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One Hundred Seventy-eight

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Unexpected Interruptions!

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Meanwhile at the hotel, Elizabeth had luxuriated in her fragrant bath and now, dressed in her undergarments, she tied her bathrobe tightly around her and sat to style her hair, dreamily thinking of Nathan's caresses to come.

Jack's distinctive footsteps sounded in the hallway and he burst through her open door, full of excitement from lunch with Patrick and his parents. "Hi, Mommy! We had so much fun! We had lunch with Aunt Julie, Uncle Brad, Dr. Faith, and Dr. Ben and talked all about trains and stuff. They said Mountie Paul misses me, but sends a hug and wants another drawing from me and…" Having stood beside Elizabeth to give his update, he turned towards the room and suddenly stopped speaking.

"…and what, Sweet Boy?"

"Wait! Where's my suitcase?" He tore out of the room, only to return from his bedroom even more concerned, asking worriedly, "Where's my suitcase?"

"Oh Jack. You don't need a suitcase because you are staying here with Grandmommy and Grandaddy and Uncle Huds. Mommy needs the suitcase because she is going away with Daddy Nathan."

His lip beginning to quiver, Jack's voice got louder, "But I want to go! I want to go with you and Daddy."

Reaching out to envelop her son, Elizabeth explained what she thought had already been understood, "Just Daddy and I are going away, Jack. It is our special Honeymoon trip after the wedding. You'll have fun with Patrick and then Allie will come to sleep here in a few days."

Jack's crying became more intense and now he exhibited some anger, "No. No. I don't want you to go…" Jack wriggled out of her arms, crossed his arms, and stomped his foot in protest, "Daddy can't go either… It's not fair. I want to go…"

Jack's sobs increased in volume until, Grace peeked around the doorway.

"Anything I can help with, Sweetheart?"

Unable to hide her distress, Elizabeth explained over Jack's sobs.

"Oh, Jack! Come to Grandmommy," She reached for Jack who turned away and ran to the suitcases lying open on the bed. "No! I want a suitcase so I can go with Mommy and Daddy!"

With a furtive glance at Elizabeth, Grace tried again holding out her hand. "Jack? Why don't you come with me so Mommy can continue to dress, okay?"

"No," Jack was almost screaming now.

"Mommy can't go if I can't go…" Jack sniffled, but stood stalwart.

William and Julie entered next and tried to cajole Jack to join them in their apartment, but to no avail. Hudson stood at the doorway, considering how to help. "Shall I get Patrick and Aunt Rosie and Uncle Lee?"

"No! I don't want them. I want Daddy. Where's Daddy? He hasn't left too, has he?" A fresh outburst of tears ensued, but he did allow himself to be guided into the hallway towards the Thatchers.

"Shall I get…" Hudson mouthed the name, 'Allie?'"

By now, a tearful Elizabeth was being comforted by Julie, so Hudson headed down the Hotel hallway to find Allie.

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After hasty goodbyes to her friends, Allie hurried into the Thatchers' parlor and straight to her little brother-to-be.

"Jack! You are so upset! Tell me what's happened?"

Wrapping his arms around Allie and leaning on her shoulder, Jack continued to sob, allowing choked words to escape a few at a time. "Mommy's leaving… she didn't pack… a suitcase… for me. She… said Daddy's leaving too… so why can't I go?"

"Oh Jack, when two people get married, they take a trip together before they come back to start married life at home." Allie stroked Jack's back, "When they come home, you and Mommy will move in with Daddy and me and we will all be a family and home together."

"No… They… can't go. I want Daddy…"

The little boy's loud sobs increased again and Allie looked up at her grandparents with a pleading expression. Motioning her Grandad to her, she whispered in his ear, "should I call Dad?"

"He's busy getting ready, but…"

"I should call him. Hold Jack?"

Transferring into his grandfather's arms did nothing to console the boy, but Allie hurried to the telephone and called home.

"Uncle Zach! It's Allie. Is Dad there? I need to talk to him right away," Allie explained.

"Your Dad is down in the Cottage. Honey? What's wrong?"

"It's Jack… He won't stop crying and I need Dad," Allie's voice was tearful now. "I'll call the Cottage." She hung up before Zach could say anything else.

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Back at home after lunch, Nathan had gift-wrapped the book he had purchased for Allie and the pocket-sized Mountie he had bought for Jack, then went down to the Cottage.

"Nathan! Son! How is our Groom today?" Archie stepped back and motioned for Nathan to enter.

"Getting things checked off my list! I think that all that is left is to bathe, shave again, and dress, so I have plenty of time for that." Nathan grinned brightly, adding, "This wedding is really happening!"

Suddenly looking up, Nathan exclaimed, "Aunt Bekah! Adrianna! You came!"

After shared hugs and kisses, Rebekah studied her nephew, "I don't think I have ever seen you this happy, my boy. That pleases me immensely as you deserve to be loved! Elizabeth said you would be over the moon to see us! She is lovely, by the way…"

"You met her? Isn't she wonderful?"

As a dreamy look crossed Nathan's face, the others smiled at each other knowingly.

"So can Mom or I help you with something, Son?"

"Yes, I came to ask if you could give this gift to Allie after Zach, the Kinslows, and the Collinses, have departed? She expressed great sorrow at the aspect of saying goodbye, in spite of your presence and the fun prospect of staying in the Hotel. I thought a new book might keep her occupied."

"That's a lovely idea, Honey. With that for our Allie and the Pillow for Jack, you've thought of everything I think. Now you can depart and fully focus on Elizabeth! Do you want to take the pillow or leave it here?" Ruth offered, "We could be sure that the Thatchers have it to take home tonight?"

"That would be great. Thanks and I am sorry you have all these little things to do!"

"They are not little when they involve our grandchildren or help you and Elizabeth, Son," Archie admonished. "Now you…"

Archie was interrupted by a telephone call, so answered, "Hello… "

"Grandpa, it me, Allie. I need to talk to Dad."

"Allie? Yes, of course, he's right here…"

Archie handed the receiver to Nathan and stepped away. As Ruth joined him they held each other and watched the emotions cross Nathan's face.

"Dad? It's Jack. He is inconsolable. He doesn't want Miss Bess to go. He wants to go with her and keeps saying 'No' when we try to explain. Now he wants you and we don't know what to do. He won't stop crying and we've tried everything…"

"Okay, Honey… Jack's not hurt or anything, right? And Elizabeth is okay?"

"He's not hurt, but she's crying now too…"

"Oh dear, that's not good. Please tell her to take care of herself and maybe call in Aunt Rosie to help you take care of her. Let me talk to William or Grace, please?"

"Nathan, I am so sorry to bother you. We are at a loss and have never seen Jack act like this before. What should we do?" Grace asked, also sounding distressed.

"I've been through this with Allie, and without any reinforcements!" Nathan paused a moment, "Okay, here's the plan, Dad will bring Zach up to get Jack and I'll stay in the car. Pack Jack's wedding outfit, a change of clothes and some pajamas in a small suitcase and bring it with him when Zach arrives. Also, please pack his old Mountie toy and the small locomotive? We'll see what works. We'll be there as soon as we can." Nathan could hear Jack's loud protests in the background and knew the boy had wound himself up into a tizzy! "Oh, and remember his shoes too. We'll get him dressed and bring him with us to meet you at the Chapel. Let me get Zach."

Nathan hung up and looked at his father and mother, "You heard that, so Dad can you drive us? I want to be able to hold Jack. Let me go get Zach." Nathan waved to his family then sprinted out the door and up to the main house.

Bursting through the door he called out, "Zach? We're on a rescue mission and will need all our Mountie skills for this one! We need to get Jack and bring him home with us until the wedding!"

"Oh? Okay! Let me grab my shoes."

Zach disappeared long enough for Nathan to explain to Gabe what had transpired, calling out as they hurried to meet Archie at the car, "Please tell Peter? Jack needs all of us Mounties!"

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As the father and his two sons headed to the Hotel, Nathan filled them in on the plan. "We will all need to be talking about being strong and brave like a Mountie and see if that helps diffuse the anger and frustration. We want him able to walk the aisle with Elizabeth, so we have a deadline and I've got my work cut out for me. Fortunately, I have had some experience with Allie when she first came to live with me. We managed, although there was no big family event that followed her tantrum." Nathan prayed aloud as if the Lord sat in the seat beside him, "God, be with us and calm Jack. Be with Elizabeth too and may she be comforted and calmed to know I am taking care of this for us."

"Amen" voiced the other Grant men.

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"Daddy!" Having escaped his uncle's arms, Jack hurled himself at Nathan, who was standing beside the auto, ready to receive him with open arms.

"Hey, my man! What's this I hear about you being upset?" Nathan squeezed the boy close to him then leaned back to search his face.

Contrite, Jack explained with tears slowly falling, "Mommy said she's going away and she didn't pack a suitcase for me. She said I can't come with you, but I want to…"

Archie placed the suitcase on the back seat and the men got into the vehicle.

"I see. Did Mommy explain we'll only be gone for a short time and then when we come back we'll all live together?"

Nodding, Jack whispered, "Allie said that."

"Well she's right. You and Allie will stay in Regina and then you can meet Mommy and me at the train station when we get home, okay?"

"Okay, but do you have to go? Can't you stay too?"

"No, Mommy and I have to go, Jackie-boy. We need this time together as we become married. When you're older, you'll understand, but now, I'm sorry you just have to take our word for it. We have to go. But…" Nathan tickled Jack's tummy, "this afternoon you get to be brave and be a big, strong Mountie like Uncle Zach, Uncle Gabe, and me! Can you try to do that?"

Jack shrugged his shoulders and the tears slowed, but he still gripped his Daddy.

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Back in the main house, Gramma Carol offered some cookies and milk while Grampa Peter asked if Jack wanted to see his Mountie dress uniform so Nathan relinquished the boy into their care for a short time.

"Thanks for the ride, Dad. Do you think you could bring the pillow up and slip it into my bedroom unseen? I'm thinking that might be a good gift to give before I go instead of after. Thanks."

"I'll run down and collect it from you, Dad, if you can spare me for a few moments, Nathan?"

"Sure, I think we'll need all hands on deck to distract and/or explain until we leave for the Chapel. Go ahead now and I'll take a quick bath while Jack's with Peter. Can you stand-by, Gabe?"

"Of course. Go ahead while the going's good!" Gabe patted Nathan's back and pushed him down the hall.

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A knock sounded on his bedroom door as Nathan emerged in his dress uniform trousers and a Henley, hair in a towel. "Yes?"

"You have a little fella who evidently needs a bath. William just called as Elizabeth didn't get that far before the tantrum. Do you want me to do it for you? I see you are dressed…" Zach offered.

"Well, I wasn't expecting that, but I'll just remove my trousers so I can kneel. I'll do it and do it in record time, let me tell you! Please bring in his suitcase? Maybe you can assist!"

Between the two Grant brothers, Jack was bathed, dried, and dressed with nary a hint of protest or complaint.

"Okay, Son! You are more dressed than me! We need to let Zach get ready now and let me shave. Do you want to watch again?" Nathan quickly put on in his dress trousers and headed back to the bathroom.

Following on Nathan's heels, Jack excitedly clapped his hands and agreed, "Yes! That'll be fun like last time."

Chuckling Nathan admitted, "We cannot take as long as last time, but we'll do our best. Go ahead and dress, Zach, and thanks."

While Nathan had his face lathered and was carefully maneuvering the razor, Jack watched attentively, holding the towel as previously, then asked, "So you really have to go?" His eyes filled with tears again, although they were silent.

"Yes, Jack, I have to go with Mommy. You'll be okay with Grandmommy and Grandaddy and Uncle Huds. Plus, remember Patrick is just down the hallway so you'll have play time with him…"

"But where will Allie be? Does she get to go with you and Mommy?"

Nathan carefully finished a few more strokes, although a thought came to him before he answered, "Allie will be sleeping here and then go to school each day, the same as she always does. You'll see her for dinner sometimes until she moves into the Hotel in a few days."

"So can I sleep here? I promise I'll be good. I can sleep with Uncle Zach in my new bedroom."

Shaking his head, Nathan marveled at the ways children could keep a step ahead of their parents.

"Í don't know about that, Jack. That's not a big enough bed for two people."

"Then can I sleep with Allie? She has a big bed!"

"No, young man. Boys and girls don't sleep with each other. Only after we get married, like Mommy and me, can we sleep together."

Jack pondered this information while Nathan finished his shave and splashed Lilac Vegetal on his smooth cheeks. He patted a little aftershave on Jack's face which pleased the boy immensely.

"Gabe? Are you available to step-in for a few moments?" Nathan called out from the open bedroom door. "I want to talk to Peter and Carol, and Zach."

"Sure! Let's go into the living room, Jack. We have to be careful with our good clothes on, so maybe we can do something quiet like ask Aunt Lillian to read you a book. Why don't you choose a story you would like?"

Taking Gabe's hand Jack eyed his partial uniform, "Are you going to look like Daddy and Grampa Peter today?"

"Well, we are all wearing our dress red serge today because it is a special occasion. Didn't I hear you are wearing blue like your grandfathers?"

"Umm hmm. But I have buttons just like Daddy!"

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While Elizabeth put on her jewelry, Allie, Julie, and Rosemary assisted each other with their dresses after styling each other's hair. The attendants' dresses were a simpler version of the Bridal gown, cut just above the ankles in a slender silhouette with a overskirt layer and a tight waist, wrapped in a matching champagne-colored wide, satin ribbon. The separate lace-edged bodice overhung the waist and three-quarter length sleeves were also edged by a band of lace. Allie's dress included additional lace bordering the skirt's two layers.

The ladies wore a satin ribbon headband that included a floral adornment above where their hair was pulled back on one side. Allie's hair was styled parted on the side, with loose, soft curls falling in front, and when Elizabeth added a light layer of lipstick for this special occasion, Allie appeared older than her years.

Dressed in the form-fitted under bodice and layered lace skirt, Elizabeth sat at a dressing table while Rosemary and Julie figured out how to incorporate the hair comb Grace had given her into Elizabeth's headpiece and veil.

"I think this works, Elizabeth, what do you think? We have the wreath secured, but by adding a couple flowers to the side and using the comb to hold back the twist of hair above your ear, it looks as though it was meant to be." Rosemary tweaked a couple of the Bride's curls, glancing in the mirror over the Bride's shoulder.

"Now she matches us with our flowers on the side," Allie contributed, adding, "and you used to wear your hair pulled back all the time in Hope Valley so Dad will love this!"

"I hope so, Honey." Satisfied, Elizabeth turned from one side to the other then stood, allowing Rosemary to lift her veil while Julie helped her into the lacy cropped top. Once Julie fastened the back with its tiny covered buttons, the ladies let the veil fall reaching to the bottom of the dress.

"You are beautiful Miss Bess!" Allie exclaimed holding her hands together under her chin, "Just beautiful."

"Do you think so? I chose this style to show I still have a waist since so many other current styles are bloused with a drop waist. At least for today, I want my Groom to see the real me!"

"He may notice your tiny waist for a moment, Elizabeth, but Nathan will be focused on your face, your hair, your eyes…" Julie giggled, "…and your lips!"

Blushing, Elizabeth nodded, admitting, "You may be right!"

"Oh!" Rosemary exclaimed, "You need your pearls and do you have your clutch and handkerchiefs?"

Elizabeth pulled her pearls that were hidden underneath her lace bodice, "I do. Let's show Mother and Father."

While Elizabeth twirled to the applause of her teary-eyed family, she questioned her father, "So, what did Nathan say about Jack?"

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After making a phone call to William to ask Elizabeth if it was okay for Jack to stay at the main house overnight, Nathan took Jack into his bedroom to see the cot his groomsmen had set up and covered with Jack's new red train quilt. "Just for tonight, you can stay here with Uncle Zach, okay? You have to be good for him and Gramma Carol and Grampa Peter, and Aunt Lillian and Uncle Gabe. No more screaming and crying because gentlemen and good boys don't act like that, right?" As Jack nodded, Nathan continued, "In the morning, they'll take you to church along with Allie, and figure out the plan for tomorrow. Now, please come sit with me on the bed?"

Jack readily agreed and complied, climbing up onto his bed.

"I have something for you, Jack. I was going to give it to you later, but you might like to hold onto it tonight when you go to bed. Why don't you open it?" Nathan handed Jack his soft gift.

"Oh! It's a Mountie! It's like a pillow too! Thanks, Daddy," Jack hugged the pillow exactly as Nathan thought he would. "I love it."

"Good. I thought it might help you remember you have two daddies who love you, your Daddy Jack and me. I asked your Grandma to stitch this for you, so you can thank her sometime."

Nathan opened his palm to reveal a small wrapped gift, "And, here is another gift that should be kept in your pocket. When you need to hold it you can reach into your pocket and remember I love you."

Nathan watched Jack open a tiny painted Mountie. Although never guessing how quickly it would be gifted, Nathan had found it at the bookstore this morning when purchasing Allie's book and, by removing the ring at the top, transformed it from a hanging ornament to a perfectly-sized pocket toy.

"Oh! It's another Mountie and it's blue like you wear. I love it," Jack held it reverently, adding, "it has your old hat though."

"So it does!" Nathan took note of Jack's observational skills, recognizing that even he had failed to notice that! To Jack he said, "Good. I thought you would like that. Now, where did I say you have to keep that if you take it with you anywhere?"

"In my pocket, right?"

"Yes. Let's practice that now, please? See? It fits perfectly and it's your secret Mountie! Leave the pillow here for tonight and now we need to put on your suitcoat and go. It's almost time for the wedding!"

Despite the altered afternoon, Nathan was more than ready to get married and secure his family as his own!

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