Author's Note: Thank you for your patience in waiting for this chapter. It's a bit long, but I think you will enjoy it as it has a lot packed into it.
Thank you to Sindie, Karen Pearson, Donna Barr Krolewski, Rockshelle99, wcthlcr2014, LJD21690, MamaBethany, Paula R Chester, metacarolina, Holly Elvira and all of my other reviewers for your feedback and support. Keep it up please. Hearing from you is awesome. I'm happy the TN readers are feeling good things regarding Nathan and Emily and glad I've helped some envision his future happiness outside of Elizabeth. I'm also happy that several have warmed to dear Lucas. Poor guy has been through it but he's making his way back - though some other parts of 1 Corinthians 13 may have to come into play before that happens (grins evilly). Until then, it's now December in Hope Valley, three months since the disaster and many changes are happening.
Gravel reflected off of the cobalt shell of a late-model Buick Master Six coupe as it drove slowly past what was once the Queen of Hearts Saloon. As the driver travelled that familiar street, he felt an eerie feeling as he rounded the corner into town and saw row upon row of newly milled posts and studs being erected like the bones of some great ghost ship or the spindly spires of some ancient cathedral. And yet, it all seemed a paradox, for in the middle of this reminder of the destruction that had occurred just three months thence was an atmosphere of hope and excitement and possibility. It seemed unreal.
As he rolled to a stop and took in the activity in front of him, he noted the many new faces in the place he had called home for so many years. Most were workers at the Valley's two major construction projects, the entertainment complex and the textile factory. But some had found their way to the town for other reasons. Whether it was the soldier returning from war or the Asian Immigrant who had been run out of Vancouver – the little town of Hope Valley was growing up quickly and to Henry Gowen and his bride of four months, Abigail Stanton-Gowen, that was bitter sweet.
As they took in the scene both of them were surprised when a knock came upon the passenger's side window and a very expectant and familiar presence stood there, along with her husband.
Abigail rolled down the window.
"Are you coming inside?" Clara Stanton-Flynn stated to her former mother-in-law as she and Jesse stood in the street. They had gotten the call that Henry and Abigail were coming and had watched for them all day so that they could play the role of welcoming committee.
Abigail smiled. "We'll be right there. Henry just needs to find a spot to park."
Jesse pointed to an area in the back of where the saloon was, in front of the blacksmith shop.
"New municipal parking is over there." He stated. "With all the changes in town, once Hope Hall gets finished, we figure we'll need it."
"I suppose you're right, Jesse." Henry said. "You go ahead and take Clara over to the restaurant. I'll park this car and Abigail and I will be right over."
At the other end of town, Robert Wolf held a ladder while Allie replaced a Christmas light along the edge of the porch of her father's office.
"Allie, be careful." She heard Nathan say as he rode past the scene.
"I won't let her fall, Constable Grant." Robert replied while Allie turned to look at him, immediately falling and landing on poor Robert and causing both of them to tumble to the ground.
"Oh, gosh!" she exclaimed as Nathan jumped down from his horse.
A dazed Robert sat up and Allie stood as Nathan came over to them then crouched beside Robert to see if he was injured.
"You okay?" Nathan asked.
"Yeah. I'm fine." He replied, trying to appear strong as he brushed himself off and then attempted to stand, falling back down on his hind end. "Ow! Ow! Ouch!"
"Robert! Are you okay?" Allie said, running to his side.
"I…uh…."
"Dad! Hurry!" she said turning to Nathan. "Get Dr. Carter! Get a stretcher!"
Nathan paused then smirked, knowing that the injury was likely not too serious. "I think we can help him over to her ourselves." He said, pulling Robert up by the arm. "Come on Robert, hold onto me and I'll walk you over." Robert put one arm around Nathan's shoulder keeping weight off of his right ankle while Nathan wrapped an arm around Robert's waist.
"I'll help too!" Allie proclaimed, putting her arm around Robert's waist from the opposite side.
Nathan stopped. "No. That's okay. You go ahead and run up ahead and get the door for us."
"But, I can…"
Nathan raised an eyebrow. "Go."
"Yes, sir." she complained before doing as told.
"So, how was your trip?" Clara asked, rubbing her tummy and slowly taking a seat in a straight-backed chair.
Henry helped Abigail off with her coat while the latter looked around her old restaurant. "We did well. Ran into a little snow. Nothing serious. Bigger question is, why aren't you in bed?"
Clara smiled. "I don't know. I just can't sit still."
"She's cleaned our place, like, three times since yesterday." Jesse said.
Abigail's lips curved up. "She's nesting."
"Nesting? What's that?" Jesse asked.
"Mean's you're about to become a pa!" Henry chuckled, punching Jesse in the shoulder.
"Now?!" Jesse asked, panicked.
Abigail laughed. "Probably not this minute, but soon. If you hold off until Wednesday, he or she can share a birthday with little Jack."
"Now, wouldn't that be something! A Christmas Eve baby! Oh Abigail. I'm so happy to see you!" Clara said, beginning to stand up.
Abigail motioned for her to sit and came to give her a hug. "I want to hear what all is going on in your life and in Hope Valley. Elizabeth wrote to me and told me about the saloon and poor Lucas. Have you heard how he's doing?"
"I spoke with Lee, and he said he's doing some better." Clara said, then she lowered her voice. "You know they had to…"
"Yes." Abigail said. "We heard that."
"What a shame." Henry responded.
"It is." Clara said. "Lucas is a good man."
"Yeah. I think a lot of us misjudged him at the start." Jesse said. "But, he's strong and getting better every day."
"Well, that's good. That's good." Henry said sitting down. "Any idea when he's coming back?"
Clara shook her head. "I heard it could be another month or two. Carson and a nurse friend of Nathan's are helping him."
"A nurse friend of Nathan's? Nathan, the Mountie?" Abigail asked.
"Yes." Clara said. "Florence patches through calls back and forth from her and Nathan all the time. She says she sounds Irish."
"Oh. Interesting." Abigail responded. "And, does she think there could be a little…romance going on there?"
Clara looked toward Abigail with wide eyes. "Oh, you know it wouldn't be proper for Florence to listen in on their conversations." Then, she whispered. "But in answer to your question, yes. She definitely does."
Abigail smiled. "It would be nice if he found someone. I never got to meet him before my mother took ill, but Elizabeth told me he was a really decent man."
"He is. He's a really good guy - which…speaking of…how are you, Henry?" Jesse asked.
Gowen grinned and tilted his head. "Well…I guess you could say I wised up to what was really important in life – and for me, that's Abigail. We couldn't be happier."
Lucas Bouchard rubbed his hand nervously on his pant leg as he waited outside of a conference room for his therapist, Emily Reardon. It had been the third time in a day that he had visited her and he was most anxious to talk to her about a certain purchase he had asked her to mail. The previous Saturday, she had taken him and Cy out shopping in downtown Baltimore so that they could buy presents for their loved ones. Lucas had thought long and hard over what he wanted to buy Elizabeth and while he knew it was far more than he could afford, had readily handed over three hundred of his last five hundred dollars to purchase Elizabeth a mink stole and Jack a hobby horse for Christmas. He had then asked Emily to mail them. It had now been one week, plenty of time to get it to Hope Valley; and yet, during their phone call the previous night, Elizabeth had not mentioned receiving any packages. Lucas was a nervous wreck.
"Alright, Lucas. What is so important that you needed to pull me out of a meeting with the hospital administrator?" Emily stated, walking out of the room and into the hall.
"My apologies for interrupting." He said with lowered eyes, but then he looked up at her imploringly. "It's the Christmas presents. I spoke with her last night and she still hasn't received them."
Emily stepped forward. "Lucas, relax. I'm sure the presents are safe. You know, with all of the Christmas rush, I'm sure the postal service is experiencing delays. There are still plenty of days until Christmas. I'm positive she will get them on time. So, STOP WORRYING!"
He lowered his head and did not smile at her reassurances, so she thought she would probe a little deeper.
"What?" she asked.
Lucas furrowed his brow and anxiously played with the button on his vest. "It's just…I can't be there with them and" he swallowed. "…the stole…it was rather expensive – not that I care about the money. I just don't have enough to make up for it if the parcel has been lost and I hear the winter in Alberta is expected to be harsh." He clinched his jaw and cleared his throat. "I want for her to be warm." He replied wistfully.
Emily surveyed her patient knowing a little of his background and how he hadn't come from humble beginnings. And yet, as she saw him that's all she could see – this kind, humble man who was worrying himself sick over Elizabeth and her son's presents. She bent down and looked him straight in the eye, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Lucas. It's going to be okay. Elizabeth and little Jack will get their presents on time. She will be warm and snuggly all winter long so you don't have to worry. When are you going to hear from her again?"
"She said she'd speak to me on Christmas eve, after the school's program." He replied.
"Very well. Then, don't ruin the time between now and then by fretting over things that are going to be okay. Think about something else."
"But…"
"No, buts. Go back to your room and I'll come down and see you in about twenty minutes. We have the final adjustments on the provisional limb to make today and in a couple of weeks we'll start learnin' you to walk. Isn't that a nice thing to think about?"
He nodded. "I am very anxious to get my life back."
"And to return to your Elizabeth?" she smiled.
He lowered his chin and a slight smile came upon his face. "The thought of that is what keeps me going."
The next three days were quiet at the hospital but in Hope Valley they were a frenzy. It was one day before the Jack Thornton School's annual Christmas Eve Pageant at the church and Rosemary Coulter was the busiest woman in town. Because of everything that was going on with Elizabeth, she had volunteered to lead the Children's Christmas musical not knowing how much work that would entail. Not only was she in charge of the choir, but she had been put in place as producer, casting coordinator, costume designer, advertisement and refreshments. Of course, she had plenty of help, particularly from Allie since Robert was out of commission due to a badly sprained ankle. But still, she was feeling tired and overwhelmed and though it was a joy, she couldn't wait for it to be over.
"One more time, children. It's not egg shells. It's ex sell cease.'" she explained. "In ex-sell-cease day-oh."
"That's not how my family sings it." stated Anna Hayford. "We sing it egg shells."
"That's just dumb." replied Timmy. "Everyone knows it's Ex Chelseas."
Suddenly, the children erupted into a small debate over the pronunciation until Rosemary finally rapped her conductor's wand on the music stand to get their attention.
"Children! CHILDREN!" she said loudly. "I am aware that there are many different ways that people pronounce this phrase, but we can only sing it one way. Since I'm am your director, it will be pronounced ex sell cease. Now everyone stand and let's try it again. Angela, from the top."
Lee Coulter walked into the church and took a seat next to the Canfields who were simply beaming at, not only their daughter who was playing the piano but at their son, Cooper, who was singing with the most enthusiasm of all. It was a joy to behold.
"They sound great." Lee said after a moment of listening. "Angela is really doing a great job."
"She's a miracle." Minnie replied.
"That she is." Lee agreed.
Joseph responded. "In a season of miracles. From God sending His Son, to the sweet harmonies of these little ones singing His praises, to the love that permeates the air all around us - it's all a testimony about what God can do. And the fact that our Angela and our Cooper can participate in it like this, just another blessing of many we have to count."
Lee smiled as he looked at the children and then at his wife. "Yes, we must always remember to count our blessings."
Bill Avery walked to the jail house with a load of books in hand, the remnants of his investigation into the Mining Disaster of 1910. In the time since Henry Gowen had left Hope Valley, Avery had investigated the list of names that the former mine manager had given him and found that they had yielded no information that would warrant pursuing a case against them any further. This included Henry. Through the years, the two men had certainly had their share of differences but as the years past by and more was revealed about what had actually occurred during the days and months preceding the disaster, Bill had come to believe Gowen more innocent in the events than many had thought. And while his heart yearned for justice to prevail for the widows and orphans who had to carry on by themselves, he was not one who would seek vengeance 'just because.' If Henry were truly innocent, Bill had no interest in prosecuting him and in fact was genuinely relieved when he found that this was so. Perhaps this long-carried load could be relieved from the man's shoulders and he and Abigail Stanton-Gowen could start afresh with that sad chapter of their past left just there, in their past.
Opening the door, he was surprised to see Nathan busy at work and sitting at the desk he had planned to use.
"Nathan, what are you doing here? I figured you'd be with Allie preparing for Christmas eve."
Nathan shook his head. "Allie's at the church helping Rosemary Coulter with the choir and I've heard that there's a bad winter storm heading this way so I thought I'd just finish some paperwork, just in case we get snowed in for a day or two. What brings you out here?"
"Filing these books away." Bill replied. "No reason to hold on to them any more now that Henry's been cleared."
Nathan nodded. "I noticed him when he came back into town. He's back with Abigail Stanton?"
"Abigail Gowen now. Now there's a match I never thought I'd see." He replied.
"Guess you can't predict how love is going to go." Nathan said. "Fifteen months ago, I was sitting in this jail cell nursing a broken heart."
"And now, you're thinking of courting a nurse?" Bill asked.
Nathan stopped and looked at him quizzically. "Where did you hear about that?"
Bill shrugged. "In the café. It's all over town."
"Now, how in the world did…" he stopped again and both men said it at the same time. "Florence!"
"So, it's true?" Bill asked. "She's more than just a nurse who is taking care of Lucas."
Nathan looked down at his desk and tapped the top of the pen he had onto his stack of papers. "She's…she's different."
"Different? Different how?" he inquired.
"She's beautiful, and intelligent and funny and has all of these interesting life experiences that you'd think would kind of set her apart from everyone else and make her hard to relate to. But, she's not that at all. She's easy to talk to and I think more than anyone that I've ever known, she seems to understand me and where I'm coming from. I mean, with Elizabeth, I was always trying to impress."
"You had some hefty competition." Bill replied.
"Yeah, well that's just Lucas. Fancy dinners and wining and dining Elizabeth, that's just his style. But, it wasn't ever me. I didn't grow up like he did and wouldn't have the first clue as to what fine wine to order or what obscure poet to quote. And I guess that was part of his appeal. He understood her, but I never really felt that Elizabeth understood me."
"And you don't feel that way with this Emily?"
"No. Not at all. I could sit and talk with her for hours and just be myself." Nathan replied.
"You sound smitten." Bill said, with a grin.
Nathan straightened up in his chair. "Oh, I don't know that I would say that."
Bill raised his brows. "Then what would you say? You like her, don't you?"
Nathan thought for a moment. "Yes, I do. But you know what the old saying is…once bitten twice shy…"
"So, you're too shy to take it to the next step with her?" Bill asked.
"You have to admit, I'm not exactly batting a thousand when it comes to romance and after the last experience, I'm not entirely sure that I'm ready."
"I think you're scared." Bill replied.
"Scared?"
"Yes. I think you want to fill your life with this and that and anything that you possibly can in order to protect yourself from getting your heart broken again, and you want to know how I know that?"
"How?"
Bill sat on the edge of the desk. "Because, you're acting like me. When Nora left…"
"Nora?"
"My ex-wife."
Nathan furrowed his brow. "How come I don't know about her?"
"Because I don't talk about her. She's moved on to her own life in Union City and I have my life here. But when she left, I spent months and months feeling lonely and isolating myself from others. It was a miserable existence. And, while the two situations are somewhat different and it's up to you what you do - whether or not you decide to pursue Emily or not, I can tell you from experience that a life of solitude is not what you want.
You're a young man with a bright future and Allie's growing up. Sooner than you wish, she'll be grown up and moving on and this job while it has its merits is not going to fill the void."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying, I have observed how it is sometimes difficult for you to come out and express how you feel – particularly toward a lady. And, while Elizabeth didn't work out for you, if this Emily is even half the woman you say she is and if you think there could be something there – you need to get over your hesitancy and go after her and pursue her. Don't let her get away."
Nathan's mouth curled up on one side. "Well, we'll see, Bill. I guess, we'll see."
The morning light brought with it the revelation of a world covered in a blanket of sparkles on a field of white. As far as the eye could see was this pristine perfection marred only by the footprints of a few deer and other animals whose curiosity brought them out for the spectacle. Inside, the citizens of Hope Valley relished the feeling of snuggling underneath their blankets for just a bit longer than normal or cozying next to a fire as they enjoyed the love and joy that the season brings.
At the Coulters, Lee was busy consoling an exhausted Rosemary who now saw weeks' worth of effort being buried along with the impassable roads.
"No reason to get upset. It's just a little delay." He told her.
"I know, Lee. But the children worked so hard and…well, it's Christmas after all. What's Christmas like in Hope Valley without our annual Christmas pageant?"
"Just as special for me." He replied. "You want to know why?"
"Why?" she pouted.
"Because I get to spend that much more time with you." He smiled.
Rosemary couldn't help but smile and leaned in for a sweet kiss on the lips. "Lee Coulter, you're the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you so much, my little honey-bunny."
"I love you too, Squidget." He replied with a kiss.
Elizabeth Thornton sat holding little Jack in her lap and read to him The Night Before Christmas, which was her tradition every year around this time. He had ignored the beautiful scenery just outside their window and seemed perfectly content looking at the colorful illustrations and listening to his mother's soothing voice. As she finished, he laid his head back against her chest and closed his eyes and she folded up the book, holding her little one in her arms and kissing him on the top of his head. It had been just two years ago that they had experienced a similar scene as they sat on a bench in the middle of town and she read to him that very same book. But in that moment, Lucas had joined them and they had the loveliest of conversations.
Elizabeth recalled the pensive look in his eyes when she asked him about missing his parents and even in that moment, she could feel there was something between them, though it would be some time before she was able to admit to herself that she was falling in love.
That time seemed an eternity away and so much had happened in the years since it happened; and yet it was somehow also fresh on her mind. And when she saw his lone figure later that night standing by the Christmas tree, enveloped in a feeling of melancholy that Christmas would soon be over, she resolved within herself that he'd never feel lonely at Christmas again. And though he was far away from Hope Valley and his parents, she was determined to not forget that resolution even as she looked forward to creating new memories with him in the years to come.
In Baltimore, Lucas was also preoccupied with thoughts of her, but for a completely different reason. Contrary to Emily's expectation, he had received no word from Elizabeth that her packages had arrived and as such he was feeling very depressed and taking it personally that, somehow, he had failed.
Even Cy picked up on his mood and tried to cheer him up; but, unbeknownst to Lucas's roommate, the sight that morning of Maggie Fay and Buford sitting with Cyrus as a family on Christmas Eve opening presents made him more homesick for Elizabeth and little Jack and contributed to the sadness that would envelop him throughout the day. Still, he tried to refocus and be the hopeful romantic that he always was – but knowing he couldn't be with his love and share in this moment made it all so very hard. Let patience have her perfect work. He chided himself. This situation won't be forever and soon you will all be together again…if she still wants you was the tormenting thought that invaded his mind just a moment later and though he tried to quell it, it lingered at the surface. He spent the rest of the morning and afternoon in solitude, looking out a window and longing for the evening when he would receive her call and could hear her precious voice again.
At seven o'clock, Allie and Nathan sat down to a Christmas dinner that the two had made together. He had roasted a chicken and together they made the sides of potatoes and beans with Allie creating the dessert. Afterward, they would sit beside the Christmas tree and open up their presents – but it was the one that had come from Baltimore addressed to both of them that had her intrigued. As they finished up and put their dishes in the sink, she rushed over by the tree and it was the first gift that she grabbed.
"Let's do this one first." She said, before Nathan was even able to sit.
He looked at it and raised his eyebrows. "You don't want to open the one from me, first?"
She twisted her mouth, looking a little guilty because she knew how much thought he always put into it when picking out presents and how he'd always used their traditions to try to include elements of her mother as well. "We can do that one next. I want to savor the moment." She said, awkwardly.
He grinned. "Alright. Go ahead and open it."
Quickly, she ripped into the package and inside found a candlestick holder along with three candles and a note. Nathan watched curiously as she unfolded the note and began to read.
Dearest Nathan and Allie,
Nollaig shona dhaoibh! to you both (Which is Merry Christmas in Gaelic). I hope that you are liking your time together and that you both are doing well. I am sending you my best wishes for a blessed holiday and a wonderful new year, as well as this small gift that I thought you might appreciate. It's an Irish tradition. On Christmas Eve, you place three candles in the window and light them and you leave the front door unlocked. The candles represent Mary and Joseph and the blessed Christ child and by leaving the door open you are signifying that, unlike the inn, there is room for them in your household. I hope that you enjoy them. Carson and Lucas send their greetings as well and wish you and Allie the Merriest of Christmases. May all of your wishes come to pass.
Yours truly,
Emily
Allie folded up the letter and then simply looked up at Nathan.
"Well?" she asked.
He furrowed his brow in confusion. "Well, what?"
"And, what did you buy her for Christmas?"
Nathan looked embarrassed. "Well, um…we uh…we never really said we were going to…" he stammered.
She raised her eyebrows and folded her arms and Nathan sighed.
"Nothing. Sad to say, I didn't get her anything."
Allie shook her head. "You're going to have to do better than that if you're going to start courting her."
"Start courting?!" he said, with a look that tried to deny his feelings but only made them show more. "Nobody said anything about courting Emily."
"Well, maybe they should." Allie said. "Uncle Nathan…Dad…it's time for you to climb out of your shell and do something about this relationship. She likes you and I know you like-like her but you're never going to get anywhere if you just sit here at home and allow her to send you presents. A woman wants to be pursued to be shown that you love her."
"Now, Allie…I…"
"No, you don't love her now…at least not like that. But you're off to a good start and I just don't want to see you ruin your chances with her when it seems like you could be very happy together."
"She lives in Baltimore."
"She could move, if you would give her the reason to." Allie said. "I'm only saying all of this for your own good. I know how hurt you were over Mrs. Thornton but you seem better now so why not open up again and consider loving someone. I'm not going to be here forever. You need someone else to share your life with – someone like Miss Reardon."
Nathan smiled softly at his daughter's wisdom but didn't say another word – instead, refocusing on Allie and their time together. He would call a certain nurse in Baltimore in the morning.
Amanda Bachman came up to Emily as she locked her office door around seven thirty that night. It had been a busy day and now the nursing staff and the doctors were to travel down to the auditorium where a local children's group was to act out the Christmas story. For the hospital staff it was always a special time even though many of them were skeptics. They could still appreciate the traditional aspects of the evening and, of course, the children would brighten anyone's day.
"You ready to go?" Bachy asked as Emily placed her key in her pocket.
Emily smiled. "Yes, I'll be right there. Need to go rescue someone from a morose Christmas Eve.
"Lucas?" Amanda asked.
"Of course. He's been uncharacteristically glum today – but this should cheer him up."
"Indeed. I'll see you down there."
"Okay, see you there." Emily responded.
Emily found him in a library room, sitting in a chair reading a symptomology book, his crutches to his side. The use of this aid did wonders for his mobility, even allowing him to go up and down stairs with caution. But Emily noticed that when he was going to be in front of strangers, he would always revert to the chair. When she asked why, he explained that it was so that they couldn't see his leg. He felt self-conscious enough about his appearance and hated when people would stare and he found when he was in the wheel chair, there was less of that. She didn't argue, but where possible she tried to get him to use his crutches instead as it was better for his physical and emotional growth if he did.
"Seeing anything interesting?" she asked.
Lucas didn't look up. "I believe so. I've been looking at a list of symptoms and their corresponding illnesses and I wonder if I might have this." He said, pointing to a particular diagnosis on the page.
Emily took the book from his hand and read the word. "Climacteric Melancholia? What makes you think you think that?"
"Just look at it. Mood swings, depression, insomnia, decreased appetite, inability to concentrate. Wouldn't you say that's what I've been suffering from the past several weeks?"
She smirked then handed the book back to him. "I can understand what might make you think so, but no, I don't think so."
"What makes you so sure?" he asked.
She reached behind him and grabbed his crutches which he dutifully took from her hands.
"Well, for one." She said, placing one hand on his back. "I'm fairly certain that you're not female. And second, I know you're not going through menopause."
Lucas looked perplexed until he spotted the header at the top of the book. His mouth went up on one side and he lowered his head in embarrassment as he closed the book.
"Yeah. I guess not." He replied, using the crutches to stand and then walk toward his room. Once they reached it, he began to move toward his bed.
"Don't lay down." She said.
He turned to face her. "No?"
"No. I am not going to let you stay in here and mope all night. You're going to our annual children's Christmas play."
Lucas sat down, anyway. "I'd rather not."
"Listen to you, sassing me. I didn't ask what you'd rather or rather not do. I informed you what you're going to do." She replied. "Now, unless you want to face the chief of staff and the hospital administrators dressed in a bath robe…"
"It's called a lounging robe. Mother sent it from London."
"I don't care what it is. You need to change. I'll be back in fifteen minutes. Be ready." she said sternly, though she shook her head and grinned as she exited the room.
When she returned, Lucas was sitting in the wheel chair with a blanket on his lap. He'd changed into dress slacks, a white button-down shirt and a burgundy and black brocade vest appropriate for the season.
"Don't you want to use your crutches?" she asked.
He shook his head. "It's easier with the chair."
She sighed. "Okay. But we'll carry them with you, just in case you want to go someplace that the chair won't go."
Lucas nodded, considering the accessibility issues he faced on a daily basis.
A short while later, they reached the auditorium which was filled with physicians and their families for the evening's event. Lucas transferred out of the chair into a theater seat at the very back of the auditorium, already planning his get-away once the program was finished. And then it started.
Beginning with a scene in which a miniature Caesar Augustus declared to all of his servants that there would be a decree that all should be taxed, the children acted out in parts the various aspects of the nativity in sequence from the angel's visitations of Mary and Joseph down to the birth of Christ in a manger. And as Lucas watched it, he was transported to the times in his childhood when he would sit in between his parents and watch the children of London, or Paris, or Tokyo sing the same songs and portray the same historical figures and that remembrance, even though familiar, just underscored what all he was missing. After a little while, he reached behind his back for his crutches in order to return back to his room.
Emily turned to him. "Do you need to use the facilities?"
Lucas shook his head. "No. I was just going to go rest a while before I speak with Elizabeth. The play has been lovely, but I'm afraid I'm not much company for it tonight."
Emily shook her head and grabbed the crutches. "It's only a few minutes longer. If you go back now, you're going to miss the best part. Besides, you can be depressed here just as easily as you can there."
Lucas exhaled in exasperation. "Listen. I appreciate what you are trying to do, but…"
Emily turned away and smiled, pointing toward the stage. "Look! Here come the wise men!"
Lucas clinched his jaw knowing there was no way he was going to get her to relent. He reluctantly turned back around in his seat and crossed his arms, a perturbed look showed all over his face. The music to "We Three Kings" was being sung as three little boys carrying gifts to the Christ child walked in singular fashion, followed by other children who were dressed up as animals. When the little boy carrying the frankincense stepped up to the baby, he stole the show by turning out from the stage in order to find his mother. That's when Lucas saw him and his lips parted in astonishment.
"Jack? What is he…" he said in wonder, not finishing the sentence, having concluded that he was dreaming.
But when he felt two hands resting on his shoulder and heard a familiar voice whispering in his ear "He's out making memories with his mother." He knew it was no dream.
"Elizabeth!" he smiled, unable to keep the emotion at bay. He pulled her down into his lap and their lips joined together with a passion that had Emily turning her head the other way. But she was forced to look when she felt Lucas's hands grasping for the crutches. Handing them to him, she watched as he grabbed hold of them blindly then used them to stand in Elizabeth's presence. Emily smiled as she saw his glowing visage.
"When did you get here?" he asked. He was shushed by a woman in the crowd. So, he used his crutches and escorted Elizabeth to a corridor where they could talk more freely.
"About two hours ago." She said. "Nurse Reardon let me drop off our stuff at her apartment and…"
"Emily Reardon was in on it?" he asked. Elizabeth nodded and Emily appeared with little Jack in her arms.
"Well, hello young man!" he stated, reaching out to touch the child who reached out for Lucas to hold him. A look of panic suddenly appeared on Lucas's face.
"I…I don't think I can…" Lucas said as he hobbled with the crutches on one leg.
Emily handed Jack to his mother. "I'll get your chair." She said, as she left their side. Once she returned, Jack seemed befuddled at first and appeared as if he wanted to go back to Elizabeth the minute he was released into Lucas's arms.
"Don't you want to go for a ride?" Lucas asked. Jack looked at Lucas and then at Elizabeth and when she nodded that it was okay, he settled down and sat in Bouchard's lap. Elizabeth glowed with joy as she watched their interaction.
"You two run along." Emily said. "I'll go back to my office and get your presents."
"The present?!" Lucas's eyes went wide and he looked at her disbelieving. "You mean…you didn't' mail them?"
"No. Why mail them when I knew you were going to see her in a few days anyway." She winked.
"But you lied to me." He said.
"I never lied. I just told you she was guaranteed to get them and then misdirected you a little about some story about postal service delays, but I never lied."
Lucas had to chuckle at how slyly she had pulled it all off.
A short while later, Lucas took Elizabeth and Jack to a sitting room down the hall from his room where there was a fireplace and where they wouldn't disturb Cyrus as they talked in private. By now, Jack was very sleepy and so she laid him down on a couch while she sat in a chair opposite Lucas and the two began to catch up.
"Elizabeth. You have no idea how happy I am right now. I thought I was going to be all alone for Christmas and to see you standing there…I must confess, I'm overwhelmed. But how?"
"We tried to keep it a surprise. Nathan got me in touch with Emily who said I could stay in her apartment with her while I'm here."
"Nathan did?" Lucas asked, his interest immediately peaked at what kind of interactions Nathan Grant was having with his girlfriend while he was gone.
"Yes." She said, reading his mind. "No need for any jealousy. He was being a friend. Between you and me, I think they like each other."
Lucas relaxed then smiled. "You don't say. I knew they were a good match, the moment she ran into him on the train."
"You did?" Elizabeth asked.
"I did. Just getting him to see it…it's like beating one's head against a wall. Anyway, I'm glad to see he's waking up. She is a remarkable woman. Perfect for him.
But, enough about them. I want to hear all about your trip and what has been happening in your life since last we talked."
"All the way back to last Friday?" she giggled.
Lucas smiled. "Yes. Five days apart from you is an eternity. I want to hear about everything you've been doing."
For the next three days Lucas and Elizabeth were inseparable. They talked throughout the night and she was there at the hospital first thing on Christmas day. It was then that she opened her stole which she loved even though she chastised him for spending so much money. He simply smiled, thinking if she only knew. Next, Lucas opened his gift which was a new pocket watch, one with Swiss timing and an inscription from her to him With all my love. And little Jack loved his hobby horse, painted black like Sergeant but with wheels that allowed him to toddle around the room.
"Wuv you Wookis" the little boy said, giving Lucas a little toddler kiss on the cheek. Lucas was touched as he swept a hand over the little boy's head.
"I love you too, little man." He replied, then looked up at a beaming Elizabeth and smiled.
On their final day together things were very emotional. Lucas dressed up in the best suit he had available to him at the hospital and insisted on escorting her to the train. As he waited for her to arrive at the hospital, he walked over to his bureau and opened one of the drawers, reaching into a jacket he had placed underneath some other jackets. Inside its pocket was the ring. His grandmother's ring. The one that he'd hoped she would have been wearing by now and the one he hoped to give to her still. He held it up in his hand and looked at it pondering the thought What if I ask her now? He could feel his heart pounding in his throat. But as he looked at himself in the mirror, showing some of the outward effects that three months of trauma had brought, he decided against it. He simply couldn't ask her to commit her life to him without her fully understanding what that life would entail. "Soon." He said, as he replaced the ring and left to join her.
Lucas stood with his crutches and clung to her as they said goodbye and they kissed, deeply and passionately not caring who saw it. And he stood strong even as his own heart was breaking again to see her go, watching the train as it pulled away and then waving to his beloved and her son while they stood at the back of the train watching him until they could see him no more.
She had given him gifts more beautiful than any watch or trinket could ever be - the gift of her presence and the gift of her love that he would cherish forever. And now he was even more resolved to give it back to her. Her happiness was his single preoccupation and to give her that he'd do anything that he had to do.