December 23rd. Christmas Eve eve. Elizabeth was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on Jack's cake for his birthday tomorrow. Allie was in front of the fire in the living room reading Wuthering Heights for the umpteenth time, Abbey sat on the floor listening with rapt attention even though it was doubtful she comprehended much of the story.
"Poor Heathcliff. I cry every time I read this, Abbey."
"Poor Heathcliff," Abbey repeated.
Nathan had gone out to the barn after bringing home Jack's Christmas and birthday present. Elizabeth suspected Jack knew something was up. He was itching to go out even though it was near his bedtime.
"I want to say goodnight to Sergeant," he had said to Elizabeth as she emerged from the kitchen.
"You can say good morning to him in the morning. It's cold and dark and snowy outside and you and Abbey are already ready for bed."
Nathan came in the front door shaking snow and mud from his coat and boots.
"Let's all go out. Why wait until tomorrow? Allie, get on your coat and help Abbey with her coat and shoes."
"Now? Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes. Let's do this," Nathan said.
Elizabeth had to smile. Spontaneousness was another quality she had never associated with Nathan. Yet he'd done that twice today. The man would never cease surprising her.
The five of them trooped outside as Nathan went to the paddock near the barn where they kept Newton, Sergeant, and Allie's horse, Magnolia. Jack's face beamed as Nathan walked out with Star, the Palomino they'd bought for Jack.
"For me? She's really mine?"
"She is, Jack. Her name is Star because of her Star markings. You've got to promise to love her and take of her always," Elizabeth told him.
"I will. I will. I will. Can I ride her now?"
"It's late and we don't have a saddle to fit her yet. Maybe a quick ride around the yard."
Jack climbed aboard Star like an expert with little help from Nathan or Elizabeth.
"This has got to be the best birthday present anyone has ever had ever!" he declared.
Abbey was trailing after her brother, demanding she be allowed to ride too.
Elizabeth was afraid Jack receiving such a large gift might make Abbey feel cheated somehow. True, she was not even three yet, she adored Jack and she didn't seem to have a jealous bone in her body. Elizabeth was sure she'd be perfectly happy with Raggedy Ann and Andy and whatever other gifts she got from Santa.
Jack did a swift trot around the yard and then Nathan led Star back to her stall. They all walked together back to the house. When they got to the porch Nathan said he needed to talk to Jack alone. Man to man.
"Man to man? That sounds important. Come on, Girls. Let's make some hot chocolate," Elizabeth suggested.
Jack and Nathan sat together on the swing as soft snowflakes fell on them.
"So, listen. Your Mama isn't going to be riding Sergeant for awhile. So, I'm going to be taking Sergeant out every once in a while so he doesn't feel lonely or neglected. I want you to ride with me on Star. That way I can teach you how to ride and someday you can ride Sergeant. Does that sound good to you, Jack?"
"It sounds great. I love you, Dad."
Abbey had toddled back outside and had apparently heard most of the conversation.
"Me too?" She asked.
Nathan got up and took his daughter in his arms. "You too? Okay, you too then!"
Elizabeth and Allie brought the steaming mugs of got chocolate out to the living room. The Christmas tree sat regally near the front window as the snow fell outside. Elizabeth couldn't imagine a more beautiful scene, sitting here surrounded by the people she loved.
"So, your dad and I have something to tell you. There's going to be another member of our family come July."
"I knew it! That's why you haven't been able to eat breakfast since I've been home and why you saw Dr. Shepherd today. I can't believe I didn't figure it out sooner," Allie said.
"So I really am going to get my wish for a baby brother?" Jack asked.
"Not so fast, Jack. It could be a baby sister," Nathan said.
Abbey walked toward Elizabeth and put a hand on Elizabeth's stomach.
"Baby in there?" Abbey asked.
"Yes, but the baby is still very little and not ready to come out into the world yet."
Bill Avery was the first one to arrive for Jack's party the next day, all apologies for his demeanor the day before.
"Elizabeth I'm sorry. I didn't know you were...expecting."
"You can say the word pregnant, Bill. I'm not offended. I know you're bark is considerably worse than your bite sometimes."
"Nathan told me about buying Jack the horse. I got Jack a saddle and harness for her."
"Bill! Thank you! That is the perfect gift!"
She knew Bill was thinking about Jack Thornton on this, his son's seventh birthday. Other than Rosemary, Bill had been closer to Jack and known him longer than any of their friends.
"I know he's watching, Elizabeth. And he's proud of the way you're raising his boy and of the kind of father Nathan has been to him."
Elizabeth was close to tears, but this was a happy occasion and she was determined to be happy.
"I miss him, Bill. He'll be part of my life and Jack's life. Always."
Other guests started to arrive soon after Bill. Lee and Rosemary with Joseph. Doctors Carson and Faith Shepherd. Lucas and Fiona with little Joshua. Jesse Flynn came with his little girl, Carolina. Clara's second child was due any moment and she was at home. Waiting.
"I felt bad leaving her home alone, but Carolina really wanted to come. I just hope she doesn't go into labor while we're here," Jesse said to Elizabeth.
"Well, you guys have a telephone now, so she can always call," Elizabeth reminded him.
Carolina was three, just a few months older than Abbey so Abbey was happy to have a friend her own age to play with. The two little girls were soon having a tea party in the corner with their dolls and stuffed animals.
Rosemary pulled Elizabeth into the kitchen as soon as she arrived, wanting to know everything that had happened the previous night.
"So did Jack like the horse? Did you tell everyone your news? Were they happy?"
"Of course he loved the horse and yes everyone was happy. Although I think Jack will be mightily disappointed if it's another girl."
"You know, I can design some clothes for you if you want. I'd be happy to do it," Rosemary said.
"I still have the maternity clothes I wore when I had Abbey. Rosemary, that would be silly."
"That was three years ago, woman. Do you know how styles have changed since then? I'm happy to do it. It's my Christmas gift to you."
"Okay, then. I will accept your generous offer. We'll set something up for after the New Year."
"So, I saw Allie with that Cameron Holt outside. What's going on with that? I thought that ended when she left for school last fall."
"Apparently not. She hasn't seemed to want anything to do with her other friends since she's been home. Opal and Emily came by to ask her to go skating and she wanted to stay home. But whenever she and I are in town she and Cameron always manage to "accidentally" run into each other. Nathan doesn't like him at all. I'm surprised she would invite him here for Jack's party."
"Hmm. Rosemary the matchmaker is on the case. Maybe we can work on pushing Allie toward someone else more suitable. What about Christopher, that nice young Mountie I've seen going into Nathan's office once in a while?"
"A Mountie? For Allie? Rosemary, you have got to be kidding me. No. Absolutely not."
After Jack blew out seven candles on his cake, the cake and ice cream were then devoured. Presents were opened, games were played and Nathan brought Star around for the children to admire and pet.
She was exhausted at the end of the day, happy to sit on the porch swing with Nathan wrapped in a blanket. The kids were upstairs in their beds waiting for Santa. She was worried about Allie, who had promised to make cookies for the Christmas banquet tomorrow but had taken off with Cameron instead.
Actually it was Nathan who was being the voice of reason when it came to Allie.
"You told me a couple of months ago to let her go. She's a smart, sensible girl and this just an infatuation. She'll be home soon."
Allie appeared on the porch a few minutes later.
"I'm home and I'm in one piece. Cameron was a perfect gentleman. We had dinner at the cafe and took a walk. I swear that is all."
"You went to the cafe? So it was a date then?" Elizabeth said.
"It was two close friends having a meal. Look, I'm going back to school in a few weeks. Cameron is just a friend. I will see you two later. I have cookies to bake. I will leave some out for Santa along with a glass of milk. Night night."
Okay, I admit this was an odd place to end. I promise to continue for those of you who are still reading. Thanks for the reviews. I am enjoying embracing this new obsession.