Chapter 92: First Morning in Montreal Continues

Gaining control of himself, Nathan Grant found his voice, although Millicent noticed it was rather raspy.

"Have you thought any more about what we should tell Bill?" he asked nervously, totally changing the subject.

"The more I've thought about it, I think you're right. As hard as it's going to be, we just need to be direct and let him know all we know. I just hope they both can see beyond the pain of Adeline's incarceration, though. They do still have a life to live together if they so choose. I hope and pray that is their choice because he obviously loves her, and from what he says, she loves him. When do you think we should make the call?"

"He'll be at his office in a couple of hours or so, given the time difference. Why don't we call him just before we take Allie to get the tree? That will give him time to think about it and allow him to contact A.J. if he wishes. Knowing Bill, he probably will want to travel and deliver the news in person," surmised Nathan.

"Actually, that would be great! I'd feel so much better about everything if the two of them were able to sit down and talk about all this while together, so they could at least comfort each other."

"Agree. Then it's settled. Just after breakfast," although his eyes didn't reflect his words.

They were still flirting with her, and she knew it, although she also knew he was trying his best to dial it back in order to maintain decorum.

He just loved looking at her, flirting with her, and having her close, and she understood it because it was the exact same for her.

All he could do was take the whole of her in, making up for all that time apart prior to the Mountie Ball.

"Good," she grinned, her eyes twinkling, still talking about Bill and his love.

"Here's your Coffee, Love, and here's the Cream, I'll let you pour your own and watch, so I'll get the amounts just right the next time," she offered.

"I already have your amounts just right as your motto is you can't have too much Cream or Honey!"

"You know me too well, my Darling!"

"Any night habits I should know about, Babe?" he asked. "Besides my wandering around for Coffee?"

"Not that I know of. Oh, except when I'm working on a case, sometimes things come to me in the middle of the night, and I have to get up to write them all down, so I don't forget them. I'll try to keep that to a minimum, though! And go into the next room, so I won't wake you. But no snoring or anything like that, at least not that I know of."

"Oh, no, you don't. You stay by me, Mil. Always. I'm a light sleeper, but I can go back to sleep in an instant," he insisted, but then got a certain gleam in his eyes.

"Although with you there, Love, I'm not so sure," he backtracked tongue in cheek.

She grinned, ruefully thinking of a hundred ways she could distract him when allowed, whereas he obviously was thinking of the same things.

"But I must admit that I am a little bit disappointed as I was thinking it might be sort of cute if you snored," he teased.

"Cute until it wouldn't be cute," she laughed. "And then you'd toss me out like an old flannel shirt!"

He chuckled.

"Hey! Not a chance of me throwing away an old flannel shirt, and most certainly not a chance of me ever throwing you out!"

"Are you, Nathan Grant, trying to tell me you snore?" she asked in her best Barrister voice, with her hands steepled in front of her as though ready for interrogation.

"You'll have to wait and see, soon-to-be Mrs. Grant," he teased raising his eyebrows.

"Wait, Chief Inspector, I have already deduced that answer because you never once snored when I sat with you…at night."

She had started to say after the shooting but caught herself, not wanting it to rob them of another moment. They had weathered the storms, and now Nathan was healed. And that was all that mattered.

They both moved in for another kiss, so full of love, it took their breath away, while at the same time interrupting Millicent as she was trying to pour both Honey and Cream into her Coffee.

"I can't tell you how much I hated you seeing all that back then. Yet, I'm not sure I would have made it had you not been there. So now, I'm just thankful that at least we got to weather that storm together, and came out stronger as a couple," he stated seriously, with the utmost respect for her written all over his face.

For a moment, her eyes clouded, but she lifted a biscuit to his lips and smiled instead.

"I'm so glad some things never change, Love," he winked, eating the biscuit as he watched her intently.

"Honey, Cream, and you, my constants!" she laughed softly, mesmerizing him all over again.

"In that order?"

"I'm afraid you'll have to wait and find out!"

They both chuckled quietly, then drank their Coffee, and fed each other Breakfast Biscuits, till both were wide awake, with Nathan still unable to leave her.

After they finished, she looked at the clock.

"Oh, no. It's past time to wake Allie! I'd better go, Love!"

"Hey, I'm coming too…unless you just want Mother Daughter time," he asked hesitantly.

"Not when we can have Family time!" she smiled, taking his hand and leading him to Allie's room.

"Wait! One last Pre-real breakfast kiss?" he asked. "Please?"

She giggled at his pathetic look.

"You're incorrigible, my Love!" then added a playful warning. "And I might add, really pushing your luck with Essie around!"

"Correct, Counselor! Guilty as charged," he playfully admitted with a sly smirk.

But she happily and tenderly obliged his wishes, running her hands through his hair, along with the sweetest of kisses that left him completely dizzy and even more desperately in love…


With Nathan's arm held tightly around her waist, Millicent knocked lightly on Allie's door, but hearing nothing, she opened it and softly called their daughter's name.

"Allie! Good morning, Sweetheart!"

Allie turned and opened her eyes while slowly stretching, but very quickly was wide awake, instantly sitting up in bed, while pushing Cuddles, her bear, under the covers at the same time.

"Momma! We're in Montreal! Are we ready to get our Christmas Tree?"

Millicent tried not to laugh at her rambunctious daughter, instead, she went to Allie's bedside, reaching up to open her drapes on both sides of her bed, stopping in between to kiss Allie good morning on her forehead.

"Well, breakfast first, Angel!"

But as the morning light streamed in, Allie was elated to see her Dad standing there.

"Dad! We're in Montreal with Momma, and we're getting our Christmas Tree today! And eww, you need to shave!"

Nathan chuckled and walked over to hand Allie her robe, giving her a good morning kiss on her cheek.

"Good morning, Allie! Yes, today is Tree Day, your favorite pre-Christmas day!"

Allie clapped her hands in delight.

"And I promise I will shave before Breakfast, Young Lady!"

"I can't wait to get our tree! Dad, my room is so beautiful. It's like a real Princess room. I love it so much! And I slept all night long without waking up once. Cuddles did too…I mean," she stopped short, realizing her admission, but like her father, quickly changed the subject. "But, what should I wear today to get our tree?"

Nathan deferred to Millicent, shrugging and spreading his open hand toward her.

"The warmest thing you have, and lots of layers! It's going to be really cold today, and that goes for you too, Nathan. It's supposed to snow too. Don't forget, we'll be outside as long as it takes you to find our perfect tree! So, think lumberjack! Allie, would you like help getting ready?"

"Please, Momma! I can do everything else, but can you do my hair, please? Plus, I'd like the company. I want to look really nice for Auntie Essie and Uncle Hendrix, and will all my other Uncles be here, too?"

"Yes, they'll be going with us to get our tree! They should be by soon, just after we complete our breakfast!"

Millicent didn't want to have to explain to her daughter that since they were in Montreal, there would be multiple teams of Security, given the demands and risks of the big city and that they would be with them everywhere they went in larger numbers; that could be explained later, when absolutely necessary. Perhaps the ones Allie knew and felt most comfortable with would stay closest to the family, with the others on the periphery. At least that had been their request, wanting to make everything easier on their daughter.

Allie suddenly jumped up and put on her robe, ever the take charge child beyond her years.

"I'd better hurry and get ready. Dad, you'd better shave," she directed.

"Yes, Ma'am! If you two Ladies will excuse me?" He kissed the top of Allie's hair and then gave Millicent a quick kiss with a grateful wink.

"Breakfast will be ready by seven, Love," smiled Millicent. "And don't be late, as you know Essie's demand for punctuality!"

"Wouldn't think of crossing Essie! I'll meet you two beautiful Ladies downstairs," and with that crooked grin of his, he was gone.

"Allie, I did pack your navy riding culottes from Hope Valley. Why don't you wear those with your thickest pair of undergarments and those navy leggings? And definitely don't forget your high boots."

"But what top should I wear with them? I don't have a really heavy sweater like yours."

"Let's see. I think I have something; it will be a bit big, but if you layer enough underneath, I think it will work. Be back in a minute!"

"Thanks, Momma. I'll get my face washed and my teeth brushed, so I'll be ready to put everything on when you get back…."


Nathan, all fresh and clean-shaven, easily beat his girls downstairs, giving Essie a good morning hug and kiss, and Hendrix a pat on the back.

"We're just thrilled to have the Master of the Household back, Sir! Because as far as everyone's concerned, that's exactly what you already are," announced Hendrix.

"Thank you. Oh, and thanks Hendrix for placing Mil's flowers on the table for us all to enjoy this morning. Reminds me of my last visit here."

"It's so wonderful having you here, Son! And that child is Colleen made over, just lighter coloring than you and her mother," insisted Estella. "She's a gift from above, that little Angel, to all of us. But got to get back to my kitchen, or this family will never have breakfast!"

"Don't overdo, Essie," warned Nathan. "I'm sure you have more than enough food for us! May I help?"

"Pfft! Thank you, but you just relax, Sir! Never enough food when my favorite Son and my new Child are here," declared Estella emphatically as she rushed back to her domain. "Nothing too good for you three!"

"Can't tell you how truly wonderful it is to have you here, Nathan, and Miss Allie as well! Estella and I've been looking forward to this week since your last visit. Truthfully, we've been counting the days."

"You and me both! I must say I've been looking forward to this visit more than you can imagine. It means our Wedding is almost here! It's like our real lives are finally beginning!"

"Ah, the big day! That's because your real lives finally are beginning, together. It's a grand day the entire family is looking forward to celebrating, Sir. Not to mention all of Montreal. I must say, this Wedding of yours has created quite the buzz!"

Nathan chuckled.

"It's great to be here with you both! Hendrix, But, how in the world did I miss Colleen's portrait of me hanging in the entry, yesterday?"

"So many people mulling about, Sir! But it looks wonderful, just like it belongs there!"

"But doesn't it look a bit…"

He was going to say pretentious but Hendrix stopped him.

"No, Sir, it does not! Miss Millicent was so proud to hang your portrait in that very spot. These were her exact words: "This has to be hung here, Hendrix, as Nathan is already the head of this household!"

"She said that?"

"Yes, Sir, she did. And we all agree. We've just been waiting for you to return! Allow her this small indulgence, Sir. It means a lot to her."

"How could I not? I love her more than anything in this world. I'm so blessed, Hendrix. I can't even imagine my life without her."

"Nor can we imagine her life without you! You're adjusting fine to this new situation, Sir, and I know entering the Bradford realm permanently is a lot, but you will continue to do just fine!"

"Thank you for the encouragement, Hendrix. That means an awful lot. Just keep me in your prayers that I won't mess anything up in this foreign world and shame my Bride too badly!"

"You can't possibly go wrong, Sir, not with that Young Lady! But we already do pray for an easy adjustment as you enter this new unique world! We pray even more for your new family. Do you have any other concerns I can help with?"

"Not really, Hendrix. But, I will admit I've never seen so many Wedding presents. I made the mistake of peaking into the second Sitting Room on my way down. I just hadn't imagined that it would be like this."

"Well, the Bradfords are very well known, and the gifts are coming from all over Canada, every day, all day long, Sir! Some even from the States and Europe! It's pretty much the same at the Bradford Estate. I hate to tell you, but I'm afraid there are as many there as here. Perhaps, we can open some each day, prior to our guests coming from Hope Valley? It's my guess the boxes will only increase in number as we get closer to the actual Wedding Day, so it's important we at least attempt to conquer the mounds."

Nathan sighed heavily.

"It's not that I'm ungrateful, because, in fact, I'm most grateful, Hendrix. But it's just all so overwhelming! And how can one small family even use all this?"

Hendrix chuckled.

"I doubt the family stays small for long, Sir!"

Nathan blushed.

"You'll be surprised, Sir. Besides, Miss Millicent was so busy working when she was here, that she really didn't have time to start opening them. But I believe, more importantly, she wished for you to be here to enjoy opening them with her, Sir!"

"Of course, and I love her for including me. I'm so proud of all the work she has done to make our new life happen. I know she's worked much more than she's let on. I suppose it's just a bit overwhelming to see all of the gifts for the first time."

Hendrix chuckled again, understanding how his young man was feeling.

"Indeed, Sir! It would be for anyone. As I said yesterday, Essie and I will help streamline things, so perhaps it won't be quite as daunting as you're expecting. And don't forget if we have to hire someone to assist, that can be arranged as well."

"Much appreciated, Hendrix."

"But, Sir, I would venture to say, Miss Allie will be a whiz opening those gifts!"

"Yes, you have no idea," Nathan chuckled too, relaxing as he realized Hendrix was exactly right. "Allie will most certainly be our secret weapon, Hendrix!"

Hendrix winked at Nathan, directing him with an imperceptible nod to look toward the Dining Room entrance.

"Millicent, Allie, you both look beautiful! Ready for some Tree Hunting?"

"Am I ever ready! Look, Dad, Momma let me borrow her old sweater!"

"I remember that navy sweater," acknowledged Nathan looking at Millicent with a knowing grin.

"You should since you put worms down my back when I wore it on that last fall of our schooling together!"

"Did I do that? Wasn't that Richard?"

"That was both of you, Nathan Grant!"

"That's what I get for having a fiancée with an incomparable memory!"

"You have an incomparable memory too, my Darling! In fact, a photographic one, but also I must admit, a very selective one!"

Nathan chuckled heartily as he stretched to give Millicent a quick kiss.

"Angel, where would you like to sit?"

"I think here, Momma. That makes it just like we sit at home!"

"Perfect," smiled Millicent, who wanted Allie to feel continuity.

Nathan pulled out Allie's chair, then Millicent's, as Hendrix went to the kitchen to help Estella serve all the food.

A beaming Essie placed the Meat Tray on the Table, while Hendrix served the individual domed plates with their eggs cooked perfectly underneath, as each preferred.

Next came the Gravy with a big basket of hot Biscuits, and homemade Jams, along with a huge bowl of cut-up fruit.

"Darling, will you lead us in saying Grace," asked Millicent.

"My privilege! Shall we bow our heads," and as he asked, the family joined hands, with a beaming Allie having to scoot out of her chair in order to stretch across the wide table to take her Momma's hand.

Hendrix and Estella had been requested, even begged, to sit with Nathan, Millicent, and Allie, and eat their meals with them, but their dedication to service had forced them to politely decline.

Nathan did notice, however, that just before he bowed his head, Hendrix placed his arm around Estella, and she smiled up at him, which rendered the stoic Butler helpless not to smile as well.

Millicent caught Nathan's cheeky smile and understood, but couldn't turn around to see for herself.

"Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You this morning with such grateful hearts. The five of us sitting and standing in this room together are already a family, but we are so thrilled to be making it official this coming New Year's Eve. We ask that You direct and guide us, keeping us always in the center of your will. And although we are undeserving, we thank you for the many blessings you continue to pour out upon us. We thank You for just finally being together, and we thank You this morning for the delicious food we are about to receive. We ask that You bless those whose hands have prepared and served it, as well as bless it to the nourishment of all our bodies for your glory. Most importantly, we pray that You will give us opportunities to serve You on this very day. Please go with each of us throughout this special day as we start our Christmas Festivities and help us always to live our lives in a way that blesses You and your kingdom. In your most Holy Name, Amen!"

A chorus of 'Amens' by all, followed, as Millicent looked up at Nathan with glistening eyes, so proud of his faith, his words, for she knew the depth of faith behind them. No wonder she felt so safe with this man. Like her father, he was a man of deep stalwart faith, and that mattered to her more than anything.

He caught her glance and offered his lop-sided grin.

"Dad, can we please add something? I need to ask God to help me find our perfect tree."

"Then let's bow our heads again, Allie! Would you like to make the addition?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Dear God, this is an important family day, and since we're getting ready for our first Christmas together, will you please especially help us make it really special? It's really important to us, and I'm a little nervous, because I don't know the forests around Montreal at all, and I'm going to need a lot of help. Please help me, God, to find our perfect family tree. Thank You! Amen! Oh, and P.S., please help me find a really tall one, too. Amen!"

Everyone smiled and chorused 'Amen' again.

Then their hearty and delightful Breakfast began full of lively conversation by all, with Hendrix and Estella thrilled to have the room alive again, full of the chatter that only an excited child can bring.

But surprisingly, it was the youngest there, who soon spoke up and addressed the elephant in the room.

"Dad, shouldn't Uncle Hendrix and Auntie Essie be sitting down to eat with us?"

"Great observation, Allie. Your Momma and I have persistently requested that very thing!"

"Then Uncle Hendrix, why don't you escort Auntie Essie to sit down by me, and you sit at the other end of the table?"

The proper Butler looked at his home's Mistress, who was nudging him to do the very same thing her wise daughter was now also requesting.

"Dad says men need to have extra room for their elbows," explained Allie in her most serious tone.

That brought a round of hearty laughter from all, as Allie's Uncle Hendrix did exactly as she had suggested, with Hendrix first grabbing extra place settings for the two.

Nathan and Millicent breathed a sigh of relief, both offering welcoming smiles.

After Hendrix finished his task of adding place settings, he then assisted a beaming Estella to her seat, and finally sat down at the opposite end of the table himself, with a hesitant smile.

Very quickly, they all began to speak as any family eating a meal does, with multiple lively conversations going on at once, crossing the tables back and forth.

Somehow everyone kept up, even Allie!

They spoke of Montreal and of Hope Valley, of their trip, of their plans for their Wedding, of Nathan's new job, of Allie's many favorite Christmas traditions, of the classic Montreal Christmas traditions, of Essie's current play, and of Hendrix's Rowing Club, with everything blending perfectly.

When their meal was finally finished, everyone had thoroughly enjoyed spending their time together, sharing their food and their conversation.

It was Nathan who first spoke about their new arrangement.

"Thank you, Estella. Thank you, Hendrix. You both are family, always have been and always will be, and now, all five of us are together, exactly as we should be, sharing our lives, our food, and our table!"

Everyone smiled in agreement, with Allie also clapping her hands!

Although years of old-school habits had finally been altered by a precocious little girl of twelve, not a single person around the table could disagree with the Master of the House.

It was true, they really were meant to sit together for their meals as a family, and now, each was delighted to do so.

And even though perhaps that was rather shocking for both Hendrix and Estella to acknowledge, they had to admit, once they had agreed, it just felt so right.

Besides, how could they argue with their Miss Allie, whom they already adored…