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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Forty-five
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Saying Goodbye
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"Elizabeth, I'm so sorry I have to leave so early in the morning!"
"Is all this because Lucas is making you, Nathan?"
"No, Babe, the DC set Lucas quite straight in that regard. There is no more interference in Mountie Business, and none of us answer to him. Hal also let him know he had to accept a private security team instead of relying on the local Mountie Office as they aren't staffed nor trained for that sort of operation. So, to answer your question, no, Lucas is not my boss as he once thought he was."
Nathan paused, knowing what Elizabeth's next question was going to be.
So, instead, he jumped in and answered it without her having to verbalize the question.
"But Lizbeth, for all our sakes and because it is the right thing to do, I am trying to be a friend to Lucas, and I did give him advice along with my word that I would help with Jeanette's situation. The irony is now, with this new job, that case is mine anyway. Which means I have to interview her, and it's critical I do that before we leave for our Honeymoon, given the shooting and arrest of last Friday night, which is pretty much all I can explain about that."
"We're having a Honeymoon?"
They were sitting on his sofa at his rowhouse.
He lifted her chin, lovingly cupped in the cradle of his long fingers.
"Yes, my Darling, you and I together are having a glorious Honeymoon!"
"But I thought you would be too busy, given the new job and all."
"Never too busy for you. And there isn't a job in the world that I would choose over a Honeymoon with my new wife!"
"And we're actually going somewhere?"
He grinned.
"Somewhere very special!"
"For how long?"
"For two very long private weeks if you can stand me that long."
"Oh, Nathan, that's so, so wonderful! Stand you? I won't ever want to come home! Do I get a hint as to where?"
"Think private beaches and a very secure, beautiful private island!"
"Really? But what about your Security?"
"I'm afraid they have to go with us, but they won't be intrusive. And when you think about it, what could be safer or more private than a 'private island!'"
She giggled.
"But, how…"
"Darling, I want to keep the location somewhat of a surprise for my Bride. But I owe you this much. Because if you don't love the idea, I'll come up with something else, entirely different! Do you realize your father owns a private island?"
"No! I mean, he talked about it once a long time ago, but then I moved here, and it just never came up again."
"So, you don't even know where it's located?"
"No, I don't. Is that where we're going?"
"Only if you want. Your father offered, and given our current situation with classified security, I honestly didn't feel like I could turn it down, that is, if you're okay with it. I made it clear we would have to discuss the matter first and be in complete agreement. Are you upset?"
"Upset? Darling, I can't believe that this is even an opportunity, and I am thrilled my father would offer it to you! Especially without having even met you!"
"Well, he did, though I'm sure he did it for you, Darling! And with zero strings attached! Well, maybe one."
"And that is?"
"I told William I needed to discuss all of this with you prior to accepting. The fact is the island is being left in your father's will to Lionel, Viola, you, and Julie. His only string was that when we marry, I allow him to add my name. Elizabeth, I don't care about owning an island. That's your birthright, not mine. But I checked with Bill, and he says I can't legally preclude him from adding my name anyway. So technically, the string your father requested isn't really a string at all."
"I sort of love that!"
"And one other thing, in order to preclude anyone linking his name with the island, your father used a combination of William and Lionel's last name as his own, which doesn't give Lionel any additional legal right to the island, but it does give your father privacy as it relates to ownership."
"So, the island is listed as being owned by William Etherington!"
"That's the faux name, Love!"
"Do you realize you have gotten Father to share more about his business, finances, and will with you than he ever has with me?"
"If that's true, that makes me sad. I want your family to be close to us, Elizabeth, just like I want my family to be close to us. I don't know any other way than to be respectful to your parents, as I am trying my best to be to mine, even given my awful past with my father. Can you understand why it's so important to me not to disrupt your relationship with your parents, given what I've experienced? I just do not want to be a stumbling block in any way between the three of you."
"I do understand, and I love you for it, Nathan," she grazed her hand along the line of cheek, jaw, and chin. "Jack was a lot younger and not as mature about the matter, and I'm afraid it made for a lot of tension. I don't wish to ever experience that again. So, I greatly appreciate your stance. I suppose, though, that means we'll be going East to Hamilton for our Honeymoon?"
He smiled.
"No, my Love, if you agree for us to accept your father's generous offer, we will be traveling west to the Pacific!"
She gave a little shrill squeal of delight.
"That sounds so perfect! Absolutely perfect, Darling! It's just that I didn't want our Honeymoon to be close to Hamilton. We can visit there for a holiday, but I want our Honeymoon to be just about you and me!"
"And a team of classified security?" he teased.
"Of course," she teased back. "Isn't that the fondest dream of every Bride?"
Nathan chuckled as she laughed and laid her head on his shoulder.
"Back to our Wedding, Love," he whispered. "What do you need help with before I leave in the morning."
"Really, there's just one thing I need you to think about. Well, maybe two. First, we need to know if you wish to wear a Tux or your new Dress Uniform."
"Which do you prefer?"
"At first, I wanted you in a Tux because your uniform was so similar to Jack's. But now that you are the Chief Inspector, your uniform is so beautiful and so different from what Jack had. I think I would love for you to wear your new dress uniform. That navy will set off those blue eyes of yours like no other color in the world! And, if it's alright with you, I would like Jack to wear a uniform as well. If we can locate one that is!"
"Consider it done. Dress Uniform for me, it is, and I will see that Jack has one as well. I'll even try to get his to match mine if you like."
"Oh, Nathan, Jack would be thrilled to be dressed just like his Papa! Besides, father and son dressed alike would be the sweetest thing ever!"
"You know, the uniform thing works out great because Bill can wear his old dress uniform, and Gabe will already have his dress uniform that he can wear! We can even use my team as an Honor Guard with a saber arch if you like, as it is tradition!"
"Oh, Nathan, that would be wonderful!"
"I'll take care of all that as well!"
"But don't forget, since Julie will be coming, you'll need one more attendant!" reminded Elizabeth.
"Not a problem, Love. I have lots of options. To be honest, too many! It's just that I don't want to hurt any feelings. But I'll figure something out!"
"Is there a problem?"
"Not a problem, really. I just don't know what the protocol is for this. Today in one of my many phone conversations with Christian, he came right out and said Hal and Emily are expecting to be here for our Wedding. Do you think he was hinting that I should ask Hal to stand by me? I do know that the highest-ranked official stands by the Groom."
"Sounds like you have your answer, Darling! If Hal is going to be here anyway, I think he might be hurt if you didn't include him."
"Then, I'll ask him tomorrow if I can get to a phone, that is, between stops."
"I honestly believe it's the right thing to do. He clearly thinks the world of you!"
"And I already think the world of him, Lizbeth. Imagine how appreciative I am to go from Hargreaves' hateful attitude to Hal's supportive one. It's just a day and night difference. And I, for one, am so grateful to be coming out from the darkness of the night into the light of the day! It's just so liberating to know you can pick up the phone and immediately have a brilliant mind on the other end who is there solely to support you and your endeavors."
"I'm so thankful you have that now. And yes, Hal is definitely your third attendant, no matter if he does stand as number one!"
"You are so wise and totally correct in this instance! It's already on my list!"
"The second thing is our Wedding music. Do you have any preferences? As in hymns or favorite music?"
"As long as it's beautiful and light, I'm happy. Can I think about it on the Train?"
"That would be great! And I think that's it! By having it in Rose Valley, I don't even have to worry about flowers except for bouquets since our beautiful garden is already there! Oh, I knew there was one other thing! I would like the carriages to be similar to the one we used Sunday night if that's possible."
"Just a second!" and he went quickly to his desk.
"Here is the carriage dealer information that I used in Buxton, and here is the carriage dealer in Union City that I had planned to check with for our wedding, as I just thought they might have a larger selection. If it can wait until I get back from Capital City, I can take care of it, then."
"No, Baby, you'll have your hands full with work when you get back. Lee offered to take care of it for us while you're gone, but this will really help him to have the numbers and options! Are you packed yet?"
"I am. I just have to throw in a few toiletries just before I leave. I'll be in uniform most, if not all, of the time. So there really wasn't that much to do!"
"You know, it might be a good idea to let me buy duplicates of what you have and just keep a bag fully packed, so you don't have to think about packing!"
"Could you! That is actually brilliant! Especially since I detest packing. The way I've been doing it just feels so inefficient and time-consuming. But your idea is as efficient and as time-saving as it gets!"
"Can you let me take a peak in your bag so I'll know what to get?"
"Absolutely! Believe it or not, there's a list inside my medicine cabinet!"
"I should have known. You are the most organized person I've ever seen, and I am afraid I'm really not!"
He chuckled.
"Then maybe you can loosen me up and make me more easy-go-lucky while I get you a little more organized!"
"It's a lifetime date!"
"Now that's the best thing I've heard all night!"
He kissed her by teasing her lips and making her giggle, while she did the same back until both gave up, which didn't take long and fully surrendered their lips to the other!
"Are you just naturally the best kisser in the world, or is it just that you've had lots of practice," she teased, though seriously so.
His lop-sided grin spread across his face as his eyes twinkled.
"Now, I can't tell all my secrets, can I?"
She laughed and shook her head, puzzling him further.
"Are you complaining, Love?"
"Complaining? That word is not even in my vocabulary, Nathan Grant! Not where our kissing is concerned. I'd say you've got that art down to a fine science, and somehow, you always manage to surprise me with something new!"
She paused a second as though she were in deep thought.
"Let's just put it this way. You are so gifted, shall we say, that when Rosemary threatens me wanting to know everything about it, I don't have the heart to tell her because I don't think she would ever be satisfied again! Not to make Lee look bad or anything. But they do have their own unique style, as I guess most couples do!"
"What is our style," he asked, eyebrows raised, eyes still twinkling.
"Oh, my word! Other-worldly!"
He chuckled.
"Good, then I must be doing something right."
"She tugged his shirt collar and pulled him to her.
"You, Nathan Grant, just keep doing exactly what you are doing. Because you, my Dearest Love, are doing every big and little thing just right!"
And with that most flirtatious comment, they couldn't help themselves from doing a bit of experimentation.
Whether it was romance, play, serious business, a combination, or all of the above, with these two, their kisses were always new, innovative, and ever so delicious. It was this incredible gift that never stopped giving and always left them wanting more!
But however reluctant both were, due to their limited time together before Nathan had to leave for Capital City, they also had to get back to the business at hand.
"Oh, Darling! One more Wedding question since my parents are coming. Will filet and lobster be okay to serve for our Wedding menu?"
"That's a little fancy, but I actually love both, so I say perfect!"
"Oh, Nathan, that's such a relief! So far, that's the only demand Mother has made!"
"Then there is no question, my Love. It's a win-win!"
"Oh, don't worry. I am sure there will be more! And Father wants to select the wines and champagnes. Is that okay?"
"I say that's perfect, as I'm sure he will have much better taste in that department than me!"
"I doubt that, but I am glad you don't mind! Because that will please him to no end and make him feel included. There is one other thing, though," she hesitated. "He wants to pay for everything."
Nathan was silent.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, Love! Just thinking. I had planned to pay for it, and I don't mind doing that at all. I have put plenty back for it, so that's not a problem. I don't know, I was just trying to put myself in your father's shoes as to how I would feel if it were Allie getting married. Heaven forbid the thought! The truth is I would want to pay for her wedding. So, I guess I sort of understand him wanting to pay for yours. I mean, the money is still yours either way, whether we use it to pay for our Wedding, or you decide you want to use it on all new furniture for this place so it feels more like your home, or if you want to wait and splurge on the best furniture out there for the new house when we move. How do you feel about it? It's really up to you, Love!"
"I love you for being so understanding! I say we let him pay. Father loves being able to do that. And I know it will make him happy by making him feel like he's hosting the entire thing. And the truth is, he's a really great host, and Mother is the best hostess out there, bar none! So, in that respect, they make a great team!"
"Sounds like you have your answer, Darling!"
"I really do love you, Nathan Grant! I can't believe how easy this is with you!'
"And I really do love you, Elizabeth, almost-Grant! Maybe that's why it's so easy!"
She giggled.
"I love the sound of my new name without that almost!"
Nathan chuckled.
"I do too, Babe!"
They held each other for a few moments in silence.
"Lizbeth, do you have any questions regarding the classified security that will be covering you and the kids while I'm gone?"
"No, I think I pretty much understand it now that you've explained everything to me. And if something different comes up, I know to go through Bill."
"Oh, I had these made for you."
"What's this?"
"Keys to our car, well, eventually my car because when I get back, we are getting you a brand new one since I will have to use the one Hal brought me quite a bit for work. And I don't want to leave you without one!"
"Nathan! Are you serious? I get a car? Of my own?"
"Absolutely serious. And you get to choose whatever you want, as long as it has all the latest safety features known to mankind! That's my only stipulation because I want my wife safe!"
'"Uhm! I love the sound of that! You just said, 'My wife!"
"I did, didn't I? I can't wait you know, Elizabeth Rose?"
She stretched to kiss him once more.
"I can't stand the thought of you not being here. I truly can't. What's this?"
"Your second new key. This one goes to your new home!"
"Nathan!"
"I'm serious, Elizabeth. Why don't you and Jack stay here while I'm gone and get used to the place? If you'd like to paint, change things around, or even get Jack's room ready, this would be a great time to do all that. A fresh coat of paint in the shade you like best would do wonders for the place, especially along with Allie's new redecorating. Really, I just want you to do whatever you want to do to make our home feel like yours."
"You really mean that, don't you?"
"I really do. That's why I got the key. I thought it might be nice to keep you and Allie busy while I'm gone and then you won't have to worry about any of that stuff as it gets closer to our Wedding. Plus, then everything would pretty much already be done when we get back from our Honeymoon! Which will be close to the time for school to start. And I know how busy you get with all that."
"Those are all really wonderful points! And spot on, too!"
"Even my bedroom, which will be our bedroom soon, make it yours. Move in whatever you want, and fix it however you like! Furniture, art, it doesn't matter. I want it to say us, not just me."
"Hmm! It might help to sleep in your bed while you're gone, too. The other night, when I slept there, that was the best night of rest I've had for years!"
He shifted, wrapping his arms completely around her, totaling enveloping her in his arms like a cocoon.
"Then that's a no-brainer. Besides, I kind of like the idea of you sleeping in my bed while I'm gone!"
"Perfect! That's exactly what I'll do because I know I will miss you so much, Love!"
"Me too! I'm going to be traveling as much as possible at night so I can get home quicker to you."
"Please do, Nathan! I wish I could go with you so much."
"I do, too, so very much! Next time, for sure! Bill would have been happy to chaperone this time around, but I needed him here to oversee my team since they're so new."
"I totally get that!"
"Next time, we won't need a chaperone, my Love!" he grinned. "And I, for one, am counting the days!"
"No, we will not, my Darling! Oh, did I tell you Rosemary had an absolute fit over my ring!"
"So it's passed the Rosemary Coulter standard?"
"It surpassed the Rosemary Coulter standard! She went on and on, and I think she was really jealous when I told her the story behind it!"
"I'm so glad you are so pleased with it. You know, I was a bit worried."
"Nathan? How could you? I mean, it's just…perfect!"
"Well, you did have an awfully large diamond on your hand once upon a time. I had no way of knowing how this one compared or what you thought of the other one. Not that I was trying to match or outdo it; that wasn't even a thought. But I didn't want you to be disappointed in the slightest, either. Yet, there was so much sentimental value with this one that even though I considered buying you something new, I kept coming back to what I already had. The truth is I shopped a little but didn't see anything that began to compare. I think I just fell in love with this one for you. And now we know why!"
"Exactly! And not that it matters, but for the record, my dear fiancé, this is by far the largest diamond that's ever been on my hand."
He smiled with a look of pure love, no competition, just love, with maybe just the tiniest bit of relief.
"I suppose that's good to know. But the truth is, I just love you more than I can say and want you as happy as you can possibly be, especially with this ring that you will be wearing day in and day out. It's an important symbol, and it was super important to me that I got it just right!"
"Oh, Darling, you more than got this right! I am so deliriously happy as long as I'm with you, my Love! And my ring? It's ever so perfect, exactly the way it is. I wouldn't change a single thing about it, even if I could."
"I miss you desperately already, Lizbeth! And the children."
"Here, Nathan, maybe these will help! This is a photo of the three of us in a tiny silver frame for your travel compartment and hotel room in case you need one. And these three individual ones are for your wallet to keep us close in heart!"
"You and the children are always in my heart, but I can't tell you how much these mean to me. I may be away, but now I'll be surrounded by your love and the children's love. What more can a man ask?"
"Listen to me, Love! I don't want you worrying about the three of us. I want you to be alert and sharp so you can get your job done and come home to us more quickly. You hear me?"
"Loud and clear, my Love!"
"Be safe, my Darling! And for the record, I've already missed you desperately all day long, just at the thought of you being away. So, thank you for loaning me your home, your brand-new car, and most of all, your comfy bed, which seems to be the only place I can relax and rest!"
"Our home, our brand-new car, and most of all our comfy bed, my Darling Lizbeth, which I can't wait to lay in with you each and every single beautiful night, after beautiful night, after beautiful night…"