AN: So, while I do not have as many readers in this fandom as in WCTH, I wanted to give you guys a little something as well! I hope you like my one-shot Christmas story for When Hope Calls. I know I am looking forward to the Christmas special (though with a little trepidation after what happened on WCTH). Hope everyone who reads this, finds a little Christmas joy in it! Merry Christmas, my fellow Hopefuls!
Lillian stood in the doorway of the diningroom and the sitting room, watching the process of decorating the Christmas tree. Vincent, Christian, Mary Louise, and Violet were all smiling and giggling as they hung garlands and ornaments on the boughs of the tree. The older children were helping the younger and a figure in red serge was making sure that decorations got on the higher limbs. Lillian knew she should be helping as well but she had been having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this season.
Grace had taken her up on the suggestion of doing some traveling before coming back to Brookfield. By all accounts, her sister was enjoying herself, using her waitressing skills to earn money when it was needed and taking in the sights as well. Lillian was happy for Grace. After her hard childhood of moving from orphanage and orphanage and then finally striking out on her own, Grace deserved this.
But oh, how Lillian missed her. Especially at this time of the year.
After Grace had left with Helen, Sophia had soon found a new home with Phillip Clay and his wife. Lucy's brother and sister-in-law had been hoping for a child but it was not happening for them. They had even traveled to Calgary to see a doctor there. Coming back from that trip, Phillip and Erica had shared with Lillian that the doctor could find nothing physically wrong and had suggested that they adopt a child as other couples had found that by adopting a child and taking some of the pressure off of conceiving, the blessing came along naturally. After spending some time with the children at the orphanage, the couple, especially Erica, had taken to Sophia. Though the girl was still near enough to visit often, her absence was noticed just like all the other children that had moved on.
Soon after Sophia had gone to live with the Clays, Lillian had gotten the shock of her life when Tess had come to her about adopting Fred. Chuck had said he had noticed his mother had been taken with the boy when Fred had spent a day at the ranch. That feeling had apparently continued to grow and Tess wanted to give the boy a home on the ranch. Fred had been ecstatic at the idea. Having Chuck for an older brother had been good for the boy as well, and more than once Lillian had seen Fred tagging along on Chuck's vet calls on a Saturday. Lillian had a feeling Fred served as a good distraction from Chuck missing Grace as well.
Lillian sighed. She was not the only one who was missing Grace. Nor was she alone. She had Eleanor, the children and Gabriel.
Gabriel.
It was clear that Brookfield's Mountie had feelings for her, though they had not been on an outing with just the two of them. Gabriel was always including the children in their outings - a picnic where he had fished with the boys, a nature hike where somehow they had ended up walking hand in hand, their outing to find a Christmas tree. One Friday Mary Louise was upset because she was the only one at the orphanage because Christian and Vincent were spending the night with Henry Mendelson and Violet had been asked over by a schoolmate as well. Gabriel had stopped by briefly on his way back into town from doing rounds and had noticed Mary Louise's disposition. Gabriel had proceeded to ask Lillian and Mary Louise to have dinner with him at the hotel. He had even insisted that all three of them dress up. Lillian would not deny that Gabriel had looked sharp in his dress slacks, shirt and tie and the bouquet of roses had made her cheeks flushed. Luckily, Mary Louise's reaction to her own bouquet of assorted flowers had distracted attention from Lillian's flushed cheeks.
Yes, Lillian knew that Gabriel had feelings for her. She had a feeling the whole town did. Even Sam had seemed to notice the interest. Though Sam still helped out fixing things, Lillian noticed the shift in his interactions with her. Sam saw her simply as a friend, and Lillian found she was relieved for that. Other than that first superficial, physical appreciation of Sam's looks, she had felt nothing romantic toward the prospector. She had seen Sam chatting with Ellie Clay while working on a cabinet one time and the two had seemed happy. Lillian hoped that Sam could find that special someone, though she knew it would not be her.
"Would you children like to participate in a tradition that my parents taught my siblings and me when I was a boy?"
Gabriel's question brought Lillian out of her own thoughts. She looked toward the tree to see four excited faces looking up at the Mountie. There was a chorus of agreement.
Oh, how healing Gabriel's presence had been since Grace's departure. No, he had not taken Grace's place. However, his easy going, cheerful personality helped to keep her from wallowing in her sadness. When caring for the orphans with just Eleanor's help seemed overwhelming, Gabriel always seemed to show up with a helping hand.
Lillian knew she loved him but she also felt that it was not fair to Gabriel. She could not ask him to take on the responsibility of her dream. Perhaps continuing to encourage his coming around was just unfairly leading him on. However, she needed him, though she knew that was simply being selfish.
Gabriel had found a length of ribbon. "This was a tradition that my mother's family has passed down. My father first participated in it when he was courting my mother and then they taught it to us. While decorating the tree, each family member would tie a bow on a tree branch like this," Gabriel said, proceeding to tie a bow on a tree limb that was about chest high for him. He continued talking as he did so. "Once the bow is tied, you make a silent wish for someone else. On Christmas day, you untie the bow so that the wish comes true for that person."
Gabriel finished his bow, found another length of ribbon and held it up. "So who is next."
"Me, me, me!" little Violet exclaimed jumping up and down.
Six-year-old violet was the newest addition to their orphanage family. She had caught chickenpox at the end of the previous school year. Neither of her parents had contracted the disease as children. However, they did catch it from Violet and while Violet had made a full recovery, neither of her parents had recovered. She had a brother, Sean, who had just recently turned eighteen who had tried to take the girl in. Though he had tried his best, it had proved too much for him and as he had been planning on going to a university in Calgary in the fall, he had started looking at other options for his sister. No relatives were willing or capable of taking the girl in. After that, he had started looking at orphanages, trying to find a place that felt right. Lillian admired the young man for at least wanting to find the right place for his sister and not just dropping her off at any orphanage. Sean also wrote to the girl regularly and was coming to stay with them over the holiday break. He would be arriving the next day.
Lillian watched with a smile as Gabriel helped Violet tie her bow. Each kid then took a turn. Lillian found herself wondering what they were wishing for and if those wishes would come true.
"Your turn, Miss Lillian," Christian stated, as he tied his bow on the tree last.
Though she had stayed out of the decorating, Lillian knew she could not refuse the request. Finally moving toward the tree, Lillian took the ribbon that Gabriel held out to her. Their fingers brushed as she took the ribbon, causing Lillian's heart to beat faster. There was no denying the attraction she felt to him. She also knew that she could not let him give up so much for her. The children were her first responsibility and she had a feeling there would always be orphans to care for. What if a posting or a promotion came along that Gabriel wanted to take. Lillian knew that she could not be the reason he did not follow his own dreams.
Trying to ignore her beating heart and the flutter of emotions within, Lillian turned to the tree. Tying the bow, Lillian found herself making a wish that Grace would finish her exploring and settle down once again, whether that be here in Brookfield or somewhere else.
It was late by the time that Gabriel finally prepared to leave the orphanage. Eleanor had insisted on feeding the Mountie after he had helped the children find and decorate the tree. Gabriel had consented but only after Eleanor had agreed to tie her own bow with a wish on the tree. After dinner, he had played games with the children and then read to the boys while Lillian had put the girls to bed.
"Thank you for everything, Gabriel," Lillian said as the Mountie put on his black coat over his red serge. "I never would have gotten that tree back here, let alone put it up, without your help."
"It was my pleasure, Lillian," Gabriel told her, a smile lighting up his boyish face.
Lillian felt her heart quicken at the sight of that smile.
"Now that we are alone, Lillian, there is something that I want to ask you," Gabriel said, gazing into her eyes.
Lillian found that she could not look away even as her mind silently rebelled. She had a feeling that she knew what Gabriel was going to ask and she did not want him to speak. She enjoyed what they had. Despite wanting to, she did not feel that she could give him more. He deserved someone that could put him first in her life. That was not her.
No words would come though as Gabriel continued.
"I know that we have not had a lot of time alone, however, I think we have still gotten to know one another these last few months. I know that given the responsibility you have to these children, especially with Grace away. I respect that. I accept that it will limit the alone time that you can give to me. I am fine with that, because I respect your passion for what you do for these children."
~Please stop!~
The words screamed in Lillian's mind. She did not want Gabriel to ask what she thought he was going to ask. She did not want him to change things. She was content with how things were. She just wanted things to stay the same.
But was that fair to Gabriel? Was maintaining this friendship with Gabriel knowing that he felt more for her, fair to him? They were questions that Lillian did not have an answer for.
"I love you, Lillian. I think I started falling for you the first day I saw you but as time went on I learned that your inner beauty far outshines your outer beauty," he told her.
Lillian felt her heart flutter at the compliments. Any woman would be lucky to have Gabriel as a suitor. But this wasn't just about her. She had taken on the responsibility of the orphans. She could not turn her back on them just for the sake of her own happiness.
Reaching into the breast pocket, Gabriel pulled out a small box. Lillian shook her head slightly from side to side. She still could not find the words to put a stop to what was happening.
"Lillian," Gabriel said, as he went down on one knee and opened the box. A diamond ring shone from its velvet bed. "Will you marry me?" he asked.
Lillian could hear the hopefulness in his voice. A hopefulness that she knew she had to dash.
"I can't," Lillian replied, tears stinging her eyes as she watched the smile disappear from Gabriel's face at the words. Oh, if only he had not spoken. Things had been good just the way they were.
"Lillian," Gabriel said, his voice desperate and pleading.
"I am sorry, Gabriel, but I just can't," Lillian told him. She sought for a reason to give him. She knew if she hid behind the orphanage and her responsibility to the children that he would tell her he would happily share that burden with her. He would too. Gabriel had made that clear these last few months. She couldn't let him though. He deserved to find someone who could make him her priority. Lillian knew that was not her. "I have enjoyed your friendship these last few months. The children enjoy having you around. With Grace away, perhaps I started relying on you to help me with the children and I am sorry for that. I am sorry if I led you on."
"So, there is not chance for us?" Gabriel asked, still looking up at her though he had lowered the box containing the ring.
Lillian shook her head again in reply. She knew she could not say the words. She did care for Gabriel, but this wasn't about her. The children had to come first. She felt like she had made that choice when agreeing to start the orphanage. Now, without Grace here, Lillian was even more sure that the only thing that mattered was the children.
"I am, sorry," Lillian managed to get out as Gabriel got to his feet.
"I am, too," Gabriel told her. Lillian could see the devastation he was feeling in his expression. "I still love you, Lillian," he told her softly as he leaned in close.
Gabriel pressed a short, tender kiss to her temple. "I always will," he whispered before straightening up.
Lillian stood in silent despair as Gabriel quietly let himself out. She felt like her heart was breaking and could only imagine how Gabriel felt himself.
Lillian stared at the door long after Gabriel had left through it. When she finally did turn from it, her eyes fell on Eleanor. The housekeeper she had known since she was a girl said nothing as she opened her arms to Lillian. Rushing forward, Lillian fell into those open arms, the tears finally falling.
Returning to the livery, Gabriel took more time than was necessary to care for Apollo. Not that the horse minded. Apollo seemed to enjoy the extra attention. The task did little to sooth the turmoil of emotions within Gabriel though.
As he stepped out of the stall, Gabriel reached into the pocket of the uniform and pulled out the ring box. Opening it, Gabriel stared down at the piece of jewelry. The diamond still sparkled in the lantern light as if all was right in the world. For others, perhaps it was, but for Gabriel it felt as though his world was crumbling down around him. The ring that should have brought him joy, had only brought heartache.
Closing the box, Gabriel drew back his hand and threw the box across the livery. He had been facing the entrance and Joe had chosen that moment to walk in. The box however missed the mercantile owner and hit the wall next the door.
Holding a bottle of whiskey, Joe took in the ring box before looking over at his friend. Despite the heartache on Gabriel's face, his friend looked a bit abashed as well.
"Sorry, Joe," Gabriel managed.
Joe did not comment on the apology, knowing full well that Gabriel had not thrown the ring box at him. Instead he addressed the cause of the act. "I am guessing that you did not get the answer you were hoping for?" Joe ventured, knowing that Gabriel had planned on asking Lillian to marry him.
"That would be an accurate guess," Gabriel told him.
"I am sorry," Joe said, feeling his friend's pain. He had a feeling that every man about to propose feared being rejected. He had when he had been about to ask Lissett to marry him. Despite that fear, it seemed to Joe that most women said yes to that particular question. He had been sure Lillian would.
Joe held up the bottle of whiskey.
"It is for a different reason than I had intended it, but how about we have a drink," Joe suggested.
"I could definitely use one," Gabriel admitted, stepping away from Apollo's stall.
Joe silently retrieved the ring box and put it in his coat pocket. He did not blame Gabriel for throwing the ring right now. It was definitely a better way of venting his hurt than punching a wall or something. However, he had a feeling his friend would want to do something else with it in time. Perhaps Lillian might change her mind. Even if she didn't, Joe knew Gabriel could get a good chunk of his money back by selling the ring rather than tossing it aside.
"I'll hang onto it for now, until you are thinking clearer," Joe commented as he and Gabriel left the livery.
"I do not care what you do with it," Gabriel muttered. "It can end up at the bottom of a pond for all I care."
Joe reached out a hand and clapped Gabriel on the shoulder. "I could make that happen, but lets give it some time before we do something that drastic. I will find a drawer to bury it in when I got home tonight it that will make you feel better."
"I am not sure anything could make me feel better tonight," Gabriel replied.
"Probably not," Joe agreed as they made their way to the Mounted Police Office. There was nobody else on the street of Brookfield as they walked. "I also plan on pouring for exactly that reason," he added.
That comment got a short, bitter chuckle from Gabriel. Given his job though, Gabriel had a feeling that even that was probably for the best.
Reaching the Mounted Police Office, Gabriel led the way inside. It was not long before a couple of lamps had been lit and a fire started in the stove. Joe and Gabriel had shed their coats and were sitting in chairs in front of Gabriel's desk.
Joe poured some whiskey into the two glasses that Gabriel had provided. Joe handed one to Gabriel and then leaned back in his chair.
"So what happened?" Joe asked, hoping that his friend would talk. He knew in the long run that it would help Gabriel to talk about what had happened.
Gabriel took a drink of the whiskey in his glass before he haltingly told Joe about the evening. Joe listened patiently, not hurrying his friend and offering comforting words when it seemed appropriate.
"I suppose I will take the promotion I was offered," Gabriel commented, placing his empty glass on the desk.
Joe motioned to the bottle of whiskey. "What promotion?" he asked, reaching for the bottle as Gabriel gave him a nod.
"I got an offer of a promotion for a position at the headquarters in Union City."
"Is that why you decided to ask Lillian to marry you?" Joe asked.
Gabriel nodded, reaching out for the glass that Joe had poured more whiskey into. Instead of taking a drink right away, Gabriel leaned back in his chair and stared down into the dark liquid.
"I got the letter a couple of weeks ago," Gabriel admitted. "It is a tempting offer, however, I thought that if there was a chance for me and Lillian, then I would turn it down. I could be happy here in Brookfield if I was with Lillian. I've always wanted a family. Turning down advancement in my career for a chance at that would be worth it. Apparently, I was mistaken in thinking I mattered as much to Lillian and she does to me."
"It doesn't mean you have to leave," Joe told him, taking a sip of his whiskey. "There are others here that would hate to see you go."
"I am aware of that," Gabriel admitted. "I think it might hurt too much to stay."
Joe nodded. "Do they need an answer right away?"
Gabriel shook his head. "I have to the first of the year to give them an answer."
"Will you at least wait until after Christmas before making your final decision?" Joe asked. "A little time might put things in a different perspective."
"I suppose I can do that," Gabriel replied. "I doubt it will change anything."
"Perhaps not," Joe said. "However, it does give me a little time to try changing your mind."
"Don't hold your breath," Gabriel muttered, before taking another drink of his whiskey.
Much of the joy of the season had disappeared for Lillian. When she was around the children, she forced a smile and laughter for their sakes. She did not want to ruin Christmas for her charges. However, with Grace still overseas and Gabriel no longer stopping by, Lillian felt very much alone. Not that she was alone. She still had Eleanor for support and to help her with the orphanage. Chuck still stopped by to check in on her and make sure they did not need anything.
However, Lillian could not help but feel that without Grace and Gabriel around much of the light had gone out of her life. Though Gabriel would still stop to speak to the children when he saw them outside, he had not even been on the porch of the orphanage since that night.
Then there were the rumors that she had started hearing in town. The rumors that Gabriel would be leaving Brookfield soon. That he had taken a promotion with a posting elsewhere. The rumor reached the children at school as well, and when Vincent had asked her if the rumor was true she had to honestly tell him that she was not sure. Though the children had noticed that something had changed between her and the town's Mountie, none of them asked her about it for which she was grateful.
One afternoon, Lillian headed into town before it was time to pick up the children from school so that she could do some necessary shopping at the general store. As she strode through the ankle-deep snow that covered the path between the orphanage and the buildings of town, Lillian noticed three figures in red on horseback riding away from town. She spotted Gabriel among them. By the look of the gear each of them had behind their saddles, Lillian could tell they were prepared to be away for an extended period.
~Was Gabriel already leaving for his new post?~
The question caused Lillian's heart to constrict. She had missed Gabriel these last few days. She had hoped that with time the both of them could move past the rejected proposal and restore their friendship. If Gabriel left, he took even that small possibility with him.
Not long ago, Gabriel would have stopped and spoke to her, even if only for a few moments. She would not be wondering where he was going because he would have already told her his plans. Today though, the line of Mounties moved past her with only the sound of the horses hooves crunching in the snow. Each man put fingers to the brim of their hat and gave her a polite nod as they rode past, even Gabriel. The polite but distant acknowledgment to her presence felt like a knife in her heart. Lillian had a feeling that Gabriel ignoring her altogether would have hurt less.
With tears, stinging in her eyes, Lillian turned on the path to watch them go. The line of red clad figures moved past the orphanage out further away from town.
"Lord, please keep Gabriel safe wherever he is going," Lillian whispered, the prayer flowing naturally from her heart and her lips. "Keep them all safe."
Lillian stood on the path watching the three Mounties until they passed out of sight. Only then was she able to turn and continue her trek into Brookfield. Reaching the general stores, Lillian found several other customers already there. Joe gave her a wave in greeting as she entered as he continued helping Pearl Maryfield who was at the counter.
Consulting her list, Lillian went about her shopping. She exchanged polite pleasantries with a few of the others in the store. By the time she stepped to the counter with her purchases, it was only Lillian and Joe in the store. Without anyone else around to overhear, Lillian felt comfortable trying to get information from Joe about Gabriel.
"I saw Constable Kinslow and a couple of other Mounties headed out of town on my way here," Lillian commented, hoping her voice sounded casual.
Joe hesitated with a response. Lillian could feel his gaze on her as she looked down at the counter. She felt like the store owner was trying to figure out what had prompted the comment.
"Gabriel was asked to help with the search of a bank robber that hit the Clearwater Savings and Loan last night," Joe finally commented. "He was not sure how long he'll be out of town."
Lillian nodded.
Joe went about ringing up her purchases. The store owner gave her the total and Lillian handed over the money. Glancing around, she saw that they were still alone. She had to know.
"Are the rumors true, Joe? Is Gabriel taking a posting away from Brookfield?" Lillian asked, this time looking at the man she was asking the question of.
Joe gave her a sad smile."He has been offered a promotion that would take him to Union City," the man told her. "As far as I know, Gabe has not given them an official reply but given how things are right now, I know he is leaning toward taking it."
"Because I turned down his proposal?" Lillian asked.
If Gabriel had talked to anyone in Brookfield about that night, Lillian knew it would be Joe.
Joe nodded in reply. "Though he would have liked the promotion, Gabriel would have stayed for you, Lillian. With no chance of that, I don't think Brookfield holds quite as much charm for Gabriel as it use to. Why did you turn him down, Lillian?"
Lillian hesitated. She had known Joe for a long time. He had seen her grow up. Was always willing to give a helping hand when he could. She could not blame him for asking the question, especially when she had started the conversation.
"Gabriel deserves someone who can make him the priority. I could not do that. I have the children and the orphanage. They would always need to come first. That would not be fair to him."
"I think Gabe is aware of that. Perhaps you should let him decide what is fair."
"The orphanage is my dream. Until they are adopted, those children are my children. I can't ask someone to take them on just because they married me."
"Except that you are not the one asking, Lillian. When you love someone, helping them realize their dreams becomes just as important to you as your own dreams."
"It is too late. I already told him no."
Joe reached across the counter and took one of her hands in his own. "Gabriel has not left yet. It is not too late, if you do love him, Lillian. All you need to do is tell him how you feel."
The sound of the door opening caused Lillian to pull her hand out of Joe's grasp. "Thank you for everything, Joe," Lillian said as she reached for the basket she had brought with her.
"You are welcome," Joe replied, giving her an understanding smile.
Turning from the counter, Lillian saw Tess walk through the door. Lillian gave the woman a nod in greeting as she passed, not sure she trusted her voice right then. Behind her, Joe greeted his new customer giving no indication that a personal conversation had been interrupted.
Two nights later, Gabriel sat near the fire of a hunting cabin keeping watch on their apparently sleeping prisoner. Not that Gabriel was about to let that give him a feeling of complacency. Yes, the man was handcuffed, and his ankles currently bound as an extra precaution but the fugitive had proved to be wily during their pursuit. Several times they had thought they had the man captured just to have him slip away again. His sore jaw reminded him that the man would use any opportunity he saw, no matter how slim, to try to escape.
Gabriel reached up and rubbed his jaw gently. His fellow Mounties had informed him that there was a bruise there though he had not had an opportunity to check himself. Gabriel had a feeling that at least right now the day's stubble might hide it some. There had not been an opportunity to shave today.
Gabriel had been attempting to get their prisoner on his horse this morning when the man had suddenly turned on him. The prisoner had struck out at him with his handcuffed hands. One of the hand cuffs had caught Gabriel across the jaw even as he had reached out for the man. By the time his two fellow Mounties had reacted, Gabriel already wrestled the man to the ground.
By midday tomorrow, the prisoner would no longer be any worry to him. Though they would start out together, when they reached a certain point his two companions would take the prisoner onto Clearwater while Gabriel would head in the direction of Brookfield.
As tomorrow was Christmas Eve, he would be home in time for the party at the hotel tonight. Not that Gabriel cared about the party now. He had been looking forward to it. An opportunity to spend an evening with Lillian and the children.
At the thought of Lillian, Gabriel felt a fresh wave of pain, wash over him. He had thought she cared for him like he did for her. Had he really judged her that wrong? Had she simply been lonely after Grace had left to take Helen to England? Did she fear that he would ask her to give up running the orphanage?
Gabriel would never do that. The children brought him joy. He liked being a part of their lives. Of doing something to fill the void in their lives that losing their parents had created.
Moving to Union City did not really appear to him. He had never cared for cities. He was happier away from the crowds, helping people who were courageously trying to open things up away from the safety nets that the cities provided.
Seeing Lillian, and remembering her rejection of him was too hard though. There was no reason to put his career on hold if she did not love him enough to let him be a part of her dreams. Joe had asked him to hold off making his choice. Gabriel had given his friend a few days and nothing had really changed. Putting off the inevitable was just a waste of time.
Gabriel resolved that he would send a wire to the Union City headquarters and accept the position. Perhaps he could even be away from Brookfield before the new year.
A groan interrupted his thoughts. Gabriel noticed the prisoner was stirring. The man's eyes fell on him.
"How about untying my ankles? I think you twisted my knee tackling me to the ground and the bindings are irritating it."
"You should have thought about that before you tried to escape," Gabriel told him evenly. "I will tell them to make sure a doctor takes a look at you after you are behind bars."
"How is your jaw, constable?" the man taunted, instead of replying to Gabriel's statement.
Gabriel resisted the urge to reach up and rub his jaw again. He would not give the prisoner the satisfaction.
"Go to sleep," Gabriel told him.
The man chuckled and with his limited movement, tried to find a comfortable position to sleep in.
Lillian stood alone in her room. She had put on a nice dress, and pinned her hair up. Not being in a festive mood, she had not bothered with jewelry. She was presentable for the town party. She knew that if it were not for the children she would not even be going. However, the children were looking forward to the event, where Santa Claus was making an appearance. Lillian was not even sure who the town council had managed to get to play Santa Claus this year. She had managed to scrape up some extra money to contribute to buying gifts for all the children that would be there. Joe had been in charge of the collection and she had given him her small contribution with reddening cheeks. Her charges would benefit and she wished she could have helped out more. Seeing her unease, Joe had shared with her that Kevin Newsom had made a large donation toward the collection for toys and had sworn him to secrecy. Lillian had promised to keep the secret, surprise that Mr. Newsom, the cantankerous ranch owner who had no children or grandchildren of his own, had even contributed. Perhaps there was more compassion under the gruff exterior than people gave him credit for.
There was a knock on her bedroom door.
"Come in," Lillian called as she turned to the door.
The door opened and in walked Vincent. The boy had a small, rectangular, wrapped package in his hands. A ribbon had been tied in a bow around it.
"I know we are supposed to wait until tomorrow morning to open presents, but I would really like you to have this tonight," Vincent said.
A smile came easily to her lips as Lillian took the package from Vincent.
"Merry Christmas, Miss Lillian," Vincent told her.
Lillian untied the bow and then unwrapped the package. Opening the box, Lillian revealed a delicate, blue tinged snowflake necklace. She had seen it in Joe's store earlier this month and had admired it.
Lillian looked up from the snowflake to Vincent. "How?" she asked. It was the only word she could manage to get out right then.
"I saw you admiring it, Miss Lillian. You do so much for us, and while I know you would appreciate whatever homemade gift we gave, I wanted you to have something special. Constable Kinslow suggested that as I did not have the money to buy it that I talk to Mr. Moody about helping out in the store in exchange for it. All those times that I asked you to trust me that I was not doing anything wrong when I couldn't tell you where I was going, well I was helping Mr. Moody."
Lillian wiped away tears of happiness. The fact that Vincent had worked to get her the gift made it all the more special.
"Thank you, Vincent," she told him giving the boy a hug.
When she released him, she asked, "can you put it on me, please Vincent?"
Vincent nodded, beaming proudly. Lifting the necklace from the box that Lillian still held, the boy moved behind her. Vincent draped the necklace around her and then fastened it in the back. Lillian looked down at the snowflake. Light from the nearby lamp caught it making the snowflake sparkle just like when the sun glistened off the snow.
"Constable Kinslow said he thought the snowflake would sparkle just like your eyes," Vincent said easily.
Lillian felt a pang of pain and guilt at the mention of Gabriel.
"I am sorry, Miss Lillian," Vincent said sorrowfully. "I did not men to upset you. Did you and Constable Kinslow have a fight? Is that why he does not come around as much?"
Lillian sighed even as she tried to force a smile. The last thing she wanted to do was upset Vincent or any of the children.
"It is complicated," Lillian told him. "Right now, we have a party to get to."
Vincent nodded and then offered her his arm. Lillian had a feeling it was a gesture that he had picked up from Gabriel.
How she wished, she had given Gabriel another answer. Joe was right. Gabriel should have been allowed to decide what he felt with fair. Instead of rejecting his love like she had, she should have talked to him. She should have told him her concerns and see where he stood on those concerns.
But she hadn't. Instead, she had rejected his proposal. Lillian could still see his heartbroken expression in her mind. She knew she had hurt him, and now Gabriel was who no where, putting his life in danger to try to make things safer for her and the others in the area. She could only hope that he was safe and would be back in town, somewhere safe and warm for Christmas.
Leading Vincent from her room, Lillian gathered the other children. She and Eleanor helped bundle them all up, and then the six of them set out for Brookfield. The sun had set. Christian and Vincent both carried lanterns to light the way. The light from the lanterns illuminated the falling snow. Lillian knew she would need to keep an eye on the snow. If it picked up, she would need to call it an early night to make sure she got the children home safely.
The children chattered excitedly on the walk into town. Lillian was grateful for the chatter as it meant that she did not need to try to carry a conversation. Though seeing the children happy made her happy, Lillian would have preferred to retreat to her home and have a good cry.
Walking along the boardwalk leading to the hotel, a figure caught her eye. Though his red serge was covered by a black coat, the hat told her the person was a Mountie. Despite the shadows created by the lantern light, Lillian had no problem recognizing Gabriel.
Seeing him, Joe's words came back to her. Joe had said he thought Gabriel would stay if she spoke her heat. There was only one way to find out.
"Eleanor," Lillian said, looking at the older woman. She got no further as Eleanor nodded in Gabriel's direction.
"Go," Eleanor told her. "I will keep an eye on the children."
"Thank you," Lillian said.
Lifting her skirts a little, Lillian stepped off the boardwalk and rushed toward Gabriel, given little thought to the slippery footing caused by the snow. By some miracle, she made it to Gabriel without slipping.
"I am so glad you are back safely," Lillian said and she wrapped her arms around a surprised Gabriel.
"Lillian?" Gabriel asked, clearly taken by surprise for the greeting. Still, he wrapped one arm around Lillian as he maintained his grip on the lantern. "Is everything all right? The children? Eleanor?"
"They are all fine," Lillian replied. She shifted her head to look at Gabriel in the light from the lantern, even as she maintained her hold on him. "Are you?" she asked, noticing the discoloration of the skin even underneath the stubble. She reached one hand up, to gently brush Gabriel's chin.
"It is just a bruise," Gabriel told her. "I should have ducked quicker," he said lightly.
Lillian pressed a gentle kiss to the area before speaking again. "Please, stay. Don't take that posting in Union City."
A look of surprise came over Gabriel's expression. "How do you know about that?"
"People have been talking," Lillian told him. "Joe confirmed it with me. Gabriel, I know I hurt you by turning down your proposal. I was afraid of things changing. You have been such a rock for me since Grace left. I did not want to lose that but I also felt it would be unfair to you to take second place to my calling. I love you, but these children need me."
"I know that, Lillian," Gabriel told her. Lillian still had one arm wrapped around his torso and the other resting on his shoulder. Reaching up, he placed a gloved hand gently on her cheek. "I would never ask you to give up what you are doing at the orphanage. All I wanted was for you to allow me to be a part of it."
"Really?" Lillian asked, part of her having a hard time believing it.
"I have come to care about these children too, Lillian. I have enough room in my heart for you, them and whatever other children may come into our lives."
"If you asked me again, I would give you a different answer," Lillian told him, hopefully.
"I don't have the ring with me."
"I don't need the ring," Lillian told him.
Gabriel smiled. "I do," he told her as he moved his hand from her cheek to rest his fingers underneath Lillian's chin. "It may be the second time I am proposing, but I intend to give you a proper proposal to remember, Lillian."
Gabriel leaned in, silencing any further protests with the gentle pressure of his lips. Lillian relaxed against him, her heart fluttering and her knees weak. Too soon for Lillian, Gabriel broke the kiss.
"I probably smell like a campfire," Gabriel commented.
"I do not care. I am just happy you are home," Lillian told him.
Gabriel smiled. "Just the same, go to the party with the children," he told her, nodding across the street.
Lillian glanced in that direction to see Eleanor and the children and several other town folks standing outside of the hotel.
"I promise I will ask you my question again," Gabriel told her. "Just let me get cleaned up and I will come join you at the party."
"Do not take too long," Lillian told him.
"I won't," Gabriel promised her as Lillian finally let him go and went back to Eleanor and the children.
Joe had not seen the whole exchange between Lillian and Gabriel. He had been walking over from the store when he had noticed Lillian and Gabriel standing in the middle of the street between the hotel and the RCMP office. The fact that Gabriel was kissing Lillian told him all he needed to know.
Turning around, Joe had returned to his apartment. He found the ring he had been holding for Gabriel and then left again. He did not head for the hotel though. Instead, he made his way to the apartment behind the RCMP office. Reaching it, he knocked. When he did not get an answer, he reached for the door knob. The knob turned in his hand.
"Gabriel, it is Joe. You in here," Joe called out as he stepped inside slowly, not wanting to startle the Mountie.
"I will be right out," Gabriel called from the apartment's other room.
"All right," Joe called back. He closed the door behind him and walked toward the small table in the room. Leaning against the table, Joe faced the door to the other room of the apartment, waiting for his friend to make his appearance. In his right hand he held the ring box.
It was not long before a now clean shaving Gabriel stepped from the apartment's bedroom.
"I am glad you stopped by, Joe," Gabriel said. "I was-"
Gabriel stopped talking as Joe tossed the ring box toward him. Gabriel reacted quickly, catching the ring box.
"I saw the kiss in the street," Joe told him. "I figured it would be safe to return that to you," he added, a smile coming to his face. "Perhaps you even have a need for it," he ventured, fishing for information.
Gabriel smiled. "Yes. I was planning on finding you tonight," he told his friend, opening the ring box. It wasn't that he really doubted it was in there. Joe would not do something like that to him. However, there was a need in him that needed to see the diamond with his own eyes. "Given how things have been recently, I do not have a proper gift for Lillian but she has asked me to ask her to marry me again."
"I think that is all the Christmas present she needs," Joe said confidently, grinning. He was happy for his friend and Lillian. "You planning on waiting until you walk her home tonight?" Joe inquired.
Gabriel shook his head. "I am not waiting a moment longer than I need to," he informed him.
"I have a feeling you are going to get as much attention as Santa at that party," Joe replied. "Are you ready?"
Gabriel had cleaned up and put on civilian clothes for a change. He nodded, moving to the hooks by the door to get his winter coat. Donning the coat, he put the ring in the pocket so he could put on his gloves.
"So what does the other guy look like?" Joe asked lightly as they cross the street to the hotel, having noticed the now very visible bruise along Gabriel's jaw.
Gabriel instinctively reached up to his bruised jaw. "The other guy should be behind bars at this point," he replied.
Joe nodded, the answer telling him that Gabriel and his fellow Mounties had got the guy they had gone out in search of.
At the Royal Brookfield, Lillian had tried to keep her focus on the children instead of anticipating Gabriel's arrival. She had helped the little ones with their coats and with getting some treats from the tables of food laid out. Ronnie had done a beautiful job with decorating the lower floor of the hotel. Garlands and bows were draped along the stair case and trimmed the outside perimeter of the room. Mini wreaths sat as centerpieces on the tables. A huge wreath hung from on the front desk, which was trimmed with red and green ribbon. A huge Christmas tree sat on one corner of the dining room, its branches festooned with ornaments. Next to the tree, a chair had been decorated, awaiting Santa's arrival.
As the children had found friends to hang out with, Lillian had gotten a glass of punch and retreated to a place along the wall where she could watch the front door. Gabriel had said he would join her soon, and Lillian was watching for him.
Eventually the door opened and in came Gabriel and Joe. Gabriel's eyes scanned the crowd, a smile coming to his lips when he saw her. The two men hung up their coats, and while Joe went in search of someone, Lillian did not notice who as she had only eyes for Gabriel, the Mountie made his way over to her.
"Hello, Lillian," Gabriel told her as she came to a stop in front of her.
"That bruise looks even worse now," Lillian commented.
"It is just a bruise," Gabriel assured her. "It will fade."
Reaching out, Gabriel gently took the glass of punch out of her hand and gave it to Eleanor who was standing next to her.
"What will not fade is my love for you," Gabriel continued, his eyes focused on her as he went down on one knee.
Lillian gasped as he held up the ring box. Though she had asked him to ask her again, part of her had wondered if he really would. She knew she had hurt him before. She did not deserve a second chance. However, instead of focusing on the fear of the changes that would be coming, all Lillian felt was the warmth of love that she felt for the man before her. Her vision blurred as tears of happiness welled up in her eyes.
"Lillian Walsh, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
There was no hesitation in her reply this time. "Yes," Lillian told him, the one word the only thing she could manage to voice. It was the only word she needed to give voice to though as Gabriel took the ring out and slipped it on the ring finger of her left hand. The diamond caught the flickering lights from the candles around the room and sparkled up at her as applause broke out around her.
Lillian did not care about the audience. As Gabriel stood and pulled her into his arms, Lillian kissed him without reservation. Let people think what they were. This was a chance at love that she had thought she had sacrificed when she started the orphanage with Grace. A love that though she had rejected once had not gone away. Gabriel had loved her through the pain she had caused him. Lillian knew that was the kind of love that would endure.
"I guess it doesn't matter that I forgot to hang the mistletoe," Ronnie commented.
Laughter rang out around the couple, who finally broke for air. Both were breathless as they took a step back from one another.
The newly engaged couple soon found themselves separated by well wishers, though the smiles did not leave their faces. Lillian hugged and spoke to people without even really registering who they were. It wasn't until Santa hugged her that Lillian came out of her daze.
"Santa is not able to bring you a better gift than the one you just received but he does hope you will remain his friend," Sam said softly in her ear.
Lillian chuckled, finally having her answer as to who had been convinced to be Santa this year.
"Yes, Santa will always be a friend," Lillian assured him before Sam took a step back.
Santa turned to Gabriel and shook the Mountie's hand before picking up the red sack of toys he had put down.
"Ho, ho, ho," Sam called out over the buzz of celebration. "Santa is ready to continue the gift giving by giving the little ones their presents," he said in a deeper voice than his usual one as he made his way to the decorated chair.
As the children followed Santa, Lillian felt a hand loop around her waist. Even as the school teacher tried to organize the children into a line, Lillian leaned against Gabriel, her own arm looping around his waist.
"So does this mean I get an invitation to Christmas dinner?" Gabriel asked softly as they watched Santa give out presents to the children.
"If you do not already have plans, yes I would love to have you for Christmas dinner. Feel free to come over as soon as you would like tomorrow," Lillian told him, aware that he may have made other plans.
"Breakfast would not be too early, would it?" Gabriel asked.
Lillian looked up at him. "You do not have other plans?" she asked.
Gabriel shook his head. "I was not really feeling like celebrating this year before tonight. I planned on spending the day with Apollo, but after the last few days I do not think he will mind hanging out in his stall."
"I will set a place at the breakfast table for you," Lillian told him. "The children will enjoy having you around tomorrow. They have missed you."
"I have missed them," Gabriel admitted. "As well as missing you," he added, leaning in to press his lips against hers. He kept the kiss short, though he continued to gaze into her eyes even as he pulled back. "I thought Christmas was going to be very lonely this year," he admitted.
"If I have anything to say about it, you will never have a lonely Christmas again," Lillian told him softly. She knew his job would take him away from time to time and though she was not sure how quite yet, Lillian planned on finding a way to remind him how much she loved him even when he was away from home. "Merry Christmas, Gabriel."
Lifting up on her toes, Lillian pressed her lips against Gabriel's. Slipping her free hand behind his head, she held him close as she continued the kiss. Hopefully, most people were focused on the children and the toys but if they weren't, Lillian found she did not care. The only Christmas gift she had for Gabriel this year was herself. Lillian wanted to make sure that she left no doubt about how she felt about him despite her earlier resistance. In the years to come, Lillian would remember this Christmas Eve as the beginning of the rest of her life. She only hoped that it would be a happy life for everyone under her roof!