Chapter 100: Pre-Wedding Appointments & More, Part II

"Charlotte, will you please gather the best of our purple, blue, red, and green Christmas decorations, but leave out the tree, wreath, and lights," directed the manager. "Also if we have anything wonderful that's brown, I'd appreciate you pulling that as well."

"My pleasure, Mrs. Colby."

"Let's see, the Sewing Machine needs to be delivered to my house, and all the clothing, the everyday outfits, the sleepwear, the outerwear, and the shoes need to be wrapped and given to us to take with us. If possible, can you deliver Allie's decorations along with us?"

"Absolutely, Miss Bradford! Our pleasure!"

Sophia, given her artistic prowess, as well as her sewing expertise, was busy looking at textiles, matching threads, and accessories, including a good set of shears for Sarah to start making samples. She also found a trio of tailor mannequins.

"These would be so helpful for Sarah to do her tailoring, and also to display her finished products."

"I love that idea, Sophia!" agreed Millicent. "Genius!"

"And don't forget to set up an account for them to come shopping to finish their wardrobe along with Scott's school clothes, Darling," reminded Victoria, who was doing her best to keep a list of everything they had purchased. She was also trying to fill in between those items with the things they had all overlooked.

"Also, Millicent, the far stack in the corner should be wrapped for Christmas and kept separate from what you need to deliver tonight," reminded her mother.

"Right, Mrs. Colby please see that name tags are made for each item with either Sarah or Scott on each package. And I'd appreciate wrapping them so they are really special. I want both the mother and son to feel extra loved and cared for. Also, will you please add a secondary account to mine for Mrs. Sarah Hayes and her Son, Scott Hayes?"

"Samantha, will you please take care of wrapping the gifts with name tags for Sarah and Scott? Theodora, will you please see that the account adjustments are made right now for Miss Bradford?"

"Of course, Ma'am," answered the clerk named Samantha.

"Absolutely, Mrs. Colby," agreed the clerk named Theodora.

The second clerk exited to take care of setting up the new account under Millicent's personal account, while Samantha set about directing the wrapping team in the far corner.

As carts full of stunning Christmas decorations rolled in, Allie was in her element, excitedly choosing decorations from the Angel for the top of the tree all the way to the tinsel, and everything needed in between.

"This is so much fun, Momma..."


Back at Helmsley's, Nathan sat in his chair, running his hands through his dark waves, wondering what he was going to have to sell to come up with this amount of money or even if he would have to pay the bill over time, but unknown to Nathan, Henri, as stubborn as he was, was getting very creative with his chief financial officer.

Yes, Nathan already had the money differential from their gifted Ranch in his Union City bank account, because Edward had deposited it there, saying it was his to use however he wished. It was an obscene amount, but he wasn't about to use that money to gift his Bride.

Nathan was adamant that all gifts to Millicent would be paid in full by him, and with his money, prior to any of their funds being combined.

"Here we go, Sir. The cost of all the items before you, each itemized."

Nervously, Nathan opened the invoice slip of itemized costs, but he could only look up puzzled at Mr. Helmsley.

Each had the Bradford discount, as he suspected they would, but out from that was an item marked 'Projected Advertising Return' that was deducted from each piece.

"Henri, are these projected returns really accurate?"

"Oh, indeed so, Sir. If anything, we were overly conservative. With the excitement over the Wedding, that number, although true in the past, will positively soar! And you can bank on that, Chief Inspector!"

"I'm sorry, it just seems incredible that a few photos could have that drastic of a monetary impact on your Business."

"Oh, but they do, Sir. Just call this provisional bookkeeping that is more than a sure thing. I'm afraid this is my final cost minus the expected advertising capture from these items alone. And I must add it's a given that these designs are yours. I would never allow anyone but Miss Bradford to wear your designs."

Nathan cleared his throat.

"You drive a hard bargain, don't you?"

"Obviously, not as hard as you, Sir. I would prefer to outright gift these to you to give to your Bride."

"But I prefer to pay. And although this is in no way enough, I will pay this amount, and then we can put this matter to rest. The pieces are most exquisite, and again, I'm thankful you reminded me of her need for the more formal pieces. They will mean a lot to my Bride, and for that, I am most grateful, Henri. Although it's still hard for me to think in terms of well, Montreal needs, much less anything more."

Henri smiled, conspiratorially, understanding the young man's dilemma.

"I learned a long time ago, that it matters not what Society thinks, Sir, whether Montreal or the whole of Canada. It will all work out! You and Miss Millicent just be yourselves and teach us all a thing or two! Besides, you drive a hard bargain as well, Sir. But I must admit most admirably so."

"Thank you, Henri! I'm glad we could meet satisfactorily somewhere in the middle. It's just that I could never enjoy seeing Millicent wear these pieces if I alone knew they were simply gifted, nor if they were paid for with her money. But thanks to your kind-heartedness, and creative bookkeeping, this is more than doable within my budget."

"You know, Chief Inspector, you carry a code of honor about you, even without the uniform. And that's exactly why Miss Bradford is with you, Sir. You are a most honorable man! And she's very, very fortunate, indeed to have found you."

"I'm the fortunate one, make no mistake, Henri. But I do appreciate your words more than you can know. I will always do the right thing by Millicent. Always, my whole life through!"

"I have no doubt, whatsoever, Sir! And neither does the Lady nor her Family…"


Starting to leave Helmsley's Jewelry, Nathan felt pleased with his handiwork and most thankful for the brilliant execution of his designs by Henri.

A calm set in, as he realized this lengthy process of wondering what would bring a smile to his Bride's beautiful face was successfully completed.

Now, a short walk to Montreal Mountie Headquarters, and he would be ready to implement his master plan with the Commissioner.

But as Henri walked him to the Main Entrance, both realized there was a gaggle of reporters and photographers waiting outside for Nathan to exit.

Thankfully, Henri's persistent Security Team had kept them at bay, and out of the Shoppe.

"Sir, allow me to call the Bradford Estate and get you a limousine. This will never do."

Nathan nodded once in agreement, knowing Henri was right.

Funny, he had never thought about himself needing Security and had forgotten to notify Tom of his whereabouts.

A lesson learned.

"Chase will be here with your limousine, Sir, within a matter of moments. Not that you need it personally, but he will bring Security to help you battle the press. He's meeting you at the back door. In the meantime. Sit here at my desk and take one last look at everything, if you please, while I grab a fresh pot of coffee."

"Thank you, Henri, for everything. I can't tell you how very grateful I am for you, your expertise, and your many acts of kindness, including this. You've been a wonderful friend, and it's greatly appreciated..."


The day had been an exceptionally long one, and the Ladies had worked hard to give Sarah and Scott Hayes everything they needed.

"Darling, Sophia and I will stay in the car, and wait to meet the Hayes when they've had a chance to be more settled."

"That's very thoughtful, Mother. I know Sarah will appreciate that!"

The Christmas presents, along with the new Sewing Machine and several books Allie had suggested for Scott, were simultaneously being delivered to the Townhouse.

Everything else was being delivered to the Hayes apartment.

As Lloyd pulled up in front of the apartment, the delivery truck pulled in behind him.

Lloyd jumped out from the driver's seat to let Miss Millicent and Miss Allie out of the Limousine, then he began to assist in gathering the bags of clothing items Millicent had requested that Allie and she hand deliver, along with a shiny whistling copper tea kettle that Millicent had selected, as a housewarming gift.

"Allow me to assist, Miss."

"Thank you, Lloyd, but Allie and I can help, too," insisted Millicent, as both grabbed several bags…


Inside the Apartment Building's lobby, Millicent and Allie knocked on the Hayes' door, as the delivery men brought the remaining boxes in behind them, which mostly consisted of Christmas decorations of all sorts.

"Allie, I'm so proud of you. You've done such a beautiful job. You're helping make two lovely people's Christmas extra special, Sweetheart! These are things they'll keep and enjoy their whole lives through."

Allie beamed with pride.

"Are you ready," asked her Momma.

"Yes, Ma'am!" answered Allie excitedly.

As soon as Millicent knocked on the Hayes' door, Scott was there on the other side, ready to open it.

"Scott, check to see who's there first," instructed Sarah from behind the locked door.

"Who's there, please?"

"It's Millicent Bradford and Allie Grant, Scott."

The door opened immediately.

"Oh, Miss Millicent! You promised and we already have a huge tree," cried Scott who wrapped his arms tightly around her. "Thank you, thank you, and Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas! I did promise, Scott, and I always keep my promises!"

Scott grinned widely, already looking a bit more carefree than earlier this morning.

"Hi, Allie! I'm sorry. I didn't know it was you."

"Don't be sorry at all sorry. You and your mother must be careful at all times. See this tiny slit in the door, Sarah. You can look through it and see who's at your door. Always check first, so you can be sure it's safe to open."

"That's wonderful. I didn't know. Scott, do you see how to do this?"

"Yes, Ma'am! That's so cool!"

"Where are my manners? Please, come in."

But as Sarah held the door for Millicent and Allie, she noticed all the commotion in the lobby.

Slowly, it began to dawn on her.

"You can't have a tree without decorations," explained Millicent.

Scott whooped.

"Is it alright if we allow them to bring the boxes in?"

"Of course, but it's just too much for you to do," begged Sarah.

"Not at all. Allie had so much fun gathering them."

"Mama said we would make our decorations. But this is even better! Thank you, Miss Millicent, Allie. Our tree is huge and beautiful and already perfect!"

"Scott's been quite excited from the moment it arrived. It's the biggest tree we've ever had. We are so very grateful. More than you can know Miss…I mean, Millicent."

"Want to see what I've done with my room," asked Scott proudly of Allie.

"Is it alright, Momma?"

"Yes, Sweetheart. May we sit, Sarah?"

"Oh, of course. May I get you some tea?"

"Only if you open this first," winked Millicent.

"What is this and why all these bags?"

"You'll see," smiled Millicent. "This first!"

Sarah excitedly opened the package just like a child who had been given the most precious gift in the world.

First shock, then deep gratitude, followed by inexplicable awe all fell across her worn face, which was already starting to soften and come alive.

"This is…this is just…beautiful."

"This replaces that old worn kettle I noticed on the stove this morning. Let's just call it your Housewarming gift. A thing of beauty for your home, Sarah!"

Tears fell down Sarah's face, and her shrunken body began to shake.

"How…could you…possibly know," asked Sarah with a now tear-stained face.

"Know?" asked Millicent.

"This…is identical...to my mother's. She...she gave it to me to take…with me when I married. She…she said…our home would always be happy with her tea kettle in it. But it was lost in one of our many moves. I was heartbroken. That was when everything started to fall apart!"

Millicent wrapped her arms around Sarah, as she outright sobbed.

"Sh! It's alright now. I had no way of knowing. Your mother must have been guiding me to return it to you!"

Millicent just held Sarah but felt like crying herself, as she felt the woman's bones press into her own slender body.

Millicent smoothed Sarah's hair.

"I'm so sorry you lost something so meaningful to you, Sarah. But I'm so happy your mother's teapot has come back to you!"

"This means the world to me! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, M…Millicent."

"I believe it's meant to be, Sarah. Don't you see? This is a new start for you, with your mother's blessing."

Sarah started to collect herself and smile through her tears.

"Let me wash this and put the tea on for us. Is that alright?"

"I'd love to have tea with you, Sarah."

After Sarah washed the kettle and put the tea on, she came back to the sofa to sit with Millicent.

"Millicent, I've spent the day thanking God for you and your family. We don't de..."

Millicent took Sarah's hand.

"Stop. You do. You deserve all of this and more, Sarah. This isn't charity. It's filling a need. You'll do the same someday for someone else when they need it most."

Sarah squeezed Millicent's hand.

"The truth is I want you and Scott to be as comfortable as possible, and I want you to be able to start your business after Christmas so that you can do what you love and at the same time start to have an income coming in. We brought you some things to help you do that. Some fabrics, matching thread, buttons, ribbons, and trims; even a variety of needles and some good pinking shears. You let me know if we've forgotten anything."

Millicent noticed Sarah's confused glance around at the other packages.

"Is this our Christmas? Should I save these for Scott?"

Millicent smiled.

"No, it's not Christmas yet. Let's just say this is an early Christmas for both of you. There will be a wonderful, Christmas on Christmas Eve, Sarah. Don't you worry about a thing. But for now, these bags have two outfits each for you and Scott, along with sleepwear, outerwear, shoes, and boots for the bad weather. This is just to get you through the next couple of days till you can make a trip to The Lafayette Galleries and select your own wardrobes."

"But…"

"I opened an account for you and Scott to use under my own account. Just go, and tell them you want to charge to your account; it's in your name. Choose anything you'd like to wear for yourself and for Scott, as I know he'll need school clothes for the coming semester."

Sarah started crying again, till they flowed.

"Don't cry, Sarah. These are needs and don't be tight with that account. I mean it when I want you both to have what you like, what makes you feel good."

"But, but…you've already done so much. Way too much! Those nice men came earlier and filled our larder and pantry. We now have all the food we could want. Even a goose is being delivered for Christmas," added Sarah, incredulously.

"I'm so glad. You deserve all this, Sarah, and so does Scott. I also got you some extra nice sheets and blankets, as well as a couple of quilts. I want you warm as toast tonight. There are new towels somewhere in these boxes too. But where, your guess is as good as mine!"

Sarah actually smiled.

And then the teapot whistled.

At first, Sarah was startled.

"It whistles too? Mama's whistled. Oh, how I've missed that sound!"

"It's all about the simple things, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is, and," her throat caught. "And family."

"You're going to get through this Sarah. Your husband is going to get through this, as will Scott. The three of you will be together again."

"You make me almost believe it."

"Good, then I'll keep telling you that!"

Sarah went to the kitchen to get the tea.

When she brought it back to serve Millicent, it was topped off with honey and a splash of cream.

"How did you know that's how I take my tea?"

"I asked the nice man, Hendrix."

"With all you've got on you, you thought to ask Hendrix how I liked my tea?" asked Millicent.

Sarah nodded.

"That's just incredible, Sarah!"

"It was all I could do for you. For now, that is."

Millicent smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Sarah. This is just lovely!"

"Oh, I completely forgot. We have biscuits now, too. Would you care for one?"

"No thank you, the hot tea is perfect. To be perfectly honest, I think everything has been so hectic, that sugar is the last thing my body needs. But having said that, I'm afraid I could never give up my honey!"

"Millicent, it's going to be alright for you too, you know."

"Yes, but it's always nice to hear. Thank you for that, Sarah. I am so blessed and this is so minor compared to what you've been going through. It's just that I wish we didn't have to be on display for everyone else. I wish Nathan and I could just run away and get married privately. And start our family with Allie just like normal people. I'm used to all the trappings of my life, but my fiance and daughter aren't. I just hate to put Nathan and Allie through all of this, making them be on display in the papers, tying their lives up with Security. All these crazy changes they are having to endure just because of me."

"I'm praying for you and your family. And I won't stop praying. I'm sure I don't understand everything, but as a wife and mother, I can tell you're worried about them. From experience, just enjoy the moments as you go through this hectic time. That handsome man and his beautiful daughter love you so much, they won't mind the hard parts. It's clear they both adore you. You can see it in their eyes. I'll never understand how you and your family have made the time for Scott and me out of your busy schedules. But I am most grateful you did. Look at us sitting in a beautiful warm home, chatting away over a blazing fire. I shudder to think where we would be tonight had you not come along…" her voice wandered off, then got firm again. "Millicent, you saved us!"

"Perhaps it's you who has saved us, Sarah! Don't you see, you've kept great faith through all this adversity you've endured. And that's a deep faith that teaches us all by example. We only did exactly what you're doing daily. All of us are trusting God, and just living our faith while trying to serve Him to the best of our ability. Helping you is what we were supposed to do, Sarah, what God asked us to do. And I believe with all my heart you're doing what God has asked you to do, as I have no doubt, this is exactly where you and Scott are meant to be..."