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Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love

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Chapter Seventy-one

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Friday of Wedding Week

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Part I

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"Good morning! Happy Wedding Day, Son!" congratulated Archie as Nathan came down the stairs, all smiles, having slept a bit later than normal for him, but only by about a half hour.

"Thank you, Dad! It's hard to believe this is finally our big day!"

Archie put his arm around his son, leading him into the kitchen.

"Allie and your mother have been cooking away, and I'd say it's a pretty safe bet the Groom can count on all the dishes prepared being your favorites!" chuckled Archie. "Whether they go together or not!"

"And so, the pampering begins?" asked Nathan teasingly.

"Oh, it's way past begun!"

"Good morning, Handsome Groom," smiled Eleanor, laying down her towel long enough to properly greet her son with a kiss and warm hug.

"Good morning, Mom! Do you need help?"

Allie gave him a look like that wasn't going to happen.

"Gramma says you aren't to lift a finger today, Papa! So, I guess you just have to let us pamper you!"

"Morning, Princess!" and Nathan kissed his daughter good morning.

"Papa, do you realize this is our last breakfast with just the four of us Grants? I mean I know Mama and Jack will be Grants too, it just a big change!"

Allie's Gramma and Grappa were studying her intently, thrilled that their son had planned to spend the morning with his daughter, thinking it might be needed more than he knew.

"It is a huge change, Sweetheart. But I want you to know you will always still have me and I will always still have you – our relationship stays the same, Allie! It only grows deeper. We're just opening our hearts to grow larger, to include your Mama and Jack, remember?"

"I know, Papa, and I'm super excited! I truly am. I mean, we are finally going to officially be a family. It's just that when I woke up, I felt so many different things, and I didn't expect that. Not really!"

"Are you nervous about today?" asked her Papa, suddenly concerned.

"Maybe a little!"

"Well, it's a big day! And a whole lot of changes are taking place so that's understandable, I think, for the both of us. How about we just love each other through them?"

"I like that, Papa!"

"There's that beautiful smile I love…"

Breakfast was everything Archie had threatened it would be and more!

"Mom, I am stuffed! And I do mean stuffed. But in the best of ways! Thank you and Allie for doing all this. Can't tell you how much I crave your cooking, and at the oddest times, too!"

"Especially on Holidays, Gramma! We think about what you and Grappa are having and choose one thing that we love most to cook."

"Why, that's a lovely tradition, Allie!"

"Yes, Ma'am, except the dishes we choose never taste like yours! No matter how hard we try!"

Archie chuckled over his frustrated granddaughter's desperate look.

"No, I agree! Allie's right," affirmed Nathan. "I'm afraid our pitiful little recreations don't come close! Not even when we follow your recipes exactly!"

"Oh, my! Looks like I'm going to have to come stay a while and give cooking lessons!"

"Well, if so, I'm coming too, Ellie. Why, without you at the Ranch, I'll flat-out starve to death!"

"Well, woe is me! You Grant men need to buck up and stick to the recipes I give you until you get it right!"

Allie giggled as her Gramma seemed to be the only one who could set everyone straight!

"Mom and Dad, what are your plans while Allie and I are gone this morning?"

"Nothing much, Son! Thought we might take a walk through town and visit with some of the nice people!"

What Archie didn't say was that they secretly had several packages delivered from London to pick up for him at the Mercantile Post, things his Ellie had deemed necessary for their son's Honeymoon trip, all difficult to hide given Nathan's next admonishment.

"Whatever you do, don't forget to stop by Florence's and Ned's at the Mercantile, or she'll have my hide," warned Nathan. "Oh, and Bill, too, or I'll never hear the end of it! And then Minnie wanted to talk cooking with you, Mom. And Faith said to remind you to stop by and get your arthritis medicine, Dad. Good grief! Might as well just stop and visit with everybody you see!"

"Well, you sure can't say people aren't friendly around here!" grinned Eleanor with a grin of perfection, remarkably like her son's, though more refined than crooked.

"You have no idea, Mother! Our Wedding today was supposed to be just our families. And look how that's exploded to now include the town in its entirety!"

"That just tells me my son and granddaughter are well-loved, which I, in turn, adore!"

"Gramma, may I be excused to change into my new riding habit you and Grappa brought me?"

"Absolutely! We can't wait to see you in it. It's the latest rage from London, you know!"

"And your Gramma had it made especially for you, Allison Rose," winked her Grappa.

As Allie ran up the stairs, a concerned Nathan needed to talk with his parents alone.

"Do you two have any advice here? I thought Allie was doing fine, but obviously, she's not. Is this normal?"

"It is, Son! But I think our Allie is still healing from all that Dylan mess, which sadly, I'm hugely responsible for, since I just didn't have the heart to hurt her. She's feeling secure with you again, but now that relationship of two gets disrupted. Just talk with her, Son, but mostly listen," advised Eleanor.

"Allie adores, you, Nathan! Just let her know you will always be there, no matter what, just as you've always been! I'm obviously not the father of the year, which I would move heaven and earth to change, but I do know that Collie would tell me things when we were away from the house that she would never have told me at home. And I remember her telling me once when the two of us went to town, and I took her to a special lunch, that she had had the best time ever. I didn't get it. It was the best restaurant the town had, but that wasn't saying much. But then she said, 'I love you, Dad!' and I knew it was just about the time we shared alone. Not the less than fancy restaurant nor the less than delicious food. Just the time, Son!"

"She's afraid she's going to lose that, isn't she?"

"I think so," admitted Archie. "Just reassure her, and maybe plan a special lunch with her alone, here and there! But let her know it!"

"And this next piece you aren't going to like, Son," interjected Eleanor. "But our Allie is a young woman, and she's at that age where the hormones are raging. My advice is simple, though odd. Give your child space and understanding of her needs, and she will always come back to you and love you ten-fold!"

"Are you saying she needs to explore dating?" asked Nathan though the word in itself was so painful it stuck in his throat.

"Maybe! But with restrictions that you both can agree on."

"Mom, she's not ready for date nights!"

"No, she most certainly is not! And even when she is, not ever without chaperones for formal dates. But she is ready for male friends. Think of it this way. You are in a town where every single person loves her and will protect her with their very life. What would be wrong with her having breakfast or lunch with that nice assistant of yours in broad daylight? He seems wonderful. The truth is, he also reminds me of you when you were his age. Besides, the whole town would be watching them for you!"

Nathan pondered what his parents were saying.

"So, you noticed that connection, too?"

"Would have to be pretty unaware not to, Son!" smiled Eleanor conspiratorially.

"You, too, Dad?"

"Afraid so, Son!"

Nathan sighed heavily.

"Not that that was what I wanted to hear, but thanks! I'll admit, I needed to hear out loud from more experienced parents than me about what I was already questioning inside."

They all three quietened as Allie came excitedly down the stairs!

"How do I look, everyone?"

"Like a true Equestrian! Just beautiful, Allie. And I'm so relieved, the fit is absolutely perfect!" declared her Gramma.

"Beautiful, Pumpkin! You look like a million dollars!" complimented her Grappa with a hug.

Then she looked to her Papa, the opinion that mattered most to her.

His daughter could see his eyes were glistening, and his voice broke ever so slightly after he spoke her name.

"Allie, you take my breath away! You look just like your mother! Truly beautiful…"

"Our Wedding Day is so gorgeous, Papa! Rose Valley will be looking its very best!"

"It certainly will, Allie! You know the adoption part is pretty important today, too, right?"

"Yes, Sir! Jack and I are super excited about both our Adoptions and our Wedding!"

With Nathan riding Newton, and Allie on her new horse Collie, both seemed to relax.

Without intending to do so, they headed toward their new land.

"Papa, have you tried out any good fishing spots on our new property yet?" asked Allie.

"No, Sweetheart! There hasn't been time to fish, but when I looked at the land years ago, I found quite a few spots that appeared to be excellent! What are you in the mood for: river or stream?"

"River! We haven't done that in the longest time, Papa!"

"No, we haven't, and I know the perfect location, too. There are giant flat rocks we can sit on and fish from. The view is spectacular, too!"

They rode further east till they reached the exact spot Nathan had been talking about.

"Here we are!"

"This is stunning!" Allie mused, amazed at what she was seeing.

"I know one thing. I've got to up my clothes game for riding, if I'm going to be riding next to you and your Mama in those fancy outfits of yours!"

Allie giggled.

"You could use some new clothes, Papa, for sure! I think you count your uniforms as part of your wardrobe, when actually, those are just your work clothes!"

"Point taken."

Nathan glanced around and nodded, grateful that his Security detail was keeping their distance, as he wanted this to be just Allie and him.

"Need help dismounting?"

"Let me try alone, first!"

Nathan smiled, proud that his daughter always wanted to be self-sufficient.

"Well, that was not the most graceful dismount in the world, but I'll get there," insisted Allie as she gathered her fishing poles and gear. "Collie's taller than what I'm used to, but oh so beautiful, and she's such a Sweetheart!"

Nathan did the same, gathering his gear from Newton.

"That she is! Which reminds me, if you ride her while your Mama and I are gone, make sure Uncle Bill or Finn ride with you so you can get a little more experience with her. Oops! Be careful, Allie, those rocks are very slick! Here, let me help."

The two managed to lay down their gear, then move toward one of the larger rocks closest to them.

"This looks perfect, Papa. We'll get lots of little fish here for sure!"

"Maybe too little?" asked her Papa.

"The only other option is to step down to that lower rock where we are closer to the water. The bigger ones have to be down there since the water's so much deeper."

Nathan helped Allie step down first, then handed her their equipment before stepping down himself.

Glancing peripherally to the sides, Nathan noticed his men gathered closer just in case they slipped, yet he was thankful they were still trying to remain out of Allie's sight.

"What a view, Papa! This is so beautiful it's hard to believe that it's real!"

"I know. Can't believe this is all ours, either. It truly hasn't sunk in yet."

"Are you nervous about today?" asked Allie, a little hesitantly.

"The complete answer?"

"Always!" grinned Allie.

"Surprisingly, no, not for the Wedding or the Reception! The truth is, I am more concerned about you adjusting to everything, Sweetheart. Especially when I know I'm the reason for those adjustments," admitted Nathan.

"No, Papa, it's not like that. I'm going to be fine. I promise. This is everything I've wanted: a Mama and a little brother and a huge extended family. I was just a little sad when I woke up. That's all!"

"Do you know what specifically made you sad?"

"You really want to know?"

"More than anything, Allie!"

"I'm afraid you and I won't get time like this. Together, I mean, alone. Just you and me! I know you'll want to spend time with Mama and that's only right. Then there's Jack and, you and I both know how much he needs you. He's never known his father. You'll be that for him just like you've been for me, and I'm happy to share. I just don't see where I come in. Except dead last, or…or maybe not even at all."

"Oh, Allie, look at me," and he gently moved her chin toward him.

"You are my #1 and only daughter, and you will always be my #1 daughter no matter what the future brings! I do not intend to give up any of our private time together at all. And that's a promise! When you need me, I'll be there just like I've always been."

Allie scooted over to sit with her father, who wrapped his arm around her.

"You are never last, Allie! Always first!"

"So, it can still be just you and me sometimes?"

"Absolutely, Sweetheart! I promise. I need time with my daughter every bit as much as she needs time with her Papa. And neither one of us is going to give that up. I know my work schedule is hectic right now and almost always up in the air, depending on what is happening. But let's do this. I'm going to have Alex to pencil you in for lunch each week – choose a day – and I'll have him schedule my work around it. And that's just a start. We'll still ride together, and fish together when you like, and anything else we can come up with. Hey, maybe trying some new things together would be fun!"

"Then, can we make our lunch for Fridays when you are here in Hope Valley? I usually finish my lessons early that day so I can leave school earlier than usual, then go on to work."

"Fridays, it is – late lunch with my girl, as soon as she gets out of school! Just drop by the office, and we'll leave together!"

Allie started crying into Nathan's shoulder.

"Hey, Sweetie! What's wrong?"

"Everything is changing! Not just our family. Even Angela doesn't have time for me when Peyton's around. And he's all she wants to talk about! I'm losing my best friend, Papa! She doesn't need me anymore!"

"She needs you, Allie, more than you know! Pastor Canfield was just bragging about what a positive difference you've made in Angela's life. True friends are forever, through thick and thin. You're just going through a rough patch because Angela is interested in Peyton, and that's all new and exciting. Which only means your friendship might change a little, but it's not ending!"

Allie looked skeptical.

"Not even when she graduates?"

"Not even when she graduates! Though you both might have to work at maintaining your friendship a little harder if you are physically apart. Like calling on the phone and writing letters."

Nathan cleared his throat, then sighed heavily, garnering the courage that came so naturally to him in critical work endeavors, but this was about his precious Little Girl, and deep inside, he knew this particular matter was just as critically important, too, if not more so, for the both of them.

"Allie, I want us to talk about something that might be a little difficult for the both of us. Are you up to trying? I will if you will!"

Allie nodded, unsure as to what her father could possibly mean.

"This is a personal, private question, so you don't have to answer if you don't wish. But I do want you to at least think about it."

"Okay."

"Allie, do you like Alex? Maybe even 'like-like' Alex?"

Allie looked down while Nathan patiently waited.

"Why do you ask that, Papa?"

"Sweetheart, I am a Mountie, and I know what I see and feel from the both of you."

Allie blushed, as this was the last conversation she would have ever expected having with her father, especially on today of all days.

"I don't really know him. He's your Assistant, which, to be honest, makes the whole thing a huge mess!"

"I thought so," answered Nathan softly, his face etched in regret.

"Don't you see, Papa? It's an impossible situation. It doesn't matter if I like him or not!"

Allie was near tears.

"It matters to me an awfully lot, Allison Rose. I also believe it matters very much to Alex, though he and I have not discussed any of this. I would never do that without your permission!"

"Papa, I just don't think there's any way. I mean, think about it! You won't even let me date till I'm forty!"

"Allie, you aren't going to be waiting till you're forty to date. That was me being way over the top and overly protective of my Little Girl, whom I love more than anything in this world. I won't tease like that again. That was wrong of me in the first place, and I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I knew it was just because you loved me so much!"

"Allie, I've been dreading this conversation for the both of us," admitted Nathan. "Because the truth is, it's hard for me to admit my Little Girl is growing up."

"Then why are we even having it, Papa?"

"Because I love you so very, very much, that I can't stand to see you sad. And your feelings are more important than my own, which means we have to figure out a way forward! Now, let me say upfront, this is you and me talking. I haven't discussed this with your Mama at all. But between us, Allie, do you feel you are ready for formal night-time dates requiring chaperones?"

"No! No, I don't even want that. I need to study and enjoy my new family. But the truth is, I don't know what I want! And Alex is older than me, and why would he even be interested in waiting for me?"

"Because you are beautiful, brilliant enough to become a veterinarian or anything else you might want to be, compassionate, loving, and kind for starters. This proud father could go on and on and on!"

"Now you sound like you are trying to get us together."

"No, no, not that at all. That's a decision the two of you would have to make. I just want my daughter to be happy. What would make you happy, Allie?"

"I think…I think I'd like Alex and me to be friends, but that's so unfair to him! Think how awful that would be since he works for you and so closely, too!"

"Allie, I've been thinking about this a lot. What if the three of us agreed to keep work things at work, and personal things at home?"

"You'd be willing to do that? For me?"

"If it would make you happy, I would," he assured her.

"Wait, Papa, I've got a bite!"

"Slow, Allie! Reel him in real slow. He's a big one, and you don't want to make him bolt!"

"He's way too heavy!"

Nathan helped steady her reel.

"Woah, he's huge! Just keep your line steady. It's a bass – the biggest one I've seen in these parts. I won't let him pull you in. You've got this, Allie!"

"This is going to take both of us, Papa! But Uncle Bill's got to see this one! We can't lose him!"

"You and I aren't losing anything, Princess, and that's a promise!"

Allie clearly understood that her Papa was talking about more than just the bass she was reeling in.

It took them over ten minutes together, but the arduous job was finally done!

"Great day, Allie, that was a workout and a twenty pounder if I've ever seen one! This one gets a photo for sure!"

"I know! I can't believe it!"

"You reeled him in like a champ! Making your Papa and Uncle Bill look pretty bad, but hey, we don't need to fish anymore with that huge one captured!"

"Since we've got our fish for the day, can we just sit and finish our talk, Papa?"

"Let's do just that!"

They packed away their fishing gear and set their rods aside, then sat side by side, looking out over the beautiful but raucous river.

"Let's see, where were we?" asked Nathan.

"You suggested keeping work things at work and personal things at home."

"And I mean it, Allie. I believe Alex is professional enough to do that. And I know you are. But, back to this being a friend thing. I've done my best to raise you right, and you have proven over and over to me that you will always choose to do the right thing, except maybe that one time you skipped school on me to go fishing!"

"You're never going to let me live that one down, are you?"

"Probably not, as that story is such a classic! Just wait till you have children of your own a very, very, very long time from now. This old Papa will be front and center, ready to tell that one, most colorfully, I might add!"

Nathan chuckled, and Allie giggled at the memory.

But then they fluidly moved back to their more difficult conversation at hand.

"Allie, even in wanting to be friends with Alex, you have chosen very well. He's a good young man and an excellent Mountie. He's worthy of your friendship, and you are worthy of his."

"That means a lot for you to say. But what do we do, Papa?"

"Well, let's first agree on some ground rules, which would also have to be discussed between you, me, and Alex personally at home.

#1. Night chaperoned dates come much later when you are older, and you and I both are ready for them, though that doesn't mean you can't socialize or dance with your friends at community events in the meantime, or even tonight at our Reception if you choose. I just need you to be willing to arrive and leave with your Mama and me, or in tonight's case, our designated family.

#2. Getting to know each other as friends during the day, is perfectly fine, as long as you are out in the public, in town.

#3. Breakfast and lunch 'day dates' at the Café or Soda Fountain, I believe, are also fine.

#4. And yes, if you'll always ask your Mama or me first, I think I would even be okay with the two of you riding together, as long as it's with Alex.

#5. Or even working on your art together, as long as you are in our home and not Alex's cabin…"

Before Nathan could even finish, Allie flung her arms around him!

"Thank you so very much, Papa! I love you so much. And I promise I will do exactly as you ask, which, by the way, is more generous than I ever dared hope for!"

When he looked down at her face, she was crying, healing in the best of ways.

He recognized in that instant that by being so strict with her previously, he was in effect stifling her own unique and precocious zest for life, while also robbing her of the chance to explore and find her true self – and those were the very last two things he would ever want for his Allie.

Seeing relief on his daughter's face, along with happiness, hope, and a smattering of pure joy, the real Allie was back at last, and it filled his heart, letting him know they would victoriously get through all these 'potential new obstacles' together.

Admittedly, it was going to take some adjusting on his part, but for his Allie, he would muddle through whatever it took and be thankful to be able to do it!

"Will you do me one favor as we maneuver this minefield together, Princess?"

"What's that, Papa?"

"Don't be too harsh with me and love me through all of this, even when we disagree, because I'm sure we'll both make mistakes. Can you do that?"

"Yes, I promise, Papa! I realize you have the ultimate say, and I respect that, but I also promise to be open and honest, so we can work through everything together."

"Then, I promise you exactly the same, Allison Rose Grant!"

By now, Allie was close to sobbing, yet somehow, her beautiful, radiant smile broke through.

"Forever, Papa!"

"Forever, Daughter…"