The rest of November seemed to fly by quickly. Rosemary's Opening Night in Anastasia took place ten days after the dinner at the Thatcher home. After the show, an Opening Night party was scheduled at the nearby Marriott Marquis. True to Rosemary's earlier wishes, Elizabeth had planned to bring Nathan along for the late night festivities.
As Elizabeth was picking out a dress to wear earlier in the day, her phone rang.
"Hi Sweetheart," Nathan's voice boomed into the phone.
"What's wrong, Nathan?" asked Elizabeth.
Nathan chuckled. "It's really scary how well you've gotten to know me, Elizabeth."
"Well I know that we've been planning this night for weeks now and you don't usually call me before we go out unless something has happened."
"I won't argue that point. Unfortunately, there is a problem." Nathan said with a sigh. "Opal has come down with a bad cold so Allie sleeping over at the Weise house tonight is no longer an option. Mom and Dad are in Florida for a couple weeks so they can't stay with her either. Gabe and Lillian are meeting us at the show so they can't watch her. And Florence is helping Ned at the restaurant tonight. So it appears I've exhausted my main babysitting options."
"And the show is sold out so we can't get another ticket," added Elizabeth.
"Plus Allie wouldn't last through the party that late," added Nathan.
"I know! How about if I call Laura and ask if she'd be willing to keep an eye on Allie. She already has Jack and Abby tonight but Allie is pretty self-sufficient and could even help Laura with the little ones if needed. And Allie would be with a trusted adult."
"If Laura is willing, that's fine with me. I'll pay her whatever extra amount is needed and I'll pay Allie extra allowance this week too."
Elizabeth was now excited at having a plan. "Ok I'll call Laura now and will text you in a few minutes."
A few minutes later, Elizabeth texted Nathan that Laura would be happy to keep Allie with her tonight and was even excited to watch a movie with her after the little kids went to sleep. The plan would be for Allie to sleep in her now usual guest room at Elizabeth's house. Elizabeth then spent the next hour getting ready for the show and party. She chose a brand new v-neck black velvet sheath dress that just touched her knees. The sleeves were Elizabeth's preferred three-quarter length with ruffled cuffs. Sheer black stockings with black velvet block heels with silver trim accentuated the look. A platinum necklace with a diamond heart pendant completed the look. She wore her hair down with a subtle hint of glitter eyeshadow. The necklace had been a gift from Elizabeth's parents on her thirtieth birthday. The look was a bit overdressed for the theater but perfect for the Opening Night party afterwards. She wanted Rosemary to be the one that stood out so she stuck with a neutral look.
The doorbell rang just as Elizabeth was finished filling her black satin clutch purse. She picked up Jack who had been playing on the bed while she dressed and headed downstairs with him and the purse. Elizabeth opened the door to find Nathan and Allie smiling at her.
"Hi Miss Elizabeth! Hi Jack!"
"Hi you two! Come on in. Nathan, what's wrong?" Elizabeth asked as Nathan could not take his eyes off of her.
"Allie, why don't you take Jack and run upstairs and put your stuff away?"
"Ok Uncle Nathan." Allie said with a smirk. "You know you two can kiss in front of me."
"Allison…"
"We're going! Come on Jack."
Elizabeth chuckled and lowered her son to the floor. Allie promptly took his hand and slowly walked him up the stairs to the guest room. After what seemed like an eternity but in reality was a couple minutes, Nathan pulled Elizabeth to him and pressed his lips against hers. Elizabeth reached her arms up around his neck and deepened the kiss. She spoke when they finally came up for air.
"Hello to you too, Detective."
Nathan's eyes were a very deep blue. "Do you have any idea how incredible you look in that dress? You are going to be the hit of the party tonight."
"Oh no! Maybe I should change then." Elizabeth said as she started to back away from Nathan. He quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her back to him.
"I don't think so."
"Nathan, I don't want to overshadow Rosemary."
"Sweetheart, that's not possible. You're both incredible women. And nobody can overshadow Rosemary Coulter." Nathan added with a mischievous smile.
"That's Rosemary LeVeaux tonight, Nathan." Rosemary added as she, Lee, and Abby walked into the living room from the kitchen door. Rosemary suddenly squealed and then ran over to Elizabeth.
"Oh my goodness Elizabeth! I have not seen you dressed up like this in ages! It's been way too long and you look amazing. That dress accentuates your curves so well."
"Rosemary!"
"Well, it's true my friend! And I'm not ashamed to say it."
Elizabeth sighed and finally relented in giving her friend a smile. It was then that she noticed that Nathan still had his long black coat on but the buttons were now opened. She could just peek a grey wool three-piece suit with a satin dark periwinkle blue shirt and a coordinated silk tie. She reached for his hand again and squeezed it tight."
"Auntie Beth, where is Jack?"
"Abby-girl, Jack and Allie are going to play with you and Laura tonight! Doesn't that sound like fun?"
"Yes, Auntie Beth!"
As if on cue, Allie and Jack slowly made their way back down the stairs to join the group. A couple minutes later, the doorbell rang again and Nathan let Laura into the house. After some last minute instructions and hugs and kisses good-night, the four adults walked out the front door to head to the city. Elizabeth gasped after she closed the door.
"Rosie, a limo?"
"You know very well that the show gives me a car service everyday so today we just upgraded a bit."
The foursome headed to the limo and soon enough they were comfortably on their way to Manhattan. The limo had a rear and two side benches so the group could easily spread out for the thirty minute trip. With rush hour traffic, it ended up being more like a forty-five minute trip. The limo pulled up to the theater just before 6pm. After some quick good-byes, Rosemary entered through the stage door entrance while Lee, Elizabeth, and Nathan walked one block West to Jean Luc's Brasserie for a quick dinner. Rosemary was joining the cast for a pre-show event at the theater while her husband and friends enjoyed their meal.
Ninety minutes later, the group headed back to the theater and went through security screening before they could enter. Elizabeth watched as Nathan quietly showed the security guard his badge and holster. They headed to their seats in the Center Orchestra Row E where they quickly found Julie and Charles waiting for them. Julie had become close with the Coulters while she was helping Elizabeth after Jack's death. A few minutes later, Carson and Faith also joined the group quickly followed by Lillian and Gabe.
"It looks like we have most of this row," laughed Nathan.
"Rosie really hooked us up well. These seats are perfect!" added Faith.
The group settled into their seats with Nathan in the aisle seat so he could stretch his long legs easily. Everyone quietly chatted or read their Playbills as they waited for the curtain to rise. At six minutes after the hour otherwise known as on time for Broadway, the curtain went up and the group enjoyed the first act of the Anastasia revival. Rosemary's Countess Lily only had a couple of lines in Act One so by the time intermission came around, everyone was eager to watch Rosemary sing and dance. And sing and dance she did! By the time the show ended and the Opening Night final bow speeches were done, Rosemary's friends were beside themselves with excitement. They quickly headed to the stage door to wait for Rosemary who was bombarded with hugs and kisses as soon as she exited the building.
"Rosie, you were amazing! Loved The Neva Club number so much!" squealed Elizabeth.
"And I loved The Countess and the Common Man. Your comedic timing was perfect!" added Faith.
"I agree with my lovely wife. We are already planning to bring Maggie and Joe to the show." said Carson.
"And we should bring Allie." said Elizabeth as she and Nathan got lost in each other's eyes. Nathan simply nodded before taking Elizabeth's hand.
"Thank you all so much for being here tonight. To say that I love you all is an understatement. You are all my chosen family for life and there is nobody else I'd rather have here tonight. As you all know, Lee and I have had some trouble trying to expand our family after Abby was born so this role came along at the right time for us. I didn't realize how much I had missed the stage until now. So thank you for sharing this moment with me. Now let's party!"
Rosemary and Lee led the group one block North of the theater to the private party at the Marriott Marquis. Elizabeth walked between Nathan and Julie with one arm looped through each of theirs. She hadn't been this content in a very long time. Elizabeth enjoyed the party immensely and even got to see some former co-stars and producer friends too. Towards the end of the night, Elizabeth ran into one such producer friend, Mitch McGarry.
"Elizabeth Thatcher! I thought that was you!" said Mitch as he gave Elizabeth a kiss on the cheek.
"Hi Mitch! It's good to see you. It's Elizabeth Thornton these days though."
Mitch nodded somberly. "Yes, I heard about Jack and I hope you received the note and flowers I sent. My sincerest condolences again."
"I did. Thank you Mitch."
Nathan had been talking to the Shepherds and the Kinslows and walked over to join Elizabeth.
"Mitch, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Nathan Grant."
The men shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Nathan protectively put his arm around Elizabeth's shoulders.
"Elizabeth, I know you're out of the business now per se but is anyone ever truly out of the business?" Mitch asked with a gleam in his eye.
"I think I am Mitch. I have a toddler now and I love teaching."
"I can respect that but if you do ever have that itch, let me know. I would love to work with you again even if it's just a concert setting. Think about it."
"That I can do."
The threesome said their good-byes and soon enough Elizabeth, Nathan, Lee, and Rosemary had said good night to their friends and were back in the limo. It was just after 1am when the limo pulled up to Elizabeth's house. After the group paid Laura a handsome sum for her services, Nathan walked the young woman to her car while Lee and Rosie quietly gathered Abby and her things and went home. Nathan soon came back and quickly pressed his lips against Elizabeth's. He then headed home with a promise to return early with bagels for everyone for breakfast. Elizabeth checked on the two children and then fell asleep quickly.
Less than three weeks later, Thanksgiving Day had arrived and Elizabeth was hosting for the first time. She had been planning this occasion all month long. Nathan and Allie came over early in the morning to help with the preparations. It was going to be a potluck meal but Elizabeth was still preparing the turkey and extra food just in case. The plan was for Nathan to help Elizabeth with the turkey while Allie and Jack watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Nathan and Elizabeth joined the kids for the first hour so they could watch the Broadway performances. Then they spent the rest of the morning in the kitchen where they could steal a kiss every now and again. The budding family skipped lunch so they'd have plenty of room for their meal at 3pm. Elizabeth was able to get away with giving Jack a late morning snack before his nap.
Soon enough it was early afternoon and the guests started to arrive. Within thirty minutes, Rosemary, Lee, Abby, Julie, Charles, Carole and Archie had arrived. As they were all getting comfortable in the living room with snacks, the doorbell rang. Elizabeth opened the door to find a casually dressed William and Grace beaming at her.
"Mother, Father, I'm so glad you agreed to come. I know this isn't your typical Thanksgiving holiday at the Hamptons house."
"Sweetheart, you are way more important to us and we want to spend the holiday with our family and friends," said Grace as she wrapped her middle daughter in a hug.
"Please come in."
Grace entered the house as William remained at the door smiling at his daughter.
"We have a surprise for you." William said as he finally entered the house.
As soon as William vacated the doorway, another familiar face stepped over from the side of the doorframe."
"Viola!" said a shocked Elizabeth. "And Victoria! Hi Sweetheart!" Elizabeth beamed as she looked down at her four year old niece who had wrapped her arms around her mother's waist.
"Surprise Beth!" said Julie as she walked up to Elizabeth and put her arm around her sister.
Viola chose that moment to step forward and embrace both her sisters at once. Little Victoria was still shyly clinging to her mother during the embrace. The three sisters finally broke apart and Viola lifted her daughter into her arms.
"Sweetie, this is your Aunt Beth. You were just a baby the last time you saw her in person. You might remember her from our video calls. She's Mum's younger sister and Aunt Julie's older sister."
Elizabeth smiled at the red-headed little girl and reached out to squeeze her arm.
Victoria smiled back tentatively. "Hi Aunt Beth. It's lovely to meet you."
Elizabeth gasped. "Vi, she has a British accent."
"Well, she's born and raised in the UK so far."
"Yes, of course. I was just not thinking straight. Victoria, you need to meet your little cousin, Jack."
Viola set Victoria down on the floor but the girl still reached for her mother's hand. Elizabeth extended her hand to her niece as well and was pleased when Victoria stepped forward and accepted her hand.
"Come with me. We are going to find your cousin and his little friend Abby."
As soon as Elizabeth and Victoria turned around to look for Jack and Abby, Nathan walked over with a smiling Jack in his arms. Elizabeth took her son from Nathan and squatted down to Victoria's level. She stood Jack up in front of her.
"Victoria, this is your cousin Jack. He turns two next month. Jack, can you say hi to your cousin, Victoria?"
"Hi 'toria"
"Hi Jack"
Viola squatted down next to her daughter. "So this is my adorable little nephew. We finally get to meet in person. Jack, I'm your Aunt Vi. May I have a hug?"
Jack looked a bit uncertain at his Aunt Vi. He looked at his mother for reassurance and she nodded and smiled. The little boy slowly walked over to Viola and she quickly engulfed him in a hug. Elizabeth smiled again and pulled her niece into a hug as well.
"I'm so glad we are all together for the holiday," squealed a nearby Julie.
Elizabeth and Viola finally stood up and Elizabeth walked arm in arm with her sister around the room introducing her to everyone. Julie entertained her niece and nephew. Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised when Viola then followed her into the kitchen to help plate some appetizers.
"Beth, I hope Victoria and I aren't imposing. Julie thought it would be fun to surprise you and this was a fairly last minute trip. I know I haven't been the best sister to you since Jack died or even before that. But I do love you very much and I've missed you. I didn't know the best way to tell you this from London so I'm grateful to be here to tell you in person. Can you forgive me for my actions and for not being a good sister to you over the years?"
Both sisters had tears in their eyes as Elizabeth pulled her older sister into a hug.
"Of course I forgive you. And I hope you can forgive me too. I became so complacent at thinking we would never be close again that I was also not a very good sister to you. It's unacceptable that this is the first time you are meeting Little Jack in person."
"I agree and again I'm sorry, Beth. I know how much you loved Jack and vice versa. I should have been more accepting of your relationship. And I should have been here for you. I'm glad that you had Julie and Lee and Rosemary for support after Jack died."
"Thank you. I appreciate that. Where is Lionel?"
"He's back in London. As I said, it was a last minute trip so only Victoria and I came. We are here until Monday night so I'd love to get reacquainted and get to know my nephew better."
"We would love that. And I'd love for you to get to know Nathan and Allie better too."
Viola raised her eyebrow and smiled. "Beth, he seems very sweet. And he's very handsome too. I could tell in the few seconds it took for you to introduce me to him that you two are head over heels for one another."
Elizabeth blushed. "I won't deny that."
"Well, I hope it works out for both of you. I want you to be happy and I haven't seen you this happy in a long time. And you will have my full support no matter what."
The sisters hugged again before heading back to the living room with platters of appetizers. A short while later, the large group gathered around the dining room table to eat. Once everyone was seated, Nathan stood up and said a brief prayer over the food before addressing the group.
"I know this is Elizabeth's home but we talked about this earlier and we decided that I would be the one to say this. Since it is Thanksgiving, we all thought it would be great to go around the table and say what we are thankful for. Viola, would you like to start?"
"I'm thankful to be here in person with my daughter and all of you. It has been too long."
"I'm thankful for friendship leading to love," said Julie as she gave Charles a quick kiss.
"Same here," added Charles as he gave Julie another kiss.
"Grace and I are thankful to be here with all three of our daughters, our grandchildren, and other loved ones," said William.
"We are so very thankful that everyone is happy and healthy," added Grace.
"I am thankful to see my Nate and Allie so happy," said Carole.
"I am thankful to be here with all of you," said Archie
"I am thankful for my Abby-girl and Lee and for my role of a lifetime as Countess Lily. I have so much gratitude." said Rosemary.
"I am thankful for Rosie and Abby and being here with all of you," said Lee.
"I am thankful that Uncle Nathan is adopting me."
Nathan reached over and pulled Allie into a hug. He kissed her forehead and then spoke.
"I am thankful for my Allie and for becoming her legal father one day soon. I am thankful for you Mom and Dad and for your good health. And I am thankful for you, my sweet Elizabeth, the love of my life with Little Jack, for coming into my life and blessing it in so many ways that I didn't know needed blessing."
Elizabeth was in tears as were most others around the table. She stood up and kissed Nathan passionately, not caring about their audience. When they finally came up for air, Nathan sat down while Elizabeth spoke.
"I am thankful for all of you being here tonight. I'm so blessed to have Viola and Victoria here and for what I hope will be a fresh start for us. Julie and Charles, I'm so happy that you're engaged and I cannot wait to help you plan your wedding. Mother and Father, I'm so glad you decided to join us. We haven't had a family Thanksgiving in many years. Carole and Archie, I'm so grateful for you both in so many ways. Rosie and Lee, you are and always will be my family. Words can never adequately describe how grateful I am for both of you. Jack and Allie, I am grateful for the love and light you bring to my life on a daily basis. And my sweet Nathan, I am so thankful that you walked into my classroom that hot August day not too long ago. You've changed my life forever and forever still has a long way to go. I love you."
Nathan stood up again as Elizabeth reached up and pressed her lips against his. Elizabeth abruptly pulled apart.
"Oh and I am grateful to Lee for suggesting my class to Nathan. And to you and Rosie for your attempts at matchmaking by barbeque, though I'm not certain we needed it."
The table laughed as Elizabeth and Nathan kissed again and showed their gratitude to one another.