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Chapter One hundred fifty-six

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A Grand Surprise

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With the Coulters safely onboard their train headed to Hope Valley early Saturday morning, Nathan, Elizabeth, and the children stopped to purchase groceries before returning to the Cottage.

Elizabeth had some ideas to discuss with Allie as they accomplished their Saturday chores. While the ladies did laundry in the main house, Nathan had offered to make stewed chicken for dinner, so he began the process while Jack played in the front room. Every once in a while Jack came into the kitchen, climbed up on a chair and checked on progress as he had been promised some 'Daddy playtime' and he was more than ready.

"You know, Son, we should surprise Mommy and Allie! What do you say we make a dessert to take tomorrow when we go to the Samuels house? You could help me. Any ideas?" Nathan already had an idea having checked the icebox and cupboard, so offered his suggestion, "What about Applesauce Bread Pudding? How does that sound? We could even make a smaller one for lunch!"

Being easy to please when desserts were a possibility, Jack readily agreed, "Yes, lets!"

"Okay, sit tight while I finish cutting the celery to get the chicken stew going and we'll get set-up for making dessert. Can you push the chair to the sink and wash your hands? With soap?"

Proud to do things on his own, Jack did as instructed, even willingly using more soap, then rinsing and drying his hands. "Now I need a 'pron, Daddy, like you have."

Nathan followed Jack's finger pointed at him and chuckled, "Oh! An apron! Here, let's use Allie's and we can fold it over." Nathan tucked and wrapped and tied the apron to fit Jack's diminutive size. "There, does that feel okay?"

Jack didn't care what it looked like, he was thrilled to wear Allie's 'pron and cook with his Daddy, "Yup!"

Nathan sat Jack at the kitchen table with a large bowl and showed him how to tear the bread into chunks and place them in the bowl. Tearing something apart was a fun project for a little boy!

Meanwhile Nathan melted butter as he heated the milk, adding sugar, and spices. In another mixing bowl he beat the eggs and vanilla, then gradually added them to the warmed milk. Joining Jack at the table, they layered bread cubes, the milk mixture and a layer of applesauce into a large and a smaller pan. Jack was then assigned the job of sprinkling raisins over the top before they repeated the layers. After drizzling a little maple syrup over the top, the desserts were placed in the oven and father and son washed the dishes, making the kitchen spotless, although the aprons were definitely not!

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Upon returning to the Cottage, Elizabeth and Allie entered a home filled with delicious fragrances and the delightful dessert surprise! "Well! Something smells delicious!"

"Dessert for lunch and to take to the Samuels after church. I know Carol is bringing dessert for tonight, but I thought it would help you since I can't do the heavy lifting right now," Nathan stood to hold the door as the ladies brought in the empty laundry baskets, having hung the washing on the clothesline.

"I made it too! Daddy and me helped each other! It's going to be good," Jack assured the ladies, "Really good!"

"Oh, how sweet of you two! My Sweet-boy and my Sweet-man!" Elizabeth reached up to kiss Nathan, patted his cheek, then bent to kiss the top of Jack's head. "What did you bake?"

"Applesauce Bread Pudding. I hope that's okay? We had an abundance of leftover bread and I could handle opening the jars of applesauce. I'll need help slicing the carrots and potatoes for tonight though as I can't hold them with enough strength to use the knife safely yet."

Double checking, Elizabeth asked, "Did you add some onions, carrots, celery, and bay leaf to the stock though?"

"Oh yes. Those large chunks I could handle. It's been simmering for a bit over an hour." Nathan smirked at his fiancé, "This is not the first chicken stew I have made, remember. It's just the first one one-handed!"

"Of course, Honey. I just have to get used to you knowing so much about so many recipes! I'm sorry you are still one-handed though. You didn't overdo did you?"

"No, although I could probably use a little massage later," Nathan winked at Elizabeth then at Allie. "You, dear daughter, aren't the only one to help your old dad with his aches and pains!"

"Have a seat, Sweetheart, and Allie and I will get the beds made. We'll do a quick dust-and-clean so we can enjoy our afternoon together relaxing as a family! I can rub your shoulder then."

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"Miss Bess had a great idea for me to do for my friends, Dad. Could we get some postcards so I could make some booklets? I can punch holes in one side and tie them with a ribbon. That way they'll have a keepsake of their trip to Regina. Can we do that?"

"I like that idea, Allie. Good for your Mom to come up with such a sweet gift."

"We also want to get some embroidery floss, printed patterns, and hoops to give them for the train ride home. That way they can talk but still do something fun at the same time!" Allie hesitated to mention, "The only problem is that Angela is limited at that so she'll have to make up her own pattern with French knots."

Elizabeth explained further, "I also suggested we purchase a recording or two for Angela to take back with her since there is a larger selection here. She can enjoy some new music and learn the pieces on her piano at home. I have a couple ideas so will look in the music store in the next week or so. Is that okay, Nathan?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't it be?" Nathan leisurely stroked his fingers through Elizabeth's curls as they lounged on the sofa.

"Well, I'm spending money and I won't be earning it, at least for a while," Elizabeth glanced up at Nathan's clear, sky blue eyes, immediately mesmerized.

His eyes locked on her pools of sapphire blue as he softly declared, "Lisbeth, our money is ours, not mine or even yours, remember? We only need to discuss the big purchases, not the small ones, or the generous ones, or gifts. Those come from our hearts and I would never have any hesitancy spending money on those."

"He's right, Miss Bess," Allie piped up from her seat on the floor where she and Jack were building a Lincoln log cabin. "Dad has always been willing to let me spend money on gifts for people even when I didn't have enough saved up from working at the switchboard or babysitting."

"I'm not surprised, but I am glad to know," Elizabeth laughed quietly, "You are a giving man, Nathan. Whether giving time, your strength to help someone in need, a listening ear, wildflowers you picked, or an apple for the teacher. It's those things that matter. It's those things that make a difference," Elizabeth rested her hand on Nathan's broad chest and fiddled with his shirt buttons. "I'll never forget you carved that plaque for the Library. I am just sorry to have had to leave it behind."

Making a mental note to ask Lee to retrieve it and bring it back with him, Nathan only nodded. "It's the Hope Valley way, you know, to give?"

"Maybe so, but it is you I am talking about, Honey. Let me acknowledge, and compliment, and be proud of you, please?" Elizabeth smiled at Allie who was watching them, "And remember that's part of loving, right?"

Allie grinned and watched her father drink in the words of affirmation. She was so happy to have someone be as proud of him as she was herself. Moreover, Allie was happy to see her father so happy.

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Allie offered to take Jack outside for a walk down the street and once bundled in their winter garments, hats pulled down, scarves tied tightly, and hands ensconced in warm woolen mittens, the children set out on an adventure.

"Hold Allie's hand and follow her directions, Jack, okay? She is in charge on this excursion. We'll have some hot chocolate upon your return if you are interested?" Elizabeth waited, knowing the expected response.

"Oh good! I like chocolate, Mommy!"

Closing the door behind their retreating children Elizabeth watched them through the window, feeling suddenly shy. Last week she would have turned, teased, and tempted Nathan to enjoy some private kisses, but now? Was that something she should do after their conversation the other night?

Thankfully Nathan stood and solved the issue, "I have to call Mom and Dad, Honey. Would you like to be on the telephone as well? They were concerned for my recovery and being back at work, plus we need to tell them about the Coulters' plans. Will you?" Nathan held out his hand as he pushed a second chair in front of the desk.

"For some of the call, I would love to chat, Nathan! Why don't you get started while I set out the hot chocolate items in the kitchen and then I will join you?"

"Come here before you go to make preparations, my Love," Nathan reached his arm to encircle her in his half embrace, placing a light and sweet kiss on her lips. "I love you, Lisbeth. I can't say it enough, or find better words sometimes… maybe to say I adore you? Because I love and adore you, you know." He gently brushed a curl from her forehead and leaned forward to kiss her temple.

"I love you, my dear husband-to-be," Elizabeth shivered as his warm breath whispered across her face and she melted with his tender ministrations and sweet kiss. Even though their kisses were briefer and less intense, they still held the longing for and promise of more to come.

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"Hello?" Archer Grant answered sounding excited.

"Dad? It's Nathan, and Elizabeth will be coming to chat in a few minutes. How are you and Mom?"

"Nathan! Just a minute…" Archie exclaimed into the mouthpiece, then holding it away, called out, "Ruthie? Nathan is on the telephone!" As Nathan heard a chair scrape on the wooden floorboards, he listened as his father explained that Elizabeth would talk shortly.

"Son? Hello! We've been anxiously awaiting your call," Ruth Grant commented, before inquiring, "How are you, my Boy? And how is your shoulder?"

After giving an update on his progress and mentioning that he was now cleared to drive, his mother apologized, "Honey, we are so sorry we interrupted your dinner the other night. I completely forgot that your Hope Valley friends were visiting. How was your time together?"

"Rather interesting and exciting, actually," Nathan paused, "Oh, here is Elizabeth!"

"Hello Mom and Dad!" Elizabeth settled next to Nathan and leaned against his good shoulder to share the earpiece. "The children are out on a walking adventure together, so it is nice to have some uninterrupted time to talk with you. I assume Nathan asked you both how you are?"

"He did and he shared about the improvement in his shoulder. I did admonish him to take his time in getting back to normal and to follow the doctor and your orders!" Ruth laughed, "I hope that encouragement helped? I know my son and how he downplays any injury to himself. Tell us, how are you and all the wedding plans?"

"We've done all we can at this point, so now we just wait for responses so we can tally the final guests and assign their rooms. We have a fairly good idea of who will be able to come, but there may be some unexpected surprises." Seeing Nathan content to just watch her, Elizabeth continued, "I guess you know our dear friends, Rosemary and Lee, and their newly adopted five-year-old son, spent a week with us? I took Rosie to see Madame Roche for a fitting and I tried on my dress again too! I love it even more now than when we chose it a couple weeks ago. It was fun to shop with her." Elizabeth motioned for Nathan to speak, whispering, "You tell them!"

Clearing his throat Nathan took hold of the telephone, "We have some news! Lee is going to begin a furniture business here in the city and they will be relocating at the end of the month! It was a total surprise to us, but they've been exploring the idea since Allie and I left in September."

Nathan plowed ahead with his story, "Lee's brother-in-law has a furniture store in Bellingham and will be partnering in this new venture. They plan to create custom furniture and showcase both the creation process, custom orders, and gradually establish a backlog of pieces that can be purchased in the onsite showroom! How about that for news! Bill arrives on Monday and the Coulters at the end of the month for our wedding!"

Hearing only silence, Nathan questioned, "Mom? Dad?"

Clearing his throat, Archie quietly spoke, "We know all about it…"

Surprised, Nathan asked, "Oh? You know they're moving? Uh… how do you know?"

"Lee called us a couple nights ago!" Archie paused, "He offered me the position as manager of the retail side, and bookkeeper for the entire enterprise…"

This time the silence was in a lovely Cottage in Regina where Nathan and Elizabeth stared at each other wide-eyed.

"Uh, Nathan? Elizabeth? What do you think about your mother and me moving to Regina in a month?"

With a tear overflowing and running an unhindered rivulet down his face, Nathan could hardly speak. To have his parents live nearby was beyond what he could dream.

"Nathan, Honey?" This time it was his mother's voice full of concern, "Nathan?"

Elizabeth spoke softly as she laid her hand on her fiancé's knee. "Nathan and I are having trouble speaking because we are crying tears of joy, and relief, and thankfulness. You did say yes, right? I mean we wished this would happen when you were here over the holidays, but…"

Interrupting Elizabeth, Archie queried, "We would like to say yes, but we wanted to ask you both about it. I know we could stay in the apartment if you don't mind, but we could also look for an apartment in the city. What do you think?"

"Dad!" Nathan let out a long breath as he formulated his words, "Mom! I, well we, would love nothing better. Is this really happening? You will be able to relocate here to Regina?"

"I am to call Lee once he arrives back in Hope Valley and I would very much like to accept his kind offer."

"Oh, please do, Dad. This is perfect for you and Lee is a fair, kind, and understanding employer. All his employees appreciate him very much… I mean… Wow, Dad! Just wow!" Nathan shook his head as he sought Elizabeth's eyes again. "Did you say you plan to move when you come for Zachary's graduation and our wedding?"

"That is the plan! I know the house is being renovated so we cannot stay at the main house, so I am uncertain about that, but I know the wedding invitation includes a room at Chateaux Qu'Appelle so we won't be completely homeless!" Archie grinned but needed to double check, "You really are okay with this?"

Quickly Nathan responded, "Oh, more than okay, we are… I can't even find the word to express how happy I am right now!"

"Elated?" Elizabeth suggested, knowing it was the perfect word to describe her feelings.

"Yes, I am elated! But Dad, didn't I tell you that Peter and Carol changed their offer and decided to let you have this Cottage and they will stay in the apartment when they visit occasionally?" Nathan leaned forward and rested his arm on the desktop, "Didn't I tell you?"

"No. They would do that for us?" Archie was taken aback.

"Yes. It was Peter's suggestion, and I didn't ask."

"That would be the answer to our prayers, Son! Present on the property but allowing you space to establish your new family. We could help with the young ones, even have them for special overnights with us… Allie could cook with me and maybe we could share meals sometimes? Would you be okay with all of this, Nathan? Elizabeth?"

"Absolutely! Can you be packed and ready to depart in time for graduation though? I can speak to Father and I am sure he can assist in arranging for your move," offered Elizabeth, "he is helping Bill and the Coulters. I can ask him to call you tomorrow if that's okay?"

"No need, Sweetheart. I spoke to him this morning and just have to give the final go ahead and choose which train. He said he would arrange for a moving truck both here in Calgary and in Regina! In addition to our expectation of proximity to you and the children, your mother is excited to be nearby for whenever Carol or Grace might be in town. We could hardly sleep last night in anticipation…"

"That might be my problem tonight, Dad! I'm still flabbergasted! Thrilled, but astonished…"

"Well, Son, this has been a long call and we all have some thinking to do. We can discuss furniture and all that next week. First I have to accept the offer, then give my notice, then begin to pack and, well, isn't all this grand? God is very good, isn't He?"

"Amen. Let's give thanks for a moment before we hang up?"

"Yes, Son. Go ahead and we'll add our 'Amen!'"

"Heavenly Father,
Your good gifts keep coming and although I feel undeserving, I am so grateful!

Thank you for Lee's offer to Dad, for the talents you have given Dad and how he can fit right in as they work to get the business established. What an opportunity! Thank you for Peter and Carol's generosity as well, both in the provision of the main house for us and this cottage for Mom and Dad.

Our biggest request right now is that the construction will be completed on time so all the moves can be completed in time! Your will be done in the timing and in all those details. You are so, so good.

We offer our thanks and praise in Your Most Holy Name,
Amen."

"Amen," rang the chorus of the Grants and soon-to-be Grants just as the stomping of small boots sounded on the front porch.

"Love you both, Mom and Dad!"

"Yes, we love you!" Elizabeth added.

"We love you two as well!" Ruth's voice was heard over the line.

"We'll be in touch, Dear Ones!" Archie exclaimed gleefully, adding, "And give our love to Allie and Jack!"

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Entering the Cottage, the children brought their energy and happy chatter, along with a gust of cold air. "Brrrrrr, it's cold out there," Allie commented as she shed her overcoat and knelt to help Jack undo his buttons and boots.

"I'm starting the hot chocolate as I speak," Elizabeth assured them as she hurried into the kitchen.

Nathan followed her and whispered, "Honey? Could you put the vegetables into the stew? I need to go up to the main house for a little while. Are you okay here?"

"Sure," Elizabeth turned towards Nathan, "Are you okay?"

"I am. I just want to examine the house. I may need to add more crew members to be prepared in time! I'll be back shortly and then we can tell the children."

Nathan kissed the top of Elizabeth's hair and returned to grab his outerwear. "Be back soon. I have to go up to the main house."

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