"Have a wonderful time Christmas shopping, you two!" Rosemary waved over her shoulder to Nathan and Elizabeth. "We will see you in a few hours—in time to see you off for the Mountie ball!"

"Let's go, Rosie," Lee did his best to steer Rosemary away from Nathan and Elizabeth.

"Lee Coulter!" Rosemary playfully stamped her foot. "I am just letting them know the plan!"

"They are adults," Lee teased. "And I guarantee you they know the plan."

Rosemary laughed. "You're probably right."

Lee nodded. "Have fun!"

Nathan and Elizabeth smiled and waved. Nathan once again extended his hand to Elizabeth. He intertwined his gloved fingers with hers. Even through the gloves, there was such heat between the two.

"A bookstore!" Elizabeth pointed with her free hand.

Nathan laughed. "How did I know you would find your way to a bookstore?"

"Not for me, Silly," Elizabeth teased. "I was thinking for Ally."

"Oh, you were," Nathan laughed.

"Ally was so fascinated by Queen Victoria, she read the copy in the library multiple times." Elizabeth walked into the bookstore, breathing in the smell of paper and leather. "I think she would like her own copy. I also would like to get her a poetry book."

Nathan smiled. "You know Ally so well."

Elizabeth blushed. "She reminds me a lot of me. What are you thinking for her?"

Nathan paused. "I was going to get her a crown charm for her bracelet—in keeping with the Queen Victoria theme. I also thought aa bout a new journal; she has been writing a lot thanks to your influence."

"I try."

The couple spent a little while in the bookstore. In addition to the Queen Victoria book and the poetry book, Elizabeth bought a few storybooks for Little Jack and a book of fashion designs for Rosemary. Nathan arranged for packages to be sent to the hotel. He wanted to hold Elizabeth's hand not carry packages.

There was a toy store close by. Nathan was insistent about going in. "When I was Little Jack's age, I had this wooden train set that I loved. I have written my mom to ask if she still has it. Would you be alright if I gave it to Jack?"

Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears. There truly were so many layers to this man. He wanted to give a special toy to her son. That is something a father would do.

"Nathan," Elizabeth replied. "Little Jack would love it!"

"Good!" Nathan looked around the toy store. "I also thought about buying him his own fishing pole. And I know he likes horses, so I thought about a stuffed horse…"

"Are you trying to spoil him?" Elizabeth was blown away by the thought Nathan had put into the gift giving.

"Well, you could call it birthday and Christmas then," Nathan winked.

Elizabeth looked at some other stuffed animals. "My father sent me some funds for the Brookfield Orphanage. I think sending stuffed animals would be a nice idea, what do you think?"

Nathan agreed. The two picked out several together, laughing and talking about toys that they had had as children. Elizabeth could hardly believe just how easy it was to spend time with Nathan.

That dynamic remained as they bought Ally's bracelet charms and a hair comb for Rosemary. It remained as they bought monographed briefcases for Bill and Lee. Several other odds and ends were picked up for the school children too.

"You know," Elizabeth teased, "What about me?"

"What about you?" Nathan decided to flirt with Elizabeth.

"Did you get everything on your shopping list?"

"Yes," Nathan teased. "Oh, you think I forgot you, don't you?" Nathan laughed. "I had gifts for you weeks ago."

"Oh really," Elizabeth smiled. "Would it surprise you if I said the same thing?"

"So I wasn't on your shopping list either?" Nathan laughed.

"Not this trip."

Elizabeth and Nathan had found their way back to the hotel. As it happened, Lee and Rosemary were also returning. "Funny running into you both!" Rosemary hugged Elizabeth. "It has been a wonderful day."

"It really has been. Wait until you see the stuffed horse we got for Little Jack!"

"I cannot wait to see it!" Rosemary tucked her arm into Elizabeth's. "Now, though, I think we need to get you ready for the Ball!"

"I'll meet you in the hotel lobby in an hour?" Nathan looked questioningly at Elizabeth.

"I will be ready and not late for our very important date."

Elizabeth lifted the dress she was going to wear out of the closet. Clara's bridesmaid dress was formal enough for the occasion.

"Elizabeth," Rosemary spoke. "I have a surprise for you."

Rosemary leaned down and picked up a box that had been hidden behind the chair. "Open it."

Elizabeth sat down on the bed and opened the box. She gasped as she saw the dress that was in the box. "Oh Rosemary!"

The dress was a beautiful shade of red with little capped sleeves that came off the shoulders. The dress skimmed the floor with a slightly full skirt but also curved in all the right places. It truly was a masterpiece.

Elizabeth noticed the card inside the book. She opened it and read.

Dear Miss Elizabeth,

You deserved something special tonight. Miss Rosemary made this happen. I think she is a wizard.

You will enchant my dad in it, I have no doubt.

Merry Christmas,

Ally

Elizabeth looked questioningly at Rosemary. "This was Ally's idea?"

"That girl loves you," Rosemary said softly. "Now, put it on!"

As Elizabeth did, there was a knock at the door. Rosemary went to answer it and came back with another box. Upon opening it, Elizabeth saw a dozen long stemmed red roses. The card read simply.

Dear Elizabeth,

Thank you for saying yes

Yours,

Nathan

Elizabeth showed Rosemary the card. "That man is more romantic than I ever thought possible," Rosemary said. "But he does it quietly, only for you to know."

Rosemary found a vase in the room and placed the flowers in them. She turned back around to see Elizabeth dressed. "Oh Elizabeth!"

Elizabeth looked at herself in the mirror. The dress was something out of a fairy tale. She pictured standing side by side with Nathan in his red serge. It would be a pretty picture.

"Let me do your hair." Rosemary twisted and braided Elizabeth's hair into a beautiful loose updo. Elizabeth opted to not wear any necklace, letting the dress make the statement, and allowing her neckline to be seen.

Rosemary stepped back and admired her handiwork. "I think someone is going to be blown away by you."

Nathan was pacing up and down in the hotel lobby. He straightened his red serge jacket for the millionth time. He was so nervous.

"You okay," Lee came up and slapped Nathan on the back.

"I don't know. I feel like I'm about to throw up because I'm so nervous. I feel like my heart is about to burst because I'm so happy. I am a wreck."

"When you are in love," Lee said, "it does strange things to you."

Nathan looked at Lee in bewilderment. "How did you know?"

"Know that you are in love?" Lee chuckled. "You can't see yourself when she is around. But I can. It is obvious."

Nathan had his back to the stairs but Lee saw Elizabeth walking down. His face indicated to Nathan that he should turn around.

Nathan watched as Elizabeth descended the stairs. She looked gorgeous. Words couldn't describe how beautiful Elizabeth was. He was always attracted to her, but in this dress, Nathan felt desire. He took a breath, trying to pull himself together.

He walked over to the stairs. His blue eyes met hers. "Elizabeth, you look absolutely breathtaking."

"Thank you," Elizabeth blushed. "Ally and Rosemary worked on this surprise for me."

"Honestly, Elizabeth, I am the luckiest guy in the world with you on my arm," Nathan whispered as he put his forehead on hers.

Elizabeth reminded herself to breathe. But Nathan was also looking especially handsome himself—with his brown hair perfectly slicked, his red serge, and his smile. Breathing was a challenge.

Nathan helped Elizabeth into her coat, allowing his hands to linger on her shoulders.

"Are you ready?"

"Absolutely."