.

Chapter 156

.

Montreal Welcomes Hope Valley

.

"Our long-awaited day has arrived!" announced a radiant Millicent standing next to Nathan and Allie, along with the rest of their families, on the platform of The Montreal Canadian Pacific Railway Depot, anxious to see all her Hope Valley friends again and receive them as their special Wedding guests.

She was beautifully dressed in Nathan's favorite teal, though it was an outfit he hadn't seen before, a new velvet long-coated, double-breasted suit jacket with shiny gold military buttons down the front and up the sleeves, topping a low-waisted pleated underskirt. The slender skirt flared out, falling just above her tiny ankles, revealing teal velvet pumps, classically simple in style. The skirt was drawn tightly at the waist by a wide cumberbund belt of pleated velvet, buckled in gold, with its tapered ends hanging loosely at her slender waist.

She wore a wide-brimmed hat of the same teal velvet, trimmed with a big matching velvet bow, that was uniquely tailored to match her belt

Her attire's only contrasts were her diamond drop earrings and diamond-encrusted emerald engagement ring.

Even the wrap she had chosen at the last moment was a matching teal velvet cloak with golden Chinese 'frog' fasteners to keep it fastened loosely around her.

Nathan had first reached to get her favorite white fur to place around her shoulders because he knew she loved it so, and also because he felt it would be warmer for her.

He smiled as he remembered her insisting after his accident, though, on that fateful day when it had been splattered with his blood, that she couldn't possibly throw it away

Yes, she could have easily replaced it, and most everyone assumed she would, except those who knew her best, especially Nathan.

"Wearing it, makes me feel closer to you, my Love. How can I possibly throw that away?"

To her, the coat was a piece of his lifeblood, a part of them, a reminder they had been through something very traumatic together as a couple, but also a promise for their beautiful future.

"This coat is tangible proof, Darling, that together we can survive anything that comes our way, as long as we love and support each other, always placing each other first.'

"As long as the coat doesn't bring back those horrible memories for you, Mil," Nathan had responded skeptically at first. "As long as it's only our strength, our resolve."

"That's exactly what it is, my Love!"

He could see that look of resolve in her sparkling eyes, as he realized her strength all over again.

But her touch on his arm brought him back to the here and now.

"Well, this isn't our Wedding Day, Darling, but we're certainly lots closer with most all of Hope Valley arriving in minutes," agreed Nathan. "You look beautiful, by the way! As you always do, but exceptionally so right now."

"Thank you, Love! I'm wearing your color!'

"So, you are! It's my favorite on you!"

She nodded toward their daughter, giving him a gentle reminder.

"Allie, you look beautiful, too!"

"Thanks, Dad! I can't wait to see Uncle Bill and all my girlfriends," exclaimed Allie. "Do you think they'll notice my earrings?"

"Your earrings sparkle beautifully, Allie. I'm sure your friends will notice them!"

Allie smiled ever so brightly.

"Oh, and I can't wait to see Oliver and Sadie and Sophie too!

"Me too! But, don't forget about Uncle Bill's new fiancée. Also, Auntie Rosie and Uncle Lee," reminded her Dad.

The entire Bradford and Grant families along with Albert, Tom, Hendrix, and Estella had turned out to excitedly welcome Nathan and Millicent's friends. Those who hadn't met the coming guests yet seemed as anxious to meet them for the first time as Nathan, Millicent, and Allie were to be reunited with their dear friends. Though of course, Tom's purpose was not only to greet all of Hope Valley, whom he knew quite well by now, but to welcome one person and her family in particular.

Since the entire Bradford family was here, security was out in full force. But Edward had placed Maximus under strict orders to see that his men were discreet, staying hidden and out of sight as much as possible so as not to alarm their guests.

Also, the Bradford patriarch didn't want anything at all to mar this day for Nathan, Millicent, and Allie, and most certainly not the burden of security.

"Remember, we want to make this the trip of a lifetime for our guests and make sure they have the best time ever!" reiterated Victoria. "Dear Luciana, I beg of you, please don't scare them to death till they get to know the wonderful you!"

"This is going to be so fun!" mused Luciana rubbing her hands together thinking of the prospect of all these new people to meet and impress with her singular, irrefutable style and offbeat sense of humor.

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of!" moaned Victoria reading her sister-in-law's thoughts.

"Luciana, behave," warned Edward. "We Bradfords are already a bit much to take in without your theatrics, Dear Sister!"

"Just be thankful that Mother and Father aren't home yet, Dear Edward! Now, that would be something to worry about!"

"Well, you do have a point there! By the way, when are they planning to arrive?"

"Tomorrow for Allie's adoption. They'll be there with bells on!"

"Luciana, since when have our parents stooped so low as to have bells on, or anything other than pristine attire?"

"It's figurative, Dear Edward! Figurative! I'm meaning they will emphatically make their presence well known!

Edward moaned.

His parents had a way of putting on airs, and yes, making their presence known that he had never understood.

"You are hereby recruited Luciana, to stay by Mother's side and help me keep them in check. Understood?"

"Haven't I always?"

'Well, there have been a few times you've been, well, let's just say a bit distracted? But tomorrow is so important to our Allie. Please help me?"

"For our Allie, anything! You worry entirely too much, Edward!"

Edward simply rolled his eyes, a habit he had in common with his granddaughter.

"Do you think our receiving line is too long? Too intimidating?" asked Sophia.

"It is, without a doubt, Sweetheart," concurred Archie, but there's simply no other way for all of us to meet everyone!"

"You know it's awfully cold though! Why don't Millicent, Allie, and I greet them, then move all of us inside the depot to introduce each of you? That way at least, everyone will be warm!" suggested Nathan.

"That's a splendid idea, Son! Why don't we head inside now, so they won't be so intimidated," agreed Sophia.

"And miss all the fun? Not on your life," insisted Luciana. "I'm here for the duration. A little bit of Canadian cold never hurt anyone!"

"That could be debated, Luciana!" interjected Edward under his breath.

Sophia threw up her hands.

"Well, we tried Nathan! Looks like we all freeze!"

Everyone erupted in laughter when suddenly, the sound of the long-awaited train could be heard in the distance.

"They're almost here, Love!"

Suddenly looking at Millicent in her stylish, yet floppy velvet hat, Nathan remembered a similar one. The huge one she wore when she came to this very Depot to greet him all those months ago. That instant was suddenly forefront of both their minds, causing a rush of magical romantic feelings to float back to them, as they remembered and treasured each moment of their first moments together as a couple.

It had been their first embrace, their first kiss, as a romantic couple that is.

To say it had been stupendous yet natural was a significant understatement. Ask anyone who had been there that day, and they would tell you it had been a sublime fairy tale. But for Nathan and Millicent, it had been the coming together of the most passionate of loves, twisting their new reality into total inclusiveness of each other, one no longer being able to breathe, nor exist, without the other!

Taking her hand while becoming completely lost in those private moments that both were remembering with awe, it took Nathan a while to verbally respond.

"This means our Wedding Day is just around the corner, Mil! I couldn't be happier," enthused Nathan in a low voice, his sexy grin growing more crooked by the minute for Millicent alone…


As the rumble of the train grew louder and louder from the distance, the excitement grew till it couldn't be contained both on the platform and inside the train.

"I bet it's hard to say who is more excited, us or our travelers," noted Archie with a broad smile ready to welcome all those he had previously met in Hope Valley.

"The limos will drive them on a fairly comprehensive tour of Montreal on their way to our townhouse and the hotel, Sir," explained Albert to Nathan and his father.

"Thanks so much for coordinating all that, Albert! It's much appreciated."

"We'll accompany the Judge, his fiancé, and the Coulters to the townhouse, Sir, so you, Miss Millicent, and Mis Allie can accompany the larger group to the hotel after their tour blitz," assured Hendrix. "Estella and I will make sure our guests get settled and feel at home, so no worries there! Then we'll have a late dinner ready for everyone by the time you three make it home from your early dinner with the townspeople at the Ritz. Just try to pace yourselves on the food, and there should be no problem."

"Thanks, Hendrix. I just couldn't imagine leaving the majority of the town all alone on their first night to have dinner here in Montreal. I think it's more important that the entire family is there to mingle with the larger group, leaving us to manage later at home."

"Absolutely! I took the liberty to re-check on the larger dinner details, and everything is just as we planned. Also, on the home front, we'll have something for Master Oliver whenever he's hungry, but I do believe, Sir, the adults might appreciate a bit of rest prior to dining."

"You've thought of everything, Hendrix. What would we do without you and Estella?"

"Hopefully, you'll never have to find out, Sir!"

Nathan smiled and patted Hendrix on the shoulder while feeling something akin to guilt.

He knew they had left things up in the air, not knowing exactly what specific plans should be made for Hendrix and Estella after his and Millicent's marriage.

It was a new conundrum completely foreign to Nathan especially, but it wasn't helping that Allie was growing closer and closer to her Uncle Hendrix and Auntie Estella every single day.

There was no doubt of Nathan's love, Millicent's love, or Allie's love for the couple. The problem was Hope Valley and the limited space they now had. And to be perfectly honest, though he loved the couple dearly, Nathan still could not wrap his head around having a Butler and a Housekeeper; in fact, he couldn't even think of Hendrix and Estella in that way.

Suddenly the noise was deafening, and as the Train sped into the huge Station, a cloud of steam with a burst of noisy brakes brought the much-awaited moment into reality.

Hope Valley had arrived in Montreal!

Allie was beside herself with joy and had to be physically held back by her Dad.

"Allie, stay here with your Momma and me. It will take a few moments for everyone to deboard. Also, they'll be coming from three different cars, as your grandpapa reminded us, so it will take a bit longer than usual for everyone to get here to one spot."

"Dad, I think I see Angela! And there's Cooper!"

"Along with their parents!" verified Nathan, waving to the Canfield Family.

"Oh, it's so good to see Minnie and Joseph even through the glass," enthused Millicent, also waving.

There was a flurry of activity inside each of the shiny cars, as the three Conductors prepared their platforms for safe exits.

Gratefully, the travelers had been warned of the frigid Montreal weather and had bundled up accordingly.

In a matter of minutes, Hope Valley began to disembark simultaneously from each of the three cars, coming together in a single line to first greet Nathan, Millicent, and Allie.

Pure joy was in the air as old and new friends warmly greeted each other with conversations, hugs, kisses, laughs, and hearty welcomes abounding!

There were squeals of delight, warm shouted greetings, and general somewhat orderly mayhem over the large platform, as every beyond-excited traveler was personally greeted and made to feel so special.

As soon as the Grant greetings were made, Nathan introduced or reintroduced his father as the case might be, who in turn introduced Sophia, then Edward and Victoria.

The Bradfords then introduced Auntie Luciana, who in turn introduced Richard, Margaret, Jackson, and Maggie.

Then Richard introduced his brother William and his sister Pippa, who in turn introduced Albert, Hendrix, and Estella, also part of the family, to all their guests.

After fairly quick greetings and introductions in the biting cold, once the initial receiving line was complete, everyone moved inside into a private and much warmer VIP area of the terminal to mingle and further meet with each other.

Victoria had also seen that hot refreshments were served to help warm everyone up after being in the bitter cold.

Here, after talking together, was where the group would divide with the Judge, his fiancée, and the Coulters going on their tour to end up at the Townhouses, while the majority of their guests, after their tour of the city, would end up at the internationally acclaimed 'Ritz-Carlton Montreal,' where they would be met by Nathan and Millicent along with the rest of the family for dinner there. (*207)

Inside the terminal, Bill led the way proudly introducing his Addie.

"Oh, Adeline, you're just as beautiful as we imagined," enthused Millicent. "We can't tell you how wonderful it is to have you here with us!"

"I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to meet you, Millicent. I don't know how I'll ever repay you! You've given me my life back!"

"A life that should never have been taken away!"

Joseph and Minnie followed, with Florence and Ned just behind.

"There's our Wedding officiant," welcomed Nathan with a hearty embrace.

"Minnie, you look beautiful! Welcome to Montreal," smiled Millicent, as the two women embraced.

"Florence, thanks ever so much for coordinating this trip for us," thanked Nathan.

"We know you've spent countless hours making sure everything was just so-so. Now, relax and just enjoy everything! Promise?" asked Millicent.

"Oh, Dear Girl, it was my pleasure! But, oh how we've missed you and cannot wait to see this Wedding!"

Next was the Bouchard family, including John Henry, Juliet, Lucas, and Antoinette.

"Welcome to Montreal, Juliet, John Henry!" smiled Millicent.

"Lucas, welcome! So glad you could come," added Nathan.

"That means a lot, coming from you. Thank you, Nathan. I'm delighted to be here!"

"We're delighted to have you! Just relax and enjoy your time. It's a beautiful city. Especially during the Holidays!" beamed Millicent.

They were followed by the Weisses, then the McCaliffes, (Caleb, Nancy, Jake, and Maddie).

"Emily, Bruce, it's so wonderful to see you! We're so honored that you came," welcomed Nathan.

"Allie's missed Opal so much! She's so excited for you all to finally be here!" added Millicent with kisses for both.

"We're just thrilled to be here! Emily wouldn't have missed this Wedding of yours for the world!" exclaimed Ellen.

"Nor Allie's adoption?" asked Bruce tentatively unsure as to whether Allie was in the know.

"Oh, I asked her for Christmas! It was part of her Christmas present. Thankfully, she was thrilled. The ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon! We'll give you all the details. And no gifts!" instructed Millicent.

"Caleb, you look positively amazing! Are you feeling good? Was the trip not too difficult for you?" asked Nathan, giving him a warm shoulder-to-shoulder hug.

"Chief, I feel like top dollar, and the trip's been exactly the break we've all needed!"

"Nancy, you look beautiful! I'm so happy for all of you! How was your trip," asked Millicent.

"We've thoroughly enjoyed the train ride, and we can't wait to see Montreal! The children are writing a report about it for their school assignment!"

"Oh, that's wonderful," smiled Millicent understanding Nancy's hidden message that the children were now going to school regularly.

"Let me know if they need anything to include in that report."

Then Millicent whispered into Nancy's ear.

"Don't you hesitate to tell us if you or Caleb need anything at all, even if it's just extra rest. I don't want him tiring because of all this travel."

"Don't you worry, now. He's doing just fine since his surgery and it's all because of you!"

"Mrs. McCaliffe, could Maddie go with us girls to tour Montreal? We'll just be in the car. That is, if Dad lets us."

"Allie, I'm sure we can work something out," agreed her Dad.

"If your Dad says yes, then we say yes!"

"Yay!" shouted Allie and Maddie together.

Cat Montgomery and her family were next, which brought Tom to Nathan's and Millicent's side.

Though first Millicent gave her a huge hug.

"Welcome to Montreal! It's so good to see you, to have you here with us! But someone else is waiting most anxiously for you as well," winked Millicent, passing Cat's hand to Tom's.

"Hello, Emily and Gabe! So glad you've made the trip!" welcomed Nathan.

"Emily! We girls need to stick together so we can see Montreal, okay?" asked Allie. "I think the boys are going to get together with my Uncle William."

"Mom is that okay?" asked Emily. "For the both of us?"

"We'll work out something with Allie's Auntie Pippa where the girls are safe," assured Nathan. "And I'm sure her Uncle William will take excellent care of the boys!"

"Then the answer is yes!" answered Cat. "You two mind your elders but still have fun!"

"Spoken like a great mother," complimented a most excited Tom, whose eyes were sparkling since he couldn't help but realize he and Cat were now going to have a romantic afternoon alone together.

Next came all the young single adults.

"Mollie! You look stunning," complimented Millicent with a hug.

"Welcome to Montreal" added Nathan in his more subdued manner. "Thanks so much for helping Florence manage the travel plans! We know that was a big job!"

"I've had the most fun! The trip here couldn't have gone better and we're all so excited to finally be here!"

"Faith, Fiona, and Mei! Welcome to Montreal. It's so good to see you all here," smiled Nathan.

"You three look amazing! I hope you are ready to enjoy Montreal to the fullest," urged Millicent.

"We're just thrilled to be here! Mei wants to meet her Uncle. He owns a big Chinese restaurant here," explained Faith.

"Oh, which one?" asked Nathan.

"Chang's!" answered Mei.

"You've got to be kidding! That's been my favorite for years. Millicent ordered takeout from there for me just this past week!"

"We'll see that you get there. Just set up a time with your Uncle and let us know when you need the car," insisted Millicent.

"Mike! It's so great to see you! Are you okay, Buddy?" asked Nathan perplexed at Mike's forlorn look. "Oh, I get it. I understand. Just talk to her, Mike. You won't get anywhere pining away without saying something!"

"Mike, Mei's lovely and the two of you would make a lovely pair, but Nathan's right. You have to be brave and tell her you'd like to spend some time with her this week," whispered Millicent. "I know, tell her you'd love to go to Chang's with her and meet her Uncle!"

"But will that make us engaged?"

Nathan buried his face in his hands, leaving Millicent to answer Mike's question as seriously as she could.

"No, I'm positive that wouldn't make you engaged, but it would get you a date, which is the ultimate goal here, Mike! Help me, Darling!"

"Mike, Millicent is right, you've got to ask Mei for a date, so she knows you're interested. She just said she wants to meet with her uncle. That's your perfect opportunity!"

"But how do I ask, Nathan?"

"You tell her how nice she looks, then you…you ask her if you can take her to Chang's to meet her uncle," stumbled Nathan. "I'm not sure you should be asking me for dating advice."

"Are you kidding? You got Millicent and she's the jackpot!"

Nathan was stunned speechless not that he hadn't known he had hit the jackpot, it was just that he had never heard another man refer to his fiancée as the jackpot, so Millicent cleared her throat to step in.

"Mike, thank you, I think, but perhaps you'd better not mention the jackpot thing to Mei Sou," guided Millicent as tactfully as she could. "Just say what Nathan said to say!"

"Well, if it worked for him, I suppose it would work for me."

"Mike, Buddy, maybe we should practice!" suggested a terrified Nathan.

Mike smiled brilliantly, shaking his head yes in a most vehement manner, moving forward so as not to lose sight of the three girls.

"Practice?" asked Millicent with a giggle.

"Mil, I don't want to be the reason he messes this up!"

Millicent giggled and reached up to give her fiancé a quick kiss.

"I think it's sweet! Just be careful, he'll have you asking her!"

"Oh, no, you're right," moaned Nathan.

Last but not least, were the Coulters, their Nanny, and their three children.

Lee and Rosemary had caught the tale end of the couple's conversation with Mike and were in stitches.

"I heard you were giving dating classes, Nathan! Where do I sign up?" teased Lee.

Nathan moaned again.

"You, Bud, are going to help me teach them! After all, you're way more experienced than me!"

The two men hugged as Lee chuckled, and Millicent hugged Rosemary, both ladies dancing a little jig, as they were so excited to see each other again!

Then the two godparents held their godchildren introducing them to both sets of parents.

"Oliver, this is my Dad, and this is Auntie Millicent's Dad. This is my Mom, and this is Auntie Millicent's Mom," introduced Nathan. "And this handsome lad is our godchild, Oliver Coulter!"

"Hello," greeted Oliver brightly, not at all intimidated by strangers.

"Hello, Son! It's so nice to get to meet you! And welcome to Montreal and our family," smiled Edward.

"I bet after such a long train ride, you could use a Horsie ride, right, Son?" asked Archie.

"Yes!" and with that affirmation Archie lifted Oliver high, placing him on his shoulders, prancing around the warm, large room they were in.

"Oh, Rosemary, he is just as precious as Millicent has described to us. And so are these beautiful girls in your arms," exclaimed Victoria.

"But we need to get them inside the cars which will be a lot warmer!"

"Oh, may I carry one?" asked Sophia.

"This one is Sadie, Rosemary's holding Sophie."

"Come here to your Gramma, Sadie!"

"And you come to your Grandmama, Sophie!" smiled Victoria. "We're going to get lots warmer in the car!"

"Meg, welcome! Just enjoy a few minutes' break. I doubt we're getting any of the three back anytime soon," grinned Millicent.

Rosemary took her friend's arm.

"Now, tell me! Where exactly are we on this Wedding…"


Since Allie was insistent on traveling with the girls in a separate limousine so she could give them a more personal tour, her Auntie Pippa readily agreed to go as their chaperone.

William, off to find a driver, was also graciously doing the same for the young boys so that they would feel independently welcomed and treated, with time to tour the city on their own away from their parents.

"Albert, will you please drive Pippa, Allie, and her friends," asked Nathan as an aside. "You are the only driver Mil and I trust leaving her alone with since she knows you so well."

"Of course, Sir! I consider her my flesh and blood. I won't let Miss Pippa or Miss Allie out of my sight!"

"Thank you, Albert! That means the world!"

"Mounty Na…, I mean Chief, we're so excited to be here," exclaimed Opal, with all the girls beaming from ear to ear around her.

"We are thrilled to have you all here, Opal, Angela, Anastasia, Emily, Anna! And Maddie, so good to see you with the girls too! It's great to have all of you girls reunited. I know Allie has really been missing you all!"

"Dad, can we all go together?"

"Yes, Allie. Uncle Albert is going to be driving you girls and Auntie Pippa is going to chaperone, so all of you need to do exactly what they say, do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir! We will! I want to take the girls to the wharf and show them Frankies! And they'll want to see the granary, too!"

"Have fun, girls! But it's a big city, so listen to Mr. Albert and Miss Pippa! They'll keep all of you safe."

There was a chorus of "Yes, Sir!"

"Albert, Pippa are you sure you two can handle this?"

"Sir, I have almost as many children of my own. Miss Pippa and I are going to do just fine!" winked Albert as he began loading the girls up in his car.

Given the confident manner in which both Albert and Pippa were taking charge, Nathan, smiling to see all the Hope Valley girls together again, had no doubt at all, their girls were in the safest of hands.

But as the handsome Chief Inspector turned his full attention to his beautiful, beaming fiancée, both were thrilled and so thankful that all their friends, their Hope Valley guests, were finally here, getting into their cars to experience Montreal first-hand!

The profound and joyful reality suddenly set in, as well as what it meant, causing both bride and groom to incredulously and jubilantly share the same thought out loud with each other.

And what a magical thought it was!

The words rang out in his bright tenor and her deep alto, blending harmoniously and perfectly as they took each other's hands, instantly changing everything.

"Just two more days, Love, then it's our Wedding Day!"

"Our day is finally here, Mil," whispered Nathan as he bent so tenderly to kiss her lips, his body ever so close to hers.

Parting so slightly, just enough for him to peer into her emerald oceans and for her to peer into his crystal blue seas, the entrances to their very souls, his breath fluttered her long lashes, causing her entire body to shiver, unfettering his often well-kept words, at least to others, but never to her.

Because for her, his heart opened, pouring out his unsaid words to her, without thought or limit, or apprehension.

"And I am counting down the hours until I can call you my wife, Millicent Alexandria Bradford Grant, as we embark on the ultimate journey of our lifetime together, this most incredible journey of love, intimacy, and togetherness with each other, fearlessly embracing the unknown."

Deeply touched as never before, she swallowed and spoke her heart, continuing his thought.

"Fearlessly embracing the unknown, knowing that our love will guide us through any and all of life's many challenges. You, Nathan Alexander Grant, are my one true love, my soon-to-be husband, my reason for living, and I can't wait to share all the moments of my life with you. And only with you, my Darling..."

.

.

.

207. Ritz-Carlton Montreal, which originated in 1912 to current, set the standard all those years ago for luxury in Canada; now the only AAA Five Diamond Hotel in Quebec and one of the city's most esteemed 5-star hotels. Public Domain Information.