Chapter 68
After Nathan and Elizabeth successfully tucked Allie and little Jack into bed, they crept back into the living room. They had to finish putting the presents under the tree. A couple of the bigger presents had been hidden in the workshop so prying eyes wouldn't see them before Christmas morning. Both the children had been too excited to sleep but with the promise of Saint Nicholas coming they finally settled down and let their exhausted bodies rest. Nathan could see that Elizabeth was exhausted as well so he ushered her to bed as soon as he brought in the big gifts with the assurance that he would put the rest of the smaller wrapped gifts under the ornament heavy branches. Elizabeth knew Nathan was right and after stifling one last yawn she gave him a quick kiss and went to get ready for bed. Nathan quickly put the rest of the gifts under the tree tucking a very special one he had gotten for Elizabeth among the branches. It was very small but very important. After everything was done, he went to the stoves and added a couple more logs. Before heading to bed, he stopped to look at the tree once more pausing to appreciate how different this Christmas was from previous years. This year he had a real home, and his family had grown significantly. He couldn't help but feel extremely blessed and grateful for the love of his children, his wife, and his extended family. With his eyes starting to droop he turned and headed to bed knowing that morning would come way too early.
Elizabeth awoke early Christmas morning but since the children didn't seem to be up yet she snuggled deeper into her husband's arms and listened to his heartbeat. It was a little hard to get close with her baby belly but she wouldn't trade a second of the life they created for anything in the world. Thinking back to last Christmas, she'd never imagined that she would be married to another Mountie or anyone but God had other plans for her and Nathan. She opened her eyes and sent up a silent prayer of thanks and love to those that wouldn't be with them except in spirit. Just as she tried to get even closer, she heard a door slam and little Jack yell, "It's Christmas, it's Christmas. Allie, wake up, it's Christmas. Mom, Dad, wake up, it's Christmas." Nathan laughed and rolled over to kiss his wife and said, "I guess it's Christmas. How long do you think we have before he comes looking for us?" Before Elizabeth could answer there was knocking on the door and they both sat up and put on their slippers. Nathan handed Elizabeth her robe as he shrugged his on. He knew that getting dressed would have to wait. Little Jack was too impatient to wait for his presents.
Allie was trying to keep Jack away from the tree when their parents walked into the room. At the sight of his parents little Jack grabbed his stocking and began to shake it vigorously. Allie reached for hers knowing that the best was usually tucked in the toe she tried to reach past the candy and fruit to find the treasure hidden from view. With candy flying everywhere from Jack's stocking Nathan and Elizabeth settled on the chaise watching the obvious joy in their children's eyes. Once the stockings were emptied Elizabeth made Jack find all his treats and put them in a bowl so no one slipped and fell on a wayward candy or melted chocolate. Allie admired the necklace that she had pulled from her stocking. It was gold with a monogrammed pendant, it said "AMG" to signify her name after the adoption had been made official it looked very grown up and made Allie feel that way as well. She asked her father to work the clasp and Nathan fumbled but completed the task. After admiring herself in the mirror for a moment Allie returned to the tree. She then started handing out the presents with her parents permission.
Allie knew that her little brother was impatiently waiting for a present so she handed him, as she turned back towards the tree to dig out another gift, she caught sight of her father. He seemed to be lost in thought, his eyes almost looked sad. She wondered what could make him look so pensive, was he thinking back to Christmases of his youth, Christmases when it was just the two of them or was there something troubling him about this Christmas. Allie hoped not because to her this was the best Christmas, she ever had even though her dad had tried to make every Christmas special. Last year was pretty good but this one was better because her Christmas wish from last year had come true.
Nathan watched his daughter and his mind drifted to last Christmas and how he turned down his dream job, he always wanted to be an inspector but he had put Allie's happiness before his own. He knew at the time he could be content in Hope Valley with the friends that they had made and how the town made you feel like family. He had known that he had been developing feelings for his fallen brother's widow and had tried to hide his heart. He thought back to the day Elizabeth helped him and Allie find the perfect tree and how Elizabeth lit up as she reminisced about big family Christmases. His had always been small but this year he knew that this Christmas would be similar to those that Elizabeth had grown up with. He shook his head in wonderment as he sat watching his family, he knew that the best decision he ever made was staying in Hope Valley because everyone and everything he wanted or needed was here. Elizabeth was his home and he needed to be wherever she was. He looked over at his wife and intertwined his fingers with hers and brought them to his mouth for a gentle kiss.
They heard a knock at the door. Nathan knew who was knocking before he stood, he didn't want to get up but he understood that Hamilton etiquette would not allow the Thatchers to let themselves in even though they had been invited. He took a step towards the door only to see it being pushed open by Julie. She ushered her parents inside and smiled at Nathan, after a moment he returned to sit next to Elizabeth to watch their children open their presents. Once inside the older Thatchers relaxed and shed the formality knowing that they should make themselves at home and join Nathan and Elizabeth and their grandchildren. The excitement in the air was palpable and even when their girls were little nothing could compare to Christmas morning, it was always the day that they seemed to be the happiest. William remembered fondly that no matter what extravagant gifts Elizabeth unwrapped she always seemed happiest to find the new ornament hidden on the tree and the joy of being surrounded by her family. It was one of the reasons why he knew Elizabeth was truly happy because she had the same look on her face as she did all those years ago.
As the present pile dwindled, Nathan heard Elizabeth's stomach growl. Knowing that her and the baby needed to eat he made his way into the kitchen. He wasn't the best cook but he knew that no one was going to want a huge meal before the feast later that day. He knew he would be fine if he kept it simple. He had just pulled open the ice box when he heard the door opening and in walked Bill and his father carrying baskets. Bill looked at Nathan and chuckled, "we got here at the perfect time". He took the basket from Archie and set them both on the kitchen table. Pulling off the covers he unveiled freshly baked muffins, preserves, fruit, and a covered dish full of bacon. He reached behind Nathan and whispered, "if you get me the eggs, I'll scramble some to go with what I brought. You should be in their with your family. I know your dad has gifts for everyone." Nathan nodded and produced the eggs for Bill before setting back down beside Elizabeth gathering her into his arms.
With only a few gifts remaining under the tree the family all filed into the kitchen when Bill announced that breakfast was served. Everyone filled their plates buffet style and settled down into whatever spot felt comfortable. They ate in relative silence knowing that the day would only get more chaotic as members of their extended family and community would be arriving for the Christmas feast. They knew that Lee and Rosemary would probably arrive before noon along. They knew that Faith and Carson planned to join them if there were no medical emergencies. Henry, Hickam and Fiona would be there too. Elizabeth knew that Julie had invited Lucas as well and she was happy for them. Lucas had promised to bring a few food items that Gustav was preparing for the guests at the hotel as well. Elizabeth knew that her new home would be filled with love this Christmas.
The day progressed quickly as their friends and family gathered. Each adding to the gift pile as well as providing more food or beverages for all to share for the evening meal. The house was full of love and laughter as those in attendance told stories about previous Christmases or traditions that they had when they were children. Elizabeth knew that Nathan and Allie snuck out for a couple hours early that afternoon to go to the creek behind their yard to fish. It was their tradition and she wasn't going to stop the father daughter time because it was precious to both of them and they meant the world to her.