Chapter 90: Home in Montreal
"Allie, this is your Uncle Albert. Albert this is our daughter, Allie," introduced a proud Millicent.
"Come here, Child! It's an honor!"
"It's nice to meet you, Uncle Albert! I'm so happy to be in Montreal!"
Albert opened his arms wide, welcoming Allie.
"We are so excited to have you with us, Miss! Welcome to Montreal!"
Albert was impressed that the child was so mannerly, but with the Constable being her Father, he really shouldn't have expected anything else.
"We'd better hop inside the car, Miss Allie, before the Photographers and Reporters catch back up with us! Allow me to take the flowers, Miss Millicent, as they'll make it crowded in the back with the three of you."
"Thank you, Albert! You've saved them from being squashed!"
Albert quickly assisted the three into the limousine, while at the same time taking Millicent's floral bouquet, and placing it in the front seat beside him.
Nathan and Millicent sat in the back seat, with an ecstatic Allie between them.
Both had their arms around her, although she was practically dancing on the seat!
"Allie, you handled the photos like a trooper! I'm so proud of you!" complimented Millicent.
Allie beamed.
"It wasn't that bad, Momma! But I am glad all those men with their cameras are outside now, and we're inside here alone. You were right. There were too many cameras to count! I've never seen so many!"
"I'm afraid that's pretty standard for Montreal, Allie. But you do get used to it over time."
Allie nodded because she was determined not to let those men bother her.
"Grandmama is beautiful, and I already love her. And my Auntie Pippa and Uncle William are the bombs! And I really love Uncle Albert! I just want to see where we live. I still have to meet Uncle Hendrix and Auntie Essie!"
"Patience," winked her Dad. "You'll meet them in a matter of minutes."
"But, Dad, I just can't wait! And this car, it's the biggest car ever, just like Grandpapa's in Hope Valley!"
Millicent glanced at Nathan, sharing a knowing look between them.
Neither wanted to say that was necessary for the family to stay safe.
All that would come with time.
Allie had wanted to ride with her Grandparents, but Nathan, along with the grandmothers, felt the three of them should be a family for this first time driving to the Townhouses, and he could tell as well that Millicent wanted to show their Daughter the sights on their way to their new home.
So, as a compromise, the Grandparents, along with William and Pippa were going ahead of them to have Lunch, compliments of Essie, who had already gone to the trouble earlier this morning to call Victoria with an invite for the entire family.
As such, with Security included, the Bradfords and Grants had ended up with quite the motorcade.
"That was so sweet of Essie to invite the Family to Lunch for her Goulash! But, boy, do I hope she has Spätzle!" grinned Nathan.
Millicent laughed.
"Your favorite! I remember that from our childhood. You and Richard could put her Spätzle away like nobody's business. Essie, poor thing, always had to make two batches. And even then, Colleen and I barely got any after you two were through. And, since you are here, my Darling, I'm certain that's exactly what we're having!"
"I'm counting on that! I can taste it now."
"What's 'Spattzle?'"
"Spätzle, Allie. It's like tiny clouds of dumplings that melt in your mouth. And nobody makes them like your Auntie Essie!"
"That sounds good. I'll try anything once!"
"Oh, you'll love this," assured her Dad. "Essie's recipe is a keeper!"
"Look at how big everything is, Dad! The buildings are huge. Wow! Montreal must be really big! Bigger than I thought, even."
"That's because almost six hundred thousand people live here, Allie!" explained Nathan.
"Six hundred thousand? Wow! That's an awful lot!"
Allie was sitting on the edge of her seat, first leaning to the right, then leaning to the left to look out over her Dad and Momma, trying her best to take everything in.
"Look at all the Christmas decorations! They're so beautiful. I love the Evergreen. Every door you see has a big wreath. And most of the windows too!"
Behind her, her Dad was holding her Momma's hand, both so excited their daughter was finally here and elated to be seeing Montreal through her eyes.
"There's nothing prettier than Montreal at Christmas time, Allie!" assured her Momma.
"I believe it! I've never seen anything like this. These buildings are even fancier than Union City, Dad!"
"Yes, they are! A lot older too!" agreed her Dad.
"We're almost to my Office, Allie. And your Dad's office is going to be next door!"
"Wow! May I see inside?"
"Later, Sweetheart. Right now, everyone will be waiting for us to have Lunch. But I'll bring you back when we have some free time, and you can take as long as you want touring the place and meeting everyone!"
As Albert drove about half a mile onward, they came upon the offices.
"Millicent, that is the exact building the architect described! We really are going to be next door to each other. This is going to be perfect!"
"I knew that had to be the building, Love! I'm so happy!"
"Which is which?" asked Allie.
"The first one is your Momma's office, the second one will be my office, Allie."
"Wow! Yours is beautiful, Momma!"
"Well, it's been totally remodeled. Wait till you see your Father's after the architect finishes with it! It will be every bit as beautiful!"
"Really?"
"Really!"
"This is going to be so cool! But will I get to have lunch with you sometime?"
"I don't see why not! You can come to our very first lunch together. And then whenever you want, as long as we get to have lunch! How about that?"
"That's great! Thanks, Momma!"
"And then we can go from there!"
Allie smiled.
"Allie, look across the street," suggested Millicent. "This is the park that is in front of our Townhouses."
"Wow! It's gigantic. It goes on and on forever, as far as you can see! And look at all the Christmas decorations!"
"They're beautiful, aren't they? Wait till you see it at night with all the lights on. There is a river that runs through it, although it's actually a tributary of the river. It runs right down the center of the park. And in the summer, they have all kinds of boats sailing on it."
"May I go see it?"
Nathan spoke up.
"We'll see, Allie."
"But…"
"We'll have to work it out with Security, Sweetheart, as the park is a very public place. But I'm sure it can be arranged," assured Nathan.
Allie smiled again, not giving the Security piece a second thought; after all, Security only meant her 'Uncles' to her.
'Ah, to have the innocent perspective of a child,' mused Nathan, realizing that made no difference to Allie.
She would simply talk her 'Uncles' into taking her, or so she thought, not realizing this wasn't Hope Valley.
"Allie, we travel around to the end of the park, then down the other side, and our home sits directly across from the offices you've just seen," explained Millicent.
"This is the best! Not many people have a huge park outside their homes! But what else is inside the park?"
"Ferries to get across the river, for one, and as the park is to honor art, there are all kinds of sculptures from artists all over the world placed throughout. You'll love it, Allie! But you do realize we can't ever go there without Security? Right?"
"Yes, Ma'am! But can we see it from our windows at home?"
"We most certainly can, and you have one of the best views in the house from your new bedroom!"
It wasn't lost on either Nathan or Millicent that Allie had just called the Townhouses 'home,' and that meant the world to them.
"Dad, Montreal is much prettier than I imagined. I think I love it!"
"It is very pretty, Allie. Just wait till you see Old Montreal. It's so quaint and wonderful with cobblestones and gas lamps everywhere! And then there's Montreal Island, where I proposed to your Momma!"
"An Island? Can I see?"
"Yes, you may, and downtown is quite extraordinary too!" smiled Millicent. "Not to mention the Wharf, which happens to be my personal favorite!"
"Oh, Momma, may I see it, please?"
"Yes, Sweetheart, as soon as we have time to fit it all in! Your Grandpapa has a Grainery there that is quite amazing. But for now, there is a little matter of Christmas coming up very soon!"
Allie grabbed both her parents' hands.
"Our first Christmas together as a family! That's my dream come true…"
"This is our house?" asked Allie incredulously as Albert pulled up in front of the massive Townhouses.
Nathan nodded.
"Wow! It's beautiful! But it's huge. It's bigger than The Queen of Hearts!"
"This is your new home, Allie! Welcome," smiled her Momma.
"But we don't even have a building in Hope Valley this big! And it's all decorated for Christmas too!"
"Wait till you see all the lights tonight!"
"It's beautiful right now, Momma!"
"We mostly just use this left side; the other side is a mirror image for all our guests, business and personal," explained Millicent.
"Dad, this is where you stayed with Momma?"
"Yes, Allie, this is now our home, too! You're going to love it, Sweetheart! But you're going to love your Auntie Essie and your Uncle Hendrix even more!"
As if on cue, Hendrix and Estella flung open the front door, and ran to greet Nathan, Millicent, and mostly Allie, as Albert helped all three out of the limousine.
Thankfully, the heavy snowfall that met them at the Northwest Pacific Depot had dwindled into just an occasional smattering.
"Here are your flowers, Miss!"
"Thank you, Albert! Thank you, Love!"
"Essie, Hendrix, this is our daughter Allison Rose, otherwise known as Allie!" announced Nathan. Allie, this is your Auntie Essie and Uncle Hendrix! They helped raise your Momma and me. So they are very dear to the Bradfords and Grants!"
Essie gathered Allie to her and immediately started sobbing, even though she had promised herself she wouldn't.
Nathan reached out and rubbed her back, knowing she was thinking of Colleen.
"You're the spitting image of your sweet Mother!" she uttered between sobs. "Just beautiful, Child!"
Nathan helped her up and hugged Essie, while Hendrix smiled and drew Allie near, perhaps without as much emotion, but with no less love.
"We already love you dearly, Child! We've just been counting the days till you were here, waiting for this day to arrive. Come, let's go inside out of the cold..."
In the elegant Entry, Allie was thunderstruck, unable to say a word.
"This is the Entry, Allie. What do you think?"
"It's beautiful," she managed breathlessly, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
She looked up at the huge Chandelier hanging above her, trying her best to take everything in.
In addition, to the beauty of the Entry and its French furnishings, it too had been decorated with refined Christmas cheer.
"It's so elegant," she muttered.
Allie was amazed, but then she saw her Wedding Calendar, the one she had made for her Momma, and her entire face lit up.
"Momma, that's our Wedding Calendar! You left it here for everyone to see?"
"Yes, it most certainly is and I most certainly did! I wanted everyone to see it who came into the house!"
"I love that! My Calendar's been here all the time."
"Yes, it has, and every single time I've seen it, I've thought of you and your Dad!"
"Sort of like we were already here with you!"
"Yes, you were, right here in my heart," winked Millicent. "Our main Living Room, Allie, is right through those double doors."
Allie looked through the ornate mahogany double doors into the elegant but cozy room where a fire was blazing, and Hendrix was already serving Coffee to her Grandparents, Auntie Pippa, and Uncle William.
The scene was warm and brought tears to Allie's eyes.
"There's our girl!" announced Archie, and everyone clapped for the Guest of Honor.
"Are you okay, Angel?"
"This is my family!" whispered Allie.
"They most certainly are, and will always be, Allie," assured her Dad.
But Allie was drawn to only one thing, as though there was a gravitational pull, forcing her toward it.
Nathan and Millicent followed her to the Fireplace, as the Grandparents and Siblings all watched from their various seats, all knowing there was no way around what was happening next except to muddle through it.
"Perhaps we should have given them their privacy," whispered Victoria to Sophia.
"It's okay," Sophia whispered back. "I think it's good that we're here."
Allie was standing directly in front of the huge painting she had never seen before.
"My mother painted this," she announced in a low voice.
Allie said the words simply, matter-of-factly, still staring at the painting.
"You have a very good eye, Allie. She most certainly did. It helped me to have it up to look at when I missed her most," explained Millicent. "Does it bother you, Sweetheart?"
"Oh, no. I love it! I know you were best friends but, I didn't know she gave you a painting. It's perfect. She's in our new home with us."
"She most certainly is, Allie, always has been and always will be, because she's in our hearts wherever we go," reminded her Father, noting that once again his daughter had used the word home.
Allie hugged her Dad, then her Momma, then she turned and walked to the plush sofa, where she climbed upon it and cuddled between her Gramma and Grandmama who had scooted over to make just enough room for their Granddaughter.
"It's really pretty, isn't it Gramma?" she asked still looking at the painting.
"It's one of my favorites of your Mother's paintings, Allie. I even have a lithograph of that very painting. Very beautiful, indeed! A little different than her other paintings, a lot more subtle in color, with a much softer, almost surreal mood. You know what? It will be there forever for you to look at, Pumpkin. But right now, we are about to eat some of Essie's famous Goulash and there is nothing better on a snowy day! Especially to be eating it with our Granddaughter!"
"You've had Auntie Essie's Goulash too, Gramma?"
"Indeed, I have, and so has your Grappa. You see the Bradfords spent winters with us next to the Ranch. That's how we got to know each other and how we became friends, well, family really!"
"That's pretty important, isn't it? Because maybe Momma and Dad wouldn't have even met if that hadn't happened. Were they sweet on each other back then?"
"Hey, Young Lady!" warned her Dad.
"I can answer that," winked Archie conspiratorially. "As sweet as sugar those two were, from the moment they met!"
Allie grinned.
"Dad!" warned Nathan.
"Son, just calling it as we all saw it!"
The entire room laughed in agreement.
"Looks like you're outnumbered, Son. Way too many witnesses!" laughed Edward.
"I might as well come clean! I thought your mother was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen! And yes, to answer your question, I was very sweet on your Momma."
"And I thought your Father was the most handsome boy I had ever seen in my life. The nicest and kindest too!"
"Did Mom know you two liked each other?"
"Did she ever," admitted Nathan. "She teased me mercilessly. Even read my journal!"
"I bet she's happy we're a Family!"
"I know she is, Allie!" assured Nathan.
"We all know she is," smiled Sophia, squeezing her granddaughter close to her. "Very happy, indeed, my Darling!"
Hendrix was relieved Essie wasn't in the room, as she would be sobbing again.
"Allow me to check on Lunch, Miss."
"Thank you, Hendrix."
Everyone broke out into separate conversations, with the Mothers together and the Fathers together, while Allie scooted down to the floor to talk with her Auntie and Uncle.
Nathan and Millicent sat together, holding hands, watching, happy to see everyone making an effort to make Allie feel at home.
"Allie, what type of art do you prefer?" asked Auntie Pippa.
"I paint mostly watercolors, but I'd love to do oils too."
"I love to paint with oils. How about I show you how?"
"I'd love that, Auntie Pippa. That would be so great. Thank you!"
"Have you ever done sculpture?"
"No, Ma'am!"
"That's my favorite of all! Maybe we can do a small project together! We can start with paper mache and maybe come up with a plan from that to do in metal."
"That would be great!"
"Allie, do you ride?" asked her Uncle William.
"Momma and Dad are teaching me. I can't gallop yet."
"Well, I can help teach you, too, if you'd like. We have some great horses in the Stables at home. There's one that I think would be perfect for you."
"What is its name?"
"Rapunzel, and it's a she! She's a golden palomino with a long blonde flowing mane. Perfect size for you, too!"
"I love that! May I, Dad?"
"Yes, you may! Your Uncle William is quite the equestrian. You'll be in very good hands with him!"
"Miss, Sir, Luncheon is served," announced Hendrix with a smile, but this time looking toward Millicent's fiance.
"Thank you, Hendrix," smiled Nathan. "Shall we all move to the Dining Room?"
"Only if Arch and I get to escort our Granddaughter!" grinned Edward, holding out his arm to Allie, as Archie did the same.
Allie giggled and ran to kiss her Grandfathers, looping her arms into theirs.
"I'm the luckiest girl in the world…"
As her Grandfathers escorted her into the Dining Room, Allie's eyes widened.
"I think this is the most beautiful room I've ever seen!"
"That's because your Momma decorated it, Allie!"
"I love it! It's the prettiest blues and greens ever!"
After the men seated their partners, everyone was excited about the meal they were about to eat together.
"Nathan, would you please lead us in prayer?" asked Millicent.
"I would be honored, Love."
Millicent had insisted on Nathan sitting at the head of the table, while Allie sat between her Grandfathers, and since there were guests, Millicent sat at the opposite end of the table, with the Couple already missing each other.
"Dear Heavenly Father, we are so very grateful for our safe journey to Montreal, and for our beautiful family and extended family gathered here together with us. It is our pleasure and delight to break bread together with those who are dearest to us. We thank You for the delicious food set before us, and we pray blessings on that food to the nourishment of our bodies, as well as blessings on those who have prepared it for us. We ask that you be with Allie and all her family members as they get to share precious time together, many for the first time. We pray that You guide us all and help us enjoy this most extraordinary period of time as we prepare for our Wedding and our new Family together, and we humbly ask for your blessings in your most Holy Name, Amen!"
A hearty "Amen!" chorused around the table.
Millicent smiled lovingly at her Fiance, peaking around her huge bouquet, that Hendrix had placed in the center of the table.
"The flowers are exquisite, Nathan!" complimented Victoria. "All Millicent's favorites."
"Just lovely, Son!" agreed Sophia.
"He's spoiling me, but I'm not at all complaining!" laughed Millicent.
"I told Dad he needs to spoil you, Momma!"
"Wise words from my Daughter, Darling!"
Nathan blushed, as he grinned his crooked grin at Millicent.
"I have been officially chastised," admitted Nathan with yet another grin.
"No chastisement needed, Love. You have courted perfectly!"
"But Momma, he needs to show you how special you are every day!"
"Now, that, Angel, I agree with! Although he does a pretty great job of that. Also, I need to show your Father how special he is to me every day. But your Father and I together need to show you every day how special you are to us, too! How about you keep us on track?"
Allie was radiant, shaking her head up and down.
"Now that's a Family who is bound to succeed!" commented Edward. "Caring for each other is the secret. Here's to the new Grant Family!"
"To the new Grant Family!"
The toast was done with their water glasses but backed up by the loving hearts around this table.
"Essie, this Goulash and Spätzle is heaven on a plate. Just like I remembered, only better!" complimented Nathan.
"Delicious, Estella, as always," complimented Victoria.
"You're going to have to give me lessons on the Spätzle, Essie. It's Nathan's favorite, but mine never turns out as light as yours!" interjected Sophia.
"Happy to, Mrs. Grant!"
"May I learn with Gramma, too, Auntie Essie?" asked Allie.
Hendrix and Essie insisted on serving, so they were standing to be ready when needed, but Essie happily spoke up.
"Of course, you may! Together, the three of us will make the most perfect Spätzle in the world!"
"I'm not sure it could get more perfect than this, Estella," complimented Edward.
"Especially when it's paired perfectly with the finest Goulash this side of the Atlantic," bragged Archie.
"Thank you, Sirs! It was my pleasure to fix for our boy!"
"I hate to spring this on our Happy Couple, but we parents are hosting a formal Engagement Party, on Saturday, the 21st," announced Victoria. "With the Holidays, that was pretty much the only day we could fit it in. I hope that's suitable."
"That's lovely, Mother," smiled Millicent, glancing at Nathan to see how he was reacting, but he was busy with his Spätzle. "Thank you, all!"
Her glance immediately brought him around.
"Thank you, Victoria. You do know crowds aren't my preference, but with Millicent beside me, I'm sure I'll be fine," admitted Nathan. "We do very much appreciate the effort!"
"Good! Allie, you'll need a new party dress too, as the Children will be having their own soiree at the same time," smiled Victoria.
"We get a party, too?"
"Yes, you do. A Christmas Party with an early visit from Santa, so all the children can tell him their wishes. Your Cousins will be there, as will children from all over Montreal. That way you'll get to meet everyone and make some new friends here in the big city."
But Victoria could feel Allie's hesitancy and rightfully so, so she quickly explained.
"Your Auntie Essie has agreed to help with the Party, so she will be there with you, Allie, to introduce everyone. Will that be better?"
"That's perfect, Grandmama," grinned Allie, thankful for her Auntie Essie.
Even though Allie didn't know her well yet, she knew her Auntie loved her parents and her, and if Estella was going to be with her, she would be all right!
"Well, now that we have that settled, I do believe we Ladies need to do some shopping. How about Thursday afternoon, in case alterations are needed?"
"That's perfect, Mother. Nathan, Allie, and I are going to search for our Family Christmas Tree tomorrow morning. But we should be back no later than noon!"
"Then I'll have Lloyd pick you and Allie up here at 2 P.M. sharp if that suits you."
"Yes, that will give us time to change and grab a quick lunch."
'And hopefully, me time for a quick trip to see Henri at Helmsley's Jewelers!' thought Nathan…
There were long goodbyes with kisses, hugs, and loving words in the Entry after Dinner, and Allie now realized this was where all their guests were not only welcomed but said goodbye to as well.
And because they were saying goodbye to her family, some old, some new, Allie began to feel this was her Entry too.
It was fancier than she was used to, but it was filled with love, just like her Hope Valley home.
Sophia was the last to leave, and she turned to face her Son, Daughter, and Granddaughter.
"We've been here long enough for today. Now it's time for you two to show Allie her new home from top to bottom, as a family together! Enjoy, my Loves!"
Millicent reached to kiss Sophia, as did Nathan.
"Great advice! Love you, Sophia!"
"We'll do exactly that, Mother!"
Then Sophia took Allie into her arms one last time.
"And you, Young Lady, just need to realize wherever your Dad and Momma are, that's truly your home, Allie!"
"I love you, Gramma!"
"Oh, I love you so very much, Allison Rose!"
Both Allie and her parents noticed the tears in Sophia's eyes.
Archie stood to the side of the front door, waiting to escort his wife to the limousine.
All three waved from the doorway as Nathan's parents got settled, and watched as Lloyd backed the big vehicle out of their driveway, taking the Bradfords and the Grants back to their Estate.
"Thank goodness the snow finally stopped," noted Nathan, herding his girls back inside.
"There's so much to see! How are we going to do this?" asked Allie, as excited to see everything as could be.
Hendrix and Essie were standing there to help in any way they could.
"Let's see, you've seen the Entry, the Living Room, and the Dining Room. That leaves the Kitchen, the Sunroom, and Shared Library & Offices downstairs. Oh, and the huge Sitting Rooms," explained Millicent. After that, we'll tackle the upstairs!"
"Then let's start with the Kitchen! After all, that's the heart of the home, and also where Miss Allie and I will be baking lots of cookies," smiled Estella.
"Really, Auntie Essie?" asked Allie with a broad smile.
"Really! Right now, we're working on Shortbread for Christmas."
"Dad said we would make Gingerbread for the Tree," Allie asked tentatively.
"Your Dad is absolutely right. That comes as soon as we select our Family Tree!"
Inside the warm and friendly kitchen, Essie insisted they all taste her shortbread, hot from the oven.
"Goodness, Essie, this makes me feel like I'm a teenager again!" remarked Nathan, with the biggest grin.
"So, good, Essie!" agreed Millicent. "But this is different from your usual. Do I taste orange?"
"Yes, Miss, I added orange scent and orange zest too."
"I love it! Wonder if we could do that with lime too?"
"I don't see why not. We'll try it in the very next batch!"
"And lemon?" asked Allie, hopefully.
"Absolutely!" smiled Essie, tweaking the girl's nose.
"I've never seen such a fancy kitchen!"
"Well, in the big city, we're very fortunate in that we get the latest appliances," explained Millicent.
"At first, I fought them like crazy, but when I started using them, well as you kids say, they're the bomb!" chuckled Essie.
Allie giggled along with her Auntie.
But as this was Essie's domain, she was the one to finish directions.
"There's the Butler's Pantry between the Dining Room and Kitchen, and in that corner is the Kitchen Pantry. The Laundry Room is out that door. Then there's the Service Porch."
Allie peeked her head through all the mentioned doors.
"Wow! This house is humongous! It has everything! May I see where our tree is going to go?"
"Of course, you may. Hendrix, lead the way!" smiled Millicent.
Hendrix led them from the Kitchen back into the hallway to the double doors at the very end of the hall.
He opened them with a flourish.
"The Sunroom, Miss Allie!"
The winter sun shone through the large panels of glass windows. The room looked right onto the outside, but it was warm and cozy, decorated in blues and whites, with plants everywhere.
"I love this. This is perfect for our Family Tree!"
"And our family," added Nathan with a grin, as he wrapped his arm around Millicent.
"I think I want to spend a lot of time, here, Momma!"
"That will be perfect, Allie. My office is just down this hall, so I'm back here a lot. Oh, and I have a surprise, Love!"
"You're full of surprises," Nathan looked at her skeptically, not knowing what she could have possibly done that would be new to him here.
They walked through Millicent's office, and then into the huge Library that was shared by both Townhouses.
But Millicent wasn't stopping there. She flung open a door at the far end of the library that matched her own office door. Then Hendrix, knowing what she had done, led Nathan through the doorway and into the room.
At first, Nathan wasn't sure what he was looking at.
But as he recognized the Mountie Manuals and References, and realized the room looked much warmer, much different than it had before, he began to understand.
"This is your new Office, Darling. I hope it suits you!"
"Suits me? Millicent, this is extraordinary!"
"Wow, Dad! This is beautiful!"
"It is, isn't it, Allie?"
Each office had its own fireplace, and Hendrix had seen to it that both had roaring fires, as did the Library.
Nathan was still in shock.
But as Nathan looked at more of the shelves, he realized that Millicent had also included a section of his favorite books and another section with references for writers.
"You thought of absolutely everything. How did you know?"
"I tried to think of your likes, your needs, your colors, your tastes."
And she had nailed them all.
This was a room made for him, one he instantly felt at home in.
He reached for her hands and drew her to him.
"This is perfect," he whispered. "I love the blues. All my favorites!"
"That makes me so happy!"
Allie cleared her throat, and Estella and Hendrix couldn't stifle their chuckles.
Nathan and Millicent laughed along with everyone else.
Till Millicent changed gears.
"But for now, our Daughter has her home to tour! Come, Allie…"
"Now we call this the Sitting Room, but it's really more like the Grand Staircase Room," laughed Millicent.
"Momma, look at all these gifts!"
"They're Wedding Gifts, Miss Allie! I'm afraid they haven't stopped arriving since your parents' Engagement. Here and at the Bradfords!" announced Hendrix."
"I can help you open them!" offered Allie as excited as can be.
"That would be lovely, Allie! Thank you. After we rest up, we'll get busy opening them," suggested Millicent.
Nathan simply looked overwhelmed.
"You know, we might be opening these till Spring!"
Everyone laughed, except Hendrix.
"You may not be far off, Sir, when you see the stash in the next room, as well as the Bradfords!"
"Oh, my!" moaned Nathan.
"It's quite daunting, Sir, but Estella and I will help if needed."
"Thank you, Hendrix. That looks very possible!"
Hendrix noticed Allie looking into the duplicate room that held the second Grand Staircase.
"As you can see, Miss Allie, everything is duplicated through these doors on both sides," explained Hendrix. "The second Townhouse is used for Guests, Business Guests, Business Events, and Social Events, including Charity Events"
"Wow! And you're not kidding, Uncle Hendrix. There are a million more gifts in there!"
"Allie, I'll bet you're anxious to see your room, am I right?" asked Millicent.
"Oh, please, Momma! I can't wait!"
"Then up the staircase, we go!"
Allie took off up the stairs in a run.
"Allie, be careful!" warned her Dad.
She slowed down, but made it up the stairs first with her parents, then with her Uncle Hendrix and Auntie Essie following close behind.
"Which way?"
"This way, Sweetheart!" and Millicent pointed her in the right direction. "Remember, your room is at the front of the house, overlooking the park as is your Father's."
Millicent came up behind her and opened the doors into Allie's new bedroom.
Allie immediately started sobbing.
The first thing she saw was Cuddles on her bed, lying in the center of her pillows.
She didn't know it yet, but Essie's assistant had unpacked her clothes, and everything was in her closet and dresser just as it would have been at home.
"This is mine?" she choked.
"Yes, Sweetheart, this is all yours."
By this time, the adults had all made it into Allie's room.
"I have a window seat? And a sofa and chairs? And the most beautiful bed ever, and a dressing table, and a desk and a…"
"Just take it all in, Sweetie. It will be here for you always."
"Do you like the colors, Allie?" asked her Dad.
"I love the colors. They're perfect! It's way better than my dream!"
Nathan hugged his daughter.
Allie's eyes widened as she glanced into yet another room.
"Dad, do I have my own water closet?"
"Sure, looks like it!"
Allie broke loose to peek inside the door.
"And my own bathtub," she squealed. "And oh, look at my view from my window seat!"
She was looking the length of the room toward the large window overlooking the park, which she ran to look out.
"Momma this is the best room ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Ever so much! I love it!"
That was what Nathan had wanted to hear.
His daughter, both happy and grateful.
"Would you like to see your Dad's room, my room, and the rest of the second floor?"
"May I just stay in here right now? Then I can see them later?"
"Of course, Angel. You just enjoy your room. But would you like to maybe take a nap?"
"Yes, please!"
Allie looked tired.
Essie had already located one of Allie's gowns.
"Here, Child. You men leave us be. We've got a tired girl to dress!" ordered Essie, shooing the men away.
Hendrix and Nathan removed themselves from Allie's room in order to give her privacy, but not before they had both said goodbye.
"Sleep well, Miss Allie, and welcome to your home in Montreal!" smiled her Uncle Hendrix.
"We're just elated that you're here!"
Nathan reached to give her a kiss.
"Rest up, Sweetheart! You've been so excited, you need the rest and the sleep!"
His Daughter's eyes were already closing.
He blew another kiss and went to join Hendrix in the hall.
Millicent pulled the bed covers down, as Essie helped Allie out of her clothes and into a nightgown.
"Sweet Child, you're everything we dreamed and more. We already adore you. This is your home now, and we're all here to help things go exactly as they should."
"Thank you, Auntie Essie!"
Essie bent and kissed Allie's forehead, then excused herself to the hallway to give Mother and Daughter some private time.
"I love her already, Momma," yawned Allie. "And Uncle Hendrix, too!"
"They're both very special people, Allie, and they will never ever let you down."
She smoothed Allie's hair.
"You've had such a busy day, and you've handled it all beautifully. Your Father and I are so proud of you, Allie!"
"I'm so happy, Momma!"
"I'm so glad. I love you so very, very much, Angel!
"I love you, too, Momma, and I love that we're home."
And with that, Allie closed her eyes, moving instantly and deeply into a beautiful dreamland.
Finally safe in her own bedroom in her own new home in Montreal, with her hand intertwined in her Momma's, surrounded completely by love…
