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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Forty-one
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Family Night
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Part I
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Given his highly emotional and jumbled week, not to mention his classified Security team's constant attendance and scrutiny in their effort to protect him and those he loved, Nathan Grant was still remarkably true in keeping his word to the woman he loved.
In spite of their searingly painful, even traumatic conversation, as well as being joined by a rather large group protecting them, Saturday ended up being a perfect family day for all, including Bill, who was most certainly family, too.
True to the Judge's word, Bill drove Nathan's new car back to Hope Valley, with the children excited about getting to ride up front for the first time.
In the back seat, however, there was a couple stronger than they ever imagined they could be, but also more in love than they ever thought possible, while at the same time feeling both drained and invigorated. With their energy spent they could only hold each other. Yet their magnificent love, one for the other, simply continued to lovingly and spiritually grow.
Sunday morning, Nathan and Elizabeth attended Church together with Allie and Jack as a family, the Grant Family, on this first Sunday in almost six years that Nathan hadn't had to worry about rounds.
All four took their position, humbly and individually giving thanks in their own unique way that the head of their family had been spared from certain death to be able to lead and love and sit with them here today.
Their strength together was seen by all, while at the same time, their great love for each other was felt by all, and the truth was the whole town, Nathan's new team of men included, were rejoicing that this day had been made possible by a glorious and loving God, who no doubt had a most meticulous plan for this singular family that was clearly meant to be…
As the morning service came to a close, Pastor Canfield offered a final prayer of thanks.
"We give thanks, Almighty God, for your consideration, your safekeeping, and your vigilance. We give thanks, Almighty God, for your answer to our heartfelt prayers voiced in a little Café while the events we were praying for were actually happening. We thank You for protecting our Chief Inspector and giving him back to us. And we are forever grateful, giving you all the glory, Amen!"
"Amen," echoed the congregation, each and every one.
Then, as Chief Inspector Nathan Grant humbly stood, all eyes looked at him, and the congregation turned deathly silent.
Then, this man of few words began to speak with every single person, listening to each and every word.
"Those of you who know me know that I am a man of few words who seldom speaks unless there is a reason to do so. But as I stand before you now, I know that I must speak and that I must share what little I can."
"I now have a team of colleagues with me, whom I hope you will gather to you and love them as you have loved me and continue to love me."
"And for an undetermined period of time, I now have a group of classified agents who are protecting me and those I love. I also hope you will include them in your circle of love and prayers for protection.
"We Mounties are a strong breed, but there's not a one of us who will tell you that we walk into danger alone. For we simply don't. God is our strength in our time of peace and in our time of trouble when we can't even speak and take the one second to pray for His mercy, when we need it most, because the one second isn't there. So instead, we walk daily in the arms of His almighty protection, and we pray continuously that He will give us a pearl of wisdom beyond our own understanding precisely when the next second of indecision hits."
"But beyond that, we trust that you are lifting us up in your prayers."
"I don't know how, but I knew each of you was praying for me Friday night, and no, I didn't have a single second to do it for myself."
"I don't know how, but I also knew each of you was praying for our Deputy Commissioner and his beloved wife, and no, at the exact same time, I didn't have a second to pray, neither did they. But you miraculously lifted them up along with me, and God not only heard your pleas of prayer, He granted them, and He alone kept us safe."
"Deputy Commissioner Blevins, his wife, Emily Blevins, and myself – all three of us are alive today because a town full of loving people led by a loving pastor dropped everything and prayed for us when we could not."
"God heard your heartfelt prayers and protected all three of us from three different bullets, all at the exact same time!"
"I would be remiss not to add this: moments before these heinous events occurred, my daughter phoned me in my office, and I assured her I would be meeting her in a few moments, but without me saying a word, she somehow knew something was wrong and went to her Uncle Bill immediately without hesitation, telling him she felt I was in trouble and that I needed help. That was enough for him. He and my men dropped everything and left their food to come to my assistance the whole while you were praying."
"I most humbly thank Joseph, our pastor, and the entire town of Hope Valley, who stopped what they were doing and prayed, my daughter, who followed her instincts, my dear friend and colleague, Judge Avery, who believed her, and all my men, who got up and bravely walked into danger on my behalf."
"I'm not sure how you thank someone for giving you your life back, but that is what I'm doing today, most humbly and with more gratitude than I thought possible, to each and every one of you."
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to yours."
After church, everyone instantly came up to the Grant Family, their Chief Inspector in particular, but words weren't necessary. They weren't even possible.
For these messages were exchanged with tears and through touches only, in a spirit of communion and perfect love, wrought only of the Holy Spirit…
The sight was one to behold as Nathan and Elizabeth stood on his front porch watching Allie, Jack, Scout, and a group of classified security agents picking wildflowers in the field across from the rowhouse, of course with Allie directing it all, allowing only the best of the flowers to be included in her Papa's bouquet for her Mama.
Nathan grabbed Elizabeth by the waist and pulled her back into his living area, where he kissed her against the door they had just closed, both needing the other so desperately.
But knowing this couldn't continue, he pulled her into the kitchen, where they continued making Elizabeth's favorite paninis for the entire family. (*97)
"Why is this now my favorite place to be?" asked Elizabeth innocently.
"In my kitchen?"
"Yeah, Grant! In your kitchen. Maybe it's my kitchen!" she half-way teased.
He kissed her, but every single time he was doing that now, it was getting harder and harder to stop kissing her.
"Maybe it is your kitchen!"
He thought pensively for a moment.
"I know it sure feels a lot better with you in it!"
They laughed, always feeling a little surprised at how very easy it was for them to do anything together, as they simply fit right in, wherever and whatever the task at hand was purported to be.
Elizabeth didn't know why, but he was recreating their first date dinner just one short week ago, yet it felt like a lifetime when one considered all the changes that had taken place since that special night.
Today, the love of his life had insisted on helping with the food, as had the children in gathering the wildflowers he had planned to gather himself, but he had learned a lesson: when those you love offer to help, accept it, allowing them to be included too, which just means there is more and more love to share!
Still, she was studying him intently when he wasn't looking, wondering what was going through that mind of his and wondering even more what was going through his heart!
'Is he ever going to break down and ask me to marry him?' she wondered.
'Or is this our new status quo?'
'Is it possible for me to will him to do so?'
'Or is it simply going to happen when I least expect it?'
'Either way, I'm beyond ready right now!'
'I want to stay here with you,' she subliminally threw out into the universe, hoping something would land smack on his heart.
'I want us to be a couple.'
'And I want us to be a family together!'
'And I want more than anything for this to be our new home together.'
But he was working hard, fully immersed in making paninis exactly how Cook had instructed, seemingly oblivious to her effort to control his mind!
Nathan's mind, however, was on other things, more precisely, a list of to-do's that he had meticulously checked off one by one!
He was, however, keeping a very close eye on the weather, and so far, so good.
The difference was tonight, Nathan had found a back way into Rose Valley, and instead of horseback, he was going to travel the longer route by carriage so the whole family could be included comfortably, though a part of him was going to miss riding, as it just felt like both Newton and Sergeant should be there too. Plus, traveling by carriage was going to take more travel time both ways. The carriage was ready, waiting for him to pick up at the Livery, and his presents were carefully wrapped and hidden under the front seat where he and Elizabeth would be sitting. Quilts and pillows were also loaded, along with plates, silverware, and tumblers for water, and a huge iced bucket full of Italian Crème Sodas, which Seth had promised to keep switching out the ice for him, from the Café! (*98)
The only thing missing were the wildflowers to decorate it with, the family, and their picnic hamper.
Oh, and one other little thing that had been on his person, inside a pocket, for a very, very, very long time!
Doing his part for the evening, Bill spent his afternoon with several of the classified Security team members scoping out Rose Valley and how they could protect this family of four as unobtrusively as possible, which was no small feat, yet that was exactly what the Judge was demanding they do…
For their Family Picnic, Elizabeth chose to wear a brand-new white dress, which she knew wasn't the wisest choice for the event, but she felt beautiful in it, like a Bride, and as the carriage was a very nice one with padded seats, and even a cover in case it rained, she was confident in her choice.
The appreciative look Nathan gave her as he entered her rowhouse to collect them, well, that alone made the risk of wearing white worth it, and she had allowed Rosemary to play with her hair a bit, wearing it freer and looser, no barrette in sight!
She felt different, new, and beautiful!
"Elizabeth, you look stunning! The dress is new, and you look so beautiful in it!"
"I'm so glad you like it, Love!"
"I've got the hamper, Mama, along with Jack! We'll be in the carriage," announced Allie as the duo flew by on their way to position themselves for the trip.
Even Nathan and the children were dressed up more than usual for a picnic.
Nathan wore his navy slacks with a navy vest and rose-colored pin-striped shirt, with his cuffs folded up between his wrists and elbows. But he topped it off with that luscious hat he had worn when he raced Sergeant against Lucas's motorcycle and won!
The fact of the matter was that Elizabeth was having a tough time taking her eyes off him! And if truth be told, she had had the same problem on that long ago day.
Allie wore one of her new semi-casual, semi-church dresses in a pale rose color, matching her Papa and was looking pretty in her brand new sunglasses she had chosen in Buxton.
Jack, without knowing it, was dressed much like his Papa, in navy slacks and a navy vest but a solid-colored rose shirt.
"Look, Allie, we match!"
"We sort of do, Jack! Now, that's pretty neat when we didn't even plan it!"
"I think we look really good, Allie!"
"I think you're right – pretty perfect for our fancy carriage ride!"
With both kids scrambling for their favorite spots in the carriage, Nathan saw his opportunity and firmly took it, kissing Elizabeth with abandon while running his long fingers through the new, freer, and looser hairstyle Rosemary had given her.
Somewhere in the distance, they heard words coming from their children, yet what they were, they couldn't have told you had their lives depended on it.
"Allie, Aliie! Scout's coming too! Scout's coming with us!"
Jack was right, which, of course, Allie knew but had kept as a surprise for the little guy, knowing he would be thrilled!
Back on the back seat floorboard lay Scout, ready to make this important trip with his family.
"I love you, Scout, great big lots!" called Jack, so thrilled at this new development!"
But back inside the rowhouse, there were more words of love.
"Yum, you taste good! And that scent of lilacs and vanilla gets me every single time! I also like the looser hair, as it's perfect for play!"
"My, are we playing tonight, Chief Inspector?"
"Maybe!" he raised his eyebrows. "You never know what might happen on a special night like this, Beautiful!"
She chuckled.
"Too bad the children will be in attendance."
"Not even a problem! I'm keeping them extremely busy. Very busy, in fact!" he winked.
"Hmph! Sounds interesting. Might even work, at least in theory, perhaps!"
"You just wait! You'll see! We have beautiful weather for our trek and though it looks like I had to agree to a caravan group of three carriages, including two security carriages as escorts under Bill's capably discretionary leadership, it was the best I could do. So, I'm going with it!"
Elizabeth laughed.
"Hey, at least I convinced Bill to make them spread out somewhat!" he countered.
"Explain to me again how we are getting a carriage to Rose Valley?"
"I found a back way! You'll see! Ready?" he winked.
She was having great difficulty reading him tonight, though he was sure happy.
And she was very thankful for that, given all he had been through this week, all they had been through!
Still, she was as excited as could be returning to the place he had named after Allie and her, the location of their very first date! Plus, she had to admit, the idea of a fancy carriage ride in the moonlight was rather romantic, not that just about anything she did with him wasn't!
"Oh, Nathan, I almost forgot my camera!"
"Here, let me carry it for you!"
He swung the leather strap over his shoulder.
Nathan then excitedly helped Elizabeth out of her rowhouse while turning off the lights and locking the door behind her...
Then, the new Chief Inspector walked the woman he loved to their carriage, lifted her up into the seat beside where he would soon be sitting, and handed her camera up to her for safekeeping.
"Really beautiful carriage, Nathan! And all the wildflowers are absolutely stunning!"
"That they are. The carriage is quite comfortable, too! You'll see. I took it for a test run! And if you love it, it's ours!"
"Seriously?"
"Seriously, but if not, then we'll simply go carriage shopping together in Union City, as this is the very best Buxton offers, my Dear!"
She giggled.
"But the wildflowers," he reminded. "Those are to make up for the ones Scout ruined the first time around, Love!"
"They are positively lovely, Darling," then Elizabeth turned to thank their children. "Allie and Jack, the carriage couldn't possibly look more beautiful with your gorgeous wildflowers decorating it!"
"They're for you, Mama, from Papa!" shared Jack proudly.
"That's right, Jack! You and Allie did a beautiful job, and I appreciate you gathering them very much!" grinned Nathan. "Then the three of us had such fun decorating the carriage. Thank goodness, they're firmly fixed, so Scout can't ruin them this time!"
"That was fun, Papa! Mama, I can't wait to see Rose Valley! Especially since it's our namesake! Is it really beautiful?"
"So very beautiful, Allie! I can't wait to hear what you think! Oh, and there are roses there in every color – even the exact color of your dress and Jack's shirt!"
"I'm just happy we're going in a fancy carriage. This is really, really great! Just wait till I tell the girls all about this!"
Allie and Jack laughed and sang in the back seat of the carriage the entire way there, with Scout sometimes howling along, while a serenely contented Elizabeth simply sat next to Nathan, holding on to his arm, watching the various shades of light dance across his handsome and rugged face.
His hat brim was pulled rakishly down to shade his beautiful eyes, pretty much slaying her the entire trip.
And then there was that crooked grin, reflecting his own contentment that flashed again and again.
While, just like her daughter, her own beautiful eyes were shaded by her gifted sunglasses.
But for all four, these little heavenly moments of being together and all the wonderful feelings that incurred were the real treasures of life…
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97. "Paninis," "Italian Panini Pressed Sandwiches," Though Paninis did not become popular in the US till 1960, there are many references to them in Italian history as early as the 1600s. Before the late 1900s, their recipes weren't found in cookbooks but were simply passed down verbally from family member to family member. Public Domain.
98. "Italian Crème Sodas," "Italian Cream Sodas," An Italian soft drink made from carbonated water and flavored syrup. Started by Torani, a US Syrup company in the early 1900s. Although the recipe came from Lucca, Italy, the drink was developed for merchandising in San Francisco, US. Public Domain.