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Chapter 147
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Rest, Dressing for Dinner, and A Hope Valley Welcome
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Although it took most of the afternoon, finally, all the individual gift stocking items were assigned and tagged.
"That was quite the job! But one that can't help but leave you with a good feeling," noted Sophia with a smile. "And such wonderful surprise gifts for our friends to receive after the Holidays are past!"
"I know everyone has to be tired and since we have dinner tonight promptly at 7 P.M., why don't we all retire, rest for a few hours, then dress for dinner, and meet back here in the main living room, promptly at 6:30 P.M.?" suggested Victoria. "Nathan, I have a room prepared for you next to Millicent's, so she can show you the way."
"But Grandmama, can we at least go tell our horses the good news?" asked Jackson anxiously, with Allie and Maggie on either side.
"If you make it quick, I don't see why not. As long as you stay with your Uncle William and do as he says, okay?"
"Okay!" the three chorused enthusiastically.
"William no more than half an hour, and then see that everyone is taking a nap."
"Yes, Ma'am! Will do."
As the children followed their uncle to the stables, the adult family members who were exhausted, all moved up the Grand Staircase together, anxious to rest.
"This day couldn't have turned out better, Mother," complimented Margaret.
"I'm so glad, Dear! There's nothing as wonderful as having us all under one roof!"
"It truly has been a marvelous day of celebration, Victoria. Thank you so much for including Allie, my parents, and me," seconded Nathan.
"You are all now family and included as much as any of us, my handsome Son, my lovely granddaughter, who has gallivanted off to see Rapunzel, and my beautiful dear friends. This is just your official welcoming Christmas with hopefully many, many, many more to come for the entire Bradford-Grant families together…"
"Is everything to your satisfaction," asked Millicent, being careful to have left the carved double doors to Nathan's bedroom wide open.
"This is beautiful, Darling, and it already feels like home, because you are so close."
"Good, Mother said she placed you here for that very reason, so you'd be close to me, but she wants you to walk through the various rooms at some point, to choose one as ours for future use."
"I love the sound of that! Mil, do you have any preferences?"
She moved excitedly to open a portion of the drapes for a moment which had been closed to darken the room for sleep.
"Come, look at this! This is my favorite view in the entire house!"
Nathan let out a low whistle.
"I can see why. This is an amazing vista!"
"And if I'm completely honest, it's also my favorite room. There's something about the mix of all our favorite colors blended together, along with the walls of windows overlooking the garden, like the room's meant to be ours.
He placed his arm around her tiny waist, drawing her close.
"Then this is the room that shall be ours!"
He bent to kiss her passionately as though this, their choice of rooms, was officially sealed as theirs.
"I can't wait till you're here to share it with me," he smiled.
"I can't either! But for now, you need your sleep, Love. Oh, don't forget, dinner is formal, especially tonight, as this is our most special celebration of the year! Your tux is in the closet, as well as your dress shoes, and everything else you need."
"You saw to that?"
"Yes, it's my new job! My favorite job of all," she grinned. "For both you and Allie!"
He still had his arm around her waist, carefully spinning her to face him.
"I love you to the moon and back a million times, Millicent Bradford!"
She kissed him back in a way that told him the same, then smiled coyly, and turned to leave, calling from the door.
"Sleep, my Love! There will be dancing after we eat…"
"I almost hate for our train ride to end, Bill! This has been so perfect with just the two of us!"
"I'll say! We've talked all day long, first in the car, and now on the train, and yet have barely scratched the surface! Are you happy, Addie?"
"Happier than I have ever been in my whole life! Are you, Bill?"
"Am I what?"
"Are you happy?" she giggled, at his inability to seemingly concentrate.
"Listen, I didn't even know what happiness was until you came along! I'm afraid I'm going to go to sleep and wake up to find out this, you, has all been a beautiful perfect dream!"
Addie laughed that sweet, tinkled laugh of hers.
"Afraid you're stuck with me, Sweetheart! This is no dream. It's just us, you and me loving each other forever!"
Bill tilted her face to his and bent ever so slightly to engulf her silky lips into his much more weathered ones.
Neither could speak, so they contentedly snuggled closer together, with Addie placing her head on his broad shoulder, both knowing that finally, everything was right in their world…
As Bill and Addie got closer to Hope Valley, Bill realized he should have mentioned to some of the ladies to be there to welcome Addie to her new home, but he had been so excited to head off on his journey to propose to her, that had been the furthest thing from his mind.
"Bill, will the ladies of Hope Valley accept me?"
The question Addie had asked earlier had also never crossed his mind, yet it haunted him. Why wouldn't they accept her? Had he misjudged the entire situation? Would they be standoffish because of Addie's past?
Only Rosemary and Florence knew where and why he had left, and they had been inordinately supportive. Surely, they would show Addie the same support.
"Bill!"
But Bill was miles away battling what-ifs related to these troublesome thoughts he was having.
"Bill! Will I be staying at The Queen of Hearts?" asked Addie innocently.
"Hmm? No! I would never expect you to do that as some questionable guests show up there periodically."
"But where will I go?"
"There's an apartment over Lee's place of work, and the two of us have, well the three of us, and if I'm totally honest it was mostly Rosemary, have spruced the place up into something worthy for you, Addie. I hope you love it. It's quite cozy! But if it's not enough, I can work out other arrangements."
Bill was practically stumbling over his words.
"Bill! Bill, I'm sure it will be perfect! I just want to be near you, and as long as I'm in Hope Valley, or Montreal, or wherever you are, that's all that matters!"
She squeezed his hand and to further reassure him reached to kiss his cheek.
"There's a small living area, an even smaller kitchen and dining area, plus it has a private bedroom and bath."
"It has a bath? What more could I ask for?" she smiled and snuggled back into him.
He caressed the silky blonde lock of hair that had fallen loose from her updo, tucking it back the best he could.
"Are we getting close to Hope Valley?"
"We are," he answered looking out the window for signs of any familiar sites. "I'd say we're about a half hour away from the depot."
"I'd better go change! I don't want to look travel-worn in case we run into anyone on the way to this new apartment you've fixed for me! Besides, I need to put my travel hat back on and look all proper for my fiancé!"
"You look plenty proper to me!" Bill said in a low voice, feeling sicker by the minute.
Why hadn't he thought of gathering a welcoming committee? Only Rosemary knew what train they would be coming in on. Plus, it was getting dark outside, even though they had traveled backward into an earlier time zone. And Rosemary was so busy with the children these days.
Addie just smiled and stepped around him.
"But I do need that case if you don't mind, Sweetheart! And that hanging bag!"
"Oh! Of course. Let me get those!"
Bill handed the leather train case and dress bag to Addie.
"I'll be back in no time!"
And with a broad smile, she turned to go change…
"Dad, are you ready?" asked Allie tentatively, after knocking on his bedroom door.
"Almost, Allie. Come on in! How was Rapunzel? Happy with your news?"
"She's elated, Dad. I told her all about Cookie and Serena and Newton! I think they'll be very happy together!"
"Good! That's some special gift, you know. Hey, Allie, do you think you could help me with this bow tie?"
"Sure, Dad!"
"Wow, Allie, you look so pretty!"
"Wait till I get my ears pierced! Then I'll look all grown up too."
"Allie, you're sure about that, right? I mean about piercing your ears. You aren't afraid?"
"I'm sure, as can be. Don't worry, Dad! I'm not afraid at all. I'll be fine. Momma's taking me and Gramma and Grandmama want to go too."
"So, you ladies are making a party of this big event?"
"Yes, Sir! We are. Gramma says it's a pretty big deal! We're going to have a Ladies' Luncheon after. I just know I can't wait to wear Momma's heart earrings. Did you know they are diamonds, Dad?"
"I did! You'll have to be careful and not lose them!"
"Dad! I'm twelve years old and that's practically grown up. Of course, I'll be careful!"
"Well for now, can you untangle this mess I've made, 'Little Practically Grown-Up?'"
Nathan sat on a chair and motioned for his daughter to take a look.
"Dad, this is a real mess. Worse than I've ever seen. I think we need Momma!"
"Did I hear my name?" asked Millicent from the hallway.
"Momma, we need help big time. This bow tie is a wrinkled mess!"
Millicent entered the room laughing at her daughter's antics.
"Here, let's see what I can do!"
"Wow, you look…you look stunning!" whispered Nathan.
"And so very beautiful, Momma," answered Allie in awe, as she poked her speechless Dad.
"And…and so very beautiful!" agreed Nathan.
Both counts were absolutely correct.
Millicent was dressed in a slender white sheath gown with sleeves that gathered down almost to the edge of her hem, flaring out slightly in the back into a gathered flounce, with slits in each "sleeve" for her arms to peek through. The white was highlighted by heavy metallic golden embroidery all around the neck, falling low onto the bodice. The same intricate golden embroidery trickled down the length of each sleeve.
She looked ethereal and was a vision in gold and white, indeed!
"You have to stand still," winked Millicent as Nathan had stood for her to tie his tie around his neck but was unconsciously shifting from foot to foot.
"First, let me take this off and shake it out!"
"Why, Momma?"
"To shake out all these wrinkles!"
"Is it really that bad, Mil?" asked Nathan.
"Well, let's just say I will be in charge of tying your ties from now on!" laughed Millicent.
"Thank goodness! This one was way beyond me," offered Allie most seriously.
"That bad, Allie Girl?"
"That bad," answered Allie and Millicent in tandem, accompanied by serious glares.
"Baby, I think we're going to have to start over. Do you know where the backup I brought is?" asked Millicent.
"I think so, there on the dresser. But I noticed it's solid black. Is that okay?"
"That's even better!"
Millicent walked across the room to get the second tie and then started to work.
"How do you do that so quickly?" asked Nathan. "I always get it tangled!"
"It's a lot easier to do, looking straight head-on! When you do it, Love, you're looking down, and with that long swan neck of yours, you aren't seeing the spot you need to see to see in order to tie the knot properly.
"But don't fidget, Baby! There, all done! And my, you look breathtakingly handsome!"
"Yep, Dad. Momma's right. You do look awfully handsome! Are we ready for dinner? I'm starved."
"Yes, Young Lady, as soon as I straighten your hair bow! Do you want it to hang low?" asked her Momma.
"Not really, but I couldn't see to pull it up higher."
"Just a second. There, perfect! Look in the mirror and see if it meets your approval."
"That's beautiful! Thank you, Momma! Dad, will it not hurt your feelings if I tell you and Momma something?"
"Allie, you can tell us anything. Always. You know that don't you?"
"Yes, Sir! You've given me a great Christmas every single year, but Dad, this is our very best Christmas of all!"
Nathan hugged his daughter.
"I agree completely, Allie. This is our best Christmas ever because we're spending it with your Momma!"
"Well, it is certainly my best Christmas ever, being with the two of you! How about a family hug?"
The three embraced each other as though they never wanted to let go.
"Anyone getting super hungry," asked Nathan, tongue in cheek.
"Dad, you know I am!" and Allie took this as the perfect time to throw in her famous eye-roll…
Rolling into Hope Valley, Bill decided to distract Addie by simply welcoming her to her new home.
"Addie, you look spectacular! Just beautiful!"
"Thank you, kind Sir! It's all for you!"
"I love you so, Adeline Foster. I can't wait to show you everything, from my office to my place to your place! And I can't wait to show you off!"
"But it's getting dark!"
"Hey, we do have a little thing called electricity in Hope Valley, you know!"
Addie laughed.
"And here I thought you were taking me to the wilds!"
"Well, you know I would never…" began Bill all seriously.
"Bill, that was a joke! Hope Valley was bustling when I was here last, and from what you've told me, things are hopping now! Again, I'm happy either way. Although I do hope we're big enough to warrant that library we were talking about!"
"I haven't forgotten! You will have your new library, Addie, much quicker than you think!"
"I can't wait to meet Cat!"
"She's going to Montreal for the Wedding, so you'll meet her tomorrow on the train."
"Do you think she'll be open to the idea of us working together?"
"I'm sure she will love havin' a trained Librarian to guide her, Addie. We'll be pullin' into Hope Valley, your new home in just a few minutes. You ready, Darlin'?"
"Next stop: Hope Valley!" called the Conductor.
"So very ready, Love!" she answered excitedly.
Bill held tightly onto Addie's hand, and for the first time ever, he realized home was going to be so very different than it ever had before, in the very best of ways.
But as the train came to a stop, Bill stood up and glanced out the window.
To his amazement, the platform was full. Hope Valley had not let him down. They had all come to welcome his bride-to-be, causing his heart to simply overflow with joy!
"Darlin'! Are you ready to meet our friends?"
Addie looked out the window.
"All these people? They're here for us?"
He nodded, taking her into his arms.
"Us, yes! But the truth? They're really just here for you, Darlin'! Let's go meet them. They're good people, Addie, and they'll love you forever. They'll never let you down, either. Not a single time…"
As Nathan, Millicent, and Allie walked down the stairs, their daughter scampered ahead as soon as she saw her cousins, Jackson and Maggie.
The family was meeting in the main living room for Victoria's red Christmas punch before their Christmas dinner.
"Nathan, my don't you two look marvelous!" smiled Sophia.
"Our two mothers certainly look beautiful!" complimented Nathan.
"Thank you, Son!" smiled Sophia.
"Thank you, too! But I must warn you, since we have our catering staff cooking and serving tonight in place of our regular staff, we tend to always have a surprise or two," explained Victoria. "We do miss all the familiar faces we love, but there's always a new dish or two to try. And who knows what else will happen! Get ready for a fun family night!"
Nathan looked around the room and everyone was either serving themselves punch or were sitting in various spots, deep in the throes of lively conversation.
But Edward quickly excused himself and walked over to greet the couple.
"Merry Christmas, Sweetheart!" as he reached up to kiss his daughter on the cheek. "Have we been too hard on you, Nathan? I know we've thrown a lot of Bradford Christmas traditions at you all at once."
"Not at all, Edward. They've been great traditions to partake in. I've thoroughly enjoyed the last three days. I'll admit it's been hectic, but so worthwhile, with the orphanages, the hospitals, the staff, and now the family. Looking forward to a quiet night tonight though!"
"It's always great to relax and be with family. I'm afraid Luciana and I are responsible for the formal clothes. My parents mandated that every Christmas night from the time we were old enough to eat at the table, and some old habits die hard, even when the parents are away!"
"Believe it or not, I must be getting used to this. But the first night we can all get together in warmer weather we're hosting a fish fry at the ranch. Dress code of blue jeans, flannel shirts, boots, and ranch hats!"
"You won't get any argument out of me! Now Father and Mother are a different matter, but we'll deal with that when the time comes. Name the date and we'll see that we are all there, Son! Although I might have to get some proper boots."
"Father, we'll take care of that, unless you just want to choose them yourself?" offered Millicent.
"I trust your taste completely, Princess! You know what I like. Speaking of liking, I'm ready to eat."
Then in a louder voice, Edward made the announcement everyone was waiting for.
"Perhaps we should start making our way to the dining room. Christmas Dinner will soon be served…"
"Hey, Nate! The next time you and Millicent are likely to make this trek to the Dining Room or Ballroom, as the case may be, you likely will be husband and wife. Your fate's drawing near, Old Man!"
"And this 'Old Man,' Richard, can't wait! But you do know you are still bound to your best behavior. That is if you ever want to sail at the ranch!" threatened Nathan with a grin.
"Now hey, that's just plain not fair. I'll make you a deal. It won't be any worse than Colleen and you did for my wedding. How's that?"
"How's that? Colleen was a master. I can hardly be held responsible for her antics along with my own," pled Nathan.
"That's good, Darling. You're beating Barrister Richard Bradford at his own game," grinned Millicent.
"You two better watch, as I'm making no promises."
"Oh, yes you are, Son! Your father and I will be watching you like hawks, and you'd better rein it in, Dear Boy. I will not have you ruining your sister's wedding, do you understand me, Richard Bradford?"
"Mother, that's just not fair!"
"All is fair when it's your mother speaking, Richard, no matter how old you are! And don't you forget that!"
Richard sighed heavily, as Victoria turned and sighed as well, although it was more of a sigh of resignation than frustration.
"I heard that, Dear Boy…"
