Chapter 24 – A Perfect Christmas

Lee and Rosemary come down the stairs laughing with the biggest grins. They all stop what they are doing to look up at them. Susannah asks, "What are you two laughing about?"

Lee and Rosemary look at each other, laughing. Lee proceeds to give each person a hug and a very jolly, "Merry Christmas." When he gets to Patrick, Lee picks him up and spins him around. He inquires, "Did I hear the word snow, Patrick? Should we go outside and check it out?"

Patrick yells, "I want to open up presents, Papa. We've been waiting forever!"

Lee picks him back up, holding him upside down, asking, "You want to open up presents, huh? What do you say, Rosie?"

Rosemary jokes, "I don't know. I think we should eat breakfast first and then maybe open presents."

Lee puts Patrick down, and he runs over to Rosemary, whining, "Mama, I want to open presents first." Lee and Rosemary chuckle until Patrick realizes they are joking and joins in. The three of them hug, and Rosemary speaks, "We love you, bud!"

Lee claps his hands together, questioning, "Who's ready to open presents?" Everyone nods yes. Patrick hands out the gifts to each person and then joins Lee and Rosemary on the settee. Jake and Susannah sit on the chairs, and Pat and Catherine find a place on the floor. Rosemary questions, "Do you want to go first, Patrick?"

"Yes, ma'am!" The first gift Patrick opens is two new train cars to add to his set. "Thanks, Papa, Mama. These are great! Your turn Catherine."

Catherine opens up a large flat box. In it is the prettiest dress she has ever seen. Catherine proudly holds it up for everyone to see. The top is white silk with a Dutch collar, long sheer sleeves, and two loops holding down a dark pink tie. The beautiful skirt, which perfectly matches the tie, has two pockets with decorative white buttons. On the bottom of the free-flowing skirt is another two white buttons. When she un-hooks them, she realizes they are pantaloons. Catherine squeals, "Aunt Rosemary, did you make this for me? I have always wanted a pair of pantaloons."

"Uh-huh."

Catherine hugs Rosemary, repeating, "Thank you, thank you, thank you! Pat, it's your turn."

Pat opens up a book about some of the greatest baseball players, including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Cy Young. He remarks, "Thanks, Uncle Lee, Aunt Rosemary. This is great. Mother, your turn."

Susannah suggests, "Why don't you kids open up all yours, and then we'll open up ours."

"Okay, your turn Patrick," replies Pat.

Lee and Rosemary give him a sketchbook just like Rosemary's and two books, Ozma of Oz and Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Catherine and Pat give him a wooden boat, and Susannah and Jake give him a piggy bank.

Susannah inquires, "Does it look familiar, Lee?"

"It looks just like the one I had growing up. How did you find this?"

"I found it in a catalog and ordered it for Patrick. I thought you could talk to him about saving money like you did growing up."

"Thanks, sis. This is the perfect gift. Patrick, we'll talk about it later."

"Okay, Papa."

Pat opens a new baseball glove, thanking his parents and sister for the gift, giving them each a hug. Then Catherine opens the pink, purple, and blue jacket she has been eying in the fashion magazines. Catherine remarks, "Thank you, Mother, Father, Pat. This is exactly what I wanted." She gives them a hug. "Mother and Father. Time for you."

Susannah goes next. She opens up a locket and a beautiful handmade table cloth with matching napkins. Susannah questions, "Did you make these, Rosemary?"

"I did. I saw how you appreciated setting a proper table, so I thought I would make you something special."

"I love the Fleur-de-Lis pattern you stitched on the outer edges of the table cloth and napkins. Thank you so much, Rosemary, Leland." Susannah hugs her sister-in-law as well as her kids and husband, thanking them for their gifts. Jake suggests for her to open the locket, and when she does, she sees the pictures of Pat and Catherine. "Awe, thank you."

Jake opens a swiss army knife and a Bobby Rowe Seattle Metropolitans Jersey. Jake inquires, "How did you know I lost my swiss army knife?"

Pat chimes in, "Sorry, father. I borrowed it when I went camping, and I lost it."

"Well, thank you for being honest." Jake hugs his family and then holds up the jersey. He questions, "How did you get this, Lee?"

Lee responds, "I have a customer in Seattle, and he was able to track this down for me. I hope it fits."

"This is great. Thank you."

Patrick yells, "It's time for you and Mama, Papa!"

Lee chuckles and suggests, "You go first, Rosie." Rosemary opens up the first box and is surprised to see tickets to the circus. "I got these for us since we weren't able to go last month."

"Thank you, Lee. And the beginning of February should be a perfect time," adds Rosemary. Next, she opens up a jewelry box with a small black pouch. Rosemary tips it over, and an amethyst falls out.

She looks confused, so Lee reveals, "This amethyst is Patrick's birthstone. Here, hand me your bracelet." Rosemary is wearing the ruby bracelet Lee got her in Santiago. She hands it to him, and Lee shows her where the amethyst goes. "We'll take it to a jeweler in Benson Hills and have them attach the stone."

"Oh, Lee. This is wonderful. You are full of surprises, honey." Lastly, Rosemary opens up a small box from Patrick. "Do you want to help me open this, bud?" He comes over, climbing on her lap. She takes the lid off and sees the leather bookmark. Rosemary reads out loud, "Love is like a book…it is always there for you." She gives him a hug, stating, "This is perfect. I will always think of you when I use this." Rosemary giggles, "It's Papa's turn."

Lee giddily opens up a large flat box from Patrick. He pulls it out and sees a Wally Pipp New York Yankees jersey.

"Thanks, buddy. Did you know I caught a ball at the game your Mama and I attended right before we met you? She helped me get Wally Pipp to autograph it for me.

Patrick giggles, "Yes, Mama told me."

Lee laughs, "Of course, she did." Rosemary joins in with the laughter. She hands him his next present. Lee takes off the lid and sees a picture of Comiskey Park. He sarcastically asks, "You are giving me the Chicago White Sox Ballpark?"

Rosemary smirks, revealing, "No, I am giving you, us, a trip to Chicago in the middle of April. The three of us will spend a week there, and yes, we will attend a couple of baseball games."

Patrick jumps up and down, inquiring, "We really are going to Chicago, Mama?"

"Yes, we are."

Lee doesn't know what to say. He whispers in her ear, "Will it be okay to travel then?"

Rosemary whispers back, "I think so. We can ask Carson and Faith." She pats his cheek, asking, "Do you like your presents?"

"I do. Thank you."

"You're welcome, my darling." Rosemary giggles, reminding Patrick, "Don't forget to hand out your drawings." Patrick giggles and runs up to Lee and Rosemary's room. He comes back down and gives each person a personalized drawing, including Lee and Rosemary. Rosemary inquires, "When did you make these for Papa and me?"

Patrick replies, "I made them at school. Miss Elizabeth had us all make gifts for our families."

Lee playfully mentions, "Patrick, I think I see another gift for you."

Patrick shouts, "Where is it, where is it?" Lee points to the tree. Patrick sees the envelope with his name on it and rips it open. He reads out loud:

Patrick,

There is a surprise for you out front!

Love,

Mama and Papa

Patrick drops the note as quickly as he can and runs outside. Before Patrick can open the door, Lee is holding his jacket. Patrick reluctantly puts his coat on and runs out in front. He screams when he finds two blue Schwinn bicycles leaning up against the house. He runs over to wipe off the snow and tries to sit on the smaller one. Both bikes are national blue with blue rims to match. The saddles are brown leather with LC imprinted on the bigger one and PC on the smaller one. The handlebars are the same brown leather as the saddles, and Patrick's bike had a nice shiny bell. Lee and Rosemary put on their coats and join him outside. Lee inquires, "Do you like your gift?"

Patrick yells, "Is the other one for you, Papa?"

"I thought we could ride together, you and I," remarks Lee.

"This is the best gift ever! Thank you, Papa, Mama." He hugs them both and then gets back on the bike and rings the bell a couple of times.

After a few minutes, Lee offers, "Why don't I bring them inside? It's freezing, and it's starting to snow again."

"Yes, sir." He hops off the bike, and Lee shakes all the snow off and brings them into the house. "When can you teach me to ride, Papa, Mama?"

"We will teach you as soon as the snow melts. I think we might get a couple of feet of snow at this rate, maybe even be snowed in for a couple of days," mentions Lee.

Patrick drags Lee and Rosemary over to the settee, instructing them to sit down. He sits between them, revealing, "This is the best Christmas ever! Thanks, Mama, Papa. I love you both to the moon and back." He hugs both of them.

Rosemary looks at Lee, then at Patrick, saying, "I agree. It is the best Christmas ever. We love you more than all the stars in the sky." She gets up off the settee, walking towards the kitchen. "Does French toast sound good to everyone?"

Susannah answers, "Yes, that sounds good." She offers to help Rosemary, but Lee insists he will.

Lee comes up behind Rosemary sneaking a kiss. He asks, "What can I help you with, sweetheart?"

Rosemary whispers, "Well, you can start off by giving me another one of those. Then, you can set the table, put some powdered sugar in a bowl, and cut up a couple bananas." Right as their lips meet again, Susannah clears her throat. Lee and Rosemary step back a little embarrassed. "Sorry, we didn't think anyone was watching."

Susannah chuckles, "No worries. I was going to show Catherine your wedding album. Where should I look?"

"Oh, let me think. I think it is in the bottom drawer by the stairs," replies Rosemary. Susannah acknowledges, finding the album right where Rosemary remembered. She and Catherine sit down on the settee and flip through the pictures.

Breakfast should be ready in about fifteen minutes." Lee finishes setting the table, pouring the drinks, and bringing over the heated syrup and piping hot coffee. They all sit down, and Rosemary brings over the tray of French toast and bacon.

Lee offers to say a prayer, "Dear Lord. Thank you for bringing us all together this Christmas to celebrate the birth of your son, Jesus. Bless this delicious breakfast prepared by my beautiful wife. Keep everyone safe and warm on this glorious day. Amen." Lee serves some for himself, Patrick, and Rosemary before passing the tray to Pat. Pat takes some and passes it on to the rest of his family. Lee is amused when he sees Rosemary drench her French toast with syrup. She eats every bite, even grabbing one more piece to soak up the syrup still on her plate. Once she is done, she gets up, taking her and Lee's plates to the washbasin.

Patrick finishes his French toast and takes his plate over to Rosemary.

"Thanks. Can you bring over the rest of the dishes when they are done?"

"Yes, ma'am." Patrick proceeds to take people's plates, silverware, and cups when they are done. Lee cleans up the rest of the table and puts everything away. Then he dries while Rosemary washes.

Patrick inquires, "Can we go outside and play in the snow?"

Lee responds, "You bet! Now, go upstairs and put some warm clothes on, Patrick." Patrick immediately runs upstairs. "Who else is going to join us? Rosie?"

Rosemary answers, "I wouldn't miss it for the world." Lee and Rosemary run-up to their room, helping Patrick find his warmest clothes and then changing themselves. There's already a foot of snow on the ground by the time they make it to the backyard. Lee, Rosemary, and Patrick are joined by the Thoms in making a snowman. Rosemary goes into the house looking for things they could use for the face. She finds buttons for the eyes, a carrot for the nose, and jelly beans for the mouth. She stuffs a few jelly beans in her mouth and goes back outside. Rosemary hands them to Lee.

"You forgot a scarf or a hat or both, honey," mentions Lee.

"Oh, right. I will be right back." Rosemary goes back inside, eating a few more jelly beans. She finds Lee's old scarf and hat she no longer lets him wear. Rosemary takes them back outside just in time for the snowman to be done. Patrick puts on the button eyes and carrot nose, Catherine forms the mouth with jelly beans, and Rosemary expertly places the scarf and hat at the perfect angle.

When Patrick is not looking, Lee grabs a handful of snow, balling it up and throwing it at him.

Patrick yells, "Papa, no fair." He grabs some snow and throws it in Lee's direction, only Lee ducks, and it hits Rosemary in the back of the head. She turns around, looking to see who threw it.

Rosemary annoyingly questions, "Lee Coulter, was that you?" Lee tries not to laugh.

"No, I didn't throw it," responds Lee.

"Well, who did?" Rosemary questions sarcastically. She makes several snowballs and then distracts Lee. While Lee is looking in the other direction, Rosemary throws all the snowballs directly at Lee, hitting him in the chest, arm, and face. Lee runs over to her, softly wrapping his arms around her from behind.

Lee yells, "I'll hold her, Patrick. Throw some snowballs at her." Patrick looks at Rosemary and then at Lee, then back at Rosemary.

Patrick remarks, "I don't want to hit Mama." Lee chuckles and lets her go after spinning her around and kissing her. Rosemary motions to Patrick, and they both start throwing snowballs at Lee. Lee tries to run away, but he falls, landing on his back in a snowdrift. Everyone starts laughing and joining in on the snowball fight. Rosemary walks over, checking on Lee to see if he is okay. He grabs her hand, coaxing her to join him in the snow. She relents and sits on his lap, giving him a kiss.

Lee whispers, "I wasn't too rough, was I?"

"No, you were fine. I am not sure I will be able to say that in a few months, though," Rosemary whispers back. They continue to watch as the rest of the family are either throwing snowballs or dodging them.

Patrick yells, "Mama, can we take a picture?"

"Of course, I'll go get the camera." Rosemary gets up, going back into the house for the third time, looking for the camera and the cable release. She is coming up blank on where she stored it when she was getting ready for the company. "Ah, I think it's in the desk drawer," she says to herself. Rosemary looks, and inside is both the camera and the cable release. She grabs them both and goes back outside. They gather around for a picture, and Pat snaps one of the seven of them posing with the snowman. Rosemary takes a few more photos of Patrick, Lee, and the Thoms. She has Susannah take a few pictures of her, Lee, and Patrick, and then suggests, "Why don't we all go back inside before we catch our death of cold?"

Rosemary looks at Lee, and he responds, "We'll be in in a little bit. You go warm up." She smiles, handing the camera to Lee and quickly going inside.

Catherine inquires, "Where is Aunt Rosemary going?"

"She went back inside to warm up. Are you cold?"

"No. Uncle Lee, can you take a picture with Patrick and me, and then one with me, Pat, and Patrick standing next to the snowman?"

"You got it," answers Lee. They line up, and Lee snaps a couple of pictures. Lee accidentally drops the camera into a snowdrift as Patrick jumps in precisely the same spot. He picks up Patrick, puts him to the side, and starts digging in the snow. Lee tells Patrick to help him.

"What are we looking for, Papa?"

"Mama's camera. It fell in the snow," remarks Lee. Patrick helps him dig along with Catherine and Pat. Lee thinks to himself, "Where can it be? It fell in this exact spot." He keeps digging, instructing Pat and Catherine to try to the right and the left. "The camera couldn't have gone far. It has to be here." Susannah and Jake join the search and ensure Lee they will find it in no time.

Patrick shouts, "I feel something hard, Papa. I think I found it." He grabs hold of what he thinks is the camera and pulls it out for everyone to see. Patrick hands it to Lee, and he brushes off all the snow.

"Thank goodness," Lee says in relief. He hopes the camera is not damaged because he knows how devastated Rosemary will be. He cleans off the lens and tries to dry every centimeter of the camera. Lee lines up the kids again, telling them to smile. He clicks the button, and unfortunately, nothing happens. Lee tries one more time with no joy.

Is it broken, Papa?" questions Patrick.

Lee responds, "I hope not. Otherwise, Mama won't be too happy with me." He motions for everyone to join Rosemary inside while he attempts to inspect the camera to see if there is anything else he can do. Lee tries to take another picture, and still, nothing happens. He starts to panic because he does not want to tell Rosemary he broke her camera. The camera he bought her in Santiago. Lee comes inside, asking Rosemary, "Where did they all go?"

"They all went upstairs to change out of their wet clothes. You should go change too and help Patrick," replies Rosemary. Lee kisses her on the cheek and goes upstairs. He helps Patrick and then changes himself while trying to figure out how to tell his wife. Patrick skips down the stairs, immediately going over to his bike. He sits down and pretends to ride around the house. Rosemary is sitting at the table, sketching out a design, when Lee joins her. She takes one look at him, asking, "What happened, honey?"

"There was a little accident with the camera."

"What kind of little accident?"

"Oh, it fell in a snowdrift."

"Lee Coulter, what aren't you telling me?" Lee hesitantly mentions the camera falling into the drift and all of them trying to dig it out. He goes on to explain his attempts at drying every nook and cranny, but no matter what he does, the camera still isn't working. Rosemary gasps. Lee reaches for her hands which she pushes away. Rosemary takes a deep breath, turns around, and goes up the stairs passing the Thoms.

Susannah sits with Lee at the table, inquiring, "I take it the camera is not working?" Lee frowns and hangs his head down low. Susannah gets up, patting him on the arm before going over to see what Catherine is doing.

Lee excuses himself and goes upstairs to check on Rosemary, not knowing what he will see when he walks into their room. She's been so emotional lately. He's not sure if she will be angry or sobbing or both. Lee quietly opens the door to Rosemary lying on their bed, staring off into space.

Lee sits next to her, asking, "Are you mad?"

"Mad? No. I am just sad the camera you bought me on our trip is damaged. And we won't be able to take any photos the rest of the time our guests are here."

"I know. I should have been more careful. I promise we will get this one fixed or buy you an even better camera to replace this one. Does that sound good? Will you forgive me?"

Rosemary sits up, patting his leg. She reassures Lee, "I love that idea, and I will always forgive you, no matter what."

Lee grins, mentioning, "When I came up here, I didn't know what I was going to find."

"What do you mean?" questions Rosemary.

"I didn't know if you would ignore me or just sob into my shoulder."

Rosemary sarcastically whispers, "Why? Because I'm pregnant?" Her face quickly changes from happy to angry.

Lee takes her hand, "Rosie, I didn't mean anything by that. I just don't know what to expect," whispering, "for the next seven months." Rosemary purses her lips and then chuckles.

"So, you aren't mad?"

Rosemary chuckles again, speaking, "No, I just wanted to see how you would react." She squeezes his hand and mentions, "I am just going to apologize now for all the crazy things I am sure I will be doing. Don't take it personally because I am sure I won't be controlling my own emotions. Or so I've heard." She kisses him and rests her head on his shoulder.

Lee chuckles, "Help us all." Rosemary softly hits his chest.

Later that day, Elizabeth, Jack, Nathan, and Allie come over for an early dinner. Lee cooks ribs and potatoes. Elizabeth brings the vegetables, and Nathan brings dessert. Lee and Rosemary can't contain their happiness. They would often find ways to connect in some way, whether it is brushing against each other while walking by, linking arms, or just standing or sitting near each other. Lee keeps a constant eye on Rosemary and tries to help as much as possible. Elizabeth notices and takes Rosemary aside, questioning, "What has gotten into you two?"

"Oh, nothing. We are just having a good day. We are surrounded by all the people we care most about. We couldn't be happier!"

Elizabeth remarks, "I am not sure I completely believe you, but if you don't want to tell me, I'll wait until you are ready."

Rosemary gives Elizabeth a hug, promising, "I'll tell you after we eat." Elizabeth gives Rosemary her typical smirk. Rosemary goes back to the kitchen to see if Lee needs any help. He suggests for her to sit down and relax. Pat, Catherine, and Patrick can set the table. Rosemary rolls her eyes but does what she is told. She joins Elizabeth and Susannah talking on the settee.

Elizabeth mentions, "I was telling Susannah about a trip my family took to Seattle when I was a child. Have you ever been Rosemary?"

"We took the train through Seattle on our way to Los Angeles, but we were not able to get off the train and explore."

Lee announces, "Food is ready. Come and get it." Everyone sits down at the table, and Lee says grace. Lee's ribs are a hit, and there is not a single one leftover. Rosemary keeps a close eye on Patrick, hoping he won't wipe his dirty hands on his clothes or anything else. She found out the hard way this is the first time Patrick has ever had ribs before. Needless to say, by the end of the dinner, both Jack and Patrick needed to be cleaned up. Elizabeth cleans up Jack while Rosemary makes sure Patrick wipes his hands and face and sends him upstairs to change clothes. Lee and Nathan shoo the women out of the kitchen so they can clean everything up. So, Rosemary and Elizabeth grab their coats and sneak over to Elizabeth's house to talk.

Elizabeth invites Rosemary to sit down, inquiring, "Are you going to tell me what is going on?"

Rosemary's face lights up, responding, "Elizabeth, there is something I haven't told you. I found out the most delightful news yesterday. Lee and I…"

"Lee and you…what?" inquires Elizabeth.

She squeals, "Lee and I are going to have a baby!"

"A baby? That is wonderful news, Rosemary." Elizabeth gives her a hug. Rosemary tries her best, but she can't stop the tears again. Elizabeth joins her, and they cry happy tears together. "How far along are you?"

"Carson and Faith think I am close to three months, so the baby will be here mid to late July."

"Oh, my goodness. I am so happy for both of you. I know you prayed many nights for this," mentions Elizabeth.

"We did. We prayed every night for a child and thought God's answer was Patrick. We've been so happy with him; Lee and I haven't even thought about a baby. And now, there is a miracle growing inside of me." Rosemary gently rests her hand on her belly.

Elizabeth takes Rosemary's other hand. "If you have any questions or need help with anything, you know I will always be here for you and Lee and Patrick."

"Thanks, Elizabeth. Oh, one more thing. We are not telling people yet, including Patrick."

"If you don't mind me asking, when are you planning on telling people?"

"We'll tell people when I can't hide it anymore. The hope is to tell Patrick before he hears from someone else. But for now, you, Carson, Faith, Lee, and I will be the only ones who know."

Elizabeth questions, "Is there any reason why you don't want people to know?"

"It is so early in the pregnancy, and Lee and I want to keep this news to ourselves." Rosemary leaves out the part where she is afraid something terrible will happen. "We better get back over there before they come looking for us." Elizabeth grabs The Greatest Christmas Wish from her shelf, and they sneak back in right as Lee and Nathan finish up the kitchen.

Elizabeth hands Nathan The Greatest Christmas Wish, inquiring, "Would you do the honors?"

Nathan smiles, handing Jack to her and taking the book. She sits next to him on the settee with Jack in her lap. He questions, "Who wants to hear about the Greatest Christmas wish?" Jack and Patrick jump up and down and cheer. Nathan laughs, opening the book and beginning, "Her Christmas wish she decided this year wouldn't be for herself, but for all she held dear. For the Greatest Christmas wish will hold much joy, and be the perfect present for every girl and boy." The kids and adults alike each listen to every word of the story with grins on their faces. Lee stands behind Rosemary massaging her shoulders until Patrick climbs onto Rosemary's lap and cuddles up to her. Nathan continues reading, "They talked about family and sang songs of love. While eating a feast and giving thanks to above. After waiting for hours, the girl finally appeared. And as she told her Christmas wish, the crowd all cheered." Rosemary squeezes Patrick and kisses him on the cheek. Nathan finishes the book with, "For the Greatest Christmas wish wasn't about any material need. It was about spending time with friends, the best family indeed." Elizabeth takes Nathan's hand, thanking him for reading one of her favorite Christmas books.

"I have never read that book before. It is beautiful. Thanks for reading, Nathan, and Elizabeth for bringing," mentions Susannah.

Elizabeth remarks, "I think reading this book each Christmas is a new tradition I would like to start with my family." She looks at Jack, Allie, and then over at Nathan, giving him a look that says she wants them to be a family someday. Nathan returns the same look, intertwining their hands together.

Jake clears his throat, getting up, announcing, "In my family, we have a tradition where we have a Christmas toast. I hope you don't mind. He takes the champagne over to the kitchen, opens the bottle, and pours out a glass for each of the six adults.

Rosemary offers, "I'll get the apple cider for those of us who don't want champagne or are too young." She pours five glasses for the kids and one for herself. Her stomach doesn't feel like it can handle something bubbly. Jake hands out the champagne while Rosemary hands out the cider. Rosemary goes over to stand between Patrick and Lee, whispering, "You can drink mine." Lee kisses her on the cheek.

Jake inquires, "Who wants to go first?"

Lee volunteers, "I will. I just want to say I am happy to have my whole family here for Christmas. I couldn't ask for a better five days. Cheers!" Everyone raises their glass and takes a sip.

Elizabeth goes next, speaking, "To the Coulters! For being the best friends, neighbors, and guardians, anyone could ever want. You are like a family to me. Cheers!"

Nathan chimes in, adding, "I would like to toast to Elizabeth. She has changed my life for the better, and I cannot imagine my life without her, Jack, and Allie in it. Cheers!"

Jake speaks, "I would like to toast to family. Family means everything to me, and I am so glad that you, Susannah, and you, Lee, have reconnected after all of these years. Cheers!"

Susannah says, "I would like to toast to my brother Leland and his wonderful wife. Rosemary, I have to thank you for helping me reconnect. You gave me the perspective I needed to forgive myself and my brother for not talking for twenty years. I will always be grateful. Cheers!"

Rosemary, with tears in her eyes, speaks, "I would like to toast to you all, but especially my incredible son Patrick, my loving husband Lee, and his amazing family. I feel so blessed to be a Coulter. I also would like to toast to my dearest friend Elizabeth. She has always been here for me, and I know she always will be. Cheers!" Everyone raises their glass for the last time, taking a sip.

When all the toasts are made, each person finds a seat. Lee questions Rosemary, "Do you feel like playing some Christmas songs, love?" Rosemary smiles, walking over to the piano. Patrick joins her on the piano bench as she begins to play Gloria in Excelsis Deo. Rosemary sings with Elizabeth and Nathan joining her. Next, Lee, Susannah, and Catherine join, and they sing Joy to the World, O Holy Night, Deck the Halls, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.

Patrick taps Rosemary's arm, questioning, "Can you teach me to play the piano, Mama?"

Rosemary gives him a squeeze, responding, "I would be happy to. What do you want to sing now, Patrick?"

"Jingle Bells!" Rosemary begins to play, and even Jake and Pat join in on this song.

Jack comes up to Elizabeth, putting his hands up. She picks him up, asking, "Are you tired, my sweet boy?" Jack nods. "What time is it?"

Rosemary answers, "Oh, my. It's already 9:00 pm."

"I should probably get Jack to bed. Thanks for having us over, Rosemary. We had a lot of fun." Elizabeth walks behind Nathan, mentioning, "It's getting late. I need to get Jack in bed. Are you and Allie coming?"

Nathan replies, "Uh, yes." He stands, adding, "Bye, thanks for having us over." Allie and Nathan follow Elizabeth and Jack back over to her house.

Jake asks, "So who wants to listen to more Christmas music?"

Patrick yells, "I do, I do!" Lee offers to set up the victrola, winding the hand crank and putting the needle down at the first song. Silent Night starts playing. Lee then excuses himself and walks out the front door. He comes back in with the biggest grin and something wrapped in a blanket.

Lee walks over to the kitchen table, holding out his arm to Rosemary, inviting her, "Follow me, sweetheart!"

"What's going on, Lee?" questions Rosemary.

"You'll see." Lee takes her hand, and he leads her to the stairs. Lee announces, "If you'll excuse us. I have one more gift for my wife." When they get up to their room, Rosemary sarcastically asks, "Are you just trying to get me alone again?"

"No, Rosie." He takes her hands, and they sit on the settee. "I have a surprise for you."

"You do?" He hands her a brown leather book, which she gladly takes. Rosemary asks, "What is this?"

He smiles, answering, "Open it up!" Rosemary starts flipping through page by page.

"Did you do this? How? When?"

"I first got the idea while we were still on our trip, and then I kind of forgot about it until a few weeks ago. I found the book while we were in Benson Hill shopping the other day, and I was fortunate enough Elizabeth had some time to help. I gave her all the pictures you took on our vacation and asked if she could glue them into this book. I then wrote memories about each of them and all the places we were before we bought the camera. Towards the end, you'll find all the correspondence I had with Lillian and Grace about Patrick. I wanted us to have all of that written down somewhere for eternity." She flips to the end, finding all the telegrams and letters written about Patrick. "Then I added the pictures and memories of us meeting him for the first time and discussing we wanted him to be a part of our family. How we knew right away, we wanted to adopt him." Rosemary slowly looks at those pictures and reads through all of Lee's memories about Patrick. She turns one more page, and there is a sketch of the three of them with a baby in Rosemary's arms.

Rosemary looks at him, questioning, "Where did you find this? I had sketched this before Patrick came to live with us. I was despondent one day, thinking about how long it's taking for us to get any kind of word about Patrick. For some reason, I daydreamed of a future with not only Patrick but of a baby of our own." She pauses for a moment, then continues, "I completely forgot about this. God must have given me this glimpse into our future to remind me His plan is better than any I could ever imagine on my own."

Lee takes her hand, revealing, "The other day, I was looking for something in the desk drawer, and when I grabbed everything out of it, an old sketchbook of yours fell on the floor. When I went to pick it up, this sketch fell out. I picked it up, and my jaw dropped. My initial thought was you were hiding something, but then I thought there was no way you could keep something that great from me. I looked at the sketch again, and I felt a tug on my heart. It was, like you said, God giving us a glimpse into our future. I instantly decided to add it to the end of this book. And then a week later, we find out this will be our life in seven months. Nothing could be better." Rosemary puts the book on her nightstand and leans in, giving Lee a fervent kiss.

"I can't believe you did this for me. This is the best gift you have ever given me except for this little one." Rosemary quickly rubs her belly. "I love you, Lee Coulter. So much."

"I love you too, sweetie." Their lips meet once again, and he pulls her in close.