwhelming. But truthfully, I promise Millicent and I will manage together. Deep in my very being, I know that we will."
Nathan had postponed opening the package, dreading that it could be more money.
Money he would have to return to Edward.
But as he opened the package, his jaw dropped open, especially as he read the note.
"To My New Son,
I wanted to give you a personal gift from me to welcome you into the family, and to show you my love and regard.
This was my father's gold watch that he wore every single day, and his father's before him. It is my most prized possession.
Someday, my own watch will go to my eldest son, but I want you to know it is this watch I cherish, one that I hope you will someday pass on to your own eldest son, my Grant grandson.
With this gift, know you are very much my son, every bit as much so as my own flesh and blood. I am so very proud of you and so very grateful for you, Nathan. I fully trust placing my daughter in your more than capable and loving hands.
Just always be yourself, as I know you will do, and continue to love my beautiful daughter through good times and bad, as you journey this wonderful life together.
Welcome to our family, Nathan Grant.
With deepest love and regard,
Edward"
Nathan was speechless, as he pensively moved the golden watch and fob side to side, watching it glisten.
But instead of feeling overwhelmed as he had with the money, his heart was overflowing with joy.
He really did belong.
He was not only Millicent's choice but Edward's and Victoria's as well!
His joy was not because of the watch itself per se.
But because it signified that none of the Bradford focus was about money, but instead family values.
The value of paper and gold was only a means to a giving end for them.
Their true wealth was all about family. And the powerful love they shared with each other.
With that priceless wealth of family, he and Allie were going to be just fine, despite the money.
This was Edward's most prized possession, not because it was gold, but because of its precious family ties.
And now he had given this, his most cherished possession, to his future son-in-law, for both him and his own future eldest son.
Yes, the Bradfords, along with his parents and Colleen, no matter how unlikely and no matter how disparate in income, had always combined their families.
But now, the Bradfords were his real family too, and though he had always loved them, this watch told him, without doubt, he truly, fully, and completely belonged.
The phone suddenly rang and Nathan lunged for it, praying that it would be Millicent!
"Darling?" he asked unsurely, but believing with all his being it was her.
"Oh, how I love to hear your voice! It's taken me most of the night to reach you. I hope I didn't wake Allie! The Union City Switchboard must have been bombarded."
"Millicent, are you alright?"
"Of course, Love! I'm just missing you, so terribly. I had to hear your voice! Did Father get off on his trip back home alright?"
"Yes, and he left me the most wonderful gift, Mil. His father's and his grandfather's gold watch!"
"Millie, are you there? The line's muddled."
"Yes, Darling! I'm just surprised. You do know that's his most prized possession in the whole world! But for him to part with that particular golden treasure, I can't imagine a better keeper than you, Love!"
"He said it was for our eldest son, Darling!"
"Our eldest son? What a wonderful family tradition to carry on for our own family! A Bradford tradition becoming a Grant tradition. I love that they're interwoven, Nathan! And it just shows me what I've known all along. Father holds you in his highest regard. He loves you, Nathan, as his own Son!"
"I know that he does. As I love him. He's quite remarkable, you know!"
"No more remarkable than you, my love! Although your humility never allows you to see that!"
The smile on Nathan's face was Millicent's thanks, and with all the love in his heart, he continued.
"There was a lot of 'paper' too, my Love! The money differential for the remainder of our Wedding Gift."
"And that is supposed to be yours, Nathan. We both agreed!"
"I'm afraid it belongs to both of us as it is a Wedding Gift, meaning you and me!"
She giggled with glee at the very thought, needing him so desperately.
"Semantics, Darling! Whether paper or gold, it's all yours as far as I'm concerned! It's just you that I want! Only you!"
He chuckled.
"Tell me all about your day, Mil, including every single thing I can help you with, my Darling…"
