Chapter 129
Family Nights
. . .
As the Judge reached the quaint village of Ile-À-La-Crosse, Saskatchewan, he was overcome by two things.
First, the beauty of the lake area was astounding.
Second, his nerves were shooting off in all directions like never before.
Here he was a stranger just passing through, yet everyone waved as though they had known him forever.
He was thankful Adeline had had such a wonderful environment in which to heal.
He wondered if he might run into her, leaving a shoppe, talking with a friend, or crossing the street perhaps.
But he had timed his arrival in the hope to eliminate that possibility. He knew she would still be at work, which was a good thing. Especially since he felt it was wise to speak at length with her mother first to express his intentions.
Thank goodness Mrs. Foster knew to expect him, but on the phone, she had promised not to say a word to her daughter, as she felt his arrival would be accepted best if it were a complete surprise.
And even though she had made her approval clear on the phone, he felt he needed to explain much more and assure her of the life he could offer both her and her daughter.
Still, waves of nausea overcame him. This was the most important thing he had ever done in his entire life. And though he didn't intend to fail, the possibility that his intentions might not matter with the person who mattered most had not at all eluded him.
Yes, the normally stalwart, invincible Judge was enveloped in vulnerability as he had never experienced it before...
As Bill Avery knocked on the Fosters' front door, looking like both a florist and candy shoppe owner, Mrs. Foster couldn't help but smile.
"Judge Avery, do come in. I've been counting the moments to your arrival!"
"These flowers are for you, Mrs. Foster, and these, well these roses are for Addie."
"They are quite beautiful, Judge. Stunning, in fact. Not to mention the largest bouquets I've ever seen. Let me put mine in a vase, and I'll let you hold on to my sweet daughter's roses," she smiled welcoming him, doing her best to alleviate his nerves.
"Oops, I have chocolates too. This one's your box."
She couldn't help but chuckle at his nerves as he struggled to keep from dropping both boxes, but she had to admit she was impressed with his preparedness.
"God bless you! I'm afraid it's going to take all this and more! I personally adore chocolates. You know, you couldn't have brought me anything I liked better. But do sit down now and relax. I have the tea kettle on. May I interest you in some tea or perhaps a drink? Scotch, whiskey, or even brandy?"
Bill slumped in relief. Tea was not at all his thing, but right at this moment if he ever needed a small drink, it was now.
"A small brandy would be very nice, Mrs. Foster."
"You make yourself at home, I'll be right back. Oh, and Judge, we still have a good hour before my Addie gets home from work."
He sighed again, this time relieved at the assurance, but instead of sitting as she left the room, he took in his surroundings, his eyes lingering on each and every photo, for they were all of the woman he loved.
Had he forgotten how beautiful she was? Each photo was more stunning than the last. Till suddenly the smile was gone, and the loss of such joy smote his very heart.
His legal system, the one he lived for, believed in, supported to the hilt, and apprised by dealing out a most rigorous justice for all, had surely robbed his love of her smile.
And that thought alone simply broke his heart.
When Mrs. Foster came back into the room, she instantly knew what the man was thinking.
Here he was a stranger to her, but he sure didn't feel like one.
"There were a few very rough years, Judge Avery. I'm afraid they've changed my little girl."
"First, Mrs. Foster. It's not Judge Avery, my name is Bill, and I would be honored if you call me that."
"Only if you call me Catherine," she insisted with a raised eyebrow.
"What a lovely name! Catherine, it is."
"Sit and sip your brandy while you ask me any question you wish."
The two sat down on the antique settee together after Bill had taken her tray and set it on the low table before them.
"Does she smile at all now?" he asked hesitantly, unsure if he would be able to bear the answer.
"Yes, Son, she does, now. She's content with running the library and being useful again. Thank goodness, she really does love that job. She took the course when…"
Her voice petered away, not wanting to say the words, but he understood. Adeline had learned how to become a librarian during her incarceration.
The thought overwhelmed him, not knowing how to feel, yet his face clearly reflected the pain that was consuming him.
"You really do love, Addie, don't you? I could hear it in your voice on the phone. And I can see it in your face now."
"I do, Catherine. God, help me with all my heart. More than I've ever loved before. I plan to ask Addie to marry me and return to Hope Valley with me. I would like it very much if you would accompany us."
"I surmised as much, Judge, I mean, Bill! Someday when I'm older and infirm, I might just take you up on that offer, but for now, this is my home. I'm afraid Addie and I are the last of the Fosters. But I do have my sister here who lives just down the street with an ailing husband. So, for now, she needs my help in caring for him. Besides, when a marriage is first begun, and I assume that is what we are talking about fairly quickly, mothers are not at all needed to interfere."
Bill chuckled at that last statement but then got very serious. He was surely lucking out in the mother-in-law department. Now, if he could just be half as blessed in the Bridal department.
"Catherine, may I have your permission to ask your daughter for her hand in marriage? I love her and I'll see that she has whatever it is that she wants. Whether that be a fancy home, well just whatever it is. I'm not wealthy by any means, not by most standards. But I do have quite a few investments made over the years that bring me in a hefty income each month, and I do own quite a bit of land. I've been frugal, saving most everything, but now I'm ready to spend however much she wants on your daughter."
"Addie doesn't care about money, Bill. She just needs love. Before I die, my one wish is that my daughter finds love and happiness. I want her to find her place in life, and having lived the last few years with her, I have no doubt that lies with you."
Bill sighed heavily, relieved beyond measure yet still nervous somehow.
She still loved him. That was music to his ears!
"But I must warn you, Bill, this isn't going to be easy. She's deeply hurt. And you're going to have to probably beg like no other man before you."
"I understand that. And I'm ready to do just that, Catherine! Whatever it takes!"
It was then that the door unexpectedly opened, and the room filled with elation and vitality.
"Mama, I closed the library early today since the last books were checked in and everyone is preparing for the festival…"
She stopped dead in her tracks, seeing that her mother had a guest, and without seeing his face or hearing his voice, she knew.
He stood nervously to face her, unsure what to do, as her face drained of its color, turning deathly white.
He turned upon hearing her voice and walked slowly toward her, not knowing what to expect but not at all expecting what was about to happen.
When he reached within an arm's distance of her, she swung out her own arm and slapped him as hard as she could.
Her mother discreetly got up and moved to the kitchen, leaving the two 'lovebirds' alone.
"Hey! What's that for?" asked the shocked Judge.
"That?" she asked furiously. "That's for never once writing me, in or out of prison. That's for never once calling me, in or out of prison. That's for not…" and she stopped yelling as sobs overtook her, shaking her whole body.
He instinctively wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close, whispering in her ear.
"Please, please, please forgive me, Baby. I was so wrong, and I'll never forgive myself, ever. But I won't stop till I've made it right to you. I give you my solemn word. It's only your forgiveness that I need, that I live for."
"Were you ashamed of me, Bill Avery? You of all people? I loved you, and you acted like I was a common criminal! You let them take me away without a word. Did you just forget me? How dare you?"
"I never forgot you for a single moment. You've been right here in this ole heart of mine, Addie this entire time! I was a fool, a blasted fool, and I know it! Please forgive me! I beg of you!"
The look she gave him could only be described as deeply troubled.
"I want to. I really do. But I can't. You hurt me way too bad! You see, Bill Avery, you taught me I'm not good enough for anyone, much less you."
"That's not at all true! But say it all, whatever you need to say, Addie, just say it right now," he insisted in a loud voice. "Let's get it all out in the open!"
And she took him at his word, screaming at him till she could scream no more.
As soon as she calmed, Bill started explaining.
"A dear friend who is more like a daughter to me and an attorney from Montreal did some research and informed me your incarceration was all a mistake. We both are working to have your record expunged to give you your life back as it was before all this mess, along with a whole lot of money to offset all those awful years."
That got her attention.
"I don't want money. I want my good name back and a public apology for wrongful incarceration."
"You're gettin' all that, Baby, and a whole bunch of money to boot, whether you want it or not."
"Is that why you came all this way?"
"No, this is why I came all this way…" and Bill began to kiss this woman he adored, senseless right there in the living room of her mother's home.
And despite Addie's resolve, she was soon putty in his hands.
When they both came up for air, Addie was speechless, and he thought quickly. He better give her the roses and chocolates and oh my goodness the ring! He had forgotten the ring!
No time like the present, especially since there might not be a next time!
"Here are your roses, and here are your chocolates," he bumbled breathlessly, practically throwing them at her to make sure she accepted them, almost forcing them into her arms.
It wasn't the most romantic way to offer his sweet tokens of love, but at least it was a start.
And then of all things, with her standing there holding the huge bouquet of roses and the big box of chocolates, Judge William Avery, confirmed bachelor that he was, suddenly fell to one knee.
She was shocked speechless, as her mother couldn't resist cracking the kitchen door open a bit.
"Adeline Rose Foster, I have loved you from the first moment I met you, and you are in my heart like no other has ever been. I adore your feistiness, your beauty, and your ability to take on anything and get it done! And those cornflower blue eyes of yours haven't left me for one single moment. Heaven help me, I know I'm not the easiest man to live with, but if anyone could do it, it would be you. Because you are the only one I've ever wanted, the only one I've ever needed. I love you, my Darlin', with all my heart, body, and soul. And I believe we were made for each other. My happiness lies in you and you alone. Live life with me. I give you my word, you'll never once regret it. I swear I'll spend the rest of my life makin' our past up to you if you'll just give me your present so we can live our future together. Marry me, Addie, so we can take care of each other the rest of our lives and love each other like nobody's been loved before."
Still in shock, tears were now streaming down her face. She laid her roses and chocolates down on the floor and slipped down on her knees to where Bill was. There she kissed him, wrapping her arms around him.
"I must be crazy. But yes, you old fool, I'll marry you on one condition. You treat me like a princess, not a past criminal, the rest of our lives!"
"But you're not a past criminal. You're no longer a criminal of any sort. And, you never have been once all this is cleared. Although, you have always, always been my princess. However, I simply can't continue to treat you as my princess. Because if you marry me, Addie, you become my Queen forever and a day!"
"That, I can agree to, William Avery," she choked out the words unable to believe this moment was really happening.
He opened the box to reveal her extravagant Cornflower Blue Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring, and she was truly speechless, not even aware of her mother softly crying from the kitchen.
He took out the middle ring from the diamond bands and placed it on her finger, the blue of her gorgeous eyes matching it perfectly. Just as they had already fallen in love so many years ago, this moment found both of them falling together in a singular passionate kiss confirming that love.
One so intense, so all-consuming, and so freely given by both that, in that instant, it healed their past forever…
As Lloyd drove up the drive of the Townhouse, Nathan and Allie said their goodbyes to Edward, but little did they know he was getting out of the car too, to kiss his daughter.
The three were amazed as they looked at Millicent who had heard the car's arrival, standing there at the door with Jackson and Maggie.
"Look, Dad! My cousins are here!"
"Yes, they are, Allie. What a nice surprise! You need to thank your Momma for that, I do believe."
Nathan ran to Millicent and swept her up from the snow-clad walk, swinging her around and around to copious giggles from her and the children!
Edward kissed Jackson and Maggie, then Allie once more, as he waited his turn to kiss his daughter.
"We've had a marvelous day, my Darling Millicent. Just wanted to kiss my daughter before Lloyd takes me back home. You all have a wonderful evening together!"
"Love you, Father! Thanks so much for doing this for Allie!"
"She was wonderful, a real natural, and I couldn't answer enough questions, as the child always had more," he winked. "Which is a huge compliment to your daughter, you two!"
"Thank you, Edward, it was a wonderful day. And it helped me a lot too," answered Nathan. "Not only to see the businesses in action but to see the giving they allow! Very humbling."
Nathan motioned to his daughter all caught up gabbing away with her cousins. She understood her Dad immediately and turned to her Grandfather one last time, to properly thank him.
"Thank you, Grandpapa for the best day ever," exclaimed Allie, throwing her arms around him one last time.
"It was my pleasure and my honor sweet girl! Any time, there are many more for you to visit over the years!"
"I can't wait, Grandpapa. Today was so much fun. But I also want to thank you for helping all those children without mothers to have a good Christmas. That makes me so happy. And I know it's all happening because of you and Grandmama!"
He picked Allie up and hugged her tightly.
"No, it's happening because of you, Dear Child! All because of you."
He then did the same with Jackson and Maggie, ultimately hugging all three closely to him.
"You three mean the world to me! I'm so blessed to love you all! Little Jacques and Margie too! And who knows perhaps someday, there will be more cousins to love," he winked at Nathan and Millicent certain there would be.
"Well, I'd better go before your Grandmama sends out a search party for me. She'll have my hide if I'm late for dinner!"
"Goodnight, Father, and thanks again!" called Millicent.
"Goodnight, Edward! Thanks again for a lovely day!"
The children all squeezed in one last kiss, and Edward finally made it to his car, as Lloyd smiled and waved at the group, shutting the door behind his contented boss.
His family waved till the car drove out of sight.
"Let's get you children in before you freeze!" ordered Millicent.
"And I was told there would be a surprise waiting for me," as Nathan playfully pulled her back, so he could kiss her properly. "I've missed you so!"
"Did I say surprise?" she teased, knowing full well she had and that he was going to be very pleased.
He tickled her through her coat in that one spot she couldn't stand, but on both sides.
"Stop, stop! I'll be good!" she laughed, escaping his clutches and at the same time pulling him in the door behind her…
Inside, the children removed their coats and immediately found Persia and her kittens to play with.
Nathan helped Millicent hang up all their coats.
"Hey, where are Essie and Hendrix?"
"I made reservations for them at their favorite restaurant downtown. They needed a break, Darling, and a romantic date just with the two of them."
"That's really thoughtful, Milli! Wouldn't mind one of those myself! But since we're home, can I help you for dinner?"
"No, just go change into something comfortable and I'll have it all ready by the time you come back down!"
Now he was really curious.
"Oh, and don't look at the guest quarters. I'll show you all that later."
"That's my surprise?" he asked, seemingly disappointed.
"No, my Darling! The guest quarters have nothing to do with your surprise!" she assured with a wink. "Although I suppose we could call that a second surprise of sorts!"
He kissed her neck, "I won't be long! I love surprises, especially when they come from you, Love!"
She stretched up to kiss his lips once more, having missed him all day as much as he had missed her.
"Go now and come back to the keeping room!"
"Not the dining room to eat?"
"Nope! The keeping room, it is!"
He turned to leave, puzzled but wanting to get back to her as quickly as possible…
When Nathan came back downstairs, he whizzed through the kitchen, thinking he would be finding Millicent there, but alas there was no one.
"She did say the keeping room," remembered Nathan having no issue with spending the evening in his favorite room of the house.
He had dressed casually and warmly in his Aran jumper, the heavy, hand-knitted, off-white, cable-patterned one his father's family had sent him from Ireland so many years ago.
The hallway was unusually dark, but when he reached to open the door, Allie, Jackson, and Maggie all lunged at him shouting "Jingxi!" or surprise in Chinese!
And then he knew, smiling across the room at his darling Millicent.
He knew exactly what his surprise was now with the delectable aromas hitting him squarely in the face, and he couldn't have been happier. They were repeating their night from his last visit, but this time with Allie and her cousins.
"Xièxiè, kiddos!"
"Dad! What does that mean?"
"I know, Allie! It means…it means…" started Jackson.
"Thank you!" supplied Nathan ruffling his nephew's curly dark hair.
"Aw, that's what I meant to say!" pouted Jackson.
"You'll get it next time, Jackson! Want to say it with me? Xièxiè, xièxiè, xièxiè – there three times, you've got it! And you've learned a new word! In Chinese no less."
"Just wait, Uncle Nathan, till I tell Mr. Higsby! He's my tutor."
"And I've just written it down, Dad to tell Mrs. Nelson and the class when I get back, But I've never eaten Chinese before. I can't wait!"
"You'll love it, Allie! You and Maggie go find a seat with Jackson," smiled Millicent, who then turned to Nathan.
"Happy Chinese Dinner, Love!"
He embraced her and gave her a sweet kiss of gratitude, one that she was sure would have included longing had the children not been there with them.
Although her intoxicating scent of jasmine, white lilies, and violets almost did him in, fighting for precedence over all the Chinese aromas combating for his attention, and quite clearly, winning.
"Eight more days, my Love!"
"I can't wait, Nathan Grant!"
"Neither can I! But what a way to pass the time! My favorite Chang's and here I couldn't figure out a way to get there this time around. I really wanted Allie to try it! I've been craving my Peking Duck and Mongolian Beef! Not to mention their egg rolls and ginger ale!"
"It's all right here and more since we have the children with us. In addition to all your favorites, I added some things I thought they might like."
"Dad, what are these?" asked Allie as she held up two wooden sticks.
"Those are chopsticks, Allie. Let me stoke the fire and I'll be right there to show you how to use them."
"I know, Allie. Hold them like this," suggested Jackson.
"Ooh, that feels funny. I don't think I can eat with just two sticks!"
Maggie and Jackson laughed but patiently showed their cousin how to move the chopsticks together.
"Sorry, Allie, no forks allowed," laughed Maggie, who would prove quite adept at using the implements.
Millicent sat down with them and giggled, her heart full, already thoroughly enjoying their family night together…
