Epilogue Two
Hope Valley Harvest and Holidays
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Lillian's and Fiona's gardens flourished, assisted by Allie's contribution of regular weeding. Vegetables to can and pickle were Lillian's specialties, along with a developing perennial garden. Everyone's favorite product were the crocks of green-tomato-pickles that lined the pantry floor at the Grant home. Fiona concentrated on her herbs and spices which she carefully collected and dried. Filling jars, she had more than enough to gift as well as what would last for their extended family throughout the next year.
Together with Rosemary, and under Lillian's watchful eye, Fiona and Allie made jam from berries that Allie and Nathan collected while foraging in the woods. The fruit trees, cherry and pear, plus apple of course, that Nathan had strategically planted around their property needed time to mature and produce, but someday they would harvest their own fruit. In the meantime everyone enjoyed watching the young saplings' leafy growth.
Nathan posted the manuscript for 'Heartfelt Homecoming' to his publisher who hoped that this sequel would be available in the winter. Much as he enjoyed writing, Nathan was relieved that the pressure to submit the promised manuscript was over and the publisher promised that any edits or revisions would be forthcoming in the next few weeks. His editor for both previous books remained the same and they had developed a great working relationship for which both were very glad. When the editor suggested a third sequel, Nathan made no promises although he already had some ideas in mind!
The original Sunday Night Supper group met for apple-picking on a beautiful late September Saturday afternoon. They went by horseback and wagon, as they had done the previous year, but were less competitive. Still, they traveled home with bushels upon bushels of fruit which would allow everyone to include apples in recipes for the foreseeable future. This year was different though. The ladies could can applesauce with the help of Lillian, so weekly apple pies were not a given! Nevertheless, the fruit found its way into breakfasts, lunches and dinners, as well as Sunday Night Suppers!
On the Sunday following their apple harvest the group of friends, joined by Lillian and Archie, dined at the Grant's home with everyone full of memories of the past year. Nathan, Allie and Archie had gone fishing and returned with plenty of fish for Nathan to fry for dinner. A few old favorite recipes also filled the dining table, coleslaw with apples and caraway seeds, broiled and spiced butternut squash and apple cubes, Fiona and Allie's contribution of Waldorf salad and the first apple pie Mike had made since last Christmas! Only this time, it was more fun because Mike and Faith made it together!
After their meal and clean-up, the friends gathered in the front room and blessed the engaged couple, Faith and Mike, with a surprise wedding shower of household goods they needed along with a monetary gift to purchase some special items they had chosen from Ned's catalogs at the Mercantile. They ended their evening with songs around the piano along with accompaniment by Nathan on his guitar. Before they departed, Nathan offered a prayer of thanksgiving that God had brought them together, and they marveled at all God had done in the past year! Protection, healing, promotions and new careers, engagements and a marriage, a marriage renewal and an upcoming wedding. At the end, Nathan added thanks for the new life they were expecting as well! It had been a very good year.
On a gorgeous October afternoon, Dr. Faith Carter married Michael Hickam in the Hope Valley Church as golden sun streamed in the windows. Colors of autumn surrounded the guests while Fiona, as Matron-of-Honor, and Rosemary and Molly as attendants all wore stunning garnet-colored gowns. Although it was not considered acceptable for expectant women to be seen so publicly, in Hope Valley it was fine with everyone and Fiona and Rosemary glowed.
Mike had chosen Lee as his best man, and Nathan and Jesse as groomsmen. Although Faith's father was not well enough to attend, her brother and his family were present and her brother walked the beautiful blonde bride down the aisle. During the service Nathan played the guitar so he, Fiona and Allie could sing 'The King of Love My Shepherd Is' as a trio and at the reception they had been requested to sing some of the Celtic love songs from the beginning gatherings of the Sunday Night Supper group. Only a few outside of their group had been privileged to hear these renditions, so applause was loud and long.
As had become the custom, Allie enjoyed dances with her father, grandfather, Bill, Lee and Robert, but now added Detective Sam and Constable Stephen to her dance card as well. The two Mounties danced with Elizabeth out of respect for a Mountie widow, while Bill shared a couple dances out of respect for Jack Thornton and the relationship Elizabeth was gradually rebuilding with him and some of her other friends.
Nathan honored his daughter and mother with a couple of dances, but the rest of the night was reserved for his dearest love, his beautiful Fiona. Everyone attending observed the tender love and overflowing joy they displayed throughout the reception and more than one person commented that as much as the expectant mother glowed, the father-to-be shone just as brightly.
On the first Sunday afternoon of November, Bill Avery and Molly Sullivan pledged their marriage vows surrounded by their extended families. Florence stood with Molly and Nathan with Bill at the joyful event. No one would have guessed at the musical trio of Fiona, Elizabeth and a seated Rosemary, but the lady's voices blended beautifully together and relationships were healing in Hope Valley. The Avery's hosted a tea reception at the Café with the help of Clara and Allie, Minnie and Lillian before they took the train to Union City for a few days of honeymoon. Bill returned a changed man, far less curmudgeonly and far more huggable!
November's other big event was the birth of Hannah Rose Coulter! She arrived in the early evening, just as the golden sun lit the sides of the birch trees and they were painted gold against the deep, purple-gray-blue backdrop of the November sky behind them. In the same way, golden blonde Hannah Rose lit the lives of her family and home town, and, with blue eyes sparkling as she grew older, lit-up every room she entered.
As Advent arrived, Joseph called upon Nathan and Allie for many solos and duets in morning church services. Although requested to sing, Fiona chose not to this year as her lung capacity was diminished by the baby's growth. She was equally blessed to listen to those most important people in her life and thrilled when Nathan recited a couple of her favorites of his Christmas poems. Remembering the requests from the previous Christmas, Rosemary promised to include a printed copy of the latest poem not included in Nathan's book when the next Valley Voice was published in the New Year.
As Christmas approached, the Grants set-up a beautiful tree in the front window which was admired by everyone who passed by. Traditionally, many townsfolk enjoyed evening walks to admire the decorations and lights and this year they were thrilled to add the beautiful new Grant and the Coulter homes to their route.
Since Clara and Jesse had announced they were expecting a baby in May and she wasn't feeling great, and Fiona was not up to walking or singing, the friend's group decided not to do Christmas caroling this year. But Joseph had organized the young people, Laura and Simon, Robert, Allie, Angela and Cooper and a few others to make the rounds on the Sunday evening before Christmas so, bundled against the cold, Nathan, Fiona, Lillian and Archie stood on the porch as they were serenaded by the youthful voices! Everything this year reminded Nathan and Fiona of their previous Christmas, yet was more rich and full than they could have imagined!
Inside the Grant home, Nathan, Fiona and Allie replicated last year's menu with the additional help of Lillian and some contributions from Molly and Bill Avery for the family dinner on Christmas night. The rooms were filled with music, tempting fragrances of cinnamon, ginger and allspice, and flickering fire and candlelight. Gifts exchanged around their tree included hand-carved items, hand-knit sweaters and scarves, new oil paintings, replenished supplies for everyone's hobbies and the surprise of previously unseen photographs.
When Nathan opened his gift from Fiona, his breath caught and a thousand memories washed over him. Fiona had kept the photograph she had taken on their honeymoon of their entwined hands to gift to Nathan on this special day, for Christmas Day was when he had first asked her to marry him and she had answered yes.
Once Nathan and Fiona had furnished and decorated the nursery off of their bedroom, Nathan requested that the room be off limits until Christmas Day. He tied a bright red bow on the doorknob and told Fiona she would love her gift, but it was hidden inside. So, after stockings and the church service, they had returned home to Nathan's traditional brunch and then exchanged gifts. After everyone had opened all the packages under the tree, Nathan stood and reached for a very small box he had hidden in the tree branches. He brought it to Fiona and placed it in her open hands as he sat beside her. Inside was a tiny charm of a baby's rattle, but underneath was a folded page. As she opened it her eyes filled with tears for Nathan had written her a poem.
'To my precious Love,
the woman in whom I delight,
the mother of our children,
(there will soon be two)
and the one whose heart is my home.
As you sing to our littlest
may you be cradled in God's peace,
in my love and our joy.'
"Come with me, dear Fia." Nathan held out his hand and she reached hers to his and stood. He kissed her forehead and turned her towards the nursery. Having made the others aware he needed to gift this privately first, the family just watched and smiled, each one inwardly giving thanks for what these two dear ones meant to them.
Standing in front of the bow-bedecked door, Nathan whispered, "Open it, Honey."
Between the crib and dresser there was something covered with a beautiful baby quilt that Lillian and Allie had created. But Nathan's surprise for his wife was when he lifted the quilt and said, "Merry Christmas, my Love." There stood a beautiful slatted rocker. Simple and in the Craftsman style. Polished, light-colored wood with a perfectly fit seat cushion matching the nursery colors of green and teal and shades of blue. Their plan was to add ruffles and flowers to the room if they had a baby girl so the colors they chose were ones they loved. Fiona stepped to the rocker and caressed the wood with gentle hands. "You made this, Nathan? For me?"
"I did, Fia. You have been carrying our baby, so you now need to be held yourself. Try it."
As Fiona settled into the chair she found it fit perfectly and she could imagine rocking their little one many nights and days held in the work of her husband's loving hands. She lifted her face to Nathan's. "My Love. This is beautiful and perfect and so very sweet. I feel so loved by you, my dear Husband. Thank you."
Nathan met Fiona's upturned lips with a tender kiss and wiped her tears with his thumbs. She reached her hands to either side of his face and they kissed again, until she stood and they embraced for a few moments.
Eventually, Nathan spoke more loudly, inviting the rest of the family to come and see.
Allie was the first to the door. "Ohhhh! Dad! Did you make this? Mom, do you like it? May I try it?"
Everyone grinned at Allie's excitement and at Nathan's handiwork.
"I did make it, with some assistance from Dad. It took two hands a few times to fit things together and make adjustments so it would rock smoothly." Nathan grinned. "What do you think, Allie-girl? Maybe you'll be willing to help Mom and rock your little brother or sister to sleep too?"
"Oh, yes, please! I can't wait." Allie stood and quickly enveloped her mom and dad in a family hug.
Lillian was the next to try the rocking chair and wholeheartedly approve, then Molly, Bill and Archie took their turns. The final determination by all was "Perfect!"
Later as Nathan and Fiona whispered words of love, they declared this Christmas was as special as the previous year and chose the same descriptive word.
"Perfect!"
.
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Epilogue Three
Everything is New
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Having hosted many sleepovers at the Grant home over the summer and fall, Allie was invited to Emily's house for a New Year's Eve party and sleepover. The girls had brought home-baked treats to share and Cat Montgomery provided the healthy tea sandwiches and punch, with hot chocolate promised for later in the evening. Allie was sorry to miss being with her parents, yet they had enjoyed a lot of time together over the holiday from school so she figured her mom and dad might like some alone time.
Allie was right! Nathan and Fiona were grateful for a low-key day and a relaxing evening. They knew the peace and quiet they enjoyed would be changing when their little one arrived in a couple of weeks.
With the Christmas tree lit, a crackling fire in the fireplace and some snacks on the table before them, Nathan and Fiona sat on the sofa. Fiona was finding it difficult to get comfortable at this stage, but leaning back against Nathan's chest was just what she needed. Earlier in the day, Nathan had massaged her feet and before bed he promised to massage Fiona's back, but right now she was comfortable.
Nathan and Fiona reminisced about all that had transpired in the past year, marveling at the goodness of God. They discussed their visits to Sean and Sylvia's wedding, the healing God had wrought between Sean and Fiona and their parents. Rejoicing at how Nathan and Allie fit into the welcoming Miller family, they commented how precious the family was to Allie. Remembering how the Miller brothers had come to Hope Valley a week before the wedding to help complete the house caused them to reminisce about their wedding ceremony which brought them to consider the miracle of Archie and Lillian renewing their marriage.
From that memory they moved to share how they felt about their first night together as husband and wife, voicing how precious that communion became from the very first night. Fiona reminded Nathan that she still thought of the words courageous and hero when she saw the scar on his back. They discussed their intimate times and special moments on their honeymoon and Fiona's desire to pursue photography. Nathan reminded Fiona about how proud he was of her stunning photographs and how grateful he was of her recent Christmas gift. They looked up to the mantle where the image of their intertwined hands resided until Nathan could decide where he wanted it hung.
Looking around the room at their meaningful treasures, Nathan again thanked Fiona for willingly including the bookends that once belonged to Colleen as well as her paintings hung over the mantle and the piano. Nathan was prompted to thank her again for getting the horse statue repaired and for the letter that Nathan still considered to be his favorite. Fiona mentioned that 'Fiona's Song' was tied with his poem from Christmas for her favorite written expressions from him.
As the clock chimed ten, they decided to turn off the tree and lights, bank the fire and bundle up. Stepping onto their front porch, Nathan and Fiona looked up to the stars. Nathan kept Fiona's back against him, encircling his wife with his long arms. Her head leaning back on his chest and her hair tickling his chin, Nathan and Fiona remembered their past New Year's Eve, especially the official beginning of their promised life together. Turning her in his arms, Nathan kissed the love of his life, renewing his promise to always love her. With sparkling eyes, Fiona whispered that being under the stars would always remind her of him, her precious Nathan, her gift from God. Together they agreed in a prayer of thanksgiving for the year past and the New Year to come. With one last kiss, and one last glance at the stars, Nathan and Fiona entered their home and were asleep before midnight!
Fiona's labor pains began in the evening, so Archie had taken Allie over to the Coulters for her to spend the night. She extracted promises from her parents and grandfather that they would send word as soon as the baby was born, and Rosemary and Lee agreed. Not matter the time of night or day, they wanted to know!
Privileged to have been asked to assist Faith, Lillian prepared the towels and basins, drew water to boil as the time drew closer and arranged pillows behind Fiona. She sat on a chair beside Fiona while Nathan sat on the opposite side of the bed. Husbands were not usually present when their wives gave birth, but Faith allowed Nathan in the room due to his Mountie experience in assisting at a few births. It would be different for Nathan to see his own wife in labor, but Faith knew him well enough to trust he could remain calm under stress. She had seen it often enough!
As the pains came and went, Nathan held Fiona's hand or wiped her forehead with cool cloths. He prayed and spoke tender words as they waited. It was a long night, but just before dawn, Fiona gave a final cry and push. Baby Grant arrived!
Faith held the child and glanced at Lillian to make the announcement.
Lillian spoke reverently. "You have a son!"
The baby boy made his own announcement immediately afterwards and the laughter and joyful cries from his parents joined his.
"A son, Fia! We have a son!" Nathan almost collapsed onto Fiona's chest in his excitement to hug her. Nathan kissed the mother of his son. "A boy, Honey. A baby boy!"
"Yes, a baby boy, Honey!" She leaned back against the pillows but held Nathan's gaze.
Archie had been dozing in the living room, but awakened with the sound of his grandchild's cry. He quickly moved to knock on the door. "Did you say a son?"
Nathan called out with overwhelming joy, "Yes, Dad! A Son!"
"Open up as soon as you can! I'm sitting on the steps."
Once the little one had been cleaned and loosely wrapped in a blanket, Faith handed him to Nathan who cradled him gently, gazing at his dark-haired baby boy.
Fiona watched the expressions of amazement, tenderness, joy and complete love that crossed Nathan's face as he turned to hand their son to her.
Fiona's tears of joy and love mingled with tears of relief and awe. This little one was their son! She stroked his soft cheek and kissed the top of his head and knew a love she had never known before. "Sweet baby, sweet beautiful baby." She glanced at Nathan for a moment but when she looked back she exclaimed. "Look, Honey! He has your crooked smile! Oh, I love it!"
Seated next to Fiona, Nathan gave his own crooked smile as he stretched his arm around her shoulders and gingerly touched his son's head. "And he has your dark hair, Honey."
Fiona giggled. "Or yours!" She took his tiny hand in her own, then moved to examine his feet and count his toes. "Ten fingers and ten little toes, my boy. Ten adorable little toes." She kissed his tiny hands and feet.
Nathan gently touched the baby's hand. "Look! His hand is the size of my thumb!"
As Fiona took note of Nathan's words, her artist's eye saw a future photograph. A father and son's hand together. Her husband and her son's hands together. She knew she had the next gift planned for her Nathan.
"Are we ready for your father to come in now?" Lillian stood by the door, anxious to share the moments with Archie.
"Oh, yes! Come in and meet your grandson, Dad!"
Archie hugged Lillian as she opened the door, then took her hand and placed his other on Nathan's shoulder. "Oh! May God bless this little boy." Archie whispered as tears overflowed. "What is his name?"
Nathan and Fiona looked at each other and she nodded. "You tell everyone, Nathan."
"His name is David Nathaniel Grant. He is an adored gift from God."
"David Nathaniel. Beautiful name for a beautiful baby." Faith smiled at her best friends. They had walked difficult roads together, but here was an answer to their prayers. The Grants now had a son. No one in the room noticed, but Faith Hickam placed her hand on her abdomen and silently prayed for her little possibility.
"Dad? Can you go get Allie?" Fiona asked softly. "Don't tell her, just bring her please?"
"Of course. I don't know how I'll keep from telling Rosemary though!"
Archie grabbed his coat and hurried next door. His knock was answered before he moved his hand to his pocket.
"The baby's come? Ohhh…."
Lee hardly wrapped a coat around Allie before she was down the steps and running home.
"Tell us, Archie!"
"A healthy baby boy! David Nathaniel Grant!" Archie beamed and chuckled as Lee enveloped him in a hug. Rosemary squealed in delight then hugged the proud Grandfather as well!
"Tell them we'll be over with lunch later. Go enjoy your grandson, Archie!" Rosemary shooed Archie down the steps.
"Where is the baby?" Allie flew in the door, not even pausing to close it. She entered her parents' bedroom, froze and gasped. "Oh!"
Nathan opened his arm to draw her close. "Allie, Sweetheart? Meet your baby brother, David Nathaniel!"
"A brother? I have a brother?" Tears spilled down Allie's face and she buried her face into her father's shoulder. When she recovered, she leaned over and kissed Fiona. "Are you okay, Mom?"
"I am more than okay, dear daughter! I have you and a little baby boy!"
Allie stared down at her brother. "He's so tiny! He's beautiful though. Look at that head of hair. And that tiny, little nose. And his tiny hands and little toes…" Allie marveled at everything she saw. "Hi Davy-boy! I'm your big sister, Allie. We're going to be the best of friends. I just know it…"
Nathan looked at Fiona and grinned. "It sounds as though our daughter has already bequeathed our son's nickname. Davy-boy! Is that okay with you, Fia?"
"I love it. Allie-girl and Davy-boy. Our family is complete!" Fiona kissed her son's head, whispering "I love you, Davy-boy," then reached up her hand to caress Allie's cheek. "And I love you, Allie-girl."
"And I love you all!" With eyes glistening, Nathan assured them. "God bless our wonderful family."
As if agreeing, little David, let out a whimper which soon grew to a full-out cry.
"I believe he is hungry, so maybe you can all leave our new mother now so she can begin to nurse?" Faith smiled as the family looked one last time before leaving the room. "Maybe you should all take a nap? I'm sure the baby will sleep after he has his breakfast and his mama needs sleep too."
"Does, Nathan have to go?" Fiona pleaded. "Can he stay, please?"
"If you want, Nathan, you may stay."
"Thank you." Nathan whispered, wanting to be a part of every possible aspect of this miraculous experience.
Faith instructed Fiona, stood by to answer all her and Nathan's questions, then said goodbye, reassuring them that she was only a call away and Lillian was always nearby. "Part of me hates to leave. You all are very dear to me. But I'll check back later, maybe after supper? For now, rest when the baby sleeps!" she paused at the doorway, turning back. "And congratulations!"
"We can't thank you enough for seeing us through this," Fiona whispered. "And for your love and support over the years."
"And that goes both ways…for both of you!" Faith responded.
Nathan nodded, agreeing, "You are a blessing!"
After little Davy was nursed, burped and swaddled, they laid the sleeping babe in the basinet beside the bed and Nathan and Fiona ate a small breakfast. Then laying side-by-side, arms connected from their shoulders to their joined hands, Nathan kissed Fiona and led them in a prayer before they fell asleep.
"Oh Lord! We are overcome with love, with happiness, with gratitude. When we think back to where you have brought us since that difficult day in the jail and my requesting that Fiona and Faith befriend Allie, we are amazed! I didn't know what to do or where to go from there, but you led me to the most wonderful, beautiful, precious woman that day. Thank you, Lord, for sweet Fiona and for the blessing she has been to me and to Allie. Now, we share deep, lasting love and you have gifted us with our beloved baby boy. Indeed, our hearts, our lives are full. 'The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with such awe and joy!' (*40) Thank You, thank You, thank You, Lord."
Together Nathan and Fiona whispered, "Amen."
(*40) Psalm 126:3 Paraphrased.