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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love
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Chapter Fifty-six
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Saturday & Sunday Surprises:
Family Matters
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Part I
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"I don't understand, Father. What do you mean Nathan is the man you chose for me all those years ago?" asked a confused Elizabeth.
Bill wanted an answer to this one as well since his adopted son, Nathan, had shared nary a word, at least not from William's perspective.
"My dear Elizabeth, you were angry with me for choosing a Mountie to protect you, but you assumed that I had chosen Jack. I had not. And perhaps that's why he and I had so much trouble getting along all those years, though I won't deny his cockiness with me most definitely came into play! A father never likes to hear, 'I'm asking for your daughter's hand in marriage, but I'm marrying her whether you give me your blessing or not!'"
"Yep, that was my Jack," agreed the Judge. "As bull-headed as they came when on a mission, and sorry to say, but you and I both know that you were the mission, Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth looked at Bill helplessly, then turned back to her father.
"Father, are you trying to tell me you chose Nathan to come and protect me when I first came out West?"
"Your mother was distraught, so I first called my good friend Commissioner Doneghy and asked for his best Mountie. He sent me Nathan's dossier, making it clear he was his first choice, along with a handful of others, but because I had limited time and the Commissioner and so many others recommended Nathan so strongly, I didn't even look at any of the other files I was sent. I was told over and over that Nathan was simply the best, the best equestrian, the most honorable, the best marksman they'd ever had, the most trustworthy. So, the Commissioner set up a meeting for me. But before I could travel to meet this stellar Mountie, I was told he had just suffered a death in his family and that because Nathan would be taking on the responsibility of caring for his sister's daughter, he would, therefore, be unable to fill the position."
"Why was fate trying so hard to put us together, even back then, ever so long ago? Nathan only heard last week, for the very first time, that he was slated to come to Coal Valley back then!"
"That had to be very difficult for both of you to hear, Dear!" exclaimed Grace, looking intently at both her daughter and new son-to-be for reactions.
"It was quite shocking, Grace, for the both of us," began Nathan, not knowing that Allie was listening at her door as she returned from the washroom at the end of the hall.
"And though we don't understand why, the fact remains, we have our beautiful children that we wouldn't have had, had things been different. And that is worth everything in this world! Neither one of us can even begin to imagine our lives without Allie and Jack in them, so instead of being devastated over something that didn't happen in the past, we are choosing to move forward into our beautiful new future together, so very grateful that there are the four of us and not just the two of us! I know that we all four love each other all the more because of what each of us went through apart: Allie without her mother, Jack without his father, Elizabeth without her husband, and me without Elizabeth. Because of all that, we will all four just keep loving each other as much as we can each and every single day, honoring and relishing being a real family together!"
His words brought tears to Grace's eyes, as they did to Allie's upstairs because overhearing this, she now knew without any shadow of a doubt whatsoever that she and Jack were just as important, just as critical, and just as loved in this new family of theirs as their Mama and Papa's love for each other. That alone filled her heart with assurance and incredible love while suddenly filling the massive void that had always been there since her mother had died and her birth father had left. This was her family, her real family, the one she had always needed, always wanted, and the one she had always been meant to be a part of!
She and Jack were theirs as surely as if they had been born to their Mama and Papa and maybe even beyond. Because she and Jack were chosen by them with such an infinite and even sacrificial love. But also a most joyful one.
In all of her life, Allie climbed into bed on this night at the tender age of sixteen, cradled like never before by an entire family full of love.
Yes, it had taken her awhile to get here, but no matter the age—it could have just as easily been sixteen days or sixteen months instead of sixteen years—this Grant family of hers was for a lifetime, just as her Papa had promised, and nothing in this world could be sweeter or more grounding.
Because now, just like Angela, Allie knew exactly where she had come from and where she belonged…
Downstairs, Nathan's guests were tired from their long travels.
"Though I hate to break up this evening, we've had a very long few travel days, Son, so Grace and I better start our walk back to the hotel," began William.
"Nonsense, since Julie is planning to stay with Elizabeth, I'll drive Grace and you back to The Queen of Hearts first, then take Bill home, too! And when I get back, I'll drive Elizabeth and Julie home. Since Jack's asleep, Love, why don't you just leave him here for the night! I'll take good care of him."
"That's not at all what I'm worried about! Nathan, you know that Little Guy will climb into bed with you, and you won't get a bit of sleep the whole night through!"
He chuckled.
"I'll manage!"
"But you haven't even rested from your trip, and Jack already interrupted your sleep this morning!"
"I promise I'll be fine, my Love!"
"And we do want to make it for Church to sit with you all in the morning," reminded William. "What time shall we be ready?"
"Why don't we all meet at 9 AM for a leisurely breakfast downstairs at The Queen of Hearts? Then, I'll drive us to Church no later than 10:15 AM, which will allow everyone to say hello before our morning service begins at 10:30 AM. Does that work for everyone?"
"That sounds perfect, Son! Looking forward to it!"
"Bill, can you make it, too?" asked Nathan.
"Would love to!"
"Good, then, that's all settled! And I thought we could all have Sunday lunch together at the Café, does that work Elizabeth?"
"That's perfect. Then, we'll have a late dinner for everyone at one of our houses. I have to show Mother and Father how vastly my cooking has improved!"
William chuckled.
"Lilibet, I seem to remember a few burned scones the last time I ate with you!"
"You're being much too generous, Father. That doesn't begin to include the rest of the meal, which I also managed to burn!"
"Your daughter's actually a very good cook, now, William. I'm the one notorious for burning things!" affirmed Nathan, with a wink toward Elizabeth.
Nathan grabbed Grace's wrap and wrapped her in it, then grabbed Julie's sweater and did the same for her.
"Our nights get a little chilly, so just in case! You two get caught up, and I'll be back to take you home before you know it!"
"And you're sure about Jack staying?" asked Elizabeth, still skittish about Nathan needing his sleep.
"Absolutely, sure. You two need a night of sisters only!"
"We'd love that, Brother! Sounds perfect!" smiled Julie, already delighted with her new brother-in-law…
As they walked outside and William and Grace saw Nathan's car, they couldn't help but be impressed.
"This is one very nice luxury car, Son! Where did you find it?" asked William, admiring the interior detail as he opened the door.
Once everyone was inside, Nathan started the car with a quieter hum than even William was used to, impressing him even further.
"I'm afraid I can't take any of the credit, William. But I do like it very much! Deputy Commissioner Blevins found it in Union City, or rather, Christian, his assistant, did. Apparently, the one they had ordered for me was on an extended backorder. When the Deputy saw this one, he was smitten and drove it to Hope Valley before he interviewed me! Since this one has more safety precautions than the other one they had previously ordered, I believe the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are going to get the exact same model and look into switching the contract to Union City for all the fleet cars! It really does drive like a dream. You'll have to borrow it whenever you need it this week, or if you just want to test drive it while I'm at work, I'll leave you the keys."
"Would love that! Conrad and Hal will be giving Union City a very nice business boost for sure!"
"Yes, it is, Sir! I also want Elizabeth to choose a car for herself and the children when she gets more time to select one. Once school starts, I want to make sure she has transportation in case I have to be gone on business. My only requirement is that whatever she chooses has the same safety package as this one!"
"That's very thoughtful of you. I'm sure she will love having her own vehicle. Hey, Nathan, I've noticed all this Security around us. What is this all about?"
"I was wondering the same thing, Nathan," admitted Grace. "Is there some threat we don't know about?"
"I'll answer that," interjected Bill. "Because Nathan will never brag, but I can and will. His position is now so high up he only answers to Hal and Conrad, as Elizabeth was saying. And though, in many ways, he will be in less field danger at his new higher level, which we're all very grateful for, by the way, you just never know who has a bone to pick, so the top men pretty much always have to have Security with them, even when they travel. Their uniforms and their colleagues salutin' them all over the place sort of announces to everyone they're pretty important!"
"Oh, my! Does that mean Elizabeth and the children require Security, too?" asked Grace, rather alarmed.
"Yes, Grace, I'm afraid it does. My primary focus is that Elizabeth and the children are well-protected at all times, as are the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner's families. They've actually adjusted very well, as the Security teams try to be very respectful and keep their distance while still protecting them in the highest classified manner possible. They are trained as the best. So given that, I am very grateful that they are there for Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack when I can't be!"
"That makes sense, and yes, I believe it makes me feel much better as well!" agreed Grace.
"I concur, Dear! Much better, indeed!"
"Honestly, I feel tons better about the whole thing, too!" admitted Bill.
"Judge, how do you like having my new Son as your Office mate?"
"The truth, William, we've always been in each other's offices," answered the Judge.
"Some more than others, William!" chuckled Nathan.
"Hey, I can't help if old habits die hard! But I'll be the first to admit, I really love us sharin' the same buildin' now, though both of us have been so busy, we haven't been there together at the same time, very much at all!"
"Isn't that the truth! Bill's been helping train my three replacements," explained Nathan. "And that's in addition to all his regular work as the Territorial Judge."
"Well, that it takes three to replace you says a whole lot, Nathan," complimented William.
"You can say that again, William," agreed Bill. "Nathan and I needed help in the worst way. Just thrilled we finally have it..."
Pulling into The Queen of Hearts, Nathan jumped out and opened the car door for Grace as William got out of the back after saying good night to Bill.
"Allow me to escort you both in. I can't tell you what a wonderful surprise you've given us. We're just thrilled to have you here for the entire week!" offered Nathan, his genuine smile shown in the gaslight from the lamp posts.
"You don't know how much it means to us that you feel that way, Son! The world, truly. Everything about what we've seen feels so right, and we couldn't be happier! Nor could we love our new Granddaughter and Son more!"
"The feeling is quite mutual, Sir! Have a great night's rest, and I'm looking forward to seeing you in the morning. Hopefully, the next time you come, there will be enough room for you to stay with us! And no more hotel!"
"That would be lovely, Nathan!" smiled Grace, who held her cheek up for Nathan to kiss good night.
"Good night, Grace, so lovely to have you in our lives! And you, too, William! Elizabeth and I need you both, and so do the children. We're all thrilled you came to share our special time with us!"
"We are, too! Goodnight, Son!"
"Goodnight, Nathan," smiled Grace warmly.
Nathan watched as the Thatchers climbed the hotel stairs, then moved to the front desk, where he motioned for Mike.
"Mike, I know my parents-in-law-to-be can more than afford this, but they are my guests. All bills are to come to me, no matter how much they complain. Understood?"
"Understood, Chief!" winked Mike. "Although, I get the feeling you are probably putting me in a precarious position here!"
"Be tough, Mike! You can do it. I have complete faith…"
Back at Elizabeth's rowhouse, Nathan carried in Julie's luggage and took it upstairs for her.
"I could have carried that!" she demurred.
"Absolutely not! Besides, it's my pleasure! We're so glad you are here, Julie! And though I didn't get to officially meet you the last time you and your Aunt Agatha were in Hope Valley, there was no way to miss your beautiful presence."
"Now, this one, dear Sis, is a keeper!"
"I know, and he's all mine, Jules, so don't get any ideas!" teased Elizabeth, well sort of, as with Julie, the family flirt, you never knew.
"Elizabeth, you are going to give my new brother the wrong idea! I am a real lady, Nathan, despite the sordid implications of my dear Sister, whom you must ignore!"
Nathan chuckled.
"Oh, I have no doubt! It's going to be great having a sister again, especially one as fun as I'm sure you are definitely going to be!"
"See, I do love him already!" winked Julie. "But for now, I'm going upstairs to unpack and give your two a much-needed moment of privacy!"
"I owe you, Julie!" called Nathan up the stairs after her.
"Yes, Brother, indeed you do! Good night!"
Nathan chuckled once more.
"Good night, Julie! The pleasure is all mine!"
"Thanks for taking care of Mother and Father and also taking care of Jack, but if you find him in your bed, just take him back to his, please, Love! He has to learn, Nathan! Or we will have him in bed with us every single night! I'm serious about this, and we do not want that."
"Hmm! I see! Okay, I'll try to be a little firmer!"
Elizabeth giggled.
"You'd better be a lot firmer! Try hard, Baby. Really hard!"
"I love you, soon-to-be Mrs. Grant! Do you realize we have just six more days till we are husband and wife?"
"Days, I'm counting the hours, and the minutes, and the seconds!"
And with that, he could resist no longer, pulling her to him, as their lips danced dreamily, silkily, and passionately together over, under, between, and around each other's.
"I'm not at all sure I can last till then, Nathan! Tell me again about our Honeymoon."
"Our Honeymoon is going to be absolute perfection! In fact, I finalized some previously made arrangements in Union City today!'
She squealed.
"You did!"
"I did! I thought we could use a respite after our Wedding Ceremony and Reception to relax a little before traveling on to the main event."
"Really?"
"How does a Train ride to Union City's finest Luxury Hotel sound, so we don't wear ourselves out with too much travel at once?"
"Really?"
"Really! And that's not all. What if we stay in a very nice suite at said luxury hotel?"
"Nathan, are you serious?"
"I am very serious! I have inspected the entire place. Let's just say, prepared to be stunned, my Love!
"I love you, Nathan Grant! Though you are totally spoiling me!"
"I love you, Elizabeth Thatcher Thornton! But haven't you heard? Spoiling you is totally my new job…"
The next morning, after a special and rather fancy breakfast at The Queen of Hearts, thanks to the combined efforts of Gustave and Rosemary, who had spruced up the gourmet menu considerably to include scrumptious Classic Eggs Benedict and Baked Strawberries and Cream French Toast, which was fully enjoyed by all, Nathan drove his family to Church, with Jack sitting on his Grandpapa's lap in the back seat.
Bill insisted on walking and meeting them at Church since he had a quick stop to make.
As they made their way into the Church, the entire town came up to greet Elizabeth's family!
One thing the Thatchers made very clear in their familiar and proud inclusion of Nathan was that they couldn't be more pleased with their new soon-to-be Son, as evidenced by their camaraderie and mutual respect, along with a warm familial and natural companionship, especially after having just met!
On the other hand, Nathan was very attentive and proudly introduced them to those who hadn't met them before, which they very much appreciated!
"Pastor Canfield, these are Elizabeth's parents and I'm thrilled to say, my soon-to-be parents-in-law, William Thatcher and his lovely wife, Grace! This is Pastor Joseph Canfield and his wonderful wife, Minnie!"
"It's a delight to have you worship with us today," smiled Joseph. "Looking forward to getting to know you both better this coming week as we prepare for the big Wedding!"
"Likewise, Pastor," smiled William. "We are very excited for the big event!"
"Welcome, Grace so wonderful to have you visiting with us in Hope Valley!" welcomed Minnie. "We're all so excited about the coming Wedding!"
"Oh, we are too, Minnie! It's lovely to meet you!"
"We are just elated to have you join us, Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher!" exclaimed Florence. "Welcome back!"
"Likewise, Florence! So good to see you and Ned again!" smiled William.
"Lovely to see all three of you again! Welcome back," smiled Mollie.
"Thank you, Mollie. We are so excited to be here, especially since this is my first visit!" smiled Grace warmly.
"Kisses for all," exclaimed Rosemary. "I have someone very special for the three of you to meet. This is our beautiful daughter, Goldie!"
"Oh, she's perfect," cooed Grace. "Looks just like you, Rosemary!"
"She is for sure a doll," agreed Julie. "Look at all that hair and that cherub face!"
When the family finally settled in, Nathan sat with Elizabeth and Julie, accompanied by Bill who barely made it in time, on the third row, while on the second row, William sat next to Jack, who was in his lap half of the time, and Grace sat with her arm around Allie, who was wearing one of her beautiful new dresses, looking especially pretty.
Nathan was particularly proud to see that all of his men, except for Jacques, whom Bill had told him was nursing a sprain, were attending the morning service, not noticing at all that his personal assistant was sitting on the left-hand row across from his daughter, with both stealing the occasional shy glance toward each other, though they were careful to keep them very covert.
But even so, Auntie Julie clearly noticed, unable to keep from smiling!
Nathan did notice, however, that Finn came in and sat down in the left-hand row next to him, with Faith happily scooting over to make room for him.
Julie noticed the handsome Scandinavian immediately, as well, hoping to get a chance to meet him, as it didn't appear that he was totally taken.
'At least, not yet,' she mused to herself delightedly, a bit more than intrigued.
Peyton was very brave and brazen in that he quickly moved to the front pew behind where Angela was playing the piano, and asked to sit by both Cooper, and Minnie, who were pleasantly surprised, as they scooted to make room for him, which truly pleased Joseph that his family was being more cordial.
And Angela was even happier, at once sensing Peyton's presence behind her.
And so, Sunday morning service began, with many more exciting new undercurrents than usual as Hope Valley and their guests gathered to worship on this special Sunday morning.
It was a Sunday of firsts: firsts with the visiting Thatchers as family to the already non-official, very real Grant Family, though still unofficially so, and firsts with Nathan's many new colleagues finding their places among the congregation.
Also, it was a Sunday of lasts, the last Sunday before the Grants became one very real official family forever more.
But whether the soon-to-be Grants realized it or not, their quiet Family Wedding was already causing a fever-pitch stir of enthusiasm to run rampant throughout their little town and countryside, all of whom held very highly opinionated dreams and visions of their own as to exactly what celebrations were and were not deemed acceptable, as far as this coming most important Wedding of the Year, if not the Decade, was to hold…