Chapter 125

A New Day

. . .

Hoping Estella and Hendrix had already gone to bed, a bone-weary but perfectly content Nathan and Millicent waved goodbye to Albert. They then turned, slipping quietly through the back door of the townhouse.

"Oops, almost forgot to check on the kittens!" whispered Millicent opening an inside door.

"Looks like they've been relegated back to the laundry room," noted Nathan chuckling.

"Shh!" she smiled. "They're all sleeping. Even poor Persia!"

Millicent quietly closed the door behind her, placing her arm around Nathan's back as he did the same with hers.

"No more whispering required, Love!"

"Babe, I know we're exhausted, but could we talk for a few minutes before we go upstairs to our bedrooms?"

"Sure, I'll put us some coffee on. Where do you want to talk? Here in the kitchen?"

"No, Darling! Let's go into the keeping room and get comfortable. This may take a while."

"Nathan, do you want to go up and change while I do this?"

"And leave you? Not a chance. Here, let me help."

Millicent put on the water to boil while Nathan got out the cups and saucers, along with the cream from the icebox and the bowl of sugar lumps kept on the counter.

"Here's a tray, Nate!"

"Well, look at this. Essie has rationed us some of her Christmas Cookies!"

"You would notice Essie's cookies," giggled Millicent.

"Of course! Now I have something to put on the tray!"

"Or, more precisely, in your tummy!"

Nathan chuckled and moved up behind her, cocooning her to him by wrapping his arms around her waist.

"I love you," he whispered with such intensity, his bowed face against her neck.

"I love you," she whispered back just as profoundly, closing her eyes.

As no other words were needed, she leaned into him as he nestled his chin into her hair, both happily watching the water come to a boil while together making the coffee…


Having moved into the keeping room, Nathan set the tray down on the large low table in front of the plush sofa, then stoked the fire Hendrix had left burning into a blaze while Millicent gathered a colossal throw to cover them against the large room's chill.

"We promised to never keep anything from each other, Mil, and something reminded me of that tonight, overwhelming me with the realization that we must speak now."

She stopped him by touching his arm ever so lightly.

"I know. You don't even have to say anything."

"I don't?"

He was nonplussed.

"I felt you tense when Auntie Luciana was speaking."

"You, Millicent Bradford, are quite discerning, as well as remarkable!"

He drew both her hands to his lips, kissing them tenderly.

"And I had my best Mountie face on," he teased.

"Your Mountie face is perfectly impenetrable, my Darling. But while impervious for others to read, I'm afraid it's crystal clear to me!"

He smiled, knowing she was right.

She knew him better than anyone.

On any other occasion, he might have made a joke, but not tonight.

"Darling, it's just that I don't want to ruin our special night."

"Nothing can ruin this special night of ours, as it's in our hearts forever, Nathan!"

She reached up to confirm it, clasping her silken lips to his, causing his worries to suddenly evaporate.

"Now, what is it that's bothering you, Love?"

"How would you feel if we needed to plan a business trip after our Honeymoon?"

"When exactly?"

"Soon! Probably within a month after our return to Hope Valley."

"Well, first, I'd have to work out my court schedule. You know we have Lucas's case pending, meaning we both would need to be there. And Allie would absolutely have to go with us!"

"Really? But what about her school?"

"Darling, we are not leaving our daughter that soon after our Honeymoon, no matter where we are going. Besides, she's part of us. I'll speak with Mrs. Nelson and make arrangements of some sort for her to complete her lessons. You know, Laura might be willing to travel with us and tutor Allie. Tutoring would allow Laura to use her degree, gain some extra money, and offer her an opportunity to travel that she might not have otherwise. But you didn't say where or how long we'd be gone."

"At least a month."

Millicent showed no surprise, only nodding.

He'd ease into the where later, although knowing his brilliant fiancée, she probably had already figured it out.

"Darling," began Nathan as he loosened his hold on her and scooted to the edge of his seat, running his hands through his hair. "I need to provide you with an update."

"Not till I get you out of that jacket! Here," she slipped his tux jacket off his arms and carefully laid it aside. "Better?"

"So much better! Thank you, Mil!"

As he continued to stress while collecting his thoughts, she marveled at how handsome he looked sitting in his white tux shirt with his dress suspenders and his tie still loose at his neck.

To think this was going to be her life amazed and astounded her.

What a very blessed woman she was!

Then she removed his cuff links and rolled up his sleeves.

"Even better," he grinned, thrilled to be the focus of her attention.

He had so hoped this discussion could occur in the future when he was absolutely sure of each and every one of his team's findings.

But the discussion tonight had precluded that.

Though not at all the way Nathan had planned, he determined to tell Millicent all he knew, trying to remember every pertinent detail of the case, knowing she would require that detail, while hoping to patiently answer her many questions as best he could.

When he had first apprised her of the situation back in Hope Valley, sitting on their river bank, she had asked only one thing: that he always tell her everything he knew about the case, and she in turn would keep it between the two of them.

If, and when, anything ever came of his investigation, whatever the result might be, they had decided they would deliver the news together.

After all, they were a team of two, a formidable one at that, and this affected her even more than him.

Instinctively, Millicent moved to the edge of her seat beside him, and sensing he was troubled, she placed her arm around him while still giving him the space to think.

He struggled at first, trying to find the right words.

"Mil," he began using his favorite endearment of her name.

Once he started, the words came tumbling out in a torrent of substantiated and unsubstantiated facts.

She deserved to know everything.

Though he spoke each word with the utmost love, some were brutal, even shocking, to hear.

After he finished speaking, her many questions finally exhausted, with nothing left unspoken between them, she remained eerily quiet, pale even, looking straight ahead, expressionless, into the fire, feeling a million different feelings, thinking of all the possible scenarios and inevitable repercussions.

"Darling, are you okay?" he asked worriedly. "I was hoping and praying this would come after our Honeymoon, not before our Wedding. I just didn't want anything to mar…"

Interrupting him, she touched his cheek ever so gently, but the pained look in her eyes haunted him.

"Nothing's marred. You did the right thing. We made a promise to each other, and you are simply fulfilling that promise. But, please, let's not talk about this anymore tonight," she begged. "Just hold me, Love."

Before the words were out of her mouth, Nathan gathered her to him, enfolding her in his arms, supporting her with all the love he had inside him.

It was then she broke down and started crying ever so softly.

He moved his thumb against her wet cheeks, wiping away the inevitable tears he had known would come, that were now breaking his heart as well as hers.

How could they not come after what he had just told her?

Slowly taking it all in, she laid her head on his shoulder, clasped his wet hand as though it were a lifeline, and sat ever so still against him, both in pain yet savoring their cherished time together as now both their joys and pains were shared…


Miles away, a cantankerous Judge William Avery couldn't remember ever being this nervous before in his life.

With each advancing mile from Hope Valley toward Union City, the Judge had started thinking of a million reasons why he should simply turn around and return home.

But then Bill wouldn't see her face, and deep down, he knew Millicent was right.

It was now or never.

Besides, irrespective of his feelings, the lady deserved to know the all-important information that Millicent had uncovered.

He just prayed she wouldn't think the information was the only reason he was coming now and not earlier.

Stretching to grab his luggage from the upper compartment, he set his duffel and suitcase down in the aisle as the train came to a stop in Union City.

He would have to drive at least four hours north to reach the little hamlet of Ile-À-La-Crosse, Saskatchewan, but not before he made an all-important stop. *136

"If I'm goin,' I'm gonna go all in!" he said aloud, as though he was convincing himself.

It would cost him another hour from his schedule. But hopefully, that little investment in time would prove well worth it.

If he made perfect time on the road, and he should as they were mostly rural roads, he should still arrive at his destination before dinner time.

"Sir, your car is already reserved," noted the Conductor. "Just go to the smaller desk toward the right as you enter the depot. They have all the arrangements."

"Harris? Have you been there before? This Ile-À-La-Crosse?"

"Many times, Sir. The community was settled in 1778 as a rather historic trading post. About 400 people live there now. Most are Métis, descendants of French, Scottish, Scandinavian, and Cree settlers. They are very good people. The little place sits on a peninsula that juts out into what is now known as the Upper Churchill River, called Lac Ile-À-La-Crosse. But be forewarned, the locals call it Sakitawak. That's Cree for 'the place where the rivers meet." *137

"Let's hope more than the rivers meet," mumbled Bill under his breath.

"Sorry, Sir?"

"Nothin' Harris. Sakitawak, you say? Got it! Thanks, Harris, very helpful. And thanks for the, well, you know, those extra dozen sweet caramel rolls with the nuts on top you got me for the road."

"No problem, Judge! Drive safely and watch out for the caribou. Oh, and the black bears, too!"

"Great! Just what I need! So long, Harris!"

"Sir!"

"Yes, Harris?"

"Your luggage, Sir!"

Embarrassed and exasperated, Bill grunted and turned, reaching for his forgotten luggage while quickly dispatching the heavier one to the Conductor, who graciously carried it to the platform.

"Thanks again, Harris!" nodded Bill, tipping the Conductor handsomely.

"My pleasure, Sir! And Sir, I'm serious about those bears…"


Early next morning at the Montreal Townhouse, Estella was puzzled.

"Where can those two be, Hendrix? I knocked on both doors to lay out their clothes, and neither bed has even been slept in."

"And I checked the Living Room. Nothing touched."

As the couple walked into the kitchen, it dawned on them both: the keeping room!

They walked to the door and quietly knocked, but no answer.

Hendrix discreetly opened the wide doors, and both were immediately charmed by what they saw, with Millicent's head on Nathan's shoulder. Since the couple was still in their party clothes, Millicent's full golden gown of organza surrounded her and even charmingly covered a large part of Nathan.

Party clothes minus Nathan's tux jacket, of course, which Hendrix promptly picked up, smoothed, and threw across his arm.

"They've fallen asleep, poor Dears. Look at them, Hendrix. He looks just like a handsome Prince, and she looks like a beautiful, dreamy Princess in that golden gown!"

"What a night they've had, Estella! Geoffrey and the Bradfords' kitchen staff were kind to keep us well informed. So much so, I can't wait for us to see all the photos!"

Hendrix glanced at the grandfather's clock and diplomatically cleared his throat while nudging Nathan's shoulder simultaneously.

"Sir, Miss, Mr. Bradford and Miss Allie will be here momentarily. You have just enough time to change for the day and grab a quick breakfast!"

"Oh, Nathan, I'm so sorry! I didn't realize I fell asleep!" cried Millicent, thoroughly embarrassed.

"No worries, Love. I think I slept much better just like this," surmised Nathan with a grin as he stretched his long limbs from their contorted position.

Hendrix smiled, sure that was still the truth despite any pain that might have been incurred.

"Okay, you two, your clothes are laid out in your respective rooms. I've got breakfast to make," declared Estella. "And not a moment to waste!"

"Thanks, Essie," yawned a still-exhausted Millicent.

But Estella turned at the door, shaking her finger, with one last reminder in the form of a direct order.

"You two, get a move on! Now!"

Nathan grinned, knowing not to think about crossing Essie!

"Yes, Ma'am!"

And suddenly, the room was alive with activity as the couple very quickly made their way upstairs to prepare for their new day…


Back in Alberta, which was in a much earlier time zone, Bill was struggling as to what he should do next.

Hesitantly bringing his rented car to a stop on the opposite side of Union City at a Jeweler's Shoppe owned by a dear old friend, Bill got out of the car, but completely halted at the door, almost turning to leave without going in.

But thankfully, Theodore Maynard of Maynard Jewelry & Sons spotted him and ran to the entrance, calling out to the Judge, making it nearly impossible for the man to escape.

"Is that you, Judge Avery? Well, I'll be! It's been way too long, my Friend. Come in, come in! Have a seat, and I'll get us some coffee!"

"Hey, Theo! Maybe some coffee would help."

Although he was thinking it, he refused to add 'and settle my nerves!'

"And make it strong," urged Bill.

Though, at this point, the Judge felt he might need more than strong coffee to calm him.

"What brings you to the big Union City?" called Theo from the back of the little shoppe.

"Well, I was thinkin' I might be in need of a ring," admitted Bill nervously, not about to say what kind of ring, although that wasn't even necessary.

"Congratulations are in order, my Friend! That's wonderful news!"

"Well, not quite yet! It's not like I've asked the lady or anything."

"It's been my experience as a jeweler that it's always better to be prepared with a ring in your pocket when you do ask rather than asking with nothing to back your words up!"

"But what if she turns me down?"

There he had voiced his biggest fear out loud!

"Bill Avery! Who in the world's going to turn the great District Judge down?"

"A pseudo-criminal who blames me for her false imprisonment?" he admitted.

Theo chuckled, knowing now precisely who the lucky lady was.

"Well, I'll admit, that's a new one! But that, my Friend, only means you don't have a prayer without having a ring. And given that scenario, it's going to have to be a grand one! What were you thinking of?"

"Theo, please, I've been a confirmed bachelor for most of my life. I haven't a clue!"

"Well, what color are her eyes?"

"The prettiest cornflower blue you've ever seen," and suddenly Bill was lost in those beautiful eyes he hadn't seen for so long, though they had never left him.

Those eyes had haunted him, in fact, each and every single day since they had last seen each other.

"Aha, I have just the thing! We need to think sapphires, but with a few diamonds too, because every young lady loves diamonds. Come to think of it, in your particular case, make that a lot of diamonds!"

Bill rolled his eyes, almost exactly as though his adopted granddaughter, who had taught him how to do it, was doing it herself.

"Seriously, sapphires are one of my favorite stones for engagement rings. They represent honesty, sincerity, and faithfulness. Why it's even believed they bring good fortune to the marriage, keeping it strong and healthy over the years." *138

Bill guffawed.

"Well, if anybody needs that, it would surely be the two of us. I'm not even sure the lady will listen to me long enough to get us to that stage!"

"Well, you won't ever know unless you try. Oh, there's the coffee!"

As Theo went to the back and poured the steaming hot brew, having made it as strong as he could, he thought the whole time about what would be best to show Bill.

Obviously, the poor man needed all the help he could get.

"Here you go, Bill! Drink up, and let's start looking…"

. . .

136-137. Ile-À-La-Crosse, Saskatchewan, Canada, Public Information, Public Domain

138. Sapphires and their Meanings, Public Information, Public Domain