Chapter 44 Christmas Trees and Bill

Saturday arrives and it is a beautiful sunny day with some snow still left. Both the Grants and the Thornton's are off to find the perfect picture tree. Nathan has taken one of Allie's old sleds so Jack can be pulled along. Allie happily pulls Jack as they look for two perfect trees. Nathan and Elizabeth follow and both reminisce about last year's tree outing. Nathan says to Elizabeth "I thought all hope was lost for us until you said you would help find a tree and then I had found out about the promotion in Union City." Elizabeth reminds him that she knew something was on his mind, but he didn't share. He confesses "Elizabeth, I was so confused; I thought you were interested in Lucas and I didn't know what to say". She chuckles and says" I really didn't know my own self then Nathan and it is probably better it played out this way. Let's enjoy this tree outing as we both know what path we are finally on." Right then Allie calls them and she has found two perfect trees. Again Nathan says "How have you found the perfect trees again this year" and repeating last year's words Allie says "I would settle for anything else" Elizabeth chimes in with "When it's right you just know it." and looks at Nathan and laughingly they kiss. It's been a long year for them and they are enjoying this family day.

They make short work of getting the trees home and decorated. First at Elizabeth's and there is lots of laughter over Jack's help. After a quick lunch they decorate the tree at Nathan's. Jack falls asleep during the middle of the decorating and there is a lot of fun and memories in the decorating. Once again Elizabeth tries to hang the cardinal ornament high, but Nathan is right there to help her with a quick kiss. Allie is thrilled to have them all doing this and once again she takes the pinecone and gives it to Dad for one of her Christmas gifts. Jack wakes up and is thrilled with the tree. Allie brings down a train Nathan had made her and Jack loves playing with it. After making dinner and having a picnic at the tree. they sit around the tree and Elizabeth reads a Christmas book to them all. Nathan follows up with his guitar and they sing some Christmas Carols. The evening grows long and eventually Jack falls asleep in Allie's arms. The rest of them sit quietly enjoying the tree.

Elizabeth says "I better get him home." Allie says "Dad carry him home I'll be OK here. I get ready for bed and read here by the tree". Nathan says "Of course Allie I shouldn't be too long". "Take your time" she says kiddingly "I know you like to talk". Laughingly Elizabeth and Nathan take Jack home.

They both help get him ready for bed and he goes back to sleep without a fuss. "How about a quick wine in front of the tree?" Elizabeth suggests. "I think I can manage that" Nathan says. They sit together just enjoying the season and some time alone. Nathan says "Elizabeth this is one of the best holiday days I can remember. It is so nice not having to do this all alone". She replies "Nathan I was thinking the same thing. How lucky we are". Nathan puts his arms around Elizabeth and they kiss both thankful for what they have found and the blessing they now know they have.

The next morning Bill comes to the jail and says "Nathan I think I better go to Cape Fullerton and see Julia". He says "I'll have a car meet you". Bill brushes it off and says "No need". Nathan says forcefully "Bill, yes someone will meet you". Once they go over the logistics of Bill leaving town and who will fill in for him if necessary, Nathan says "Bill when I came to Hope Valley I knew I was following a legend and it was hard to follow Jack Thorton. I was appalled at myself for having feelings for his widow; what kind of a person was I so I fought it at first and Elizabeth wasn't ready. That whole situation with Lucas was me being unsure and Elizabeth not being ready and how could Jack's replacement do this. It all came together and now I know its right and I just accept it. I know you thought of as Jack as a son and yet you accept it or at least I think you do. Our parallels are amazing as you know I thought of Uncle Nate as another father. However, time moves on and I know Julia feels she is ready to live again. It is unbelievably awkward for me to be talking about my aunt and you romantically, though I know Julia wouldn't enter into any relationship lightly. Now as hard as it was for me to admit things to Elizabeth and it was very hard it's time for you to share with Julia and figure out your path. OK that's it for me and relationship advice."

Bill says "Nathan thank you I know how hard that was for you". With that he was off to Cape Fullerton.