.
Chapter 141
.
The Grants First Official Christmas Together
Back at the Townhouse, Nathan, Millicent, Allie, Hendrix, and Estella were preparing to celebrate their first family Christmas together, with everyone running around like crazy completing their secret last-minute tasks!
It was impossible to say who was more excited. Although Allie was about to burst with anticipation, the adults seemed to be looking forward to their evening just as much!
The entire place shone brilliantly with bright and cozy Christmas décor, and since Essie was still working in the kitchen finishing the last of her Christmas baking and cooking, delectable scents filled the air, as Christmas melodies wafted throughout the entire home.
Hendrix and Allie were in the middle of bringing Persia and her little darlings into the keeping room where the celebration would soon begin.
And as Allie insisted the entire family had to be there, in her eyes that included her beloved cat and kittens.
"Uncle Hendrix, can we put them right here, so they can see the Christmas tree?"
Not sure how much the little tykes could really see, Hendrix just chuckled and placed the basket on the spot Allie preferred.
"Auntie Essie and I knitted their presents. I hope they love them!"
"I'm sure they will, Miss Allie. You're Auntie Essie always does everything up just right!"
Allie beamed. She wanted this Christmas to be perfect for her entire family.
"Speaking of your Auntie Essie, we'd better go see if she needs help with dinner, young lady!"
"Yes, Sir! Do you think the kittens will be alright, Uncle Hendrix?"
"I most certainly do, Persia has this mothering role down pat. Come, Miss Allie..."
"Auntie Essie, Uncle Hendrix and I have come to help. May I finish setting the table for our Christmas Eve dinner?"
At first, Estella started to say no but then looked at Allie's expectant face and remembered what it was like as a child.
"Yes, Sweetheart. That would be perfect!"
"Here, I'll help, Miss!"
"That's okay, Uncle Hendrix! You help Auntie Essie. I do this all the time at home in Hope Valley."
Hendrix and Essie watched as Allie took off for the dining room, happy as a clam.
"I can't say I'm used to being replaced by a young girl. But if it makes her happy, so be it!"
"Ah, Hendrix, you could never be replaced, my Dear. Do you realize this is our first Christmas together as a couple?"
"It is? Oh, no, was I supposed to buy you a present?"
"Hendrix…" and then she realized he was teasing her.
"Indeed, I do realize this is our first Christmas as a couple, Darling! And I can't wait!" he added, hugging her from behind.
"Now that's the right response! The truth, Dearest One, is neither can I!"
Hendrix shyly moved to kiss Essie on the cheek, still cautious about showing any romantic overtures while technically working.
"You know you reserved British are going to be the death of this unreserved Austrian yet!"
Hendrix chuckled.
"You know what they say about changing a leopard's spots, Dear Estella!"
"Hmph! I know for certain that you, Hendrix, are going to be the death of me! Here, take this into the Dining Room…"
Upstairs, Nathan, who had insisted on wrapping Millicent's most important present himself was having difficulty getting his bow to look just so-so.
As he glanced up from re-tying it for the tenth time and caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror, he couldn't help but smile.
His and Millicent's Wedding was days away and tonight was one of the most special days of his new family's life. His mind went to Allie and how over the moon she was!
This was the family she had always wanted, and truthfully, deep down, this had always been the family where he knew he belonged.
There was only one thing missing.
The words to Colleen's lullaby that no one seemed to be able to find.
"Maybe Allie will forget about it with all the other excitement she's going to experience tonight!"
He hoped so as he wanted nothing to mar his daughter's happiness on this special night, nor his either, for that matter.
But the person he wanted everything absolutely perfect for, was Millicent. She demanded nothing but deserved the world. And it was now his responsibility to see that her every dream was fulfilled.
How he missed her though she was just down the hall!
Soon they would be together forever, and he couldn't wait. He simply ached for her to be by his side continuously.
He had one more intimate gift for his soon-to-be Bride that he had saved till last to wrap. Unlike the expensive gift he was currently finishing, this gift hadn't cost much of anything, except his time, but he knew Millicent would love it most. Because it was quite simply a gift from his heart to hers. One he had labored over daily in the many long hours they had been separated.
But before he could get to that, back to that cantankerous bow that was being exceptionally pesky tonight...
Millicent started wrapping her last gift for Nathan. It was an intimate gift from her heart to his, and just before she placed it in its box, she lifted it to her lips and kissed it gently.
"For you, my Love, with all the love I have in my heart!"
She sighed and carefully placed it inside the mound of tissue already in the box.
Her heart was so full.
She was marrying the man she was meant to be with and becoming the mother of the young girl who was already her daughter.
Tonight was their first family Christmas together.
How could one person be so deliriously happy…
A half-hour later, just as Millicent had finished dressing for dinner, there was a knock on her bedroom door.
"Darling, are you ready to be escorted to dinner?"
She opened her door, looking like a perfect vision, and he was instantly breathless.
Taking her hand, he could only smile and gently graze her perfect lips.
"You look stunning, my Love!"
"You look dashing, my Love! Perfectly dashing. I helped Allie dress earlier, and she looks so much like Colleen, Nate. Just beautiful! She's waiting for us downstairs with her kittens!"
"Are you ready for dinner, Darling?"
"I am!"
He smiled as he offered his arm, still holding her close as they stepped happily down the stairs, clasping the hand over his arm with his own free hand, as though he couldn't get enough of her touch…
"Momma, Dad! You look so beautiful and handsome!"
"Allie you're the beautiful one!" smiled Millicent.
"Your Momma's right, Allie. You look just like your Mom, Sweetheart!" confirmed her Dad. "Are you ready for our Christmas?"
"Dad, I can't wait!"
"Well, Child, dinner is first!" winked Estella.
Hendrix seated Essie and gallantly kissed her hand while Nathan first seated Allie, then Millicent, giving each of his girls a kiss on the cheek as he did so.
"Estella, you've outdone yourself!" complimented Hendrix with a broad smile.
"And I for one am starved. Essie having your Christmas dinner again is purely blissful!" agreed Nathan. "Shall we pray? Let's all join hands."
"Dear Father as we celebrate the birth of your Son together and sit to eat with those we love best, we ask for your continued blessings tonight on this, our family, and for the rest of the year, and coming year as well. We thank you for the food before us and for dear Estella who has so carefully prepared it; also for dear Hendrix who so capably serves it, watchfully taking care of our every need. We thank you for our daughter who is growing into a beautiful, considerate young lady. And(here his words stumbled)…and we thank you for the beautiful, kind lady of the house who is a shining example of goodness for us all. Thank you for the massive love we share for each other, and for placing us together as a family. We offer our food and our gifts to You as well as each other, along with the love we share through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And they all said 'Amen!'"
"Amen!"
"That was beautiful, Love! Where do we begin?" asked Millicent.
"How about a special Christmas toast, Miss?" offered Hendrix. "May I?"
"Please do, Hendrix."
"To our family; the best one ever formed! May the coming year together be our very best year yet!"
"Hear, hear!"
Everyone clicked their glasses in happy agreement.
"I should offer a warning, though. In honor of Hendrix, our Christmas dinner tonight is more British than Austrian, but goose works for both, so we're in luck!" explained Estella.
"Ah, you scared me for a minute, there, Essie. Not sure I could do without your Christmas Goose!" pled Nathan.
"You shall always have it, Son! And I must say, she's a beauty!"
With a flourish, Hendrix removed the cover to oohs and aahs!
As the dishes were passed, it was clear that miraculously, somehow Essie had included all of everyone's favorites. From Millicent's popovers to Hendrix's and Nathan's goose, to Allie's corn pudding, on to Essie's own Spaetzle, dinner was positively divine.
Every single scrumptious morsel was appreciated beyond measure, but between bites, there was such comfortable, delightful, even jovial family conversation, just as it always should be among people who love each other.
Especially on a holiday…
Fully satiated with a divine dinner followed by a final assortment of scrumptious desserts tested by all, Allie was getting more and more anxious by the minute.
"Dad, aren't you finished yet?"
"One more delectable bite of Essie's steamed pudding, Allie!"
Allie sighed, as Nathan winked.
"Ah, I think that does it! Anyone ready for presents?" teased her Dad.
"Dad! I've been ready for hours! May I please be excused?"
"You may. But no peeking, Allie!"
"Alright! But can I shake?"
"Only if you're very careful, young lady! Better not to break something before it's even opened!"
Excitedly, off she ran with the four adults following closely behind, not wanting to miss a single moment of the excitement…
"I think I should go first, so I can show Persia how to open hers, and then she can open for the kittens too. I'll have to help her, of course!" declared Allie.
"Of course, Miss Allie," agreed her Uncle Hendrix, most seriously.
"But when can we start? And who is going to play Santa?"
"Hendrix, want to share the job?" asked Nathan.
"Sounds like a plan, Sir!"
The two men grabbed Santa hats which were lying close by, resulting in endless laughter from Allie and their ladies.
"What?" teased Nathan. "You, my Darling, said I looked dashing!"
"Oh, you definitely do, Darling! So much so, I need a photo of our two Santas!" declared Millicent as she grabbed her camera.
Hendrix and Nathan mugged it up for the camera till Millicent was pleased with her captures, and then at Allie's urgent pleading, they got down to the business at hand, passing out a gift to Allie first, then their Ladies!
"Here you, go, Santa. Looks like one for you," winked Nathan.
"And one for you, Sir!"
"It's Santa, Hendrix."
"Oh, but of course, Santa!"
True to her word, Allie helped her Santas gather Persia and all of her kittens' presents before allowing anyone else to open their own first round of presents.
"You should help me open them, Auntie Essie, since you taught me how to make them!"
Essie picked up Persia, as Hendrix opened the gated basket for an easy escape, while first scooting it closer to Allie and Essie.
What happened next was bound to be hysterical, so Millicent grabbed her camera as the phrase 'herding cats' came to mind.
The two Santas had to join Allie and Essie to help open the handmade presents, one for each kitten. Though of course, they couldn't read, Estella had embroidered each kitten's name on the little colorful knitted balls she had taught Allie to make, and as each ball had a knitted tail, the kittens loved their new toys kicking them all over the room and chasing their own and each other's!
When one kitten mewed because their ball was lost, Persia rose to the rescue, finding the missing ball and retrieving it. Poor Persia got quite the workout, but then again so did, Allie, Essie, and the two Santas to Millicent's endless amusement, which she tried desperately to control, without much success.
It was so fun and sheer mayhem in action!
Finally, the Santas decided to move the kittens and their highly coveted balls to a huge rug so they could play there without getting stepped on in the flurry of gifting!
For the first round of gifts, Essie had given Allie an intricately cabled cardigan sweater with a matching hat, shawl, and mittens in her favorite lavender.
"Auntie Essie, this is so beautiful. I love them! Thank you! Will you open this one next, please?"
Essie happily complied and couldn't help crying when she opened the gift her dear Allie had made for her.
"Allie, this portrait of your Uncle and me is just beautiful. It's so like us and it's our very first painting of each other! You couldn't have given me anything I'd love more. Thank you, sweet child!"
Allie was jubilant.
"Momma, will you open this one first? It's from me and Auntie Rosie helped me choose it."
Millicent kissed her daughter and placed her arm around her as Allie helped her open her gift.
"Oh, Allie these are just exquisite! White kidskin gloves with little seed pearls on them. I'll wear these for our Wedding! Where did you ever find these?"
"Auntie Rosie found them in a catalog from New York City. I used all my babysitting money to buy them for you because I wanted something really special. But I think Auntie Rosie might have added some money too, but she wouldn't tell me. She just said everything was taken care of and it was her pleasure!"
"Well, we'll have to remember to thank her. I dearly love them! Here, you open the one Santa gave you. It happens to be from me, Allie, to my beautiful daughter."
"Can I shake this one? It's little!"
"You can!" laughed Millicent. "Though I'm not sure how much good it will do you, Sweetheart!"
Allie shook the package but didn't hear anything, so instead she grinned and guessed what she thought it was.
"This is obviously something little, but I can't figure out what!"
"No time like the present to open it, Sweetie. I'm getting anxious to see it too," nudged Essie.
Puzzled, Allie wrinkled her nose and got down to the business of unwrapping her package.
She seemed almost hesitant, as though she intuitively knew this was something tiny, yet really important. Something momentous.
"Momma, this is special, isn't it?"
"I very much hope so, Angel! I will say it's very much deserved!"
Allie untied the ribbon and tore away the pretty paper.
As she opened the box, tears sprang to her eyes.
"Momma," she shrieked. "These are the bomb! But these are earrings, pierced earrings! Are they for you?"
"They used to be for me. But now, they are for you!"
"But I don't have pierced ears."
"You will if you want them. You have an appointment with my doctor on Boxing Day morning if you'd like."
"But Dad doesn't…"
"Your Dad is completely on board, Allie," smiled her father. "Your Momma reminded me that both she and your Mom were your age when they got their ears pierced. She made me see that I wasn't being fair to say no to you, just because I was looking at it from a male perspective. And I'm truly sorry for that."
Allie ran to her Dad and hugged him dearly.
"You mean it? I really can do it?"
"Yes, Princess. You really can do it. Those are the earrings your Momma used to get her ears pierced. Aren't they beautiful?"
"They are just perfect! So very beautiful. I can't believe it. Thank you, Dad! Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome. But for this one, I think we both need to thank your Momma!"
Allie turned and ran to her Momma, and started sobbing tears of joy, which prompted both Essie and Millicent to do the same.
Their little girl was growing up and this was one of her first rites of passage!
All the while, her Momma just held her, caressing her hair.
"I love you so much, Momma! I can't believe you gave me your diamond heart earrings."
"I can, from my heart to yours. I love you so very, very much, Allie! I'm so happy you're happy with your gift!"
"The happiest, Momma! The happiest ever! I can't believe I finally get to do it. All the girls but me have already had it done. And now I get to do it, too! Thank you, Momma!"
"You know, I think the two Santas need to open something next. Want to go find them a couple of presents?"
Allie straightened up and rushed to the tree where she very quickly found a small box for her Uncle Hendrix and a much larger sized one for her Dad.
"Uncle Hendrix, what did you get?"
"The sharpest Sailor's Knife this side of the Atlantic, and I badly needed a new one too. How did you know, Nathan?"
"I might have had help confirming the need, but remembered seeing your worn one on the back porch, which looked pretty sad!"
"This one will be put to very good use. Plus, I'll be the envy of my Sailing Club!"
"Speaking of Sailing Clubs, you might want to open this one too," suggested Nathan with a grin.
Hendrix quickly opened the beautifully wrapped package to find exactly what he had been hoping for.
"This is too much. I can't tell you how long I've wanted this."
"What is it, Dear?" asked Estella.
"It's our Club's best Sailing Jacket made to last a lifetime, with a hefty price tag too! Thank you, Nathan and Millicent! I couldn't be more pleased!"
"Maybe you'd better open this one, too, Uncle Hendrix. It's from Auntie Essie and me!"
"Then that's exactly what I'll do! Since the shake test seems to be mandatory, does it shake," he teased.
"No, Sir! Not at all!"
Hendrix was so touched yet again when he opened his gift.
"Our Club's Top Sailing Cap. This is just perfect, and a perfect match for the jacket, too! My will I ever look spiffy!"
"Indeed, you will, my Dearest!" and Essie got up to kiss his cheek.
"Nate, open yours next," urged Millicent.
"Millicent Bradford, is this what I think it is?"
"I hope so! Do you remember the boxes?"
"How could I forget? We spent a wonderful few hours there with me mesmerized at the saddle-making!"
"Millicent, this is the exact hat I've looked everywhere for! How did you know?"
"I listen intently! Just so glad to have found it for you."
The younger Santa came to sit with his fiancée bringing the matching boxes with him.
It took him quite a while to open all of his ranching attire, but he couldn't have been happier.
"I've never felt anything like this leather, from the boots to the belt to the jacket and vest to the chaps! My goodness, I have my own chaps! Engraved no less! This is all just wonderful and will be worn excessively! I love it all, Mil!"
And to prove it he showered her with a few sweet, sweet kisses.
Next came a necklace for Estella from Hendrix that matched her engagement ring. The mere thought brought tears and the fact that he had not forgotten but had exceeded her expectations warmed her heart. It was then that he gave her the matching earrings, which literally put her over the moon!
Nathan noticed Allie wasn't opening anything, so he handed her two boxes, one from Millicent and one from them both.
"This looks like something to wear. Is it?"
"You'll have to open it to see!" urged her Momma.
"Momma these are two of the prettiest dresses I've ever seen, and in my favorite lavender color too! But Momma one looks like it fits me and one looks like it fits you!"
"That's exactly right, Allie. They are special dresses for a special event that is planned for after everyone arrives from Hope Valley. That is if you approve."
"Approve what?"
"My legally becoming your Momma by adopting you just like your Dad did. Would you like that, Allie?"
"Like that? I would love that! Really, Momma? That would be the best thing in the world!"
Allie flung herself on her Momma once again.
"Momma, this is the best Christmas ever!"
"Then we'll wear our coordinating dresses and have a big party for our families as well as all of Hope Valley, to celebrate. Would you like them all there to see our ceremony?"
"So very much. Even Uncle Bill and Auntie Rosie? That would be the best ever!"
"Yes, even Uncle Bill and Auntie Rosie and everyone else who is coming to our Wedding! Uncle Bill has agreed to officiate if you like, just like he did for your Father!"
"That's great! I can't wait!"
"This is also to commemorate both your adoptions, Allie, from your Momma and me. You wanted clothes when I adopted you, which we bought, but I still wanted you to have something more permanent to celebrate."
"Look at the lavender ribbon and paper! This is so beautiful and grown up!"
"Wait till you see what's inside, Sweetheart!" winked her Dad. "Talk about grown up!"
Allie tore into the package only to find a stunning gold charm bracelet with two oval pearl charms.
"The charms are engraved on both sides. Are these my adoption dates?"
"Yes, Allie, they are!"
Allie started crying, then through her tears kissed both her Dad and her Momma.
"I love this, but I love you two the most in the world!"
"Here, Allie, let me put it on you to wear," offered her Dad. "There, we are so very proud of you, Allie. We couldn't ask for a better, or more deserving daughter!"
"I second that, Angel! We both love you to the moon and back!"
"And so do we, Miss Allison Rose," agreed her Auntie Essie and Uncle Hendrix. "You brighten our lives in ways we would never have imagined. We love you so, Dear Child!"
"I love you both so much, too Auntie Essie and Uncle Hendrix!"
"Here's something I made back in Hope Valley for all my girls," smiled Nathan as he slipped back into Santa mode and gathered presents for Essie, Allie, and last but not least Millicent.
The three opened their gifts together.
"Oh, Nathan!" cried Essie. "This is stunning. I'll cherish it forever."
"I love it, Dad! Now I really do feel grown up!"
"I don't know what to say, Nate! This is so stunning, and the work is so intricate. I'll treasure this always!"
Nathan had made three jewelry boxes, each personalized.
Millicent's was the largest and had carvings of gardenias, lilies, and violets, all the flowers of her perfume. The word love was entwined throughout the flowers, and if you looked very closely, so was the word soulmate, though so intricately, it was almost hidden just for Nathan and Millicent alone to see!
"Here's something very special Darling, that I had made for you."
As Nathan handed Millicent the package with the wayward bow he had carefully wrapped himself, Millicent started to cry. Just like Allie, she knew this was going to be very significant.
As she opened the worn leather box inside and realized partially what this was, her hands, just like her daughter's, started to shake.
But when she saw Auntie Luciana's necklace, but with the South Seas Pearl Cross added, the tears flowed.
"I know this wasn't what you would have chosen to wear for our Wedding, that you preferred to wear something from me. So Henri helped me find the pearls to match and I designed the cross. He then made it. It's the only one like it in the world, Darling, and it's all yours to wear for our Wedding, from me to you!"
She embraced him so tightly, that both never wanted to let go, so they simply held each other, as Hendrix took over the remaining Santa duties.
Finally with paper everywhere, there were only two packages remaining. One from Nathan to Millicent, the other from Millicent to Nathan. But both were hesitant to open in front of the family. These would be carried back upstairs to be opened and shared alone after they put their sleepy, but jubilant daughter to bed…
Upstairs in her bedroom, Allie was so exhausted, yet still excited, that Essie and Millicent had to undress her and get her in her nightgown.
Essie kissed her goodnight first.
"I'll see you in the morning, my dear Miss Allison Rose. I love you, Baby!"
"Good night, Auntie Essie. I love you too!"
"Good night, Essie," and Millicent blew her confidant a kiss as Essie left mother and daughter in private.
"Momma, it's been a perfect Christmas!"
"It has been a truly perfect Christmas Angel. Do you know why? We were all together. However, I do have one more gift this Christmas to give you that I hope lasts your whole life through for you to pass down to your children someday."
Millicent got into bed with Allie and held her daughter close.
"This is from both your Mom and me, Allie. Years ago, when we were in school, we wrote it together."
Then in her low voice, Millicent began to softly sing to the music of Brahm's Lullaby, unaware that Nathan was standing at the door, hearing every word. (*179)
.
"Hush my darling, close your sleepy eyes,
Rest your head beneath the starlit skies,
In my arms, safe and warm, you'll always be,
As I sing this lullaby so tenderly.
.
Oh, my precious child, in your cradle so sweet,
Dreamland's calling you, with melodies complete,
As the moonlight whispers its gentle tune,
I'll sing this lullaby my love, to you.
.
Chorus:
Lullaby, lullaby, my sweet baby girl,
In this world, my love will forever unfurl,
May the angels watch over you, my dear,
As you slumber, I'll be near, always near.
.
Through the sighing trees, the wind softly blows,
Lulling you to sleep, where your dreams will compose,
Dancing fairies and fluffy clouds up high,
Fill your dreamscape, as you close your eyes.
.
Chorus:
Lullaby, lullaby, my sweet baby girl,
In this world, my love will forever unfurl,
May the angels watch over you, my dear,
As you slumber, I'll be near, always near.
.
Oh, the night is hushing, the world's at rest,
In my arms, my love, you are truly blest,
May your dreams be filled with hope and delight,
As I sing this lullaby, my heart takes flight.
.
Chorus:
Lullaby, lullaby, my sweet baby girl,
In this world, my love will forever unfurl,
May the angels watch over you, my dear,
As you slumber, I'll be near, always near.
.
So sleep, my darling, in your cozy nest,
Know my love for you is eternally blessed,
Rest your weary soul, for tomorrow's new,
Dream peacefully, my love, as I sing to you.
.
Chorus:
Lullaby, lullaby, my sweet baby girl,
In this world, my love will forever unfurl,
May the angels watch over you, my dear,
As you slumber, I'll be near, always near. (*180)
.
By the time, Millicent had finished the lullaby, Allie had fallen deeply asleep. It was then she realized that her daughter had never looked more peaceful to her. A single tear fell down her cheek as she suddenly realized Colleen, her dearest friend in the universe, had just passed the mantel of motherhood to her in the words of this song they had written together.
It was then that copious tears fell, tears of joy that Allie finally had the words to her lullaby, yet tears of sadness that Colleen wasn't here to sing them to her.
She did her best to quietly exit.
But as she reached for the doorknob, Nathan opened it from the other side with arms spread wide for her to fall into.
They stood holding each other for quite some time, without ever saying a word, both knowing Colleen was with them, all three knowing their daughter was now at peace…
It wasn't till much later that Millicent noticed the two presents that had been left on the hallway floor.
"Darling, come downstairs with me to watch the fire," urged Nathan as he picked up the two boxes, which both knew were somehow intimate gifts.
They walked down the stairs without a word, holding hands till they entered the main living room where Hendrix had left a fire for them, along with champagne.
But they didn't need or want the fancy drink.
They only needed each other.
Without a word, but with all the understanding in the world, their lips met, but in an almost melancholy way.
Then Nathan spoke.
"Darling, this is a book of love poems I wrote each night while we were apart. They are from my heart to your heart for you to take with us on our honeymoon and read as you wish. They are living proof to never, ever doubt my deep love for you."
Millicent opened the box in shock, tenderly caressing its cover.
How could they have been thinking so much alike all that time they were apart?
She swallowed hard, then spoke softly.
"Darling, this is a book of etchings and letters I drew and wrote each night while we were apart. They are from my heart to your heart for you to take with us on our honeymoon and read as you wish. They too, are living proof to never doubt my deep love for you."
Both stunned, their lips found each other, but in a desperate fashion one for the other. Till both knew they had to separate, laying their immense love aside while never forsaking it, yet waiting ever so patiently for another day.
That special day when they would truly become one…
179. Brahms Lullaby, composed by Johannes Brahms and dedicated to his friend Bertha Faber on the birth of her second son; Brahms had been in love with her in her youth and constructed the melody as a hidden counter-melody to suggest a song she used to sing to him; first published in 1868. Public domain.
180. Personal Lyrics to the tune of Brahms Lullaby written by CKJustice, Story Author.
