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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Fifty-four
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Saturday Surprises:
Dinner & Surprise Guests
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Part IV
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"Are you hungry, Love?" asked Elizabeth. "I think they should be ready to take our orders now."
"Very! There was no time for lunch, so I was extra thankful for your huge breakfast this morning!"
"Nathan!" she turned back from starting to lead him into their private dining room to eat with Lee and Rosemary. "Feel what you need to feel. But things will get easier. I promise."
"With you beside me, they already are, Babe!"
As they walked into their private dining room to join the Coulters, Lee was waiting alone, with Rosemary nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Rosemary," asked Elizabeth.
"She's gone to check on Goldie! But good grief, I'm about ready to go after her. She's been gone for some time now!"
"Want me to go check the Ladies' Room?"
"Do you mind, Elizabeth?"
"Of course not!"
"Wait, Lizbeth, I'm coming with," insisted Nathan.
But at that moment, a bright and sunny rosemary appeared.
"So sorry that took so long, but Mollie was telling me all the things our brilliant little daughter has done, then Goldie had to talk to her Mama and tell me her version of everything! Oh, and then Florence! I honestly don't think Mollie and Florence are giving her back to us, Lee!"
"Don't worry," quipped Nathan. "The law is firmly on your side!"
"Thank goodness! Rosie, our daughter's brilliant, I will give you that! But her vocabulary is a total of 8 words, if even!"
"Pfft, Lee! A mother knows how to fill in the blanks! Nathan, you look like something the cat dragged in! Whatever's wrong?"
"Rather difficult day, Rosemary. Though I was attempting to hide that, as I want the four of us to enjoy our special dinner. Besides, just sharing what little I could with Elizabeth has helped. So, I'll be fine!"
"Anything we can help with?"
"Is that my Valley Voice Editor speaking or my friend?"
"Your friend, Nathan, of course, who happens to be the daughter of a Mountie, so I'm aware of a whole lot more than you think I am."
"I can only say this: a difficult interrogation with a particularly awful history, some would even say macabre. After going through that sordid mess, I had to assign two men to prison, who will probably never see the light of day again in their lifetimes! But having said all that, I am now with the woman I love more than life itself and friends who are very dear to me. How can we not have a wonderful dinner?"
"So sorry, Nathan. I can only imagine how difficult that is," admitted Lee.
"Yes, it is," agreed Rosemary. "But think of it this way, too: you have successfully removed two criminals from harming anyone else, and that is something to be celebrated!"
Nathan nodded.
"Thank you, both, as your words do help. Now, what are we eating…"
Back at the Café in Hope Valley, Minnie herself served Angela's and Peyton's food.
Though she couldn't resist adding a personal question.
"I love you both dearly, but is there something going on here that I don't know about and should?"
That was when Joseph walked up beside her, clearing his throat and kindly interrupting while placing his arm around his wife's waist, attempting to comfort her.
"Minnie, Angela, and Peyton are getting to know each other as friends, and I, for one, am delighted! They are the same age, and their mothers are dearest friends. Why in the world would they not?"
Minnie sighed.
"Of course, you're right, Joseph. Welcome, Peyton, and I'm thrilled you are here in Hope Valley! I really am…"
"Mrs. Canfield, you have every right to ask. But your husband is correct. We are just getting to know each other and sharing an impromptu celebration of a baseball win. Believe me, when I ask Angela for a real date, I'll be asking permission from both you and your husband first!"
"Well, that…that's very reassuring," answered Minnie, still somewhat nervous.
"We couldn't possibly ask for more than that, Peyton! You two enjoy your food and conversation!"
"Yes, Sir!"
"Thank you, Papa, Mama!"
Minnie reached and touched her daughter's hand, gripping it to show her she was sorry for jumping to conclusions and thinking the two of them were on a date without asking them.
"Thank you, Peyton!"
Angela listened, counting her parents' steps before she spoke, making sure they couldn't hear her.
"You want to date me, Peyton?"
"Very much so! I just didn't know how to go about it, but now I do! Angela, would you like that?"
"Very much so, too, Peyton!"
"Good! Do you need me to help with your food?"
"Food, I can manage fine, Peyton, but thank you for being so considerate to ask!"
"You're going to have to teach me when you need help from me and when you need me to mind my own business," he winked.
"Well, I felt that beautiful wink of yours, so I think we're doing just fine!"
"I do, too, Angela. Very fine, indeed…"
At the table next to Angela and Peyton, Allie was ready to hush her little brother up.
So much so that when one of the guys asked her if she had a boyfriend, Jack volunteered an answer, which caused Allie to place her hand over her little brother's mouth mid-sentence!
Alex was listening a little too closely for Jack's words, whatever they might have been, to escape!
"Jack, some things are private!"
"Sorry, Allie! It's just that everyone loves you! But me most of all!"
"Aw, that's sweet, Jack, and the feeling is mutual!"
"What does that mean," the Little Guy asked most sincerely, which brought chuckles from the guys at the table.
"That means I love you too, Jack, very much!"
"Good!" and suddenly he was all happy again.
"You're a lucky guy, Jack!" grinned Alex, meaning every single word, verified by a wink to Allie, which Jack clearly caught, and Allie was sure he would announce to her Mama and Papa the moment they walked into the house from Union City.
This Little Brother tagging along thing was getting a little tricky.
At least Alex had sat next to her and was conversing with her more than the guys.
But was that really a contest? Or proof of anything? Or just wishful thinking?
What was it about this guy that irked her into oblivion at certain times yet, at other times, made her feel all fuzzy, queasy, and warm inside?
And why could she not get him off her mind? Not even when she woke up in the middle of the night!
Sure, he was a Sergeant in the Mounties, extremely bright and mannerly, and let's face it, he was the classic dark, tall, muscular, and handsome dreamboat that looked great in his uniform, but even that had never phased her before. Why, her own Papa had all that going for him, too! Come to think of it, Alex was very much like her Papa, and in lots of ways, which totally threw her!
'Allison Rose Grant, get a grip,' ordered Allie silently to herself.
But that was when Alex's hand accidentally and innocently brushed against Allie's hand, which Jack also saw and wasn't at all sure he liked.
Evan and Michael, their Security Guards for the day, were even cracking up over poor Allie's dilemma with her very observant and vocal little brother at the next table.
All Allie could do was blush floridly as electricity tinglingly shot throughout her entire body, with Alex obviously experiencing the exact same sensation as caught by their very nervous yet shared glance.
"Allie, why is your face so red?" asked Jack innocently as his sister gave him a look that could kill.
"That does it, Jack! We're going home!"
As she gathered Jack and his things, she gave their regrets to everyone gathered at their table.
"I think it's past time for Jack's nap! But thanks, everyone, for including us in your celebration. Nice getting to know you all, and congratulations again! Look forward to next time!"
'If there ever is a next time,' thought Allie morosely to herself.
That was when the Judge came rushing into the Café, straight to his niece and nephew, slash grandchildren.
"Allie, we've got a problem!"
"Tell me about it, Uncle Bill," rolling her eyes at Jack.
"Not that, I mean a real problem. Come quick…"
Back in Union City, inside the private French dining room with the Coulters and soon-to-be Grants, the Maitre D was beginning to share the Chef's special meal he wished to make especially for them.
"If you so choose, Chef DuBoise will begin your dinner with a surprise amuse bouche that has never been done before, followed by his own delectable homemade Sherried French Onion Soup, a recipe like no other you will ever taste. The third course consists of his special Lobster Ravioli with Peppered Alfredo Sauce. Then for our fourth course, we are serving the Chef's own version of Chateaubriand or Filet Mignon Roast, flamed tableside as our Chef's Kiss. The main course will be accompanied by our fifth, sixth, and seventh vegetable courses of Asparagus Souffle, Caramelized Onion Gratin, and Duchess Potatoes. The eighth course will be a Roasted Shrimp Salad on Endive. The ninth course will be our assortment of Cheeses and Charcuterie, followed by everyone's favorite Dessert Course with samplings of all the Classic French Desserts."
"The best of the best Champagne and Wine pairings will also be selected by our Chef to correspond to the various courses."
"My goodness, how in this world can we pass on Chateaubriand?" asked Lee.
"I don't think we can, Lee! A Filet Roast sounds perfect to me. Ladies, what about you two?"
"The same, Darling!" agreed Elizabeth.
"Definitely the same, Dear!" agreed Rosemary.
"Each of you will be delighted with your decision. That, I promise you," assured the smiling Maitre D. "Allow me to get your special starters from our Chef..."
When the Maitre D, who had taken on the job of serving the group of four himself, returned, he was carrying a silver tray holding four silver-domed plates.
"Your amuse bouche is a pair of delectable Deep Fried Deviled Egg Halves heaped with Fresh Crab and topped with a Deep-fried Soft Shell Crab Leg and a second and third Non-Fried Soft Shell Crab Leg, drizzled with a Hand-made Special Hot Honeyed Cocktail Sauce. Please enjoy, with the Chef's Compliments!"
The four looked at each other, attempting to imagine what they were about to taste.
"Oh, my goodness, this is the best thing I've ever put in my mouth," shrieked Rosemary. "How did any Chef dream this up?"
"It's something else, Rosie! I think I could be content with this alone!"
"You know it's a winner when a hungry man can say that, Lee!" winked Nathan.
"Isn't that the truth…"
Back in Hope Valley, Bill rushed Allie and Jack out of the Café so fast that their Security team had to grab boxes for their food, while Bill quickly ordered several desserts to be boxed up for him and the kids to take with them.
"But, Uncle Bill, I don't even know them. Mama hasn't really talked about them that much!"
"Well, to tell you the truth, that's probably for the best, Allie. But is your rowhouse at least straightened up?"
"Of course it is! I never leave it without making sure things are picked up and where they should be! Dad doesn't ever like it to be messy. You know that, since you're a Mountie too!"
"Well, thank heavens for that! And yes, I'm a Mountie, but I'm afraid I didn't get the neat freak gene like your Papa did! Hey, I guess we ought to go and put some coffee on, then set out whatever we need to serve Minnie's desserts on later."
"Uncle Bill, if there's coffee to be had, I'll fix that! But Jack needs his nap."
"Well, yeah, you fixin' the coffee is probably a pretty good idea. I've found these city slickers don't have solid enough stomachs to really appreciate my great coffee!"
Allie rolled her eyes.
"When are they coming?"
"After they finish nappin'?"
"Adults nap?" she asked incredulously.
"Well, they're tired from travelin' so far, so I guess, yes!"
"How many people are we entertaining?"
"Three!"
"Three adults?"
"You got it, Kiddo!"
"Let's hurry! I've got to make sure none of our flowers have died. Thank goodness I kept Scout outside for the ballgame!"
"You can say that again! Hurry up, Jackaroo! We've gotta walk a little faster…"
Upon eating their second course of Sherried French Onion Soup, everyone was raving with each spoonful.
"I have something I've been wanting to discuss with the three of you, but we've all been so busy that I haven't even gotten to discuss it with Elizabeth yet, either. However, I do know that this is hard for all three of you, plus Jack, as Elizabeth and Jack are moving into our place instead of the other way around."
"But in Nathan's defense, he was willing to do it either way," interjected Elizabeth, not wanting her Groom to shoulder the blame. "I was the one who felt it was best to move into his space."
"Well, how could you not, with the extra bedroom for Jack, plus indoor plumbing? I totally understand your decision and would do the same thing in your shoes. But that doesn't make me miss you any less! I mean, this is going to be really hard, Elizabeth," declared Rosemary emphatically.
"I know it is Rosemary, for both you and Elizabeth," agreed Nathan. "But I have an idea that may lessen that some. Just hear me out, and I'll explain everything I know."
"Color me intrigued, Nathan!"
"It's a proposition among friends," smiled Nathan. "Four friends who I hope will be lifelong friends through thick and thin together."
"Absolutely," agreed Lee. "Through thick and thin, we are a foursome!"
"Several years ago, when I first blurted out my feelings to Elizabeth, I had been looking over some of Bill's acreage to buy, and I found several properties I loved that I asked him to give me first refusal on. What I would like to do is show Elizabeth those properties and let her choose one for us to build on. Then, I would like to transfer my first refusal on the others to the two of you so that together, we could hopefully select something either next door to each other or across the street from each other! I just can't see us both living in Hope Valley and not being long-term neighbors!"
Then, to reassure them, Nathan added the following information to help them decide.
"Also, I know you are going to be pleased with Bill's land, whatever you decide on. Because I've scoped out all the surrounding land, and none in the entire area measures up to what Bill has, and that's just a fact!"
"Oh, Nathan! You mean we get to build a house?" asked Elizabeth, as excited and stunned as could be.
"Absolutely, Darling! Anything you want, anywhere you want it!"
Elizabeth stretched up to kiss him.
"That is the most wonderful gift and idea ever!"
"It's perfect," agreed Lee. "For all of us!"
"Oh, Lee, we really do need to start thinking about a house with a big yard for Goldie to play in with all her friends. And nothing would make me happier than to build a great big fancy house next door to Nathan and Elizabeth! Can we please, please, please?"
"I don't see why not! Though, Rosie, we might have to cut back a bit on your elite version of fancy. But I absolutely love the idea of building a really nice home for Goldie. Well, I mean the three of us. How soon are we talking about, Nathan?"
"As far as when I think we purchase and secure the land we want from Bill immediately. Then I'll have to defer to you, Lee, regarding the actual building, though I was assuming you'd probably want to wait till spring?"
"Maybe, but you know what, maybe not! If we had two houses to work on at the same time, I could afford to bring in a team or even two teams of extra men to do nothing but build them nonstop, perhaps even to finish this fall before our rough winter weather hits."
"That would be even better as far as I'm concerned," agreed Nathan. "If Elizabeth is willing, I am willing to help draw up the plans she wants and pay for it as soon as possible."
"I feel the same. Rosie, are you in?" asked Lee.
"Lee, I am so in that I have never been so excited about any project we've ever collaborated on! Except for our precious Goldie, of course!"
Elizabeth giggled while the men chuckled.
"Just think, Darling, we might even get to have our first family Christmas together in our new home!" mused Elizabeth wistfully.
Both Lee and Rosie couldn't help but notice the profound look of love shared between Nathan and Elizabeth, with both couples smiling brilliantly while thinking the same thing and knowing without any doubt that there would soon be new siblings joining the current duo of Grant children…
Back at the Grant rowhouse, Allie and her Uncle Bill did their best to get Jack to take a nap, but he was having none of that, sensing excitement in the air.
Allie had spiffed up the flowers and thrown away those that seemed the slightest bit wilted; she had also put some coffee on along with a kettle of water for tea, then set the table with coffee and teacups, as well as dessert plates, silverware, and the good monogrammed linen napkins.
"Do I look alright, Uncle Bill, or should I change?"
"That's a new dress, isn't it?"
She nodded.
"Allie, you look beautiful just the way you are. Now, all we have to do is relax."
Allie glanced over at Jack, and since he was playing on the floor with his carved Mounties and the latest additions of Mountie and horse from Capital City, she felt more comfortable talking to her Uncle Bill.
"Uncle Bill, I don't even know them. What if they don't like me?"
"Not like you? Hmph! That's impossible, Allie. Look at the rough start you and I had, and it took me all of two feisty minutes to fall in love with you! Pfft! Forget that! They're gonna love you!"
"I don't know, Uncle Bill!"
"Well, I do know. Though I'm warnin' you, your Mama's likely to blow a gasket when she gets back from Union City. She's not much of one for surprises, at least not ones like this!"
"Can you tell me about them?"
There was a loud knock on the door.
"Wealthy, but better yet, Little Mountie, I can introduce you to 'em! Just be yourself! You hear?"
She nodded nervously.
"I guess I'd better go to the door and welcome them!"
"I'm right behind you, Allie Girl! We're in this together!"
"Jack, you'd better come to the door with me and welcome our guests, okay?" prompted his sister.
"Okay, Allie! I'm coming!"
Jack ran but stood back with his Uncle Bill, leaving Allie to open the door with a great big smile.
"Hello, I'm Allie Grant, and welcome to the Grant rowhouse!"
"And I'm William Thatcher, Young Lady, your Grandpapa, and this is my wife, Grace, your Nana, and my daughter, Julie, your Auntie Julie!"
"It's so nice to meet you all! Please come in and make yourself comfortable. I hope you had a nice trip traveling here, Grandpapa."
"That we did, Child, though it's a bit longer than we remembered, or perhaps that's just because we're getting a bit older," he chuckled.
Allie grinned. She couldn't help but like him! How could she not?
As each one entered, Allie reached up and hugged them, welcoming them in a warm embrace.
"It's so nice to meet Mama's father, mother, and sister! We're so happy you're here, aren't we, Jack? You'll want to give everyone big hugs as we are all family, Jack, and we're so blessed they came to see us!"
Though Jack was suddenly a little shy, he did as his older sister had done and gave everyone enthusiastic, albeit shorter, hugs!
"You're beautiful, Allie! It's just lovely to meet you!" smiled Grace, as the child wasn't at all what she had expected. "So tall and thin, and such lovely, refined manners, too!"
"Thank you, Nana! It's very nice to meet you. You're as beautiful as I imagined. I've always wanted a big family, so it's just wonderful to finally get to meet you!"
"Thank you, Dear!" as Grace couldn't remember such a lovely compliment as of late.
"Allie, my sister has told me so much about you through our letters and on the phone that I feel like I already know you!" interjected Julie, holding out her arms wide to also receive a big hug.
"You're as beautiful as Mama, Auntie Julie! I remember seeing you at the pond with your Auntie Agatha. We're so glad you are here to see us. But, before you are seated, would you all like a quick tour of our home? Mama and Jack are still living in their rowhouse until Mama and Papa marry this weekend. But since Papa had to be gone on a business trip last week to Capital City, Mama and I did a lot to prepare things for after the Wedding. So, some of Mama and Jack's things are here as well until we can build a much larger house, that is!"
"Well, that sounds lovely. And I'm very glad you are thinking ahead as a family. But I must admit, this is quite lovely as well. Who is the painter of the family? This art is quite extraordinary," observed Grace.
"I paint as well, but these are all my birth Mama's paintings. She was a very gifted artist, and I hope someday I can just paint half as well as she did. Her paintings are so alive with color. They just make you feel better looking at them! Papa says she always painted with an impressionistic flair, and a lot of it was due to mixing her paints differently and using a different brush technique than most used."
"Does your father enjoy art?" asked a surprised Grace.
"Oh, yes, Ma'am. He especially loves Vincent Van Gogh's Iris paintings! But he loves to study a lot of different artists too. He loves Mama's paintings, but I don't think they had the same taste in artists, at least not favorite ones." (*129) (*130)
Grace chuckled, pleased to see that her new son-in-law-to-be did indeed appreciate art.
"Well, I am an artist as well," interjected Julie, and I can tell you these are very, very special, Allie. Extraordinary, really. But I also want to see some of your work, too, at some point this week!"
"I'll be happy to share them, Auntie Julie! In fact, I'd love your help. This is our living area, with a study nook for Papa and a separate dining area. We do have indoor plumbing because Papa didn't think it was safe for me to be outside at night, even with him here, so this is our downstairs washroom in the same blue and white colors as our living area. But Mama wanted a cheery, yellow kitchen, so that's what we did, and we both love it! It runs along the back of the house."
"I love it too," nodded Grace to Bill's shock. "It's so bright! Just like having sunlight inside the house!"
"That's exactly it, Nana!"
"Isn't this a lot bigger than Elizabeth's rowhouse, if I'm remembering correctly?" asked William.
"Yes, William," confirmed Bill. "The rooms are larger, and this one also has an extra bedroom!"
"Would you all like to see the upstairs? Mama and Jack decided to move in here after our Wedding so we could each have our own rooms. We have three bedrooms, and her rowhouse only has two, so Jack and I would have been cramped there. But this is perfect for now and gives each of us our own space."
At first, Grace hesitated about climbing the stairs, but then curiosity got the better of her. She wanted to see everything about the house that her daughter would be living in, at least temporarily, until something larger was built.
So, the Thatchers, along with Allie, walked upstairs for the second-floor tour while Jack stayed with his Uncle Bill downstairs.
"The upstairs half washroom is straight ahead at the end of the hall. Jack's bedroom is on the right-hand side at the end, and he wanted to do his room up in Mountie Navy like the jodhpurs Papa wears! Well, like the ones he used to wear, I should say. Now Papa wears dress trousers as part of his new uniform, though still Navy."
"This is adorable," smiled Julie. "Look at those matching pillows!"
"Papa brought those for Jack from his Capital City Trip. He didn't even know Jack was doing his room in navy, but everything matches perfectly. This first room is my room. The furniture was my mother's, but Mama helped me choose new comforters and drapes, which I love!"
"They're beautiful, Allie," approved Grace. "I love your choice of lavender and mint green together! Just beautiful! The colors are very similar to what I had when I was your age! But I also had a little pink thrown in, if I remember correctly!"
"Mother's right! It's beautiful, Allie. And I love that you have a French easel to paint on!"
"Yes, Papa got gifts for Jack and me when he and Mama got engaged. Jack got a baseball bat, glove, and ball, and Papa's going to teach him how to play. He didn't want him going to school without knowing how. And I got this easel along with tons of painting supplies! I think he knew we all felt like celebrating and wanted us to have something special to remember the family's special day by!"
"That's just such a lovely thing to do!" noted Grace, rather shocked that a man would think of such a thing.
She was becoming more and more intrigued with meeting this young man her daughter had fallen in love with.
The truth was that although Grace never often showed her real emotions, she had been deeply concerned that her daughter might never truly love again. This was especially true since what she had learned from Aunt Agatha and Julie about Governor Bouchard had instilled the feeling that his relationship with her daughter had been one of convenience rather than genuine love.
She had also noticed a profound difference in the way Elizabeth had spoken of him compared to her precious beaus. And also, the fact that Elizabeth had shown no excitement regarding their engagement or wedding plans was a huge red flag!
"This is Papa's room, but he told Mama to redo it however she wanted, and so she did! I think it's beautiful. Of course, after this coming weekend, it will be Papa and Mama's master bedroom, and Jack and I can't wait. We both just want to be a real family!"
"Looks like you already are," grinned Julie.
"Pretty much, yes!" smiled Allie back in agreement.
"It's quite beautiful in that I believe I can tell which parts are my daughters, which means the remaining parts must reflect your Papa. Am I right?"
"You are exactly right, Nana! This room really does reflect the both of them better than I could have imagined. But it all works!"
"I agree! It all works beautifully!" winked Allie's Nana.
"I love that it still has some masculinity but is feminine enough, too," grinned William. "Very tastefully done!"
"And that's the tour of the upstairs, as it's really quite small."
"Allie, may I ask you something?" asked Grace.
"The beautiful woman on your Papa's nightstand, who is she?"
"His sister, Nana! My mother. They look a lot alike. Both tall and thin, both with dark hair and blue eyes. You'll see when you meet Papa! If you're ready, we can go downstairs. I have desserts with coffee and tea to serve if you would like some!"
"Now, there's a girl after my own heart. Sweets, Dear Allie, I will never pass up, much to my wife's chagrin!"
"Oh, you!" laughed Grace, knowing she was simply fighting a losing battle with that effort…
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129. "Vincent Van Gogh," a Dutch post-Impressionist painter, is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. He was virtually unknown when he committed suicide in 1890 (in fact, only one article appeared with him as the subject during his lifetime); he did, however, exhibit a few canvases at the Salon des Indépendants in Paris between 1888 and 1890, as well as in Brussels in 1890. After his death, both salons showed small commemorative groups of his work in 1891, and sales began trickling in over the next three years. True commercial success started later in 1895 when the Parisian art dealer, Ambroise Vollard, saw the importance of his work and staged a series of exhibitions that resulted in the sale of approximately 30 of his paintings over the next five years. Born March 30th, 1855, Death July 29th, 1890. Public Domain Information.
130. "The Iris Paintings," paintings by Vincent Van Gogh, May 1889-1890. Public Domain.