Chapter 55 New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve dawned cold and clear. The weather looked favorable for Nathan and Allie's New Year Eve Celebration. Maura and Allie said they had everything under control so leaving it in their capable hands; he went to work. He hoped the day would be short with not many problems.

Nathan's hopes were short lived as he got a call from Mountie headquarters there was a tip that a jewelry robber was on the train headed their way. Off to the train station he goes to try and apprehend the robber, however, the message was garbled from headquarters and Nathan thought he was looking for a Stephen Coleman, of which he had a poster. At the train station there was no Stephen Coleman he could spot so he goes back to the jail where there is a wire waiting for him. Headquarters had given him the wrong name and description; he should be looking for a Stephanie Caldwell. He goes over to the Café to see if he sees any women there he doesn't recognize and there are none. He confides in Bill who says it has all been locals in today.

Next he goes over to the saloon and he sees Lucas having a chat with an attractive short blonde woman. He nods over to Lucas who calls him over. Lucas says "Nathan this lovely lady got off at the wrong train stop and now has missed the last train out today for Cape Fullerton. I told her we were a quiet but friendly town." Nathan is in civilian clothes so he does not stand out as Mountie. Very uncharacteristically for Nathan he sits and says "Nice to meet you and so sorry for your troubles" He engages in the conversation, but nudges the woman into asking who or what awaits her in Cape Fullerton. Lucas has introduced her as Miss Jefferson and she shares she should be meeting her brother who has been traveling and they were going to celebrate the New Year together. Nathan says" That is too bad, but I am sure Lucas has a room here for you and while the train has a light schedule tomorrow maybe you can make a connection." Lucas offers to get her something and she asks for tea and he gets it for her. When he returns Nathan and the woman are engaged in idle conversation. Nathan says "Lucas I was just telling her of my little outdoor New Year's celebration tonight and thought she might like to come." Lucas keeps his poker face, but shoots Nathan a look as this is so unlike Nathan. Casually Nathan says "Well I have to be going, feel free to stop by tonight. It was so nice meeting you Miss Caldwell" She replies "Likewise Mr. Grant". He turns to leave and then leans over and says "Perhaps we should have a little talk, Stephanie." With that she pales and Lucas looks shocked. Nathan sits back down and leans into her and says "Nice try Stephanie Caldwell, you are under the arrest for robbery. Mounted Police, Constable Grant." He stands up holding her elbow and motions to her bag and says "I'll take that now, come along" She quietly leaves and Lucas is left just gaping at them.

Over to the jail he goes and puts her in a cell. He sits outside the cell and says "You can make this easy on yourself and just tell me the truth or I can go through all your things to look for the jewelry or get a woman in here to do search of you" At this point Bill comes running in and says " Nathan are you OK? Lucas is worried and doesn't know what happened". He responds "Well Judge Avery, Lucas thought this was a woman in distress who just got off the train at the wrong town and missed her connections. She is wanted for jewelry theft and my guess was she was checking things out in the saloon to see if there were any opportunities and she found Lucas" Bill looks at her and says "Welcome to Hope Valley's Jail" This infuriates Stephanie and she starts screaming at both of them and finally admits the missing jewels are in her bag which Nathan has opened. There are three diamond rings, a ruby broach and some gold bracelets as well as 10 pocket watches. Bill says "Now I know why she cozied up to Lucas". Nathan looks at the prisoner and coyly says "He may be missing this and hands out Lucas's pocket watch. Nathan and Bill both laugh and Bill goes to get Lucas.

Lucas arrives at the jail and sees Stephanie sitting in the cell and asks "Nathan what can I do. Do I have to make a statement? "Nathan says "If you don't mind telling me how you met the prisoner and Lucas do you know what time it is?" Lucas goes to pull out his watch and it is missing and looks up at Nathan holding it. Nathan says, "I think you have been a victim as well, do you want to file charges?" Calm collected Lucas with his mouth open and he swings his head from Stephanie to Nathan. Bill laughs and said "She must be pretty good Bouchard" Lucas goes over the cell and says "How, you are very good, I didn't feel a thing, how did that happen." Bill bellows out "Lucas, this is not magic; this is a criminal offense don't get any ideas!" Lucas looks around sheepishly at Bill and Nathan and then cooperates with the investigation.

Later that evening they are at the outdoor celebration. Maura, Allie and Julia have outdone themselves as usual on party supplies and food. Allie is thrilled to have her friends celebrate. The adult guests arrive and stay in the background. Nathan mans the fire so none of the children get burned. There are fun games, some stories and all are having a great time.

Bill relays the story of the woman jewelry thief and her stealing Lucas watch and he is quite amusing telling the story. Bill goes on to say how Nathan figured everything out and as usual Nathan downplays his role saying it was pretty obvious. While no one wanted Lucas hurt they were all amused at his reaction and there were several laughs.

Elizabeth is standing by Nathan and asks "How did it go" He responds, "It went well and I got lucky and I am glad she can do no more damage. She will be off to prison". They exchange heated glances.

Little Jack is clearly tired and Maura and William offer to take him home and put him to bed. Elizabeth gratefully agrees and Nathan hope they will have some time alone later. Julia involves all in an exercise where each one writes on a slip of paper one good account of the current year. Once everyone is done, one by one they drop in the fire. If they wish they can keep it a secret or share it. Many say nothing and some of the children start sharing favorite gifts or events. When it is Allie's turn she goes up and say "I got a family, a Dad and I will be getting a Mom and a new brother. My family has grown! "With that she turns to Nathan and gives him a kiss and says "Thanks Dad, love you". "Love you too, Allie" he responds. Another special moment. Both Elizabeth and Nathan have written the same thing although they say it in a quiet voice to one another. "Love and a larger family" They quickly kiss and move back to the crowd. Julia then instructs everyone to fill out a new card for the New Year and for each to write their wishes for the New Year. After more talk Nathan says to the children "I think we are done now and we will all walk you home". Julie and Joseph agree to do this chore and then drift off to Elizabeth's house and relieve Maura and William. The crowd drifts off and Maura return to help with clean –up. It is clear that Allie is drooping by now and Nathan sends her off to bed.

Finally it is quiet in the Grant household and Elizabeth and Nathan are alone. It is 30 minutes to midnight by this time and they sit quietly together reflecting on the past year and what the New Year will bring. Nathan sums it up by saying "I want our family life to begin in the New Year. I love you Elizabeth and can't wait for you to be my wife" Elizabeth is touched by this and says "Those are my thoughts as well. I only want to look forward now. The future seems so bright with you next to me." They kiss each other deeply as the chimes ring in the New Year.