Chapter 51 Christmas Stroll
The Christmas stroll week end had arrived and the whole town is decked out in Christmas spirit. Nathan and Elizabeth are amazed at the creations that Opal's mother has made for the school and jail. While Bill had done an admirable job with the Café gingerbread and Gustav had done an excellent job with the Saloon it is quickly seen that the school and the jail are done perfectly. There are even decorated Mountie cookies for Nathan to hand out as well. Gabe had called during the week and said some of the children from the orphanage would be coming for the week-end and he would be accompanying them. Elizabeth, Julie and Maura took over the planning of providing housing and food for them. Gabe agreed to help Nathan with the crowds and do duty at the jail as well as people toured. Rosemary and Fiona had everything organized and all hoped for big crowds and lots of fun. Even Allie would be able to participate as her ankle was almost healed, but Nathan kept a close eye on her and even Allie realized she could not overdue.
Nathan was hoping for a peaceful week-end without many incidences. He and Gabe would take turns patrolling and they would both monitor the saloon at night to make sure nothing got of hand. The whole town pitches in to make this project a success and show off Hope Valley.
Nathan has seen numerous families introduce themselves to him and talk about being a Mountie. Time after time families ask for pictures with Nathan or Gabe and they are clearly the favorite among the crowd. Nathan tries to escape the crowds and goes to the school to see Elizabeth. They steal a few minutes away, but someone spots the Mountie uniform and Nathan is back to being surrounded. Elizabeth smiles sweetly at him and says "It's always the red serge." He just gives her a look. Overall Gabe doesn't mind the attention as much and Lillian begins to look at him differently.
Julia has been involved with William trying to transition her business, but she throws herself into the Christmas stroll. She has William meet discreetly with Lillian about the needs of the orphans for Christmas. She talks with Gabe as well and gives him a generous check to be given to Grace and Lillian when they get back home. Since Gabe knows all about Julia and Regan Industries he is not surprised.
Nathan is tied up with the Christmas stroll all of Friday night and all day Saturday. Luckily the crowds are pleasant and there are little official things he has to worry about. His mother keeps busy helping and William is right next to her most of the time. Julia also finds time to help Bill at the Café and they seem to have reconciled any issues. Hickam seems to be very attached to the new girl Victoria who has taken over selling the town ornaments.
Julie, Maura and Elizabeth are busy settling the orphans into the school house for the night. Julie has found William and makes him run around town with last minute details. Gabe and Lillian will stay the night with the children. Julie offers to go back to Elizabeth's and see to Little Jack so Elizabeth can have some time with Nathan. With a huff Julie accepts Joseph's help and he accompanies her to Elizabeth's. Finally Elizabeth tracks down Nathan for a little bit. He pulls her in the jail and locks the door and leans against it. Why Constable what if you are needed she says. Nathan says I have important business I must attend to and kisses her thoroughly. He holds her while they both drift back to earth. He looks down at her and says I bet you need a snack let's go back to my house and we can relax a little. She agrees as she is so tired and she wants to relax. The crowd has dispersed and everywhere they see weary townspeople walking home. When they get to Nathan's it is a little late and Maura and Allie are on their way to bed. With a kiss to Nathan Allie is off to bed and Maura follows allowing the couple some down time. They raid the kitchen and then sit in front of the tree to relax. Elizabeth complains how her feet hurt and Nathan gives her a foot massage. While it feels wonderful it eventually leads to more erotic thoughts by both of them and they kiss passionately. Finally Nathan pulls back and says Elizabeth we really have to talk about a wedding date soon. She agrees and tries to compose herself. Come on I'll walk you home says Nathan. They get to her house and interrupt Joseph saying good night to Julie and by the looks of them they were sharing kisses also. Joseph hurriedly leaves and Elizabeth says Julie? Julie, says "Good night you two "and disappears up the steps. Elizabeth and Nathan look at each other and burst out laughing.