Chapter 80: After the Ball
After a most romantic night of dancing for hundreds of Mounties and their Ladies, the 1919 Royal Canadian Mounted Police Ball was soon coming to a close.
But Nathan still felt as though he were living a dream.
A wonderful one he never wanted to wake up from.
The words kept repeating themselves over and over in his mind: 'Millicent is here and my life is complete.'
Although he had obviously breathed without her, it hadn't felt like that had been so.
For when he saw her, something magical happened within him and he felt reborn, suddenly alive again!
Nathan was literally beaming as he quietly listened to Millicent speak to Commissioner Anderson, and his wife, Caroline, both of whom were clearly charmed by her.
"It's wonderful to finally meet you both! Nathan has said so many wonderful things about you!" smiled Millicent warmly.
"Well, that's lovely to hear because we think the world of him! But we would be remiss if we didn't tell you the man waxes poetic about you, and now we understand why, my Dear! So beautiful and so charming, an utter delight you are!" complimented Commissioner Anderson, who was clearly besotted.
"Thank you, Sir! Such a kind thing for you to say! I do apologize for being late. I'm afraid there were scheduling issues with our Train. We were fortunate to make it at all given the added stops, but I'm so glad we did. I wouldn't have wanted to miss this for the world! It's been a magical evening with Nathan, and I wouldn't take anything for it. We've had such a lovely time together. You should be proud because tonight's Ball is obviously a rousing success! And since I've thrown quite a few of these for our Foundations, I know just how much effort and hard work goes into making all this magic happen! What you've accomplished is absolutely incredible! Congratulations to you both!"
"Coming from you, my Dear, that's high praise indeed! But the highlight of the night, without doubt, was your surprise appearance, so do not apologize at all! Caroline and I are positively delighted to get to meet you finally. And it's quite obvious that you've made one of my very accomplished Senior Mounties deliriously happy," winked the Commissioner.
As the Couple's eyes met, Millicent blushed, as did Nathan, but his face was still void of any real embarrassment, as it was clearly obvious that he was over the moon to be standing there next to his beautiful fiancée!
"Millicent, if I may be so bold, I do have a huge favor to ask," enthused Caroline, although a bit hesitantly at first. "With your vast experience, you could be such a tremendous help to us. Would you consider, Dear, serving on our Mountie Ball Committee with me as my co-chair for next year? I could really use your wealth of knowledge, and everyone is dying to meet you. Also, the Committee as a whole could really use your expertise. Why with you co-chairing, I'm sure this year's Ball would be but a distant memory!"
"Well, I doubt that, but Caroline, it would be my honor to serve as your co-chair! I would love to help and while in the process, get to know you and the other Ladies better," smiled Millicent.
The Commissioner's expressive wife immediately and heartily embraced Millicent, thrilled at her acceptance!
"I'm positively delighted, my Dear! Just delighted! The other Ladies will be as thrilled as I am. I'll announce that you're coming on board in our post-Holiday Newsletter and then again at our first Board Meeting, in person. My secretary will be sure to get all the necessary information to you along with a calendar of all our meetings and their locations. I'll also see that he sends you our historical log so that you can see what we've done in the past!"
She turned to her husband and to Nathan, then with a most formal tone made her pronouncement.
"Gentlemen, it's my distinct honor and pleasure to introduce to you my new co-chair of the 1920 Royal Canadian Mounted Police Annual Ball!"
"Congratulations, my Dear, but I would say we are the lucky ones!" complimented the Commissioner.
"Congratulations, you'll do a wonderful job, Darling!" agreed Nathan, full of pride.
But then with a bemused expression on her face, Caroline continued.
"Although, I should be quite miffed you know, having to give up my favorite dance partner! But as I'm passing him off to this raving beauty by my side, who also happens to be my new co-chair, I suppose I'll have to acquiesce. But I must say, I've never seen a more striking couple, on and off the Dance Floor. You two are positively magic out there! Pure joy to watch!"
"I'm afraid we can't take credit. That's all due to Nathan's mother, who was once a professional dancer in London. She's quite meticulous and very demanding of her students because she so sincerely loves dance. It is her passion, and we were most fortunate to be taught by her. She's brought so much joy to us through dance!"
Nathan smiled and nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Mother's quite the taskmaster: meticulous and demanding, but with all the passion in the world for her art," grinned Nathan with pride. "She's definitely the artist in our family! So, we children were taught early on, when we were very young."
"How marvelous! I hope to meet her someday. Perhaps at the Wedding?" asked the Commissioner.
"Most definitely!" assured Nathan.
"But, Caroline back to that dance partner issue, I'm sure there will be times when as your co-chair, I'll be very busily occupied assisting with the Ball, which will give you plenty of time to dance with your partner and my soon-to-be husband," winked Millicent, touching Nathan's arm. "Right, Darling?"
"I'm sure that can be arranged. Whenever my better half is busy, I'll be more than happy to be your partner. You've been a great, Mrs…"
Mrs. Anderson cleared her throat.
"Now, what did we agree on?" she asked, with a hint of disdain.
"Caroline! You've been a great dance partner, Caroline, and I will be happy to dance with you whenever you have my soon-to-be wife otherwise engaged."
"That, my Nathan, is more than fair enough! Thank goodness we'll get to dance again due to the goodness of your precious fiancée's heart. Now, at least I won't lose you completely. Oh, and Nathan, if you ever get stuck with that husband of mine on a project and you get a break, do you think you might teach him a dance step or two? And I'm only requesting the basics here!"
The Commissioner chuckled, along with Nathan.
"You never give up, Sweetheart!"
"No, I don't," she insisted. "Why in the world should I? Life is simply too short to do so! I still believe that someday my handsome Husband will learn to enjoy the art of dance, and I'm not giving up!"
Nathan winked at this strong Lady who had given him such sage advice while dancing tonight.
Advice he planned never to forget.
"I promise to do my very best, Ma'am!"
"Just so you know, I'm holding you to that!"
The Commissioner winked back at the couple, as Superintendent Bergeron and his wife stepped up to say their thank-yous and ask a question about next week's training session, which Bergeron was leading for the first time.
Thankfully, this left Nathan and Millicent with a moment of privacy.
"You look absolutely ravishing!"
"You look pretty dashing yourself!"
"Thank you for being so kind to Commissioner Anderson and his wife. They absolutely love you! And an even bigger thanks for taking on that co-chair position. I know it's a lot with all you've got to do!"
"Actually, I'm excited about doing it. It will be a good way to get to know the wives of the Officers you work with, plus, I finally get to do something to support you and your profession, and that makes me happy!"
He glanced around the room, almost nervously, but there were still quite a few couples mingling about.
She tucked her hand behind her into his.
"Are you wanting to kiss me?" she whispered, turning her head for him alone to read her lips.
"Desperately! Consider yourself kissed," he grinned. "Multiple times over. Let's just say I owe you."
"I'm afraid that 'owing' is going to cost you a hefty charge with interest, Sir!"
Standing behind her he squeezed her waist tighter with one hand, bending to whisper into her hair, while playing with her long slender fingers with the other.
"Oh, you'll get your interest all right! And I don't think you'll have any problem collecting whatsoever..."
After the Ball officially ended, our couple happily said all their goodbyes, along with heartfelt thank yous for a lovely evening to Commissioner and Mrs. Anderson, then Nathan escorted Millicent to her limousine.
The Commissioner and his wife watched as Nathan led Millicent from the Ballroom.
"Winston, they have no idea how striking they are!"
"I think you're right, Caroline. I don't think I've ever seen such a young couple so perfectly in sync. We had that though, in the beginning, at least I think we did!"
"We not only had it, we still do, Husband!"
"You know the sky's the limit for those two."
"Without doubt, my Darling..."
Prior to leaving the Ballroom, Millicent had made sure Matt retrieved Nathan's Portrait, which would have been left on the wall with the other Dignitaries had it been up to Nathan.
Now, finally, without a crowd of people around them, Nathan and Millicent were alone.
And it felt wonderful!
Well alone, if you didn't count Bill, Tom, and Matt, all of whom were very close by.
But the Couple had grown accustomed to that, so in their mind, yes they were still finally alone, at least with stolen moments here and there.
"What a lovely time and what a miracle that you're here with me," whispered Nathan holding on to Millicent, as they walked arm in arm to the limousine which had earlier brought her from the Union City Train Depot. "Thank you, for coming, Love!"
"I wouldn't have been anywhere else. This is such a lovely memory for us. I'll never forget tonight, Darling!"
"Love of my Life, I'm the one who will never forget looking up and seeing the ravishing vision that is you, standing there before me. I wasn't at all sure you weren't just a dream!"
Millicent giggled.
"I hope I am your dream!"
Nathan chuckled in the dark.
"Oh, you are that and more, my Darling! My dreams and my reality, all wrapped up into one. And how heavenly you are!"
"I love you, Nate!"
"I love you completely. Although for the life of me, I'll never understand how I'm so blessed!"
"I'm the one who's blessed! I can't believe after all this time apart, we're actually together again," she whispered the words to him alone, as Bill and the Security Team were hovering very close by.
"Neither can I. Being apart was even harder than I thought it would be. And I thought it was going to be positively horrible," grinned Nathan.
"Thankfully, being apart is now a thing of our past. I'm ready for our present and our future together with Allie."
"So am I, my Love. More than you know!"
Suddenly, a Chauffeur stepped out of the shadows, slightly alarming Nathan at first, not knowing him.
"Miss Bradford, Chief Inspector Grant, welcome! Is there anywhere you wish to go prior to arriving at the hotel?"
Nathan realized the Chauffeur was someone he definitely had not been introduced to before, but Tom had surely briefed him.
Nathan offered his hand.
"Nathan Grant, pleased to meet you, Sir!"
"Sherman Klotz, Sir! At your service."
"A tour through the City to see the Christmas Lights might be nice, Sherman. Are you up for that, Mil?"
"Sounds perfect!"
Bill got in the middle seat with Matt while Tom sat up front with the Chauffeur, leaving Nathan and Millicent in the back seat.
"Matt, have I ever told you boys about the time I was lost out in the wilderness for a full week without my…"
Nathan promptly attempted to shut the partition, but as he did so, Bill put his hand up to stop him.
"Hey, don't you want to hear my story?"
"Bill, I've heard your story about a thousand times!"
"But Millicent hasn't!"
"Another time, Bill," answered Nathan like a parent to a child, as he removed Bill's hand and firmly closed the soundproof partition with a firm look, breathing a sigh of relief to Millicent's giggles.
"Darling, Bill just wants to be included."
"Well, right now, he can be included with the guys," answered Nathan in a low voice.
And before he could finish explaining, he began kissing her with all the passion he had, while one hand rested at her waist and the other held her neck, sending a series of sharp tingles down her spine, from one hand to the other, leaving her breathless.
When they had to part in order to breathe, they sat there together forehead to forehead, communicating in smiles to each other, but in dead silence, just soaking in the touch and presence of each other, at last completely alone.
They remained so till Nathan sighed and finally sat back, pulling her into a side embrace as she laid her head on his shoulder.
He gently cupped her chin.
"See, it doesn't even hurt!"
"Oh, Love, I'm so sorry! This is your bad shoulder."
"Not anymore!"
"Are you absolutely sure this doesn't hurt?"
"Having you right here feels heavenly. Don't you dare move! But no sleeping," he teased. "I was serious. We have lights to see. They might not rival Montreal's Christmas Lights, but they're a pretty close second!"
"I'm a patsy for Christmas Lights anywhere. They're beautiful already, right here!"
"Wait as we move into the central part of town," winked Nathan. "Oh, there's the Church Allie and I attended when we lived here. I love how it overlooks the park!"
"Oh, Nathan, it's beautiful! Look at those wide stone steps and those beautiful stained-glass windows. Will you take us to a church service sometime when we're visiting Union City?" she asked excitedly.
Nathan noticed Millicent had said 'us' meaning her and Allie, and it pleased him so that she automatically included her.
"I would be the proudest man in all of Union City to do so with the most beautiful wife in the world on one arm and the prettiest daughter on the other."
Millicent blushed in the dark. She always had blocked it out when anyone else had commented on her looks, as that had never been her focus.
But when Nathan complimented her, he made her feel alive, loved, even cherished, and all warm inside.
All at once.
"Look how beautifully that park is lit up!"
"That's the park I always brought Allie to play in," Nathan was interlacing his long fingers with hers as the two talked. "She loved going there better than anything, especially to feed the fish in the pond. I think it started her love of fishing. Feeding them and the geese in the summer were her two favorite things to do. I couldn't even keep enough bread in the house, as it always got earmarked for the 'fishies' and the 'duckies!' instead of us! Oh, and then there were the 'geesies!' to include as well."
"That's our girl! I'd love to see the pond sometime in the daylight, but I doubt there will be time tomorrow morning, rushing to the Train Depot!"
"No, afraid not. Looks like we might just have enough time for breakfast though. That is if we leave the hotel by 7A.M. We have to board the Train promptly at 8:45A.M. to make it to Hope Valley before noon. But don't forget you need to rest tonight!"
"I think I'm too excited! I can't wait to see Allie! Anyway, I think I'd rather visit her special pond when she's with us!"
"She's going to be over the moon to see you! Allie's so excited she can't see straight about going to Montreal for our Wedding. We're on a daily countdown, which will soon morph into hourly, if I know our daughter!"
"You said 'our' daughter," beamed Millicent.
"Did I? It's true, she's already as much yours as mine. Although I had no idea it would happen this quick, but it has. And that's such a wonderful thing! She loves you so very much, Mil! She finally has the Momma she's always dreamed of, and I can't tell you how much that means to me!"
"I love her just as much or more! But you really are going to have to help me with this parenting thing, though. Please don't let me stumble too badly!"
"I completely trust your intuition, Love. You've not going to stumble any more than I have. Deep down, I know you are a natural, and you will be too with the day-to-day issues as well," and he raised his hand to prove it with a kiss. "Why, you already are, Mil!"
"I just know I want our family all together, and happy!"
"Don't you realize? With you there with us, we are a family. We're already happy, deliriously so, because of you! Together, Love, we are home wherever the three of us are."
Millicent had been sitting on the edge of her seat looking at the lights past Nathan and out his window.
She sighed and sat back, nestling back into him.
"This is perfection."
"You and me, that's perfection. Everything changed when I first saw you standing in that huge doorway. I changed from feeling lost to feeling found like suddenly I could take on the whole world and do anything that was needed, just because you were standing there."
"Mother says with us apart, we were a team divided. That both a couple and a family are a team, and they only reach their full potential when they are together. That it isn't normal to be apart for prolonged periods of time."
"Your mother is right, as usual," smiled Nathan.
"She does have that Cree wisdom that always pops up when you need it."
"You have it too, my Love! I adore you, Millie!"
"A million times over for you, Love!"
Their sparkling eyes proved their words, setting them on fire within for each other.
"Oh, what's that?"
"The Union City Municipal Library. I've spent many hours in that building!"
"It's beautiful, lit up in all blue. Blue's my favorite color for Christmas Lights!"
"Mine too!"
"Really?"
"Yes, since I was a little boy! Oh, where we are now leads on into the main part of town."
"Oh, the lights really are exquisite! The change is gradual but it's definitely there. Darling, can you believe our first Christmas together is almost here?"
"I really can't wait, and Allie's already wired for it! Here, in Union City, they always do the Main Square in red and green lights. And the large Christmas Tree in the center of the square is always done in only red lights with big red ornaments and red poinsettias. They top the whole thing off with a huge Star of Bethlehem on top and tons of red velvet ribbon running throughout the tree. Here, lean over, then look straight through that lane so you can catch a good glimpse of it."
"Oh, Nathan! I see the star - it's stunning, and perfectly Christmas! Look at all those rays of light!"
"It really is beautiful! But not nearly as beautiful as you!"
The words weren't a flippant line, they were his heart, freely given with love, and accepted as such, with both knowing their love to be true.
The heavy smattering of lights shone from every angle around them, highlighting their kiss, a kiss highlighted by a plethora of emotions.
It was a kiss of delight and desire, a kiss of happiness, a kiss of longing, a kiss of need, and a kiss of the deepest gratitude for being together.
But more than that, theirs was a joining of lips that personified their dreams and their confident hopes for their future together as a couple and a family…
With their Tour of Lights ended, the Chauffeur headed toward the opulent Fairmont Hotel, where everyone in the Limousine was staying.
But upon their arrival, the crowd of Photographers and Reporters waiting there couldn't be missed.
"I'm sorry, Sir. But there's no back entrance except for Service Vehicles," he explained opening their door only a crack to warn them.
Nathan nodded.
"Let's get this over with."
Their Chauffeur nodded.
He opened the car door trying his best to shield the couple.
Nathan and Millicent exited the vehicle, as the large gathered News Staff gasped.
The couple paused, looking stunning with Nathan dressed in his Dress Uniform, and Millicent in her gorgeous ballgown.
They were met with numerous flashes of light from Photographers, along with multiple questions all being yelled at the same time by a field of Reporters.
Nathan suddenly recognized the lead Reporter from his previous work in Union City and got his attention.
"Leo! If we offer one photo, will you allow us to pass through without further photos and questions?"
"Chief! Of course, Sir, just for you. As long as I get a statement from Miss Bradford first," he negotiated. "By the way congrats on the promotion!"
"Thanks, Leo!"
Nathan looked at Millicent, who nodded in agreement.
A hush came over the crowd and you could have literally heard a pin drop.
"As many of you know, I'm Millicent Bradford, and this is my Fiance, Chief Inspector Nathan Grant of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I'm delighted to be in Union City with my beloved fiancé and our Chaperone, Judge Bill Avery. We were all fortunate enough to attend the Mountie Ball this evening, which was just magical! For all of us, thank you for your welcome, and your consideration of our privacy! Your kindness is greatly appreciated."
Then the couple posed for their promised photo, which ended up being three!
As soon as they were finished, the Reporters, as always, clamored for both of them to answer questions, but with Tom, and Matt partnering on each side of the couple, and then Bill following closely behind them, Nathan quickly led Millicent into the Fairmont's Grand Hotel Lobby, heading directly for the Grand Staircase, to find an elevator on the Mezzanine level.
Not far, while rushing up the staircase, Nathan turned back toward Bill.
"Bill, I'll meet you back in our Suite a little later."
"Naw! That's alright. I'll just come on up to the Penthouse with you guys. I don't think I've ever seen the top floor of a hotel before!"
Nathan sighed as Millicent smiled and lightly squeezed his arm to keep him from saying what he was about to say.
"Tom and Matt will be there. It's not like we don't already have chaperones," muttered Nathan under his breath.
"I know, Love. But we can't just leave Bill out," whispered Millicent, who held out her other hand and motioned for Bill to join them.
"How did you enjoy the lights, Bill?"
"Well, to be honest, Millicent, I would have enjoyed them a lot more without that partition thingamajig closed between us! You missed my whole story!"
"Bill! Can't we ever have some privacy?"
"Sure, Nathan! I'm gonna give you some privacy tonight. I've got business to discuss with Tom when we get upstairs!"
"Well, thank goodness for that," responded Nathan drily, although still having doubt.
The three got in the only empty elevator with both Tom and Matt squeezing in, in front of them.
Meaning, that Millicent was safely surrounded by four armed professionals.
When they finally reached the penthouse, the elevator took them right into a wide hallway that led to the Suite's main entrance, with huge French-style double doors made out of Grenadil, or African Blackwood, the most expensive wood in the world.
Inside, Nathan barely noticed his luxurious surroundings, looking for assurances of safety instead, while Bill's mouth flew open at the opulence.
"And I thought our Suite was nice. This is an honest-to-goodness mansion!"
"I just care that it's safe, Bill," insisted Nathan. "Keeping Millicent safe is all that matters!"
"Yes, Sir, that's why we're here," noted Tom.
"Can you three please sit here while we make a secondary check of all the rooms to ensure everything is secure?"
"Sure, Tom, we'll wait right here. Can I get you two some Coffee?" asked Millicent.
"Sure, Millicent, would love some!" smiled Bill, ready to finally be included.
"Mil, you sit and relax. I'll get Bill's coffee. Would you like some, Darling?"
"Yes, please. I noticed the Pot on the Bar Counter just past where we entered!"
As Nathan found the Coffee and cups, Bill finally got his alone time with Millicent.
"Between you and me I'm really glad you're here! He was gettin' hard to live with. Missin' you somethin' awful! Why the boy was beginnin' to get on my last nerve!"
Millicent giggled.
"Nice to know, Bill. Thanks again for taking such good care of him!"
"You know, he almost crashed tonight before you got here. I was really gettin' worried!"
"Well, I'm here now. It was hard for me too. I missed him and Allie so much at times I could barely stand it!"
"I wish we were all gonna travel to Montreal together."
"That would be nice, Bill. When are you leaving?"
Millicent didn't even let on at all that they were looking forward to family travel time together, because she truly felt that Bill was family too.
"We're all leavin' together early mornin' the day after Christmas. Hope Valley will arrive en masse!"
"You're always welcome to come with us, Bill."
"That means a lot, but I'm afraid I can't. There's a case I've gotta finish before then. But Christmas will be here before we know it! And we'll all be in Montreal for that big Weddin' everybody's excited about!"
"I know! I can barely believe it, but both Christmas and our Wedding will be here before we know it."
Millicent reached to pat Bill's hand.
"I've already got your room ready. So, it's waiting for you, whenever you need it!"
"Here, Love! Your Coffee with Honey and Cream."
"Thanks, Nathan!"
"Bill, this is yours, black as I could get it."
"Thanks – wait! This isn't Coffee!"
"Sorry, Bill, it's all we've got!"
"Everything's fine! We've already had the entire suite checked by Hotel Security prior to our arrival. But we always give it our once over too upon entry, Chief!"
"Good, Tom. Thanks for that. Would you all mind if Millicent and I step out on the balcony?"
"Of course not, Sir. Just be watchful at the railing. Although the crowds are mostly Mounties, I'm afraid everyone in town already knows that Miss Bradford is here. A load of Reporters and Photographers, just like the ones downstairs, also met us at the Train Depot."
"Thanks for the info, Tom. We'll be careful, and we won't be long."
Nathan got up to get Millicent's white fur coat.
"I'm surprised, but this looks as good as new, Mil," smiled Nathan wanly thinking of his blood from the shooting that had been scattered all over it.
"You know Essie! She took care of it as soon as I returned home. At first, I thought I couldn't wear it because of everything, but somehow it makes me feel even closer to you."
"It was a lot to go through for both of us, Babe. And I couldn't be sorrier you had to witness that."
Then Nathan turned to address Tom and Matt much more loudly.
"Tom, Matt, there's hot Coffee at the Bar. Help yourself!"
Then Nathan helped Millicent on with her coat and led her towards the Balcony, where the two walked out together through the large French doors, smaller versions of the huge Entry doors in the same African Blackwood, out into the night's cold...
Once outside, Nathan was careful to keep Millicent slightly back from the banister, but they could still see the Christmas Lights, the stars, and the beautiful bright moon.
They could also hear the hubbub of News Reporters and Photographers still waiting outside, below.
"Darling, ignore them. I just needed for us to have a moment of privacy. To have you here with me is everything. I don't know why, but I wasn't sure I could stand another night without seeing you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for going through all this trouble, and for traveling so far. I know you sacrificed a lot to make this happen, and I am so grateful. Thank you for somehow knowing I needed you so desperately. I'm happier than I've ever been in my entire life, and at peace. And it's all because of you!"
"I'm happier than I've ever been in my life, just seeing you, my Darling. Don't you know?"
He brought his lips to hers and whispered the words through her lips.
"I do."
Their kiss was deep and necessary and full, as their arms enveloped each other.
His hand rubbed her back and his other hand automatically wrapped around her slender neck as her hands found both his neck, and his face.
They breathed the words "I love you" to each other, only parting enough to get the words out, still basking in the security of each other's arms.
"Millicent, I didn't even know love could be like this. I love you intently and intensely!"
"I know you do, Nate, because I love you the same! I'm home with you wherever we are."
"Same, Love!"
"But I do still worry a bit. We Bradfords are asking an awful lot of you. I know that. And I wish it could be different, but I know we can't control that. Are you really okay with all this Security, the restrictions, the hassles, the lack of privacy, after having lived with all this bother a bit? I keep having nightmares you'll panic as soon as you see all the Wedding frenzy when we arrive home in Montreal. It's an awful lot, and the news media will be hounding us mercilessly. It's so bad, you'd think there's no other news in all of Montreal. And I know it will only get worse as get closer to our Wedding!"
"I only know this. I cannot live without you, Mil. The rest is superfluous. And truthfully, I barely notice now, because it's all about loving you, not about what surrounds us!"
With the huge moon above them, and the wall lights around the terrace glistening, reflecting golden highlights in their hair, Millicent could clearly see Nathan's face full of love for her.
She was secure in his love, and always would be. It was the 'superfluous' as he called it that concerned her. He was too important to her for her to allow him to be robbed of a normal life.
She couldn't bear the thought of that.
Yet there was no denying their love.
She just needed to make sure he had no regrets.
"Then we're really okay, Love? YOU are really okay?"
He flashed that crooked grin of his, almost as though he were nervous before he began to speak again.
"My Darling, we're way better than okay," he paused as he pulled her closer, but was still looking into her beautiful eyes. "And so am I. A wise woman told me tonight that the secret to a long and happy marriage is to always listen to each other, even to what we are not saying. She said there would be many times as we get to know each other more intimately that one or both of us will be tempted to hold back, whether that be a complaint, a need, or whatever. But the critical point is that we shouldn't allow each other to do that. That we have to always be brutally honest and keep everything out in the open, the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly. Then if we function independently but also as a team of one together, we will never lose our love. It will only grow deeper. Let's vow to make each other our focus, Mil. You are more important to me than any job or any Bradford issues whether it be the Newspapers, or Security, or whatever comes. Always know that it's you, not the noise surrounding you. I want to see you happy above all else. Millicent Bradford, I vow that you are my equal partner and will always be the most important focus of my life, my soulmate, my love, my all."
Her tears came without warning, and despite her unwillingness to cry, she worked through them and made the same vow to this man before her.
"Nathan Grant, I vow that you are my equal partner and will always be the most important focus of my life, my soulmate, my love, my all."
They sealed their vow with a tender kiss, both knowing they were home together, and oh so close to their coming beautiful vows before God…
On the fifth floor, for the first night in a long night, Nathan slept soundly in his Suite, knowing Millicent was doing the same mere floors above him.
He woke up to excitement and joy for the day that awaited them.
"Hey, Bill, hurry up! If we're going to have breakfast at the Elderberry Café, which, by the way, is the best breakfast in town, we've got to get a move on!"
"I'm comin,' but do you have any Coffee made?"
"Yes, it's already poured."
Bill entered their sitting room, running his hand through his hair, still yawning.
"Give me that cup!" he growled.
"Remind me not to talk to you again before your Coffee! Hey, we have ten minutes before we pick up Millicent. So, sit, and drink fast!"
"Nathan, how are you doin' with all the Reporters and the Photographers? That was a lot to go through last night. Not sure I could handle all that on a day-to-day basis."
"Truthfully, it's always a lot! I suppose all that is part of the Bradford Family's success, an unwelcome part, but a part just the same."
"How do you get used to all this? The Limo, the Penthouse, and the constant badgering from the Newsmen?"
"I love her, Bill. She has to put up with all this too. And she doesn't like any of it anymore than I do. The Limo and Penthouse are just necessary security measures. Nothing more. She could care less about all that. It's all done for her protection, and I'll do anything to see that she remains safe."
"I noticed the thick safety glass in the Limo. Isn't that a little over the top?"
"You might think so, but the truth is, it's not. I didn't know it, but all the Bradford vehicles are outfitted with the best grade of safety glass that comes out of France, and they are ordered from one manufacturer out of Toronto, that specializes in vehicular safety. Edward recently helped me order our Security cars from a dealer he uses there. The cars will be shipped to Barrett's, my dealer here in Union City for a final inspection, and he'll be given the contracts to service them as well. Here I thought I could just buy them off his lot. I had no idea. But I lucked out, though, since our personal car was made in Paris, it already has the required safety glass since that's pretty much becoming mandatory over there."
"Sounds like a lot of detail to deal with."
"It is, but the Bradfords had to learn that it was necessary the hard way, via one horrible encounter several years ago."
"How?"
"Victoria traveled to a small municipality about a hundred miles north of Montreal to present a grant to a faction of the Cree Tribe, who were living there without basic needs being met. The grant involved a large sum of money for living improvements. Of course, the money had already been transferred to the bank there, where an account had been opened up for the Cree Chief to access. But apparently, everyone had not figured out that was how large sums of money were moved."
"Thank goodness, Victoria had Security with her, but just before her car arrived at the edge of town for the ceremony, her limousine was ambushed and a bullet went flying through the window of the back seat, where she was sitting, just barely missing her, and then her car was brought to a stop by a duo of robbers, demanding the money."
"Victoria was savvy enough to hide her engagement ring in the car or they would have taken that in place of the money. But the men didn't dare take her earrings, the only real jewelry she was wearing, as she brazenly dared them to touch her. You'll understand that when you meet my future mother-in-law."
"The robbers didn't know it, but they were outnumbered, and as she distracted them, her team was able to overcome them fairly quickly."
"But the whole situation was a very close call, one that left her quite shaken, and her Security Team even more so."
"I imagine Edward went crazy when he found out," mused Bill.
"He did. When he heard about the event, he was both alarmed and devastated over what his wife had gone through. He was so thankful she was unharmed, that he immediately dropped everything and had his Chauffeur to take him to retrieve Victoria, himself. I honestly think Edward was more panicked at the possibility of losing her than anything else. She's tough, but was still quite shaken."
Nathan paused, while similar thoughts about Millicent ran through his head.
"I shudder to even talk about all this. Victoria was in a really perilous situation, and I have learned from that not to question Edward's use of specially outfitted limousines, along with their specialty-trained drivers, or their Security Base, even. As for the safety glass, it probably wouldn't stop a bullet, but at least it offers a hindrance. Perhaps someday, someone will invent a glass that will stop bullets, but if so, that's a long way off."
"Good grief, can you imagine how wonderful that would be? Why I'd put that in my Office windows, cause you never know when some fool will do somethin' crazy and come after a Judge! But, you know, thinkin' of what Edward went through almost losin' Victoria, he still seems to take things in stride, along with the bein' cautious part, of course," noted Bill.
"Yes, for all the things he's been through," agreed Nathan thinking about the loss of the Bradfords' first child, which Bill still had not connected the dots from that particular kidnapping to the Bradfords. "He definitely does take things in stride. He just keeps on going, no matter what's thrown at him. But he's human and he has his hurts, some of which would devastate a lesser man."
"Think about it, the man who has all the money in the world can't go pick out any car he wants because of needin' as many safety precautions as possible! Doesn't seem fair when you look at it like that. But, Son, life, whether you're a Bradford or not, is seldom fair. Try not to let all this bother you," encouraged Bill. "Just always be yourself!"
"Thanks, Bill, I think I'm handling it. The last thing I want is for Allie or me to change in any way. As I said, I just love Millicent! Speaking of whom we need to pick up right now!"
"Could you at least attempt to knock that smile off of your face," asked Bill, teasingly scowling at him.
"Not a chance, Bill! Not a chance in this world! Let's go take Millicent to breakfast."
"I'm hurryin'! At least help me get my luggage out here by the door…"
Across town at the Elderberry Café, Nathan was lucky enough to catch the attention of the Maitre D before Bill.
"Louis, Hello! So good to see you! Can I get a table for four for the Gentlemen and a table for two for Miss Bradford and me?"
"But, of course, Sir! My pleasure. It's great to see you again, but I'm not sure of your new title, Constable Grant! That's a rather fancy uniform you've got on there!"
"Louis, I don't worry about titles. You know that. But if you must know, I was recently promoted to Chief Inspector."
"Congratulations, Sir! No one deserves a prestigious promotion like that more than you!"
"Thank you, Louis! I appreciate that."
"Allow me – I'll prepare the beautiful Lady's table first!"
After some rearranging, Louis seated Millicent and Nathan in a private area that held a booth, then seated Bill, Tom, Matt, and the Chauffeur in the same area, but as far away as possible, placing them closer to the entrance for the area.
"As you can tell, Louis is French through and through, but the restaurant isn't! He's been here so long though, most people assume the place is French until they eat a meal. I hope you like this, Love. It's just good home cooking, spruced up a bit," smiled Nathan.
"The place looks lovely! It feels so cozy. But the truth is, I really wouldn't care where we were as long as we're together!"
"Same! We'd better order as quickly as we can, Babe. The Country Meal is a lot, but you get a taste of everything."
"Could we share?"
"Of course, there will be more than enough. Almost forgot, they have Fresh Mango Juice, that's wonderful."
"Definitely the Mango Juice, one of my favorites."
"Louis, just the Country Breakfast, please. We're going to share. Also, Coffee, black for me, honey and cream for the Lady, and Mango Juice for both of us, please!"
"Perfect!"
Over the years, one of the many things Louis had learned was to use your eyes and ears to observe.
And observe he did!
Based on what he saw, he was sure of this: if ever a couple was overjoyed at being reunited, the couple sitting in the private booth, he noticed, never took their eyes off of each other, as they sat waiting for their meal. Louis also noticed their hands were one. And he reveled in the love that shone in both their eyes...
A short while later Louis returned with everyone's breakfast.
He stood back as the couple ate, but he couldn't help noticing them feeding each other, both more concerned with the other than themselves.
'The smiles, and the laughs, and the looks, and the whispers together are just glorious. Now, that's true love!' mused Louis, happy to see his old friend so much in love.
He had worried it wouldn't happen, as the man was all about his daughter and work, with little time for anything else.
But happen, it had, and Louis was most thankful.
They were truly lost in each other, as though nothing else existed.
The way it should be.
The French way, as far as Louis was concerned.
To Louis, that was love. Yes, true love. Love that would undoubtedly last forever.
It warmed his heart that this gentle, quiet man whom he had so much respect for, had found his soul mate, for it was clear to all who saw them, that's what these two blissfully were.
Each other's loving soulmates…
