A/N: I wanted to thank everyone who has been reading my story and leaving reviews. Your support means the world to me. I plan to continue writing this story as I originally intended, with Nathan and Elizabeth together. I hope you continue to join me each week to see what the Coulter's are up to.
Chapter 26 – New Year's Eve
The morning of New Year's Eve arrives, and the Coulter house is abuzz. Rosemary is busy trying to check things off her long to-do list. She's thankful she wrote it all down. Otherwise, there is no way she could remember everything.
Lee joins her at the table, questioning, "What is left? I don't want you overdoing it today, okay?" He takes her hand, trying to get her attention. "How can Patrick and I help?"
In typical Rosemary fashion, she starts spouting off everything she has to do, "I need to cook the stew and bake the bread and the cookies. I need to go into town to pick up some flowers, an extra vase, and the table and chairs I ordered for the cabin. Then I need to drive out there with all that plus the victrola, records, Nathan's guitar, blankets, pillows, table cloth, napkins, plates, bowls, tea or coffee cups, water glasses, silverware, wine glasses, wine, a couple of vases..." Lee cuts her off before she gets too worked up. Rosemary takes a deep breath, asking, "Honey, can you and Patrick please go into town and get what I need and drive it out there for me?"
"Of course. It would be our pleasure."
Rosemary mentions, "I still can't believe you got the cabin ready so quickly."
"I know. The floorboards were easy to replace, luckily Ned was able to get the right-sized window delivered to us in a day, and the hole in the roof was not as bad as it looked. I only had to replace a few broken boards, tar it, and put some new shingles back on. You were the one who cleaned it inside and out and made it look new. You are a good friend, Rosie."
Rosemary mentions, "I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you for always being there for me, sweetie." She sighs, stating, "I am going to really need your help today with Patrick, Jack, and getting the cabin ready. And then getting the kids where they are supposed to be at the right time."
Lee reveals, "I'll be right by your side." She grins, prodding him and Patrick to go into town.
"Oh, and when you get back, we need to go next door and convince Elizabeth that Jack needs to spend the day with us," remarks Rosemary.
"Whatever you say, dear."
When Lee and Patrick get back, the stew is simmering on the stove, and the dough is lying on the counter, waiting to rise. Patrick comes running in as Rosemary sits down to finish hemming her dress for the dance tonight. Patrick yells in excitement, "Hi, Mama! Is it true I get to stay up until midnight tonight?"
"Do you think you can stay up that late?" Rosemary taps his nose. "I don't even know if I'll make it until midnight."
Patrick confidently says, "It will be easy. If I can do it, then you can, Mama!"
"I'll try my best," responds Rosemary. Patrick runs upstairs to play in his bedroom. Lee walks over to the table, looking at Rosemary's to-do list.
"Do you want me to cross things off for you?"
Rosemary walks over to Lee. She inquires, "Why don't we do it together?"
Lee chuckles, questioning, "You don't completely think I will check off the right things, do you?"
Rosemary chuckles and grabs the pen from Lee, and starts crossing things off with his help. "Thank you so much for helping."
Lee questions, "What else can I help with?"
Rosemary spurts off, "Well, I need to finish this hem, go get Jack, put the bread in the oven, make the molasses cookies, and then load the rest of the stuff in the car." She looks at the time, mentioning, "We have about three more hours until we need to be out of the cabin."
"I will load the car and anything else you need me to do. You finish up the hem and go get Jack. Do you know what you are going to say?"
Rosemary chuckles, mentioning, "Of course, I do. I am an actress." Lee chuckles back. Rosemary finishes up the hem, hanging up the dress next to Elizabeth's and Allie's. She clasps her hands together, exclaiming, "Done!" Rosemary calls up to Patrick, "Hey, bud. Let's go get Jack." Patrick comes running down. She inquires, "You remember what your line is?"
"Yes, ma'am." Rosemary and Patrick go next door, knocking and walking in like usual.
Elizabeth is surprised but happy to see Rosemary and Patrick. She questions, "What are you two doing today?"
"Well, Patrick and I were wondering if Jack would like to spend the day with us. We are going to have fun baking cookies and playing and reading books. We thought it would be fun to have Jack with us," mentions Rosemary.
Patrick chimed in, "It's always more fun when Jack is around. No offense, Mama."
Rosemary chuckles, "None taken." Patrick sits on the floor to play with Jack.
"Oh, Rosemary. Today I was hoping to spend the whole day with just the two of us. I wanted to teach him the ABC song, play, read his favorite books, and cuddle under a blanket."
"That sounds fun, but didn't you say the other day, you wanted some time for yourself. Today is the day. You can relax for once, and Jack can spend time with his Auntie Rosie, Uncle Lee, and Patrick."
"I don't know, Rosemary. I feel like I don't spend enough time with him one-on-one."
"Nonsense. You always make time for Jack. Besides, he loves spending time with you, Nathan, and Allie. You never spend time just for yourself. You are allowed to once in a while."
"Are you sure?" inquires Elizabeth.
Rosemary answers, "It will be our pleasure."
"Jack, do you want to spend the day with Auntie Rosie and Patrick?" questions Elizabeth.
Jack yells, "Yes!"
"Great. We will get out of your hair. Let's go, Jack and Patrick," remarks Rosemary. Patrick and Jack follow her out and walk next door. Rosemary tells the boys, "Let me put this bread in the oven, and then we can make cookies. Do you want to help?" Both boys jump up and down.
Lee offers, "I'll load the car. Should I make another run out there? I am not sure we will all fit in the car with all the things that still need to go out there."
"Yes, that would be great, sweetie." She points to what needs to be loaded, and he gets to work. By the time he finishes, the bread is out, and Rosemary and the boys are busy making cookies.
Lee announces, "Goodbye," but no one seems to hear him. He laughs and walks out the door.
When Rosemary puts the first tray in the oven, she finally looks up, wondering where Lee went. She checks the front window and sees the car is gone. Rosemary thinks to herself, "I guess he took another load out there. Why didn't he say goodbye?"
Lee, Rosemary, Patrick, and Jack pile into the car with the food and last-minute things Rosemary thought to grab. They park in front of the cabin, and Rosemary gets busy setting everything up. She has Lee help her move the big things, and the boys help with the smaller items. That is until they get bored and start playing with the toys Patrick brought. As Rosemary is running around organizing things and making sure everything is in its proper place, she notices Patrick's toys in random spots. On the table, or the chair, or the counter. Rosemary picks them up and gives them to Patrick, telling him, "Please don't leave your toys everywhere."
"Okay, Mama," replies Patrick.
"Lee, have you checked outside. Is everything in order?"
"I'll go check," answers Lee. While Lee goes out, Rosemary grabs the flowers and arranges them in the three vases. Rosemary hears the boys laughing, so she looks up and sees Patrick and Jack trying to bounce on the cot.
"Patrick, what are you doing?"
"Jack thought this was a bed, so we started jumping up and down." Patrick frowns, questioning, "What is this?"
"It's a cot, Patrick. Hunting cabins usually don't have beds because people don't stay there more than a couple of nights." She stops herself before she raises her voice. "Can you and Jack please go over to the corner to play and not make a mess?"
Patrick sadly walks over there with Jack, offering, "I'm sorry, Mama."
"Wait, Patrick. Come here." She gets down to his level, patting her lap so he'd sit on her. Rosemary remarks, "Patrick, you didn't do anything wrong. I'm in a time crunch right now, and I need to make sure everything is perfect. I love you more than all the stars in the sky."
Patrick hugs her, saying, "I love you to the moon and back."
"Now, hop to it, bud. I should be finished soon."
Lee walks in and sees the last part. He asks, "What happened?"
"Nothing really. Patrick was kind of getting in the way. It's okay," states Rosemary.
"The outside looks great. Is there anything else I can help with?"
Rosemary replies, "No, I just need to add the finishing touches to improve upon the ambiance and make it more romantic." She does that while Lee watches her work. When she thinks she's done, Rosemary looks one more time, surveying the room when she gasps. Rosemary walks over to the cot, repeating, "Oh, no, no, no." She looks all over the room and under the cot, but it is nowhere to be found. Patrick, can you go check in the car for Nathan's guitar, please?"
"Yes, Mama." Patrick comes back a couple of minutes later, empty-handed.
"How could I forget something as important as the guitar?" Rosemary looks at the time and panics when she sees it's already 11:45 am. She quickly looks at her list, and the guitar is checked off. Rosemary looks at Lee in desperation, asking with a slightly higher-pitched voice, "What am I going to do?" She answers herself, "I am going to go home and get the guitar; that is what I am going to do. The guitar is an essential part of the day, and I cannot let them down." Rosemary grabs her coat and starts toward the door when Lee stops her.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, where do you think you're going, Rosie?"
Rosemary responds, "We are running out of time, Lee. I need to go home, get the guitar, and get back before they arrive." She snips, "Is that agreeable to you?"
"No, I will go. You stay here and make sure everything is just how you like, and I will be back in a jiffy." Lee kisses her quickly and walks out to the car. He drives home and parks in front of his house, noticing Newton and Sergeant tied to Nathan's porch post. Lee is relieved they have not left yet and runs inside. He finds the guitar and hops back in the car before anyone sees him. Lee drives back, running in with the guitar in hand.
"Problem solved," remarks Rosemary. She grabs the guitar and lays it on the cot. "Oh, Lee. Thank you. I believe I am ready," Rosemary looks at the time, stating, "We made it with time to spare. I wonder if they are on their way yet."
"Probably not. Nathan was still at home when I left." Lee offers, "We better get going." Rosemary looks one more time, making sure there is nothing out of place, and then the four of them pile into the car and head home.
Nathan knocks on Elizabeth's door with the two horses and a smile on his face. He asks, "Would you like to spend the day with me?"
Elizabeth answers, "I would like that very much. Jack is over at Lee and Rosemary's, so I have all the free time in the world." She tugs him into the house, planting a long and lingering kiss on his lips. "Let me get my things."
She puts her coat, hat, and gloves on, and Nathan comes up behind her with a scarf, suggesting, "You might be needing this." Elizabeth wraps the scarf around herself, turning to Nathan. He inquires, "Are you ready?"
Elizabeth replies, "I am more than ready." Nathan and Elizabeth ride out of town into the woods, sometimes slow and together, and other times racing each other, feeling the cold wind in their hair. Nathan suggests, "Why don't we go this direction?" He leads her along a path, and at the end is the cabin. Nathan dismounts, helping Elizabeth down.
Elizabeth questions, "What are we doing out here, Nathan?"
Nathan doesn't say anything. He merely holds out his arm for Elizabeth to take. They walk inside to a beautiful table set for two and a fire. Music is coming from the victrola, and there are two flower bouquets, one by the victrola and one on the counter. On the table, there is a light blue lace table cloth with matching napkins, two individual flowers in a small vase, two glasses of wine, two bowls of stew being kept warm, and a basket of fresh bread. Elizabeth smiles at him, questioning, "This is wonderful. How did you do all this?"
Nathan responds, "I had a lot of help from Rosemary, Allie, and Lee. They pulled off a miracle with making this place presentable and ready in a short amount of time." Nathan takes her hand and leads her to the table, moving the chair out for her to sit.
Allie comes knocking on the Coulter's door right after they get home. Rosemary notices Allie is carrying a dress and inquires, "What is this?"
Allie replies, "Missus Coulter, my dress has a rip on the sleeve. Do you have time to mend it for me?"
Rosemary giggles and walks over to their dresses. She offers, "I have something better." Rosemary holds out a lavender and white checkered dress made out of cotton with a Bateau neckline, long sleeves, three decorative buttons on the top, and pockets in front of the skirt."
"You made this dress for me?"
"I sure did." Allie hugs Rosemary with tears flowing out of her eyes.
Rosemary remarks, "Now, go upstairs and try it on." Allie grins and runs upstairs. Rosemary looks towards the boys, inquiring, "What should we do for the next hour or so?" Patrick and Jack start yelling different ideas when Allie comes skipping down the stairs.
"It fits perfectly, Missus Coulter." Rosemary motions for her to spin around.
"I am so glad you like the dress. The boys want me to read more Ozma of Oz. We'll wait for you while you change." Allie smiles and goes back upstairs. When she is done, she joins Patrick, Jack, and Lee on the settee. Rosemary reads to her captive audience until it is time to go.
At the cabin, Nathan stands up, walks over to Elizabeth, and offers to pull her chair out. He inquires, "Would you care to join me over there? I have prepared some songs for you." Nathan leads her to the cot in the corner. Rosemary had covered it up with blankets and pillows to make it more comfortable to sit on. Elizabeth sits down, and Nathan gets his guitar and sits on a chair across from her. Just when he is about to start, there is a knock, and Allie and Jack come skipping in the door.
Elizabeth inquires, "What are you two doing here?" Jack comes running and hops on Elizabeth's lap, and Allie sits next to her.
"The Coulter's dropped us off," mentions Allie.
Elizabeth looks at Jack and Allie and then at Nathan, wondering how she's been blessed with two great men in her life. She kisses Jack on the cheek as Nathan begins playing "Moonlight Bay," [1] and Elizabeth sings along with Nathan:
We were sailing along On Moonlight Bay,
We could hear the voices ringing,
They seemed to say
You have stolen her heart,
Now don't go 'way!
As we sang Love's Old Sweet Song,
on Moonlight Bay.
The kids pick a few songs, and the four of them sing together. Nathan then sings a couple more love songs for Elizabeth. The next one he plays is "Smiles" [2]. Elizabeth is not familiar with this one, so Nathan sings to her:
Dearie, now I know
Just what makes me love you so,
Just what holds me and enfolds me
In its golden glow.
Dearie, now I see
'Tis each smile so bright and free;
For life's sadness turns to gladness
When you smile on me.
Nathan immediately goes into the next song. He inquires, "Have you heard 'For Me and My Gal' [3]?" She nods and sings with him:
What a beautiful day,
For a wedding in May,
See the people all star
At the lovable pair,
she's a vision of joy,
He's the luckiest boy,
In his wedding array,
Hear him smilingly say.
When Nathan is done, Jack jumps off of Elizabeth's lap and runs to Nathan, shouting, "Sing, "This Old Man," Natan."
The Coulter's get home, and Patrick goes up to his room while Lee and Rosemary slump into the settee. Rosemary mentions, "I think it's going well so far. I'm already exhausted, though, and we still have a long way to go."
"We should probably make Patrick take a nap," mentions Lee. Rosemary nods and lightly hits Lee's arm. "I'll go tell him. Do you need anything?" She shakes her head no. Lee hands her a blanket and goes up to Patrick's room. Lee suggests, "Hey, buddy. I think its's naptime. You do want to stay up to midnight, right?"
"But I am not sleepy, Papa."
"Well, I want you to at least lay down and rest for a little while."
"Okay, Papa," Patrick sadly replies as he climbs into bed. Nanny jumps up with him and lays beside him. Patrick closes his eyes and falls asleep pretty quickly. He may say he is not tired, but he never has trouble falling asleep. Lee goes back downstairs, and Rosemary is sleeping soundly on the settee. He covers her up and sits down on the chair to read the newspaper. Lee keeps an eye on the time so he can go pick up Allie and Jack. When the time comes, Lee writes a note to Rosemary telling her where he went.
Lee knocks and comes in, announcing, "I've come to pick up Allie and Jack. Did I come at a good time?"
Nathan replies, "Thank you, Lee. Jack wants to finish this song first, and then you can all go." Lee sings the last few rounds of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" with them. Jack cheers at the end and runs over to Lee.
Lee picks up Jack, asking, "Are you ready to go play with Patrick? He is waiting for you at our house."
Jack yells, "Yes," squirming down to run over and give Elizabeth and Nathan hugs and then runs out the door. Allie hugs them both and follows Lee outside. Nathan sits beside Elizabeth on the cot, wrapping his arm around her and holding her other hand.
"Do you have any more surprises for me today?"
Nathan gives her a coy smile, mentioning, "You'll have to wait and see." Elizabeth rests her head on his shoulder, suggesting, "Why don't we sit here and listen to some music?"
"Sounds wonderful," answers Elizabeth.
Nathan gets up to put a new record on and starts the Victrola again before grabbing a blanket. Cuddle Up a Little Closer, Lovey Mine begins playing. He questions, "Are you cold, Elizabeth?"
She pats the cot, suggesting, "I won't be if you sit next to me and keep me warm." Nathan smiles, sitting down next to her. He covers them with a blanket and wraps his arms around her. Elizabeth rests her head on his shoulder, taking in the moment. Elizabeth feels so comfortable in Nathan's arms, she dozes off. Nathan lets her sleep for a little while and then wakes her up with a kiss to the forehead. She giggles, "Did I fall asleep? I am sorry."
"You did. You looked so peaceful, so I didn't want to disturb you. We should probably head back. There should be enough time to relax for a little bit before having to get ready for the dance."
Elizabeth speaks, "Thank you for an incredible afternoon. It was so thoughtful to bring the kids along. I think they enjoyed themselves." Nathan puts out the fire the best he can. Elizabeth asks, "Do we need to clean anything up?"
"No, the fire is the only thing pressing. Rosemary will handle the rest of this stuff for us," remarks Nathan. They bundle up and unhitch the horses, riding home together.
It is almost time for Nathan and Allie to pick up Elizabeth and Jack for the dance. Jack had woken up from his nap about thirty minutes ago and played with his toys while Rosemary frantically finishes Elizabeth's hair. Rosemary motions for her to stand up so she can get one more look at the whole ensemble. Elizabeth remarks, "You outdid yourself with this dress, Rosemary. It is gorgeous." Rosemary admires the dusty rose chiffon and lace floor-length dress she made especially for Elizabeth. The three-fourths length sleeves are lace and match the modest neckline. The fabric crosses in the front, gathering at the waist with a free-flowing skirt.
"I know…I did. And your dress will be second only to mine." Elizabeth rolls her eyes. "I'm teasing. All eyes will be on you tonight." Rosemary looks down at her own dress, a floor-length dark purple chiffon A-line dress with a scoop neck, three-fourths length sleeves, and a natural waistline. The bodice gathers to the side with white beads, and the top layer of the skirt flairs out.
Elizabeth notices Rosemary tearing up. Rosemary laughs it off, saying her emotions are all over the place. Elizabeth reaches for her arm, reminding her, "Don't worry. This is perfectly normal." Rosemary couldn't tell her the truth about her emotions. They purely come from how excited she is for Elizabeth and nothing to do with her pregnancy. Elizabeth took a chance and opened her heart up to love again, and now she is about to start a new journey with Nathan, Allie, and Jack. Rosemary couldn't be happier for her dearest friend.
There is a knock at the door, and in comes Nathan in a brand-new blue suit which brings out his eyes and Allie in the dress Rosemary made her. Rosemary helps Jack put his coat on while Nathan walks up to Elizabeth with the biggest crooked grin she's ever seen him give. Nathan reaches for her hands, revealing, "You look stunning, Elizabeth. I am the luckiest guy in Hope Valley." Elizabeth blushes and kisses him like there is no one else in the room.
Jack breaks the moment as he yells, "Natan. Let's go." Allie picks up Jack, and they all start laughing.
Rosemary suggests, "You better get going. Patrick, Lee, and I will join you in a little while." Nathan escorts Elizabeth outside, leading her to the back of the Coulter's car. He helps her and Jack climb in and then scoots in beside her and Jack. Allie sits upfront with Lee.
Lee questions, "Is everyone ready?"
Elizabeth glances at Nathan, grinning. She replies, "Yes. Thank you, Lee."
The New Year's Eve dance has a good turnout, with most of the citizens of Hope Valley in attendance. The saloon is decked out with blue and white paper streamers and some artwork from the students. The tables are all on one side of the room, leaving the rest as a dance floor. Fiona, Clara, and Faith greet each person when they come into the saloon. The three of them were proud of themselves for planning and decorating for the dance without Rosemary's guidance.
Lee drops off Nathan, Elizabeth, Jack, and Allie and goes back for Rosemary and Patrick. The ladies ooh and aah over Elizabeth's dress. Nathan picks up Jack, and he and Elizabeth walk over to mingle with Carson, Bill, and Hickam. Allie joins Robert, Opal, Emily, and Anna talking in the corner.
Lee comes through the door with a grin on his face and a flower in his hand. He offers the flower to Rosemary, "For the love of my life." Rosemary and Lee giggle. Lee inquires, "Are you ready to go? Where's Patrick?" Rosemary points upstairs. He brings her in and twirls her around. "You are breathtaking, sweetheart."
"Thanks, honey." Rosemary calls up to Patrick, "Papa is here. Time to go."
Patrick yells back down, "I'll be right there." The three of them head back into town and are greeted by their hostesses. They praise Rosemary for Elizabeth's dress and then see Rosemary's as well.
Clara mentions, "Rosemary, when did you have time to make both dresses? And how did I not know about these?"
"Sorry, Clara. I wanted them to be a surprise, so I worked on them when you were not around."
"Well, they are both gorgeous." Rosemary nods and hugs Clara. The Coulters make their way into the saloon, looking for Elizabeth and Nathan. Patrick sees them sitting at a table, so they join them. As soon as the Coulters sit down, Fiona, Clara, and Faith address the crowd announcing the dance has begun. Fiona motions to Lucas to start the music.
Lucas makes one more announcement, "We have a children's corner over there. I will be teaching some magic tricks, and then Laura has graciously offered to read a story to the children." Lucas starts up the victrola and goes over to the children's corner.
Patrick yells, "Can I go learn about magic, Mama, Papa?"
"I'll take you over," mentions Rosemary.
As they are walking over, Jack yells, "Go…with…Pat-wick." Elizabeth lets him down, and Jack runs up to Rosemary, grabbing her hand.
Nathan asks Elizabeth, "Would you like to dance?"
"Of course." He leads her to the dance floor, leaving Lee at the table by himself. Lee decides to wander around and finds Rosemary, Patrick, and Jack watching Lucas perform magic tricks. Jack is sitting on Rosemary's lap, and Patrick is seated next to them, listening intently. Patrick moves over so Lee can join them but quickly climbs on his lap.
Patrick quietly asks Lee, "This is so neat. Do you know how to do magic tricks?"
"I know a couple, but I'm sure Mister Bouchard would be happy to teach you and me some of them in the new year." Patrick turns back to watch Lucas, hoping he can figure out the trick. After about an hour, Lucas finishes up his demonstration. Allie sits down next to Rosemary, and Jack climbs into her lap, giving her a hug.
Lucas introduces Laura, "She will be reading Peter Pan for you all tonight."
Allie offers, "I can watch Jack and Patrick if you want to go dance." Before Rosemary can speak up, Lee motions for Patrick to scoot over.
Patrick climbs on Rosemary's lap, pleading, "Please stay, Mama, Papa."
Rosemary smiles at Lee and then squeezes Patrick. "Okay, we'll stay," responds Rosemary.
About an hour later, Lee questions Patrick, "Would it be okay if I danced with Mama for a little bit. She is wearing that beautiful dress, and it would be a shame not to take her for a spin around the dance floor."
Patrick looks up at Rosemary and sees the grin on her face. He remarks, "Sure, Papa." Patrick gets off her lap just as Lee stands up.
Lee inquires, "Are you still okay watching the two boys, Allie?"
"Yes, Mister Coulter," replies Allie.
"Thank you. We really appreciate this." Lee reaches for Rosemary's hand, and she accepts, standing up next to him.
"Thank you, Allie," remarks Rosemary as Lee tugs her towards the dance floor." They both laugh and then join the rest of the couples dancing.
Lee holds her tight as they sway to the music. He mentions, "I wasn't sure if we would be able to sneak in a dance."
"Me neither." The music stops for a moment, and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" comes on. Lee and Rosemary both giggle. They see Fiona smiling and both mouth, "Thank you."
Lee spins her around a few times and whispers, "You are extraordinary, Rosie. I don't know how you do everything you do while being an incredible mother and wife and now growing our little miracle inside of you. I don't think many people can handle motherhood on top of running a dress shop, planning festivals, parties, and concerts, and hosting her first family Christmas." They stop dancing for a moment, he leans in, and their lips meet. "The longer I've known you, the more amazing you become. I love you, Rosie."
"And I you," responds Rosemary. They dance a few more songs and then notice Nathan signaling to them it is time. Rosemary signals back, giggling, "I guess we are done for the night. We better get the kids and get to the church.
Lee holds her back for a moment, "Don't worry. I'll make it up to you later." Rosemary wraps her arm around his, and they walk up to Elizabeth and Nathan.
Rosemary offers, "We are probably going home soon, Elizabeth. If you want, we can bring Jack home with us."
"You don't mind?" inquires Elizabeth.
"Not at all. We cherish any time we can get with the little munchkin. We'll take him, and you can pick him up later tonight or tomorrow morning."
"Thanks, Rosemary. She pats Elizabeth's arm, and she and Lee walk over to the children's corner to get Patrick, Jack, and Allie.
Rosemary asks Allie, "Are you ready?"
"Yes, Missus Coulter. I have been waiting for this for a while now." They all get their coats on, and Lee drives them over to the church, parking his car away from the dock so Elizabeth won't suspect anything. The five of them hide in the dark, freezing church waiting for Nathan and Elizabeth to show up.
After one more song, Nathan suggests to Elizabeth, "Do you want to get some fresh air?"
"Yes, I would, Nathan." She wraps her arms around his, and they get their coats and walk outside. Nathan leads her in the direction of the pond and the dock. It is a clear, cold night with an almost full moon visible. When they get there, Nathan stops them, noticing the bouquet of flowers and a blanket Rosemary must have left for them. He wraps the blanket around her and takes her hands into his.
"Elizabeth, I have never met anyone like you before. You welcomed Allie and me into this town and showed us what it was like to have friends who are more like family. You brought us into a community where everyone is supportive of each other. I knew you were special from our first meeting, but I started falling in love with you when you told me how Allie was pushing people away, so she doesn't get hurt. You were the first person who took the time to really help us and connect with us. You made me want to be a better man, a man who was good enough to deserve you. I know it took me a while to voice my feelings for you, but don't ever think they weren't there this whole time. After the prison transfer tragedy and you running to me on the street, a fire was lit inside me. I knew I was in love with you, but I was hesitant to tell you. I didn't want to leave you the same way Jack did. I didn't want to hurt you or Jack. When you told me you wanted to take a chance with me, I knew nothing would stop us from being together. We've spent the last nine months joining our lives together, our children, our families, and it has been the best nine months of my life. And I want to spend every day for the rest of our lives together and grow old together." Nathan gets down on one knee, holding up a ring, asking, "Will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife?"
Elizabeth is flooded with emotions. She's been secretly wanting him to propose for some time, but she can't believe it is actually happening. Elizabeth knows she loves him, but seeing him drop down on his knee is a dream come true. Everything about today is perfect in her eyes, and she can't help but excitedly give him an answer to his question. Elizabeth answers, "Yes, Nathan. I will be your wife." He slips the ring on her finger and embraces her for a deep and passionate kiss. She looks down at the ring in amazement, revealing, "This ring is exquisite. I couldn't imagine anything better." Elizabeth takes his hands into hers and begins, "Thank you for taking it slow with me. Thank you for being there for Jack and me these last nine months. You have shown me what it's like to have a blended family, and I can't thank God enough for bringing you and Allie into our lives. Elizabeth rests his hand on her heart, speaking, "You worked your way into here, and I don't want you to ever leave." At the exact moment, Allie and Jack come running up to them. Elizabeth shows the ring to Allie, exclaiming, "We are getting married, Allie! Are you okay with this?"
Allie hugs her, saying, "Yes, I am more than okay. I've been praying for this." Allie can't help the tears continuing to fall down her face.
Elizabeth brings the four of them in for a group hug and then steps back, looking at the three of them, smiling ear-to-ear. She touches each of their faces before excitedly announcing, "My family!" She picks up Jack kissing him all over his cheeks. "Wait, how did you two know to be here?" Nathan chuckles and points to the Coulter's standing over by the church with the biggest grins on their faces. "I should have known they would be a part of this too."
Nathan responds, "I couldn't have done this without them," he turns to Allie, "Or you."
"Thank you, Nathan. This has been a surprising day. When I woke up this morning, I did not expect we would be engaged by tonight. I am so happy!" Elizabeth leans in for a kiss. "I love you so much."
"I love you too, Elizabeth." Their lips meet again, lingering longer than usual. Elizabeth and Nathan giggle and open their arms for Allie and Jack.
Allie inquires, "Can we go back to the dance and announce the great news?" Elizabeth and Nathan look at each other, and both nod yes. Nathan signals to the Coulters, and Lee runs over to get the car. They pull up in their vehicle, and Rosemary gets out.
"Congratulations, Elizabeth, Nathan. We are so happy for you," remarks Rosemary.
Lee chimes in, "She's right. We are so happy for all four of you. It's about time."
Elizabeth hugs Rosemary, whispering, "Thanks for today, Rosemary. I know you have a lot on your plate right now, and I am grateful for your friendship."
"Oh, it was nothing. You are the sister I always wanted growing up, and I will always be here for you no matter what." Rosemary wipes the tears which come so freely these days. She rubs her hands together, asking, "Are you ready to go play with Patrick, Jack?" Jack runs over to Rosemary and jumps in her arms. Rosemary laughs and carries him back to the car. "Are you sure you don't want us to drive you back to the dance?"
Nathan wraps his arm around Elizabeth, answering, "I think the three of us will walk back together. Thank you, though."
"Okay, have a fun rest of your night. Don't worry about Jack," responds Rosemary. Nathan, Elizabeth, and Allie wave as the Coulters drive away.
All the couples, old and new, share the dance floor for the last song of the night: newly engaged couple Nathan and Elizabeth, Clara and Jesse, Carson and Faith, newly together couple Fiona and Lucas, Michael and newcomer Hannah, Florence and Ned, Molly and Bill, Allie and Robert, Emily and Harper, Anna and Dominic, and Opal and Nicholas. Hannah Martin and her son Nicholas moved to Hope Valley right before Christmas, but not much is known about the newest two residents of the town as of yet. When Josephine changes the record, Lucas notices the time and announces to the crowd, "It is almost midnight. If you could all please follow me outside, we plan to light some lanterns and then set off some fireworks."
The town gathers out front while Lucas, Fiona, Anna, Robert, and Harper light the lanterns. The crowd watches them float slowly upwards with as much fascination as the year before. Bill keeps an eye on the time and leads the countdown to the new year. Precisely at midnight, Hickam sets off the fireworks. He is proud to almost double what he did a few years ago. Everyone's eyes are to the sky except for Elizabeth and Nathan. They take the opportunity to sneak in a quick kiss or two. Nathan reveals, "I am so glad you agreed to be my wife. I cannot wait to start our lives together as a family of four and hopefully adding one or two little ones of our very own."
Elizabeth giggles, stating, "I would like that very much. I cannot wait to be your wife."
Back at the Coulter's, Lee and Rosemary had put Jack to bed a couple of hours ago and played old maid with Patrick. Lee laughed as both Rosemary and Patrick were yawning every few minutes, trying to stay awake. Patrick asks, "What time is it, Papa?"
"It is almost time. We should probably go outside if we want to watch the fireworks. I don't think we will be able to see the lanterns from out here," answers Lee. Rosemary helps Patrick with his coat, hat, and gloves and then puts on her own. The three of them go out front, standing in the street.
Rosemary looks up to see the full moon when she catches a glimpse of the lanterns high in the clear night sky. She kneels down next to Patrick, pointing up, "Look, Patrick. See the lanterns? Aren't they magical?"
"Yes, ma'am!" exclaims Patrick.
Lee checks his watch and starts counting down, "5…4…3…2…1. Happy New Year!" Lee picks up Rosemary and spins her around, putting her down gently for a soft and tender kiss.
They are only interrupted by the fireworks and Patrick whining, "Ewe. Why do you always have to kiss?" Lee and Rosemary laugh, and Lee teases Patrick.
"You mean like this, Patrick?" Lee questions, bringing Rosemary in for another one.
"Awe, stop," pleads Patrick. Lee laughs and apologizes. "I can't see anything, Papa." They walk further out in the field so Patrick can see.
While Patrick is distracted by the fireworks, Lee brings Rosemary in close, saying, "Happy New Year, sweetheart. I thought this year was our best one yet, but I have a feeling 1918 will far surpass 1917." He places his hand on her still flat belly, continuing, "Welcoming this baby into the world and watching Patrick become a big brother. How can it get any better?"
Rosemary pats his cheek, inquiring, "Have I ever told you, I do love nothing in the world so well as you? [4]"
Lee replies, "You have, but not in those words. I have one for you. I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest. [5]" Lee wraps his arm around Rosemary, and she melts into her husband's loving arms. They can't help but smile as they keep an eye on their son as he jumps up and down while watching the fireworks.
[1] Moonlight Bay (1912 - w: Edward Madden m: Percy Weinrich) Public Domain (website: .edu/sheetmusic/1435/)
[2] Smiles (1917 – w: J. Will Callahan m: Lee G. Roberts) Public Domain (website: .edu/sheetmusic/1684/)
[3] For Me and My Gal (1917 – w: Edgar Leslie, E. Ray Goetz m: George Meyer) Public Domain (website: .edu/sheetmusic/396/)
[4] & [5] William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing