Chapter 3: Many Happy Returns
Nathan could feel a slight crunch underneath his feet as he walked toward the Madison's homestead just outside of town. It was a brisk December day, the last day that Allie had school before everyone would be released for Christmas break. With only a few more days before the special holiday, Nathan had taken it upon himself to start his gift shopping as soon as possible. As his breath billowed white in the air, and he wrapped his thick brown coat around him more tightly, he smiled to himself at the thought that this year, he had two people to buy for, instead of one. With a cheerful sigh, he felt warmed by the thought of what he planned to give Allie and Dani. The gifts themselves were ones that he had determined a long time ago, particularly Dani's. He couldn't contain his smile at the thought, it excited him so much Unconsciously, he started humming to himself as he walked the path. "Well, well" a voice suddenly sounded behind him. "I didn't know you could sing." Nathan whirled around, startled, and found himself facing Lee, who wore a pleasant smile. "No, don't stop!" Lee begged. "It was just getting good." Nathan blushed but didn't continue. "What brings you all the way out here Lee?" he asked, trying to mask his embarrassment behind the guise of friendliness. Lee grinned. "More boards for Rosie's stage I'm afraid" he chuckled wistfully. "That project has taken on a life of its own. I'm hoping it'll be done in time for the Christmas pageant that she has planned." Nathan smiled to himself. "Yes" he murmured. "Allie told me something about that. Apparently Rosemary has her leading the choir this year." Lee nodded, his eyebrows raised. "Yes, well Allie has a gift for singing" he murmured. "Rosie told me herself. And now, I can see where she gets it…" he added, throwing a searching glance in Nathan's direction. Nathan, embarrassed by praise for something he hadn't ever been acknowledged for, blushed even more redly than before, and lowered his gaze in silence. Lee, seeing that he was uncomfortable, quickly changed the subject. "So, what brings you so far out of town?" he asked casually. "I'm guessing there's more purpose to this trip than just you daily rounds." Nathan looked up at Lee and smirked. "Would you believe it Lee?" he asked, chuckling slightly. "I'm actually Christmas shopping." Lee couldn't help laughing out loud. "Christmas shopping!" he wheezed. "But the Mercantile is that way!" Nathan smiled. "I know" he grinned. "But this present is more special, and I've been planning it for awhile now. It can't be bought in the mercantile." Lee's eyes widened, and he felt his breath give out. "Oh really?" he mused mysteriously. "And this gift… It wouldn't happen to be for a special someone now, would it?" Nathan smiled and looked down at his feet. "Yes" he admitted. "It is for Dani. I just want to give her and Allie the best Christmas that I possibly can." Lee nodded admiringly. "Good man" he said cheerily, patting Nathan on the shoulder. "That's what it's all about." As the two separated at a fork in the road however, Lee couldn't help but let his mind wander, wondering what on earth Nathan had planned for Dani and itched with curiosity to know. He was married to Rosemary after all…
A big smile had made permanent residence on Nathan's face as he met Mr. Madison on the front stoop of his rugged cabin, which overlooked a frosty meadow that had long ago turned white with the cold. "Good afternoon" he called as he approached the older man, who couldn't help but grin at the face of the eager young man before him. "I'd like to close that purchase with you, if I can." Mr. Madison crossed his arms against the cold. "Well, I could hardly refuse our town's Mountie" he chuckled, causing Nathan's face to brighten with a grin. "I remember you telling me last time you came that said purchase is a gift. There wouldn't happen to be a particular young lady who has caught your eye, would there Constable?" Nathan blushed bright red and looked at the ground, still smiling. "Guilty as charged" he admitted playfully. "And I love her, with all of my heart." Mr. Madison's eyebrows raised, surprised that the Mountie would admit to his feelings so openly. "Well, I can certainly see that" he murmured, with a smiling twinkle in his eyes. "And she's going to be very happy, come Christmas."
Allie was excited to rush out of school with the other girls as Minnie rang the final bell before the break. "Have a wonderful Christmas everyone" she called after them sweetly. "And good luck with the Christmas pageant!" Allie threw a quick wave in her teacher's direction. "Merry Christmas Mrs. Canfield!" she called before bounding outside with Emily and Opal. There was a crisp bite in the air, that gave Allie thrilling shiver. Perhaps Hope Valley would have a white Christmas this year. Excitedly, she linked arms with Opal and followed Emily, who took the lead. "Let's pass the dress shop while we're in town!" Emily cried excitedly. "Hannah says there's a new Christmas display in the window!" Allie and Opal nodded eagerly and followed at a quick trot. While Allie would never have admitted it to her Uncle, she secretly hoped that he would buy her something pretty or stylish this year. While fishing poles and other such presents were nice, she was hoping for something more suited to her current urge to be ladylike and proper. As the threesome skipped merrily along down main street however, a sight caught Allie's eye that reverted her thoughts. Near the Judge's office, by the front stairs, Allie caught sight of Robert, whose mittened hands were behind his back. She raised her hand to flag him down, when she noticed someone else approach him; Anna… Allie couldn't help but stop dead in her tracks in distress upon seeing the two of them together. She and Robert had been very friendly with one another lately, and she had been convinced that perhaps his feelings leaned towards something more than mere friendship. Seeing Robert with Anna now however, threw everything into a shadow of doubt, and she felt her heart drop in her chest. "Allie, are you coming?" Opal called as she and Emily made for the dress shop, which was a few paces away. Allie nodded distractedly and waved her hand. "I'll be right there" she called, though her voice sounded rather dim. Without moving from her place in the middle of the gravel street, she watched as Robert and Anna exchanged a few words. He certainly looked very eager, she realized with dismay. As she continued to observe the painful sight, Anna pulled a burlap sack from behind her back and presented it artfully to Robert, who took it with such relish and excitement that it made her heart sink and her blood boil. As she continued to watch the scene in indignant fascination, Robert reached out in his excitement and hugged Anna, something that he had never done with Allie. Feeling her fists and her teeth clench, Allie slowly walked away to join Opal and Emily, though her heart wasn't in it anymore.
"And… That should just about do it Mr. Coulter" Hickam said excitedly as he hung the last of the velvety red curtains at the front of the stage. "I think we're all set for tonight." Lee clapped his hands excitedly and let his eyes feast on the glorious stage in front of him. "Well fellas" he grinned, looked around at the others who had been helping. "I promised Rosie a theater, and I am not going to lie; this is even better than the one I had in mind." Bill nodded gruffly. "Well, it's about time you made good on that promise" he muttered, kicking at the mounds of sawdust with his toe. "Can we get someone to sweep up in here?" "I volunteer" a voice called from the open doors. Everyone turned to see Nathan standing there, his hands shoved in his pockets. "I wasn't here to help with the finishing touches, so it's only fair" he pointed out with a smile. Bill shook his head. "No" he protested. "Let some of the kids do it. It's their pageant after all." Nathan shrugged. "It was worth the try" he murmured, before looking up at the finished product. "Rosemary's going to love it Lee." Lee smiled excitedly. "I hope so" he breathed. "Anyway, it's about time Hope Valley had one." As the men began to disperse and head out of the new Community Center to go back to work, Bill pulled Nathan aside. "I have news for you" he murmured in a low voice. "A telegram. It arrived earlier this morning, but you were busy." Nathan's smile faded and a crease of worry formed on his brow. "Bill…" he said anxiously, hoping that the news he bore was good. Bill quickly cut him off and thrust a little white paper into his hand. "Don't worry" he reassured him, laying a hand on his shoulder. "It's good news. Just read it over and see what you think." Nathan nodded as they emerged onto the boardwalk and tucked the telegram into his coat pocket. "I appreciate it Bill" he said, smiling faintly again. "I just really want Christmas to go smoothly this year." Bill nodded. "Of course, you do" he agreed. "And I'll do my best to keep it that way." He opened his mouth to continue, but his gaze caught sight of something past Nathan and he smiled a little. "Now go spend some time with your lady" he chuckled, nodding his head toward Dani, who was walking on the other side of the street. His comment and glance caused Nathan's eyes to find her, and a slow smile spread across his face. "Thank you for this" he said, patting the telegram. His eyes followed Dani longingly, and Bill gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Go" he murmured. "Relax and enjoy yourself. You deserve it." Nathan beamed at his friend and nodded. "Thanks Bill" he breathed before making his way quickly across the street towards Dani, much to Bill's amusement and delight.
"Hi Dani!" he called, trotting to catch up with her. She turned around and her face lighted up at the sight of him. "Nathan!" she cried, leaning forward so that he could kiss her forehead. "You're looking quite rugged today." Nathan grinned and glanced down at his dark coat and flannel shirt. "Well, I figured with the day off and everything" he explained causally, "I should probably look the part. We are living on the frontier after all." Dani smiled and took his hand. "Did I say rugged?" she asked softly. "I meant ruggedly handsome." Nathan blushed and smiled. "Aw… Thanks" he muttered shyly. "You're beautiful… As always." She smiled and kissed his cheek. "That's sweet" she murmured. It was good to see the color in his face and the sparkle in his eyes again. Dani recalled the first day that a daily basket of food had been mysteriously left at Nathan's stoop. It was the same day that Faith had received funding from an anonymous donor, who offered to pay for a specialist to come to Hope Valley to treat Nathan. While neither Dani nor Nathan could think who was behind this kind gesture, Faith seemed to have her suspicions, though she never shared them with Dani. Since then, Nathan had grown stronger and healthier, until only the most demanding activities caused his injury any pain. His cheeks were fuller now, no longer hollow from undernourishment or pale with fatigue. There was a spring in his step now and he wasn't looking nearly as thin as before. He had been completely restored to the Nathan she knew prior to his injury. Plus, he seemed strangely happier and lighter than she had ever seen him before, as if a heavy, lingering weight had been lifted off of his heart. She could see the merriness in his eyes as he gazed at her now, his smile lighting up his face. "Dani" he murmured, bringing her mind back to the present moment. "I was wondering… Would you like to have dinner tonight? Just the two of us?" Dani smiled warmly. "I would like that very much" she breathed eagerly. "It sounds lovely. Would six o'clock be alright?" Nathan nodded. "Of course," he agreed. "That's perfect. Allie and I haven't quite finished decorating the house, so I might arrange things in the jail. If that's alright with you…" Dani nodded and smiled. "It's your office" she pointed out. "No one else's… That makes it a special place for us." Nathan drew in a deep breath at the thought and grinned. He liked the sound of that; a special place for he and Dani, all their own. Reaching out and putting an arm around her shoulders, he planted a kiss on her cheek murmured in her ear. "Six o'clock it is then." As he turned to leave with a winning smile, she followed him wistfully with her eyes. "Don't you want to get coffee in the café?" she asked, bewildered by his departure. He turned and smiled but didn't make a move to return. "I have to go pick up your Christmas gift" he called playfully. "It's an extra special one." She crossed her arms with mock exasperation and shook her head. "Nathan…" she admonished. "What did you do?" Nathan smiled and raised his hands defensively. "Trust me" he reassured her. "You're going to love it." She laughed softly to herself as she watched him make his way down the boardwalk. What could he possibly have planned for her? Shaking her head at his boyish excitement, she turned toward the café to find Clara, hoping to catch up with her over a cup of coffee.
Bill was less than pleased to find Molly and Florence fussing around his office, throwing up Christmas decorations. "And what do you think you're doing here?" he asked, annoyed. Molly waved a careless hand at him but didn't reply as she spotted for Florence, who was hanging a garland over curtained window. "Just a little to the left" she directed. "There! That's perfect!" Florence sighed with relief and climbed down from the short ladder she had been standing on. "This office is much bigger than I remember" she moaned breathlessly, glancing around the now ornate office space. "We might run out of decorations." Bill put his hands to his hips frustratedly. "Will somebody please tell me what's going on here?" he asked, exasperated by the fact that his office had been completely taken over and was now covered in Christmas ornamentation. Molly came to his side and slipped her arm into his. "Bill…" she chided him, though sweetly. "Your office is the drabbest, most miserable building in Hope Valley right now. I wanted to surprise you with some Christmas cheer." Bill frown indignantly. "Well, you certainly did that!" he muttered. "I'm sensing there's a catch here Molly. And I don't like it." Florence stepped forward with an admonishing frown. "Now Bill!" she scolded. "Just hear her out before you lose your temper." Molly crossed her arms and gave Bill a triumphant grin. "Thank you Florence" she said crisply. "Now Bill, we were thinking that perhaps you, I and the Yosts might like to plan brunch together on Christmas morning. And since your office is so spacious, and won't be used during the holidays…" "No!" Bill cut her off emphatically. "I don't need Christmas cookie crumbs all over my office floor. Look what happened last time Lee used my office for his campaign. The place was a total disaster the next day!" Molly smiled and mobbing in a little closer, lowered her voice. "Now Bill" she crooned. "I promise, we will clean up everything afterwards. It'll be fun! Oh, come on now!" Bill stared at her witheringly for a long minute before he finally rolled his eyes. "Fine…" he muttered in defeat as Florence and Molly triumphantly clapped their hands. "But whatever you do, do not go overboard! This is a brunch, not a festival!" It was too late, however. Molly and Florence didn't hear a word he said after giving his approval. Grimly, Bill trudged over to his desk and sank down, watching as the fussing commenced once more.
Dani was pleased to find the café somewhat empty, and Clara freely relaxing in the back room, a cup of coffee in hand. "I had hoped to find you here" she smiled, making her way over to the settee and seating herself beside her friend. "Thank you again for letting me stay here with you and Jesse for Christmas. It's so nice to be in town, with everyone else." Clara nodded sympathetically. "I imagine things must get pretty lonely on the homestead sometimes" she guessed. "Especially when your 'special someone' lives here in town." Dani sighed and nodded. "I do miss him when I'm not with him" she admitted. "It's hard to be so far apart sometimes." Clara smiled and handed Dani a cup of coffee. "He misses you too" she said. "Nathan always seems happier when he knows you're nearby." Dani smiled softly to herself and felt her cheeks reddening. "Oh…" she murmured thoughtfully, and a little breathlessly. Before she could think of anything else to say, Rosemary suddenly appeared, carrying her liveliness like a rushing breeze. "Clara!" she cried excitedly. "Dani! Can I enlist you both in helping me decorate for the Christmas pageant? Tomorrow is Christmas Eve after all!" Clara readily offered her services, but Dani hesitated. "I'm sorry Rosemary" she apologized. "Nathan and I are having dinner together tonight." Rosemary's face however, showed no disappointment. In fact, she looked suddenly intrigued. "Oh my, how romantic!" she exclaimed. "Did he say it was a 'special' dinner?" Dani frowned, a little confused. "I… don't think so" she admitted, suddenly unsure. "What do you mean?" Rosemary folded her hands and leaning closer, let her voice drop. "Dani" she murmured. "Lee told me that he ran into Nathan on the road out of town today. Nathan told Lee that he was Christmas shopping… For you." Dani shook her head and shrugged. "So?" she asked, confused. Rosemary threw her hands in the air expressively. "So!" she cried. "Has Nathan mentioned the gift to you at all?" Dani frowned again in deep thought. "He did bring it up today" she murmured. Clara leaned in closer. "And?" she asked breathlessly. Dani looked from one to the other, still not understanding why any of this was relevant. "And he told me that it was extra special" she said at last. Rosemary and Clara exchanged meaning glances, which Dani could not understand. What were they trying to say? Bewildered, she simply shrugged and continued to sip her coffee. Clara and Rosemary, however, were both pondering the same question as they watched her. Was Nathan planning on asking Dani to marry him?
Nathan smiled to himself over the telegram Bill had given him as he sat peacefully in his rowhouse, having returned from arranging the arrival of Dani's gift. The telegram was short, but clear. As he folded it up and placed it in his pocket, he made a mental note to speak with Robert Wolfe, since the contents pertained to him as well. As he stood up from the settee to start preparing the food for he and Dani's dinner, Allie suddenly burst into the house, tears running down her face. "Allie!" he cried, approaching her quickly with concern. "What happened? What's wrong?" His voice was tense as he put an arm around her and pulled her close. When she didn't answer him, but continued to sob against him mournfully, he pursed his lips together and guided her over to the settee. "Allie…" he murmured, softly, but sternly. "You've gotta tell me what's wrong so I can help you." She looked up at him pitifully, the tears streaming down her face. Lifting his hand, he wiped them away with his thumb and lay a gentle hand on her back. "Was it those big boys at school?" he asked, a detectable intensity in his voice. "Were they bothering you?" When she shook her head, he felt himself relax a little. "Was it one of your friends?" he guessed. Sucking in a choked breath, Allie swallowed hard. "Robert doesn't like me anymore" she sobbed sadly. Nathan frowned, highly doubting that. "Now, why would you say that?" he asked. "I thought you two were getting along." Allie shook her head grimly. "I was wrong about him" she murmured. "He likes Anna again. Maybe he's liked her all this time… I don't know." Nathan's eyebrows raised. "Did Robert tell you this?" he asked, feeling defensive. Allie shook her head slowly. "He didn't need to" she said almost in a whisper. Swallowing hard, she looked up at her uncle. "I saw him hugging her Uncle Nathan." Nathan frowned faintly. "And you think, because you saw him hugging her, that he likes Anna, and not you?" he guessed. Allie shrugged, her head down in despair. Nathan drew in a deep breath. "Allie…" he said slowly, closing his eyes for a minute to think of the right words. "You can't make a judgement about everything you see without all the facts. Just because Robert hugged Anna, doesn't mean that he likes her instead of you. You're jumping to conclusions right now." Allie shrugged again, but still said nothing. Nathan sighed. "I think that the best way to solve this problem" he suggested, "is to talk to Robert. You two are great friends. It would be silly to throw that away just because you saw him hug Anna. If you ask him about it, I'm sure he'll explain." Allie nodded slowly and sighed. "I guess so" she admitted. "But are you sure?" Nathan smiled and nodded. "Yes" he assured her. "I am." He paused, and Allie saw a hint of sadness creep into his eyes. "A hug doesn't always mean what you think it means." Allie stared up at him, not sure exactly what was going through his mind, but recognizing the pensive look in his eyes. She nodded slowly and took a hold of his big hand. "Thanks Uncle Nathan" she murmured, smiling through her tears. "You always have the best advice." Nathan looked down at her, and smiling, kissed the top of her head. "It's going to be alright Allie" he said quietly. "You'll see." Allie nodded and wiped the moisture from her face with a smile. "I should probably go wash up" she said, standing up. "Our dress rehearsal is tonight." Nathan smiled and nodded. "Sounds good kiddo" he grinned. "I can't wait to watch you tomorrow night." Allie gave a little giggle and hurried upstairs to change and wash her face. As she disappeared from sight, Nathan gave a heavy sigh. Why did love have to be so complicated?
"Oh Lee, is this really necessary?" Rosemary asked indignantly, as her eager husband led her blindfolded into the saloon-turned community center. Lee patted her on the shoulder but did not relent. "Trust me!" he reassured her. "It definitely is!" Rosemary sighed with exasperation. "Sweetheart" she reprimanded. "You know how impatient I am!" "Just a few more steps…" Lee murmured, before letting his hands drop from her shoulders. "Now… Open your eyes." Rosemary quickly removed the red blindfold covering her eyes and looked in the direction Lee pointed to. She let out a little gasp and put a hand over her heart. "Oh, my goodness!" she breathed as she took in the sight before her. A beautiful stage, with fine, plush curtains surrounding it, and beautifully stained floorboards stood proudly before her. Lights, candles, and lanterns richly illuminated the partition at the back, which had been painted a luscious shade of pine green. Rosemary took a slow step forward and ran her fingers over the smooth wood of the bannisters. "Lee Coulter!" she gasped breathlessly. "I don't know what to say! This is the most beautiful stage I have ever seen." Lee grinned brightly at her reaction and folded his arms in front of him. "Well, a long time ago, I promised to build you a theater" he reminded her, slowly pulling her closer to him. "The biggest and best theater on this side of the rocky mountains…" Rosemary slowly shook her head in awe. "Even then, I never imagined it to be so beautiful" she said happily. She put her arms around his neck and smiled. "Thank you Lee… For keeping your promise. And for making my dreams come true." Lee smiled and leaning closer, kissed her lightly. "Anything for you Rosie" he murmured. "Merry Christmas."
A few scattered flurries fluttered softly through the air as Nathan walked side by side with Dani toward the Mountie office, his head down. Everything was ready inside; he had made sure of that before picking her up. A lingering fear however still clutched at his heart. His conversation with Allie had stirred up some old fears and hurts. What if, after their date, Dani decided she didn't want to be with him anymore? What if he wasn't interesting or funny enough for her? No one had ever gone to dinner with him before. Was there a reason why? A reason that he was woefully unaware of? He felt his heart racing as they made their way up the stairs together, her face serene, almost glowing. At the door, he stopped nervously and eyed her with a questioning glance. "You're sure you still want to have dinner with me?" he asked a little anxiously. Dani frowned, looking confused. "Why wouldn't I be?" She asked in surprise. Nathan shrugged, though he felt a flood of relief, as well as his face reddening with embarrassment. "I don't know…" He murmured shyly. "Just making sure, I guess…" Dani stared at him searchingly for a moment before lifting her hand to rest against his cheek. "Nathan" she murmured softly. "No matter what we do together, I will always love it, because I'm with you. There's no need to worry. I'm not going anywhere." Nathan smiled and felt the warmth of her hand reflected in the overwhelming love that he felt for her in his heart. He took hold of the hand that she had laid against his smiling face and enveloping it in both of his, held it close to his heart. "I know" he murmured softly. "I just… I want to do this right. Because that's what you deserve." Dani smiled and shook her head. "Maybe there is no right or wrong way" she mused. "Just us, the way we like it. You and I may not know much about romance or courting, but we know each other, and we know how to love. Let's start there." Nathan nodded in agreement, the smile widening brightly on his face. For a long moment, they got lost in each other's eyes, before Dani gave a little shiver. "On second thought" she laughed softly. "Let's start be going inside, where it's warm." Nathan was quickly roused from his revery and gave himself a mental shaking. "Right" he chuckled, opening the door for her. "Ladies first."
As Dani stepped softly into the warm glow inside, she looked around the room with an enchanted gaze. "Oh Nathan" she breathed, awestruck. A checkered blanket had been spread across the floor in front of the desk, adorned by fresh sprigs of holly and evergreen, and scattered with plated pies, steaming gravy, and a tray of fluffy popovers, that Nathan had made himself. The silver lantern that faithfully hung outside the office on its designated hook now sat in the center, casting a flickering glow over the simple, yet breath-taking display. Dani drew in another breath of delight as Nathan helped her out of her coat and turned to face him with a gentle smile. "It's beautiful" she said, taking both his hands in hers. "Thank you for making things special for me." Nathan smiled modestly, and leaning forward, kissed her cheek lightly. "I'm glad you like it" he murmured. "I know it's not much…" Dani smiled. "Who needs anything else?" she asked, before pulling him toward the spread. "It's perfect." During the entire dinner, Nathan continued to be amazed by how pleasant it was to be there with Dani. She somehow brought life to the rustic arrangement that he had prepared, and her laughter seemed to ignite the faint glow of the lantern that flickered between them as they talked and ate. He was glad to see her enjoying herself and could not for the life of him keep from smiling as he listened to her speak. Her soft voice and her warm laughter paired with his carried through the evening until the two of them sat wrapped in warm flannel blankets with their backs against Nathan's desk, cups of hot cocoa in their hands. As they sat there side by side, Nathan noticed that Dani suddenly seemed to become quiet and thoughtful, as she wistfully sipped her drink. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asked softly, eyeing her with a hint of concern. She lowered the steaming tin cup from her mouth and looked down at her little booted feet, which peeped out from under the flannel blanket. "Nathan…" she said in a low voice. Realizing that she was about to say something important, he leaned a little closer, his gaze more intent. "What is it Dani?" he asked seriously. She looked up at him for a minute, before turning her eyes back to the cup in her hand. "You don't doubt my love for you" she said slowly. "Do you?" Nathan stared at her in surprise, then quickly shook his head. "Of course not!" he assured her. "How could I?" Dani shrugged and lowered her gaze. "I'm not sure" she murmured faintly. After a pause she looked up at him earnestly. "All I know is that you seem afraid… That I'll walk away and leave you. I would never mislead you Nathan. Never." Nathan felt his heart stop, and he looked away, ashamed of his own fear. "I know that Dani" he told her. "And I could never doubt you. I just don't fully trust myself sometimes. I've made the mistake before of thinking that people cared about me when they really didn't. I don't believe for a minute that you could ever hurt me. I'm just… afraid that I could hurt myself, with my own poor judgement." Dani smiled compassionately and reached out an arm toward him. "Maybe it wasn't your judgement at all" she suggested. "Maybe you were led to believe that you're heart was safe… and that's why it hurt so much when they turned their back on you. But Nathan…" she added, giving his hand a tender squeeze. "Your heart is safe with me. No matter what." Nathan smiled, gratitude welling up in his eyes as he gazed into hers. "Thank you" he murmured, lifting her hand to his lips, and kissing it gently. "And I'm sorry for making you feel like I doubted you. Dani, I trust you more than anyone." She looked up at him seriously, her eyes bold as they looked into his. "Try having faith in yourself Nathan" she murmured. "The rest will follow." Nathan reached out and wrapped his arm around her blanketed shoulders before allowing his head to rest against the top of hers. "I'll try" he whispered. "I promise." He felt stronger and braver with her at his side because he knew that he needed to be, both for her sake and for Allie's. Pushing aside all self-deprecation for a moment, he sensed a renewed strength in his confidence that he hadn't felt in a very long time. Likewise, Dani, who's worry over his fear had been alleviated, enjoyed the security of his arm around her as both of them soaked in the silence. "You are wonderful Nathan" she murmured softly, before lifting her eyes to look up at him. "I don't think you hear that enough." Nathan smiled and ran his fingers through her hair. "The same goes for you" he said, blushing. "I just don't know how I got so lucky…" She smiled softly to herself and snuggled a little closer. "Maybe it wasn't luck" she mused. They both laughed softly before Nathan suddenly remembered the time and glanced at the clock. "Allie's rehearsal will be over soon" he said, a little sadly. "Can I walk you back to the café?" Dani smiled and nodded. "That would be nice" she agreed. He grinned, struggling to his feet, and holding out his hand to help Dani up off the floor. "Thank you for a loving night Dani" he said, as she straightened up. "I've never had such a good time." Dani laughed, amused as she wrapped her feathery, white shawl more tightly around herself. "Don't thank me!" she cried. She leaned in closer, and standing on her tiptoes, kissed him lightly on the cheek. "It's all you." He grabbed the still lighted lantern and followed her as she threw open the door. "Oh Nathan!" she cried, as she stepped outside. "It's snowing!" A feathery wonderland of white greeted them as the light in Nathan's hand cast glowing rays over the soft surface of snow that had accumulated. Dani walked out into the untouched street and spreading her arms out widely, lifted her face to the sky. "It's so beautiful!" she breathed. "And right before Christmas too!" Nathan smiled at her reaction and watched her lovingly as she gazed up at the lightly whirling sky. While the snow was a beautiful, welcome sight, it didn't hold a candle to the sight of her standing there as it caressed her face and hair.
Allie was up bright and early the next morning, even before her uncle. She was determined to make things right with Robert, without allowing another day of anger or awkwardness to pass. She wasn't about to allow her hurt to ruin her Christmas break. Feeling stubborn and determined, she made her way toward the mercantile, in the hopes of finding him there. Even before she could reach the stairs however, she heard someone calling her name. "Allie!" She whirled around and found herself face to face with Robert, who was breathless from running to catch up with her. "Merry Christmas" he said cheerfully, still trying to catch his breath. She gave him a withering look and crossed her arms. "Is it though?" she asked sarcastically. Robert eyed her with some confusion. "Is something wrong?" he asked obliviously. "What's the matter?" She felt her fists clenching with frustration at his apparent indifference to the problem and took in a slow, deep breath. "Robert" she faltered, angry with herself by how shaky her voice sounded. "I saw you yesterday… With Anna. Is there something you want to tell me?" Robert scratched his head in confusion. "Um… No…" he admitted, then quickly caught himself when he saw her face fall. "I mean… Yes! There is!" Allie felt the tears forming in her eyes, though she couldn't tell if it was from the cold or from her heart. "Just tell me…" she moaned helplessly, letting her mittened hands drop to her sides. "If you like her, then…" "Allie!" Robert cut her off. "You don't understand. I needed to talk to Anna about something. For Christmas." Allie swallowed and tilted her head to one side. "She gave you a gift" she said timidly, afraid her tears would betray her. "And she hugged you…" Robert nodded. "She did" he confirmed. "But it wasn't what you think it was. I needed to buy something from her." He pulled his hands from behind his back and revealed the same burlap sack that Allie had seen the day before. She hadn't noticed him hiding it from her. "It's your Christmas present" he explained, handing it to her. "I had planned to wrap it and give it to you for Christmas, but I'd like you to open it now." Allie breathlessly took the lumpy package from him and stared up at him in awe and gratitude. "A Christmas present?" she breathed. "For me?" Robert nodded. "Why don't you open it?" he asked. Allie could hardly breath as she slowly pulled the folds of the bag away as Robert watched her eagerly. Reaching inside, she slowly pulled out a beautiful, white pair of ice skates, almost brand new. "Robert!" she cried, allowing the sack to fall to the snow-covered ground and holding the shiny skates out in front of her to admire them. Robert grinned. "Anna got this pair last year" he explained. "But she grew out of them before she could use them again. She said they would fit you though. Now you can skate with us when the pond freezes over." Allie felt herself shaking with awestruck happiness. "Thank you Robert!" she cried. She threw her arms around his neck and stayed there for a moment. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you." When she finally pulled away, Robert was beaming. "It's okay" he said casually, though his cheeks were blushing with pleasure. "I can see how you would think all that… With me and Anna, I mean…" Allie nodded and shrugged. "Still…" She insisted. "I'll try not to jump to conclusions so quickly from now on." Robert nodded and smiled. As he did however, his eyes lifted to something behind Allie that seemed to catch his attention at the stagecoach platform. Allie could clearly see a look of awe on his face, and his mouth dropped open in surprise. "Cody?" He murmured, almost inaudibly. Allie slowly turned around to look in the same direction and saw a tall, light-haired boy, about Robert's age, coming toward them. As soon as he saw Robert's recognition of him, his steps quicken into a trot. Robert, still gaping, started to move toward him in the same fashion. "Cody?!" He almost shouted this time, his exclamation met by laughs from the other boy. Allie watched as they both threw their arms around each other, then parted to look at each other. "Cody!" Robert cried excited. "What are you doing here?" Cody smiled. "I'm back" he said meaningful. "I'm back to stay!"
Bill was tired from all the decorating in his office as he made his way wearily into the cafe dining room. With the Christmas Day brunch that Florence and Molly were planning, he figured he would have to start mapping out a proper menu for an indefinite number of guests. As soon as he walked in to the dining room however, a familiar scent reached him, causing him to breath in deeply. It was a scent he hadn't enjoyed for a long time; years in fact… He ambled his way closer to the kitchen. "I only know of one scone recipe that smells like that" he grinned. A face emerged from the kitchen and smiled at him brightly. "Well, it's an old family recipe" she said, folding her arms. "Merry Christmas Bill." Bill smiled and approached her with outstretched arms. "Abigail…" He murmured, pulling her into a hug. "Welcome home…"