Chapter 89: The Grants Arrive in Montreal with Millicent

Looking through the velvet-draped windows of their Private Suite's sitting area, Nathan watched the cumbersome splotches of flocked snow as they hurled down to earth with seemingly reckless abandon.

'So beautiful, but dangerous too,' he mused, the Mountie in him always surfacing to the forefront.

In reality, those snowflakes jumbled together were more like crystalline snow clumps, similar to the miniature packed snowballs he and Allie flung at each other in play, and they didn't seem to be letting up anytime soon.

He was glad they were almost home, where the three of them would be warm inside Millicent's townhouse, or as she would say 'our' townhouse. Funny, in many ways the place already did feel like home to him, simply because Millicent lived there. He only hoped Allie would eventually learn to feel the same.

Since the storm was headed to Montreal, if it weren't already there, he knew Essie would have a 'Rindsgulasch,' or Austrian Goulash ready, steaming hot comfort food at its finest. Only this Goulash would be her special somewhat spicy version made with Sweet & Hot Hungarian Paprika, a favorite of his and Richard's, blended with a bit of earthy, Licorice-flavored Caraway. It was a recipe she had perfected over the years and one that was uniquely hers.

Now, what she would serve with her hearty Beef Stew was a different matter entirely. That was an unknown and would be Essie's choice entirely, as she varied back and forth from Handmade Thick Buttery Egg Yolk Noodles to Hand-mashed Garlicky Potatoes, to Spicy Multi-grain Polenta, to Spätzle, her homemade version of a million Tiny Dumplings.

But there would be Goulash, of this, Nathan was certain because as sure as the Canadian winter brought snow, and lots of it, Essie had never let a snowfall pass without making her most special dish! At least not when he had been present. And he was counting on that very thing on their arrival.

In fact, he could almost taste her special dish right now, even though it had been years since he had eaten it.

Essie's Goulash was that memorable.

As an accompaniment, his hands-down preference was Essie's Spätzle – there was nothing like it. Miniscule pillows of heaven. Delicious alone, but absolutely delectable when smothered with her rich Beef Gravy covering the Goulash...


With the slight squeak of a bedroom door opening, Nathan turned from his food ruminations, his mouth quickly twisting into that lop-sided grin he couldn't control as he glanced over to see his elated Daughter.

"Wow, Kiddo! You clean up nice!"

Allie was practically dancing as she came out to the sitting room from Millicent's and her bedroom, all dressed and ready for their arrival in Montreal.

Allie giggled.

"You're funny, Dad!"

With each minute, they were coming closer and closer to what would be their home for at least part of the year, and each was about as excited as could be, as that meant their first Christmas together and after that, their Wedding was just literally days away.

But Allie's excitement, as only a twelve-year-old's can be, was unparalleled.

Nathan couldn't remember her ever being so animated or elated. Although animated was Allie's norm, this was way beyond that. Into an entirely new realm of ecstasy for his little girl.

It was understandable, though, as this was her first time to experience so many wonderful things and pretty much all at once.

No one could say the experience wouldn't be daunting for anyone, but Allie seemed to be taking things in stride, although a very excited stride.

Important, life-changing experiences were right here at hand. Things she had dreamed of her entire young life, other things she couldn't have imagined dreaming! The big family she had hoped for, longed for, and even prayed for was finally real.

It was also her very first time seeing Montreal. In fact, it was her first time to see that large of a city anywhere! Why Allie had never even seen a Train Depot as large as The Montreal Canadian Pacific Railway Depot, which could easily hold most of Hope Valley inside it.

Being the diligent and inquisitive girl she was, Allie had spent hours in Hope Valley pouring over library books about the city. In addition to quizzing her Father every chance she got.

She had even worked hard to learn lots of French phrases, with both her Dad and her Momma helping when they could, but she still needed to hear the language being used on a day-to-day basis in order to really soak it in.

It was also her first time meeting her new Grandmama, Aunties, Uncles, and Cousins. and extended family, while at the same time reuniting with those she already knew and loved.

It was, too, the first time to see her new summer City Home, along with her new bedroom, and the park across from it. She couldn't wait to see her Momma's bedroom made over for her. And she couldn't wait to see that huge park her parents had told her about.

It was also the first time she would see her Momma's Office, and meet the people she worked with, including the people who helped her run her Charity Foundations. Allie was determined to learn everything she could, so she could help with her own Charities for the Blind and for Horses. But because Angela was so impacted by her own blindness, her Momma had suggested they start with that charity first, by obtaining the necessary braille books for the new school term.

It would also be the first time Allie would get to see her Grandpapa in action with at least a few of his businesses, and she couldn't wait! She longed to see him as the boss. And she wanted to see tangible evidence of what he had built, although the child had no idea that would take an extensive tour of Canada.

She would just have to settle for seeing those businesses closest to Montreal, but she was determined to count all of the Bradford businesses, no matter where they were located!

Another first was visiting the Ranch and seeing her Country Home for the first time! Nathan and Millicent had personally not said a lot about the Ranch, fearful of overwhelming her. Both felt it was better to discuss in person when she could actually see their new reality, with her parents there to temper the grander aspects and make it her home, their home together, wherever they were.

Therefore, Nathan and Millicent were adamant that the Ranch Tour would wait till after their Honeymoon, prior to leaving for Hope Valley, after Allie had gotten used to her new City Home as well as her new Family.

Not to mention just getting to explore everything at both places, as well as all of Montreal, for the first time.

There was a list of so many more firsts, including a first Christmas together as a family, Grant Style (according to Essie's stipulations of course), and extended joint family, Bradford style.

Not at all, least of which, was the Grant family of three becoming official with their Wedding.

Given all the 'new' Allie would be experiencing, Millicent had gone to great lengths to ensure that her Daughter would remain grounded, instead of just being lost in all the new grand things around her or being self-focused during the Holidays and the time up to their Wedding.

Their focus would be on family and others, as Allie would be introduced to the Bradford style of giving to those less fortunate, which was quite involved, meaning the Bradfords actually served in addition to giving their money.

There would be beautiful precious moments of this brand-new family creating memories together in this rich new environment, but the whole time, Nathan and Millicent would also be teaching their Daughter to give while she was receiving so much.

Yes, as difficult as it might be to maintain, compassion and humility were high on their list, because the Couple was each determined that their Daughter would not change from the considerate, humble, well-grounded person she already was.

They would be by her side to ground her and walk her through each hurdle or unknown, rein her in, if need be, seeing it from a much broader perspective than just living with wealth.

"What, Dad?"

"You look beautiful, Sweetheart!"

"Do you think I look all right to meet Grandmama?"

"Allie, you look perfect! But your Grandmama already loves you, Sweetheart! You could have your fishing clothes on and it wouldn't matter. You don't need to impress her. Just be yourself!"

"That's what Momma said. I'm just so excited! Dad, how many more minutes till I meet her and get to see Gramma, Grappa, and Grandpapa too?"

"We should arrive in about an hour, Sweetie! How are you feeling?"

"I can't wait! I'm so happy and excited! I just wish the hour would pass faster!"

"Why don't you try to do some journaling or reading? Or we could play a game of Chess together?"

"Dad, I'm sorry, but I can't concentrate enough to journal or read or play Chess. This is a really big deal! This is where Momma lives, and where we're going to get married! It's going to be our new home, too, at least for part of the year! And we can't miss out on anything at all!"

Nathan smiled, as Allie always said 'we' when she talked about the Wedding, but truthfully even to Millicent and him this was a family affair, and they loved that she felt such an important part of it because she absolutely was.

"Momma's getting ready now, Dad. She helped me first because I was so anxious!"

"That was considerate of her. Turn around," he instructed as he assisted his Daughter in a twirl.

"Allie, your hair is fixed the same way you wore it to the dance! But with red ribbons to match your dress and coat. You look very Christmasy, Sweetheart!"

"Momma said my hair would look all right for today, that I might even start a new trend!"

"You just might! It's very pretty, Allie!"

"Wait till you see Momma, Dad!"

Nathan chuckled.

"Pretty like Momma, like Daughter?"

Allie broke into a brilliant smile.

"Momma fixed her hair into something called a chignon. It's so pretty! I hope I'm as pretty as Momma when I grow up. She's the prettiest ever. Even Robert says so!"

"Hey, is Robert sweet on my Woman in addition to my Daughter?"

"Dad!" exclaimed Allie exasperatedly. "The truth is everyone in Hope Valley is in love with Momma, including Uncle Bill. Oh, and Mr. Bouchard too."

"Mr. Bouchard, too?"

"Yes, Dad. He's always looking at you and Momma, especially Momma."

"How do you notice things like this?"

"Mrs. Nelson says I'm real observant! You're just going to have to step up your game!"

"My game, eh?"

"You know. You need to make Momma feel really special, Dad! Because she is really special, and since she loves you, you're the only one who can really make her feel special! I mean, I try and all, but it's not the same because I'm just her Daughter!"

"Now, hold on! Daughters can make Momma's feel special, too, Allie. But just how do you know all this?"

"Dad, it's pretty simple! You love-love her and she love-loves you. Sort of like Robert like-likes me and I sort of maybe like-like him. It's pretty much the same, I guess."

"Maybe," her Dad admitted ruefully, wondering who was the parent and who was the child in this conversation. "But you do know there's a huge difference in like-like and love-love, right?"

"Yes, Sir, I know," but Allie sighed heavily while looking like she was thinking something she wasn't saying.

"Spill, Allison Rose!"

"I was just thinking, Dad, about something you taught me."

"You were?"

"Yes, Sir. You were right, too, even though I didn't like it at the time. I'm just happy we waited for God's Dream for us, because Momma's our perfect dream!"

He started to tousle her hair out of habit, but she shrieked.

"Dad!"

"Sorry!" he quickly removed his hands, throwing them up in the air in front of him, chuckling.

But then he turned serious.

"I'm glad we waited, too, Allie! And you're absolutely right. I can't even imagine our lives without your Momma. It's so wonderful to know the three of us are exactly where we're supposed to be, as a family together! It's been well worth the wait, hasn't it?"

"I'll say! We're the family I always dreamed of. The family I truly hoped for and prayed to God for. And believe me, I prayed really, really hard, Dad!"

He bent to kiss his Daughter on her forehead.

"I'm so glad, Allie, that you got your answer in such a wonderful way. Look at us! We couldn't be happier. Being patient and putting God's Will before our own is truly one of the most important lessons life has to offer! When we do that, we're exactly where God wants us to be. Then everything falls into place as it's supposed to be, even better than we ourselves could ever dream or imagine."

Allie hugged her Dad, as both stood looking out the window at the persistent snowfall.

"Allie?"

"Yes, Dad?"

"Montreal is a different world from what you're used to."

Nathan had his arm around Allie, looking down at his little girl with a most serious look.

"But the secret is to just be yourself. Promise me that you'll always do that, okay?"

Allie looked up at her Dad with all earnestness.

"Dad, of course, I promise. I don't know how to be anyone else. I just know how to be me! Allie Grant! That's all I can be!"

Nathan chuckled.

"That's my girl!"

"Dad, will you say I love you again, in Cree? Please," asked Allie as she moved in front and leaned back on her Dad. "What if I mess it up?"

"First, you won't mess this up, Allie. You've practiced a lot, and you know this. Second, your Grandmama won't mind if you get it wrong because it's truly the thought that counts. It's Kisâkihitin," enunciated Nathan, clearly articulating so Allie could retain it.

"Kisâkihitin," repeated Allie, perfectly.

"You've got it!"

"But what about Grandmama?"

"Kôkow is Grandma, remember, but it's pronounced 'kuukuu,'" smiled Nathan. "So, for Grandmama, that would be Kôkowkow or 'kuukuukuu.' Got it?"

"Kôkowkow," Allie smiled, pronouncing the endearment perfectly."

"Now all together," he urged.

"Kisâkihitin Kôkowkow!"

"Emphasize the 'sâ,' and you've got it!"

"Kisâkihitin Kôkowkow!"

"Perfect! Victoria will be so proud of you, Allie! That you cared enough to learn your greeting in her original language. It will mean a lot to her."

"Shall I speak to Grandpapa in Cree too?"

"If you'd like. He's learned much of the language by being married to your Grandmama. Grandfather is môcow, pronounced 'muuchuu,' which means Grandpapa is 'Môcowcow!'"

"So, it's Kisâkihitin Môcowcow!"

"You've got it!"

That was the moment Millicent opened the door, and Nathan and Allie both turned from the window.

Nathan's mouth gaped open, while Allie's face broke out into a proud smile.

"Dad," poked Allie, also tugging at his arm.

"Er, you…you look stunning. Absolutely breathtaking, Darling!"

Millicent, dressed all in a Crushed Velvet Wintry White day dress, with the only color being her eyes and Emerald Engagement Ring, giggled while walking toward him. She stretched up to kiss him, causing his eyes to sparkle and his mouth to form that crooked grin she loved so much. But in all truth, he caused her eyes to sparkle brilliantly too.

"You look mighty handsome, yourself, Darling!"

She radiated her stamp of approval and straightened his tie just so.

Then she embraced Allie and placed a kiss on each cheek.

"You look like a Bride, Momma!" complimented Allie.

"Thank you, Loves! I think I'm actually starting to feel like a Bride. You, Sir, look like the most handsome Groom I've ever seen! And you, my Sweetest Allie, look like the most beautiful Maid of Honor in all of Montreal! We're almost there, you know, literally and figuratively! Both to Montreal and our Wedding! How are you feeling, Sweetie?"

"Super excited! I just can't wait to see Montreal!"

"You're actually already in the City Limits," grinned her Dad, which cause Allie to shriek. "Although this is just part of the countryside."

"I'm really here? I just want to meet Grandmama and everyone else and I want to see Grandpapa and Gramma, and Grappa, too. I can't wait for our Wedding, either, Momma!"

"Well, you've got lots of exciting things to do along with all your exploring before our Wedding. And don't forget, we get to have our very first family Christmas together in just a few days. And that's a pretty big deal, Young Lady!"

"I can't believe it! I've been so excited about our Wedding, I almost forgot about our Christmas! I still have Christmas shopping to do, though!"

"No worries, we'll do it together!" smiled Millicent. "I know all the best shoppes."

"This Christmas is going to be our most special one," grinned Nathan, reaching for both his girls and pulling them toward him in a hearty embrace. "How can it not be with my two beautiful girls by my side?"

"It certainly is going to be the Christmas of all Christmases! Best Christmas ever! You two just wait - Christmas, Grant style in Montreal!"

"Momma, do we have a tree?"

"We do! Several, in fact, the Townhouses are quite large, and since our Hope Valley family is going to be staying with us over the Holidays, we wanted to make sure their side is decorated as well! So, Uncle Hendrix and Auntie Essie will have already done a lot of the decorating throughout. But as for our Family Tree, that's up to you, Allie! In fact, that's on the agenda for tomorrow if you and your Dad are up for a trip to the woods!"

"Really? Oh, I'm the best tree picker, Momma! I'll find the biggest and best one for sure!"

"You're on! That settles it. You get to choose our tree. Make it as tall as you like!"

"You might want to rethink that, Love! Allie might bring in the tallest Douglas Fir in all of Canada," grinned Nathan.

"Can I, Dad?"

"No, Allison Rose! There is such a thing as ceiling height to consider."

"That's no fun! I love to choose Christmas Trees most of all," enthused Allie, so excited she could barely contain herself. "And you know how much I love tall ones. The taller, the better as far as I'm concerned."

"Well, we do have awfully tall ceilings!" grinned Millicent.

"She doesn't need encouragement, Darling!" warned Nathan, causing both Allie and Millicent to giggle.

"Where will our Family Tree go, Momma?"

"In the big Sunroom off of the kitchen. The room looks out over what is normally our back garden. That's the tree that has to be perfect!"

"Oh, it will be I promise. Do we get to decorate that one?" asked Allie, excitedly.

"Absolutely! It's our family tree. We not only get to decorate it as a family, we even get to make all the decorations together. I'm afraid It's an Austrian Tradition to do so. Nothing store-bought is allowed and everything has to be silver and gold according to your Auntie Essie. She was born and raised in Austria, and wouldn't have it any other way! But this way, we have to get creative and add our personal stamps to the tree. Then, she and Uncle Hendrix will help us decorate too since it's our family tree and the entire family has to take part."

"Ah! I remember," grinned Nathan. "We bake gingerbread cookies, Allie, and what we don't eat goes on the tree, along with nuts that we paint gold and silver. And Essie has handmade straw ornaments from her childhood that go on the tree too. Her rule is we can put anything on it, but everything has to be handmade!"

"That sounds like so much fun! Can we make gold and silver stars too? And maybe use a fishing line to make our garland out of those nuts you were talking about? Oh, and I want to find pinecones and paint them gold and silver too!"

Millicent giggled, almost as enthused as Allie.

"Absolutely to all of the above! We can make whatever you want. You and your Dad need to add your own traditions too. It's your tree to make special however you wish!" agreed Millicent.

"But it has to be yours too, Momma!"

"If it's yours and your Dad's, it will be mine, too! But there is one thing. I do always paint egg shells each year in gold and silver and hang them. Have done that since I was a little girl. They're fragile, but if we wrap them just so, they stay from year to year. Then each year I add a few new ones."

"Oh! Can I do that too?"

"I'd love that! We'll paint the new ones this year together. And I'm sure they will look a lot better with a real live artist helping me!"

Allie blushed at the compliment and turned to hug her Momma.

"Oh, Allie, what were you saying when I first came in here? Your Cree sounds lovely!"

"It's a surprise for Grandmama and Grandpapa. Could you tell what I meant, Momma?"

"I most certainly could! You said 'I love you Grandmama and Grandpapa.' Father and Mother will be so proud you took the time to learn a Cree welcome, Sweetheart! So very proud!"

"Colton is bringing Coffee and Tea with Biscuits. He should be here any minute if you Ladies would like to take a seat."

"Oh, Coffee sounds great, actually!"

"Dad, did you remember to ask him to bring some Peppermint Tea?"

"I did, along with Cinnamon Tea as well, in case your Momma preferred that!"

"Ah! If he brings honey, I may have just changed my mind. That actually sounds really good. Thank you, Love!"

"Momma, may I try Cinnamon too?"

"Absolutely! It can be a bit spicy when professionally brewed, sort of like cloves. But I think our spicy girl can handle a test taste!"

Allie grinned, and Nathan couldn't help but smile at his Daughter.

He had noticed so many new things about Allie since Millicent had come into their lives to stay.

All positive things, too.

Although Allie had always been an enthusiastic child about the things she loved, her enthusiasm for everything was at an all-time high. She paid a lot more attention to the way she dressed, and wanted her hair just so, a bit fancier than what he had been able to do with all the hair ribbons she was insistent on now wearing. Nathan knew a lot of that was Robert, but it was Millicent's influence too, paying attention to detail.

Allie seemed calmer too, more grounded, less alarmed about friend issues and school things, and much more confident, just overall downright happy!

If Nathan didn't know better, she seemed at peace with her tomboy side as well as her burgeoning girl side. It was nice to see the balance. But it was even nicer seeing Allie enjoy both sides for a change, safe in the knowledge Millicent would be there to walk her through whatever would come.

With Millicent as her Momma, Allie was feeling comfortable in her own skin, and it showed.

Of course, about that happiness, it might not have hurt that for the first time in his life, her Dad was also literally bursting with happiness, as was her new Momma.

And now, finally, she was cocooned with love from both a father and a mother.

It had taken finding their family, the three of them together to find this new happy place, grounded and full of contentment, hope, and pure joy.

Truth be told there was also a sense of peace around the Grants that had been missing before, a new sense of belonging, a new sense of fulfillment.

With Millicent in their lives, the Grants were complete.

They were whole.

Nathan and Allie were whole, and so was Millicent.

All of Hope Valley was thrilled with the addition of love into their lives as they not only loved Millicent, but also loved seeing the Grants' happiness, and no one from Bill to Rosemary to even a sometimes, somewhat jealous Lucas would doubt that the three were now exactly where they were supposed to be.

Both Nathan and Allie were loved, truly and passionately loved by Millicent, and they adored her. Love radiated from the three of them. As well as in everything they did.

Why even to have Nathan singing and playing his music at Church was a surprise and thrill for the entire community.

And they knew they had Millicent to thank for that!

These three together were a family, although Nathan and Allie had always been. But now they were a complete family. A family of three with a maternal influence as well as a paternal one.

In Millicent, they had found their missing piece…


"I don't know Momma, this Cinnamon is a lot stronger than how you fix it at home! I think I'll stick with my Peppermint," voiced Allie with a scrunched-up face.

"Well, there's absolutely nothing wrong with your Peppermint Tea. In fact, I bet you could persuade your Auntie Essie to give you a Christmas Cane to add to it!"

"That's a great idea! Then I can stir it and it will get all sugary. Hey, have there always been Christmas canes?"

Nathan, being used to Allie's incessant questions, stepped in, this time prepared.

"Legend has it that they date back to 1670 when a Choirmaster in Cologne, Germany was having trouble keeping his singers quiet during a live Creche Ceremony," explained Nathan, sipping on his hot Coffee. (*81)

"What did he do?"

"He passed out candied sugar sticks to keep them quiet, but in honor of the Shepherds in the Creche, he bent them into Shepherds' crooks, and voila, now we have Peppermint Candy Canes!" (*82)

"That's so cool!"

"Some people also think that the Candy Cane is really a 'J' and stands for the name of Jesus, who came to earth to save us from our sins. Remember, it's his birthday that Christmas is celebrating," reminded Nathan. (*83)

"I've even heard the red symbolizes the blood of Jesus and the white his resurrection," added Millicent. "And that the three stripes that encircle the cane represent the Trinity. Our Bishop actually included that in his sermon last Christmas." (*84)

"Now that, I hadn't heard before," smiled Nathan. "But I like the thought!"

"Wait, I'm writing all this down in my journal. All I knew was that they tasted good," grinned Allie. "Mrs. Nelson and the kids aren't going to believe this!"

Nathan winked at Millicent as Allie copied their words in her journal, thankful they had kept her occupied, both realizing by the scenery they were about to arrive at the Depot.

There was a knock on the door.

"Excuse me. I'll get it," offered Nathan.

"Colton, Tom, hello!"

"You first, Sir," offered Colton.

"Just wanted to let you know, Chief, that Matt and I will exit just before you, while Kyle and Lance will bring up the rear. We're ready when you are."

"Thanks, Tom!"

"And I'm here, Sir, to let you know I'll have porters to take care of all your luggage. Also, is there anything else I can do for you?"

"Thank you, I think we are ready for departure! One last request, though. If you don't mind, can you place Millicent's bouquet with our luggage, and we'll get it outside?"

"My pleasure, Sir!"

"We want to thank you and your Staff, Colton, for all you've done. We especially appreciate you arranging our dinners en Suite after our dining car debacle," and Nathan handed Colton envelopes with significant tips along with hand-written notes for both himself, the Stewards, and the Porters.

"Thank you, Sir. You are quite generous, and your kindness is much appreciated by all of us."

Allie heard the Conductor, looked out the window, and shrieked.

"Momma, look, we're here!"

"Yes, we are, Sweetheart! Just a mile or two and we'll be coming to a stop at the Terminal. Let's get our coats."

"Wow! This Depot is huge! And it's still snowing. I can't believe it, but now, I'm not nervous!"

"Good! This is your new family, Allie. They already love you so much. So, there's absolutely nothing to be nervous about. Just excitement for all of us, and believe me, everyone waiting for us is just as excited to meet you as you are to meet them, Angel."

Millicent kissed the top of Allie's hair, which brought a huge smile and a more relaxed Allie.

"Here, let me help with your coats, Ladies! You doing alright, Kiddo?"

"We're here, Dad! I'm so happy!"

Nathan bent to kiss Allie's forehead, thrilled to see his Daughter so ecstatic.

Then when he finished helping Millicent, he gave her a grateful look with a quick kiss and squeeze of her hands.

"This is as real as it gets, Love," he whispered.

She nodded, knowing exactly what he meant.

"We're all home together. It feels official somehow, doesn't it?"

He kissed her hands in agreement.

"Last chance. Everything packed?" asked Nathan doing one final check.

"All good!" assured Millicent, as she had even done a quick check through Nathan's bedroom and bath.

Allie had gone back to the window, and was waving away!

"There's Gramma, Grappa, Grandpapa, and I see Grandmama! Wow, she's so beautiful!"

"And there's your Uncle William and Auntie Pippa too!" noted her Dad, glancing over her shoulder with his arm around Millicent so they could give a quick wave.

Nathan was also looking for the reporters and photographers, and thankfully, Edward had managed to keep them back, but they were there in droves, not about to miss their arrival!

"Are you ready, Angel?"

"I'm so ready! Love you, 'Train Suite! Don't worry, I'll be back,'" called Allie, as she took one last quick glance around the sitting area, and the train slowed to a final stop. "Dad, Momma, we're here! We're really here!"

Nathan closed the door behind them and the three walked into the hallway, stopping at the small platform to wave.

"Stay close, Angel!" reminded Millicent.

Nathan then jumped in front to deboard so he could assist first Allie, then Millicent, down the steps.

Nathan lifted Allie down and then looked into Millicent's emerald eyes, both engulfed with love. This was their family, all together, finally standing in the Montreal Canadian Pacific Railway Depot.

This was not only Allie's dream but theirs as well.

There was an instant commotion with the three immediately being engulfed by the Bradfords and the Senior Grants.

"For those who haven't met her, this is our Daughter, Allison Rose Grant!" beamed Nathan.

"No introductions necessary, Son! You've got four Grandparents who can't wait to get their hands on her! Come here, Sweetie," and Archie lifted Allie up and swung her around to a round of giggles.

"Grappa!"

"Archeford, put that child down right now so we can all hug her," instructed Sophia, who couldn't wait to get her hands on her Granddaughter.

"You've grown so tall, Allison Rose! Look at you, Child!" she exclaimed while wrapping her Granddaughter in love.

"Gramma!" and Allie hugged Sophia just as tightly as her Grandmother was hugging her.

When the two looked like they were through, Edward placed his hand on his Granddaughter's shoulder and grabbed Allie into a huge embrace.

"Grandpapa!"

"That's my Girl! Allie, I want you to meet someone who's dying to meet you, your new Grandmama!"

Victoria knelt down with her arms reached out and Allie jumped into them, now crying. She had waited for this moment so long and held on for dear life. Victoria just held her close and was crying too.

By now everyone was crying, but Allie was trying to control her sniffles because she had something special to say, to her new Grandparents.

She stepped back just enough that she could see their faces.

"Kisâkihitin Kôkowkow and Kisâkihitin Môcowcow," she enunciated perfectly and proudly with tears in her eyes.

"Kisâkihitin Nôsisim, Nitânis," and Victoria pulled Allie back into her embrace. "That means, I love you, my Grandchild, my Daughter. Very, very much!"

There were flashes of cameras, many cameras, but thankfully they were far back enough, that at least there appeared to be some semblance of privacy.

But the lenses were long and able to capture much of their private greeting, as was the Bradford norm.

"I'm afraid I had to make a deal with them, Son. They agreed to stay back if we pose for them as we leave. I'm sorry, it was the best I could do."

"Thank you, Edward! We can manage that!"

Edward, along with Archie and Sophia had already lovingly embraced and welcomed Nathan and Millicent as only parents can.

But Victoria's attention was still completely with Allie.

"You have given your Grandpapa and me such a beautiful Cree welcome, Allie! It's such an honor. One we will never forget. But I have two more very important people to introduce to you. This is your Auntie Pippa and your Uncle William."

Both held out their arms with broad smiles and Allie squeezed in for giant hugs.

"You're my first real Auntie and real Uncle I've ever met!"

"You are beautiful, Allie," enthused Pippa, delighted to finally meet her new Niece. "And I hear we have a lot in common with our art!"

"Yes! You're beautiful, too, Auntie Pippa! Really beautiful!"

"Wonderful to meet you, Dear Niece," smiled the more reserved William. "Obviously, very bright too, I still struggle with the Cree language, and I've heard it all my life!"

"Hi, Uncle William! I'm so happy to meet you!"

While Auntie, Uncle, and Niece got to know each other, surprisingly chatting away as if they'd always known each other, Victoria embraced her new Son and Daughter.

"Victoria, so wonderful to see you again! Allie practiced and practiced," smiled Nathan, as he kissed Victoria's cheek.

"And spoke masterfully! What a delightful honor, Nathan! Thank you, for teaching her, as being Cree is now part of her heritage too!"

"My honor, Victoria."

"Mother, you were so lovely with her!"

"Oh, Millicent, Darling! She's everything we thought she would be and more. How does one instantly capture your heart? Now, with Allie here, we are whole," beamed Victoria. "At least we will be when Richard, Margaret, and the Children arrive the day after tomorrow! Richard couldn't get away from a Court proceeding he had to lead today, or they would have been here to welcome you, too."

"Understood. Allie's quite anxious to meet her cousins. It will be great to see them, and to have all of us together," assured Nathan, anxious to see his brother and his family, despite a few Wedding trepidations where Richard was concerned.

"Are we about ready to make our dash?" asked Edward.

Everyone nodded, as Allie stepped between her Momma and her Dad and took their hands.

"You are literally beaming, Angel!"

"I love them all, Momma! And they made me feel so loved, just like family. Just like you said they would."

"That's because they are your new family. And they love you, too! Are you ready to face the cameras?" asked Millicent as she straightened a strand of Allie's hair.

"So ready! I want to hurry and see our home!"

Nathan and Millicent smiled brilliantly because they too couldn't wait to show Allie her new home…

(*81-84) General Information re the 'Candy Cane,' Various Sources, Public Domain