Chapter 120

A Lovely Surprise

. . .

Before Nathan and Millicent could completely break away, several more couples gathered around, and as the orchestra was taking a break, none of them were in any hurry whatsoever to leave the dance floor.

And so, the long line kept forming.

"Nathan, this is Professor and Mrs. Charles Evington. Professor Evington is the Dean of the Université de Montréal. This is my wonderful fiancé, Chief Inspector Nathan Grant." *125

"Welcome to Montreal, Chief Inspector! An honor to finally meet this wonderful man Millicent has told us so much about," smiled Mrs. Evington.

"Thank you, Ma'am," smiled Nathan. "A pleasure to meet you both."

"The pleasure is all ours, Son. If you ever need anything in your research or just to familiarize yourself with Montreal, come to me, and I'll see you get whatever Université resources you need."

"I appreciate that very much, Professor. Often, we Mounties need to research that one missing piece of information that can be critical to a case. So, no doubt I will take you up on your generous offer at some point soon, Sir!"

"Professor Evington has a string of Doctorates, Darling, but prefers to be called Professor, just as those under him are," explained Millicent.

"Very humble and honorable, Sir! I knew there was a reason I liked you immediately," grinned Nathan.

"Once you are back in Montreal after the school season, you, Millicent, and your daughter, who is so precocious and darling, by the way, simply must come to visit us for dinner," enthused Mrs. Evington warmly. "I'm anxious to get to know all three of you better. And I have a nephew a bit older than Allie who lives with us and would love to have her company!"

"It would be our pleasure, Mrs. Evington. I would love for you to get to know our daughter better," responded Nathan, truly touched that the older lady had included Allie in her invitation. "She will be very anxious to meet new friends her own age here in Montreal as well!"

And so it went, one introduction after the other! Friendly, open, and warm. Nathan, although pleasantly surprised, couldn't have asked for more…


Finally, after numerous additional introductions, the music started again, and Nathan began to direct Millicent away from the crowd.

He led her toward the vast glass wall overlooking the snow and frozen pond, where a gigantic Christmas Tree, ablaze with golden lights, was housed in the very center of the iced-over water.

What Nathan hadn't been close enough to see until now were the many Professional Skaters their mothers had told them about, joyfully skating around the tree for everyone's Holiday entertainment.

"So, these are the Skaters our mothers mentioned. Victoria doesn't miss a thing, does she, Darling?"

"No, Love, how she comes up with her many nuances, I will never know, but she's always had such an attention for detail. A knack that keeps surprising, as well as delighting, us all!"

"Like her daughter! This is really quite stunning to watch!"

Millicent leaned back against him as he wrapped his arms around her.

The couple, mesmerized, watched all the Holiday-clad Skaters moving gracefully to and fro.

"It really is amazing. It's like a giant music box with miniature skaters skating around and around on the mirrored top. But watching these Professionals skate makes me want to grab a pair of skates myself!"

"Ah! My soon-to-be wife, the skating fanatic. I remember you and Colleen going through your skating phase."

"Phase? My Love, it never ended! But if I recall correctly, you were right there along with us."

Nathan grinned from behind her, wondering if he should confess.

"I couldn't have not been there. You were there," he whispered.

She smiled.

"Just one thing!" she asked as she glanced up at his face behind her. "How did you ever get Richard to come? He's always hated skating."

"I paid him," he whispered in her ear. "A full 25 one-cent pieces per hour!" *126

Millicent gasped.

"Nathan Grant, that was highway robbery!"

He grinned broadly behind her, nuzzling her neck.

"Tell me about it! It truly was. But being with you was worth every single arduously worked for penny…"


Upstairs in the playroom, festivity abounded as the party for the children was going full force, with the first Stage Performance finally coming to an end.

"Auntie Essie, I can't believe I got to perform on stage just like you!"

"And you were wonderful, Child! But come now. We have a big announcement for everyone!"

"Children," called Estella, loud enough to cause the chorus of high-pitched voices around her to pause, at least momentarily.

"I believe it's time to gather around our Christmas Tree," she instructed as Hendrix began assisting in gathering the many children.

"Looks like we need to prepare for a very important, very special visitor," suggested Hendrix.

The Butler, who was indeed a child at heart despite his usual formality, quickly organized the children to sit in a large semi-circle around the tree so that everyone could focus their attention on the myriad of presents already lying under it, trying to distract them from looking at the door.

But, sadly, it was too late!

Jackson was the first to notice.

"Look, everyone!" he yelled and pointed toward the door.

Each child's eyes excitedly followed.

Suddenly they widened in unison, and joyful oohs and aahs ensued, intermingled with a few screams of outright glee…


Across town, specifically at the Sandringham Apartments in Midtown, Sarah and Scottie had just finished their evening meal, having waited later than usual after such a tasty and nutritious lunch.

To be able to fix a hearty stew with actual meat instead of just broth for their midday meal was indeed a blessing for both mother and son. While no longer needing to worry about having seconds for her growing boy meant the world to Sarah.

Tonight, she had fixed Scottie's favorite meal of Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes with Carrot Cole Slaw like his grandmother used to make. She had also made her famous Drop Biscuits and Butterscotch Pudding for dessert, which were also her son's favorites.

But even her son's favorite dishes hadn't brought a smile.

Not a single upturn of her Son's lips throughout the entire day had been seen, and still none tonight.

Scottie had been excessively quiet all day long and somewhat despondent.

Dinner had been silent, too, except for Sarah uncharacteristically doing all the talking, trying to draw her son out of whatever sadness he was experiencing.

"Help me clear the table, Son, and I'll get the dishes washed up. Then, maybe we'll read some of your new books together in front of the Christmas Tree. Does that sound nice?" she asked cheerily.

He nodded, but it was with that same sad face she had seen throughout the day, if not a bit more so.

She knew her son was thrilled to be living here in their new home. He especially loved his room. And thankfully, Scottie was already looking less peaked than when they were in their old place.

To be safe, Millicent had insisted that Sarah and Scott see her doctor, and she and Nathan had even taken them there so they would feel more comfortable.

Thankfully, although both were malnourished, Dr. Haversham assured them that with time as well as some low-dose cod liver oil to use as a cleanser for any possible body toxins they might have acquired, along with high-dose tonic to build up their blood, both should soon be healthy again with no long-term effects.

He was, however, mainly concerned about Sarah's meager weight, and insisted she return for a check-up after the Holidays just to make sure she was gaining weight and able to maintain it.

Throughout the time at their new home, Scottie had been super-excited about Christmas, especially now that they were having one, but none of that seemed to matter today.

Thankfully, Scottie had even made friends with a polite little boy the same age as him named Alfonso, who lived on the second floor. They would be going to the same school after Christmas break. And both boys, already best friends, were desperately hoping Scott would be put in Alfonso's class, so they could be together.

But today, when Sarah suggested Scott invite his new friend from upstairs to their apartment, the boy simply shook his head no, rather adamantly.

Mother and son cleared the table in silence, and once all the dishes were stacked in the sink, Sarah untied her apron and set down the towel she had placed over her shoulder, feeling her son needed her much more.

She would do the dishes alone after he went to bed.

Resolving her son's melancholia before he went to sleep was much more important to her.

"Scottie, Honey, instead of reading, what do you say we sit on the sofa and have a long talk?"

He shook his head no.

"I think I'll just go to bed if it's okay, Mama," he responded respectfully but sullenly.

"No, Love. That's not okay. Not tonight. Something is troubling you, and we need to get to the bottom of it before you go to sleep," she took his hand and led him to their new comfy sofa.

Sitting beside him, she lifted her hand and brushed back his hair with all the love and concern a mother could have.

"Now, Son, what's on your mind?"

He remained tight-lipped, not wanting to hurt his mother, who was doing everything for him she possibly could.

She cupped her young son's chin, forcing him to look at her face, again full of maternal love.

But she certainly hadn't expected him to suddenly burst out crying!

She quickly gathered Scottie to her, enveloping him in her still-thin arms.

"Cry it out, Sweetheart! Just cry it out. Then we can talk and settle whatever burden you're carrying, once and for all. I know we've gone through many wonderful changes, but still changes, nonetheless. And change of any kind is hard. But, Scott, I need my happy son back!"

Scottie sobbed, shaking in her arms.

"I…I love you, Mama! And I love our new home. So much. But…but…I miss Daddy. I miss him something awful. And I want to go see him for Christmas. That's what I really, really, really want! And that's all I want!"

"But Scottie, he's in a place they don't allow children to visit. You know that, Son!"

"Not even for Christmas?" he asked incredulously.

She could feel her son's deep anger and frustration.

She had repeatedly explained the rules, but he was just a little boy who missed his dad.

"Look at me. We'll write your dad and tell him all about our beautiful new life. We'll include every detail of our Christmas together, the tree, the presents. Everything!"

Inconsolably, he vehemently shook his head no, and started sobbing again.

But this time, he jumped up to run to his bedroom, turning before he reached his door.

"This isn't fair! This isn't fair at all! Please, Mama! Please, Daddy's all I want for Christmas!"

Heartbroken and helpless, Sarah sighed, watching from the hall as Scottie slammed his bedroom door, knowing she could only pray for her son and some miracle.

"My little boy has been through so much, Dear God! I can't bear to see him disappointed yet again. Please help me know what to do. Please help me to somehow fix this…"


With the couple's much-longed-for private moment soon broken by an onslaught of young women Millicent's age, Nathan found himself trying to keep up with their multiple conversations.

Still, his mind was soon helplessly wandering elsewhere instead.

In his peripheral vision, he could see his soon-to-be parents-in-law proudly introducing his own parents to all their friends, relieved that everything about this evening seemed so natural.

Despite the elaborate setting and the massive crowd, Nathan was shocked to find that their party had a down-home feel of two families being officially joined together. Though that, in itself, was indeed almost an afterthought, as the Bradfords and Grants were already so very close. And had been most of their lives.

Nathan observed the rest of the family, Richard and Margaret, William and Pippa, and even Auntie Luciana, all happily doing their best to make every one of their guests feel welcome.

For one split moment, he could even see Colleen in the distance smiling as their parents met one new person after the other.

He shook his head as he closed his eyes, doing his best to savor her image before it flitted away.

'Oh, how I miss you, Sis! You should be here tonight of all nights celebrating with us.'

'But I am here, Dear Nate,' she smiled, suddenly at his right side, now with her arm looped into his. 'And what a monstrous bash this is! Are you sure you're up to a lifetime of all this fancy stuff, Bro?'

'I don't seem to have a choice, Collie! Millicent's my everything.'

Colleen laughed.

'Took you long enough to realize it! Hate to say it, but told you so ages ago, dear brother. Ages ago!"

Nathan laughed aloud.

'That you did!'

'Just be yourself. And we both know you've already got that down pat!' winked Colleen. 'From my heavenly perspective, I do believe God gave you an extra dose of authenticity along with all that humility of yours! You'll be fine, Dearest Brother!'

As she kissed her brother's cheek, he could feel her slipping away.

But he had to ask her one more thing.

'Colleen, wait!' he called. 'If you could come back to stay with us, would you?'

'My darling Nathan, I would love to be with Allie, you and Millicent, and Mom and Dad, always. So very much. But it isn't like that. This place is remarkable and perfect, and I have so many wonderful important responsibilities to see to; you just can't possibly want to leave. My life is here now. But I'll always, always watch over all of you, each and every single one. I love you so much, my beloved twin. And always will. Our love never stops, and even though we're apart physically for now, I'm always with you. I love you, Dearest Brother. And I am so thrilled to see you finally happy!"

"Sorry, Darling? What did you say," asked Millicent, on his left, as they stood on the sidelines, glancing at her fiancé with a bit of concern.

"Colleen," he answered simply, knowing she would understand. "My sister told me that you and I would be together all those years ago! And she was just reminding me. She was right, you know. She was always right. And I'm so thankful she was!"

"I wish so badly she was here with us."

"She's always with us, my Love."

He chucked her cheek up and wiped the tears that had already started forming from just mentioning his much-loved sister, her best childhood, and even her best young adult friend.

"Would you find it odd, Mil, if I told you she really is here tonight, celebrating with us?"

She shook her head no, then buried it in his chest.

"I just want to hug her so. It's like a need so fierce, I can't explain it."

Nathan tenderly caressed Millicent as he held her, the sadness in her emerald orbs of jade reflected in his own striking cerulean ones of sky blue, showing that he completely understood.

Both knew they would always feel the void in their hearts, missing her, especially at critically important times such as this.

But more importantly, both of them were committed to honoring Colleen by seeing that her beloved daughter, now their beloved daughter, was loved and cared for as their very own.

They had taken on that honor with joy and would carry it out with pleasure their whole life, lovingly forever and without hesitation.

Allie was now theirs, a part of each of them.

At long last, their daughter had both the father and mother she had always dreamed of.

Nathan smiled at the thought, looking outward, suddenly realizing that in a sea of green and red fashion, only Millicent was wearing gold, but in such a simple yet striking style that was totally her.

She was simply glamorous no matter what she wore.

Millicent didn't need diamonds or fancy embellishment; she was beyond stunning, even without adornment. He had no doubt she would always stand out in any room she entered. And he had to admit, he was always so proud to have her at his side.

'What man wouldn't be,' he mused, realizing he must never forget to tell her so.

"You know, you, my Darling, will always be the Belle of the Ball, whatever and wherever the Ball is, irrespective of who is being honored! No one begins to compare," he grinned, bowing just low enough for her to hear. "Especially tonight!"

She beamed in response and tenderly placed her hand on his cheek, but before she could answer in words, her fiancé was suddenly even more astounded, even shocked to see what was in front of him.

Or, more accurately, who was in front of him.

Instantly realizing what Millicent had done for him, Nathan's astonished face soon turned into a huge beaming smile.

He watched as his fiancée moved to warmly welcome the distinguished couple coming toward them, personally being escorted by both Edward and Victoria, now sharing their good wishes.

But he was even more shocked to see the considerable contingent following them, with all the men wearing dress red…

. . .

125. Université de Montréal, French Language Public Research University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Founded in 1878. Public Domain

126. Twenty-five Canadian One-Cent Pieces Equal about $3.79 Today, Public Domain.