Chapter Fifty

"Your sleigh awaits, Ma'am," and Nathan gave a slight bow.

"Darling, do you mind coming inside, while I get my things?"

"Of course, here's the bread you asked for. And don't forget there are two Butterscotch Pies for the Williams Family in the sleigh. May I be of any help?"

He reached to gently kiss her cheek and he put his arm around her waist.

"Not till I get these baskets filled. The children are at the Coulters playing with Frederic. Rosemary said for us to take our time. She's a little concerned about Taleisha, too…"

"Oh, there you are, Darling. She says that no matter how hard they try to get Taleisha to join them for lunch, she always goes off alone, and then comes back ready to work. Wonder what it is Nathan?"

"I have a pretty good idea, I just haven't figured out a way to help her…yet. I'm not giving up, though, Elizabeth."

"How was your day, Darling?"

"We may need to sit a bit to talk about that. Do you think we have the time?"

"Yes, Taleisha's working till five, so we still have another half-hour. Lee says Trevon has proven to be a huge help with his equipment."

"That's good to hear. Let me help you finish, that way we can take the time we need to get you all caught up."

"This is the hot basket, and this is the cold basket," she directed.

Nathan lifted the heaviest casseroles, wrapped them in towels, and placed them in the bottom of the 'hot' basket. He then added the potatoes and the vegetable side dishes.

At the same time, Elizabeth filled the 'cold' basket with the two salads she had made and the bread Nathan had picked up for her at the Café. She also added a jar of pickles and some horseradish sauce, along with a cold dressing for one of the salads.

"I think we're ready!"

"Let me carry them to the door…"

She had followed close behind him, so he took her hand and led her to the settee.

"Elizabeth, first of all, don't worry. But I do have to pull a shift tonight at the Jail. We captured three bank robbers, two from Union City on the train, interestingly enough one male and one female, and one from Benson Hills. The Benson Hills guy was their runner and we arrested him at the Saloon. He had a bag of money from the Union City Bank stashed in his room they didn't even know was missing, along with the spoils from a home robbery in Benson Hills. That's how we tied them together. Also, I remembered seeing the two on the train together in a bank when I worked at Union City. But we had already figured out the two were accomplices together."

"I bet that wasn't 'we,' but you, my Darling!"

"Well, maybe. Elizabeth, my Love, the day took a turn with a twist from there…"

"Nathan, Darling, most people would say capturing three bank robbers of a Union City Bank, no less, would be the turn with a twist!"

"I know, but there's more. Commissioner Blake sent additional briefs for the Packer Johnston case on the Stagecoach and requested that I meet it, which I did, along with Bill as a witness. Elizabeth, Packer Johnston's daughter Sophie got off the Stagecoach and asked me to help her. She was here to see Lucas…" he paused, then continued, "and she introduced herself to me as Mrs. Lucas Bouchard."

"What?"

"Apparently they married just before Lucas came here, but he didn't know."

"How could he not know?"

Elizabeth was feeling sick.

"Darling, don't let this upset you. I'll tell you everything. But you won't have to worry about Lucas giving you an engagement ring any more…"

"Well, that's a relief, but I don't understand…"

Nathan sighed, "Apparently Lucas and Sophie attended a huge Society Ball, and there was a Justice of the Peace there. They already had their marriage license so he agreed to marry them. They danced the night away, all the while consuming tons of champagne. Somehow Packer found out and forced Sophie to leave on their Wedding night. She was afraid her Father would kill Lucas, which he almost did, and now we know why. Lucas woke up with a massive hangover, not knowing if they went through the Wedding Ceremony or not and he became terrified of Packer and decided to escape here, to Hope Valley, trying to accept the fact he could never be with Sophie.

On the other hand, Sophie realized her Father can't hurt them from prison and decided to come here to be with Lucas. They say they love each other and are in love with each other, and Sophie wants to stay here and open up a Millinery Boutique, I think she called it. "

"My Darling Elizabeth, Lucas was in a bad way. He even tripped and rolled down the staircase. I had to carry him to a chair, then Sophie told him and he fainted in that same chair. If you think I stuttered around you, he couldn't even get a syllable together! Seriously! I had to take him to his office and have a long talk with him, among other things. And I can guarantee, the friendship we thought we had with him, we didn't have. But I think, now there's a chance for a real friendship if we want it, that is. I can also guarantee, Lucas won't be lying to us anymore or undermining us."

"And how did my Mountie accomplish that?" she giggled.

"Do you really want to know?" and he raised an eyebrow.

She laughed, "I'll leave that to my imagination for now."

"Oh, I can promise the reality won't disappoint," and they touched their foreheads together and laughed together.

"Promise, you'll tell me someday when we need a good laugh."

"It's a deal!" and he sealed it with a kiss.

"I love you, Nathan Alexander Grant, my gift from God and my defender/protector all in one."

"I love you too Elizabeth Rose Thatcher Thornton and don't you ever forget it. I will however have to look up the meanings of your name, so we're on an even playing field. I've got a feeling that Alexander thing isn't going away anytime soon. You and Colleen!"

"You've got that right, I love the Alexander part."

"You better love every part of that name. You know it will be yours soon. The Grant part I mean."

"Mrs. Nathan Alexander Grant. I love that, Darling!"

They first touched each others' lips with their fingertips and then they brought their lips together gently, holding hands at the same time, saying I love you in a million ways through their mutual touching of both lips and hands...

"This next part, I may have overstepped. But poor Lucas, and I can't believe I'm saying that, asked me for advice on what to do romantically!"

And Elizabeth burst out laughing uncontrollably.

"Hey there, a guy could get his feelings hurt…"

"Don't you see how funny that is? Lucas, the supposed Master of Romance, doesn't know what to do with his Fiancee or Wife or whatever she is. I think that's priceless! My Darling had to give him romantic advice…oh, and I bet it was good!"

"Actually, yes… I told him to man up!"

"I love it! Darling, I can't believe you actually helped him at all, after what he's done to us."

"Well, you keep telling me people change. But you should have seen his face when I suggested that for starters he give her his Grandmama's engagement ring sitting in his desk drawer, the one he planned to give to my Elizabeth!"

"What did he say?"

"He blanched and then lied, not once but twice, for both actually, right to my face! But, don't worry, he won't do it again."

She laughed, "I bet he won't by the time my Mountie got through with him!"

"As I said, it won't disappoint! But Elizabeth I think you'll like Sophie. She's kind. Maybe a bit theatrical, like Rosemary, but still kind. Which come to think of it, is also like Rosemary. How would you feel about throwing them a big Holiday Wedding?"

"Of course, we'll get Rosemary in on it, too!"

"And how would you feel about standing up with them?"

"Nathan Grant, you didn't?"

"They don't know anybody…and I thought…"

"Yes, my Darling, we'll stand up with them. At least if that gets you thinking about Weddings and Proposals and such, it will be worth it!"

"That's my Girl! See a silver lining! We'll have to schedule it around the Mountie Ball, though. I'm not about to have anything interrupt our weekend."

She smiled and crawled into his lap, "Nathan I know things are a bit different right now, but I can't stand for us to not really be together. Please kiss me with your sparkle back. I miss that sparkle so much. And I need a kiss like that so much. Please, Nathan…"

And she kissed him like that, exactly the way she wanted him to kiss her, willing him to kiss her back in spite of the pain they were also feeling. His kiss came slowly, as though he was reaching into the depths of his being to sidestep the pain and truly be in the moment with her. She could feel his struggle, but she wasn't giving up. She would patiently wait for him right here, right now, to be fully with her, and finally, he was and they both were home again. Their kiss lasted forever, and it proved to them both, they would always be there for the other, no matter what trial they were going through at the moment. No matter how alone they felt. No matter the grief or pain they felt. And with that, his kiss back to her fully filled her need, her longing. This kiss, with their kiss to each other, forged them together, making them know nothing was insurmountable. They were truly unstoppable together. Even in shared anguish, they would tunnel through as a couple, always with the other.

They sat in silence for a few moments.

"Darling, tell me more about Sophie."

"Well, she's almost as tall as Lucas. She's blonde and very stylish. Bill's smitten if that tells you anything."

"Bill is easily smitten!"

"Oh, this is funny, she wore a hat as big as the Stagecoach and I don't know how they got all her luggage in that thing. It took up the whole Boardwalk. But back to the hat, Bill took her to that back nook in his kitchen for her to freshen up and he held her hat for her the entire time. Which was at least a half-hour. I tell you, what I wouldn't have given to have had a camera! I kept hoping Carson would pop in."

Nathan continued more thoughtfully, "I think the thing that concerns me about Sophie, is how the townspeople will react to her. I don't want them to blame her for the sins of her Father, and I told Lucas it was his responsibility to make sure that doesn't happen. But we'll have to help with that too."

"Well, standing up with them at their Wedding should go a long way to help that."

"Darling this is off-topic, but what do you think about this? Do you think we could throw a community dinner together for Friday night at the Saloon? We have so much to celebrate! There's Frederic and of course the pregnancy, but I think that part's still secret for now! There's the new Williams Family, Sophie, a soon-to-be Bouchard Wedding, and Felicity should be here by this weekend, too. Maybe we should make it for Saturday, so we'll be sure she gets here. And I'd love to introduce everyone to Aaron since he's going to be with us permanently. What do you think?"

"I think that's the best idea ever, and I can't believe Rosemary and I haven't thought to do that very thing ourselves! Everyone's so tired of being snowed in, too. It's perfect!"

"Well, with the snow, Rosemary and Lee haven't really gotten to introduce Frederic to that many people, so I'm sure they would love that. But what do we do to get it started?"

"I'll tell the children at school. In fact, we'll make invitations tomorrow. And most importantly, we'll tell Florence and Molly to tell everyone and have them bring a dish. I'll take care of all that, and you ask Lucas to use the Saloon, and then we need an emcee. You'd be great, but Bill could do it if you don't want to."

"Okay, I'll ask Lucas for use of the Saloon and ask Bill to emcee. What would you think about making it a dance?"

"Why Nathan Grant!"

"I do have an ulterior motive. I want to dance with you Elizabeth in front of the whole town!"

"Elizabeth's smile was radiant, "Oh, that can be arranged my Darling, with pleasure! And guess what, my Dance Card is already full…"

He frowned in mock disappointment, "Really? You're fast!"

"What can I say, when you're the Belle of the Ball, it fills up fast! With you, Silly, every single dance! And don't you forget it!"

He chuckled and they sealed their dance card with a kiss.

Nathan lifted Elizabeth into the sleigh.

"To quote Allie, this is the best ever!"

He smiled in agreement, but as he started through Main Street, Bill ran out to catch him.

"Wow, nice digs! That's some sleigh! When do I get a ride? Nathan, don't worry about tonight. Aaron and I have it covered. Lee's going to take a shift, too. So just relax and enjoy your evening!"

"Are you sure? Well, thanks that actually helps a lot. I hated to have to uproot Allie in the middle of the night. And you can have a ride any time you want. Bill, if Lucas agrees, we thought we should have a town dinner and dance Saturday night. To welcome Frederic, the Williams, Sophie, Aaron, and Felicity. Would you emcee? And would you make sure Nathaniel knows? In fact, it wouldn't hurt to re-introduce Nathaniel, too, since not everyone knows him!"

"Consider it done! Love the idea! I'll let Nathaniel know and it's my honor to emcee."

"Well don't let it go to your head! When does the transfer take place?"

"Eight am sharp in the morning. They're coming from Union City. Nathan, don't be mad, but there's another commendation coming for both Aaron and you! Who knows, maybe another medal!"

"Bill Avery, don't you dare!"

"Well, excuse me!"

"I'll be there at 7:30 am. But, I'm serious Bill, no more medals. This is getting out of hand. Although, it does bode well for supporting the fact we definitely need Aaron! We couldn't have done that with just the two of us! At least it would have been a whole lot tougher!"

"Where are you all going?" asked Bill perfunctorily, never shying away from knowing what was going on in town, especially with his two favorite people.

"To the Williams, Bill. Elizabeth's taking them dinner. We've asked them to the Café several times, but they keep giving us excuses. So, we're taking the meal to them, and the sleigh for the kids!"

"Hey, Elizabeth we don't have to worry about that ring anymore!"

Bill looked as happy about that disastrous ring scenario being resolved as Nathan and Elizabeth were.

"I know, that's what Nathan told me. And I must say that's a huge relief."

"Funny, how things have a way of working out, isn't it? Who knows, that Sophie may just be what Bouchard has needed all along."

"Hey, Bill will you chaperone us for the Mountie Ball?"

"Of course, I'd already planned to. Still don't have everything worked out. But you all won't mind if I meet you there, will you? I do need to go a little early."

Nathan and Elizabeth looked at each other, trying to hide the fact that they were both more than okay with that. The thought of driving to Union City alone, just the two of them, was a very pleasant little surprise, indeed.

"That's fine, so we'll meet you there. But you better be getting everything worked out, Bill. It's almost here!" urged Nathan. "Don't make your reservations till I give you the address of the Hotel we're staying at."

"Well, there's only one hotel to stay in at Union City, the…"

"That's what everyone thinks and that's where everyone stays, but believe me, I know a better one! I actually told them to hold four suites, since they book so fast. You do need two suites, right?"

"Oh, I guess. Told you, still don't have everything worked out…"

"The Romance Instructor better get on it and work it out or he's going to be left out! See you at 7:30 in the morning, Bill! You have asked someone, haven't you? I'm sure with your charm, whoever the lucky lady is, she'll say yes!"

"Oh, that's not the problem..."

They drove off shaking their heads together, leaving Bill smiling like a Cheshire cat in the middle of the street!

"What if I have two yes's and need three suites?" he chuckled after them.

"Come in out of the cold, you two! But you didn't have to do all this. Won't you stay for dinner?" urged Taleisha. "Trevon is still at work. He's not getting in till about eight every night. But we can start eating our food now, and keep his warm."

"That would be lovely Taleisha. I hate to hear Trevon is having to work so late!" frowned Elizabeth.

"Darling, I'm afraid, it takes that with a new business!"

"You're right about that Nathan!"

"The children are studying. Well, Tyrone says he's studying, but I'm not so sure about that, and Laila's practicing her music."

"Taleisha, my Mother used to say the very same thing about me!" laughed Nathan.

"Laila plays an instrument?" asked Elizabeth.

"Yes, the piano. But you know, because of her eyes, she has to memorize the music by ear, and then she comes to the piano and plays by feel mostly," Taleisha had lowered her voice to a whisper, and then she raised it back to normal. "And that child can sing too! I expect her out any minute."

"Can I help you organize the food?"

"Yes, let me add two more places at the table and then we'll set the food out. Oh, my this is an awful lot of food. But you did catch me just before I started to cook, so your timing's perfect. I can't tell you how nice this is!"

"Taleisha, would you mind if I took the children for a quick sleigh ride while you and Elizabeth get the food ready?"

"Now, Nathan, I don't want them to be any trouble."

"Taleisha, it's no trouble at all. Actually, I want to do it. I feel bad because they missed the snow day we had with the kids. We had tons of sleigh rides, and a big snowball fight against the Mounties, no less. And between us we Mounties almost lost! These Hope Valley kids are something else, I tell you! They've got a lot of grit. I think it may have something to do with their beautiful Teacher!" bragged Nathan.

"I'm sure it does! Let me get the children, Nathan…"

But they had heard the Constable and they were already in the room, grabbing their coats, scarfs, hats, and mittens.

"Children, where are your manners? Say hello to the Constable and Mrs. Thornton."

"Yes Ma'am! Hello Constable Grant, hello Mrs. Thornton," they chorused together.

They were dressed in two shakes and Nathan grabbed his coat, hat, and gloves and was ready, too!

The children were thrilled, but poor little Tyrone couldn't reach to get in the sleigh by himself and Nathan realized Laila was trying to find the step.

"Here, guys, this thing's so tall, I end up lifting everybody into it, even Mrs. Thornton!" he said conspiratorially.

They both laughed. "Tyrone, sorry, but it's Ladies first! Are you ready Laila?"

She smiled and put her arms around his neck, thankful she didn't have to stumble on her own, and he lifted her into the front seat. She ran her hand against the velvety seat and had a smile on her face that was just radiant. She was a picture of pure joy!

Nathan then gave Tyrone a huge boost, and he started clapping his hands, anxious for those horses to go!

Nathan laughed and crossed over to get in on the other side, where he took the reins, and with a clicking noise, they were off in a flash.

In a minute or so, the children could feel the wintry cold wind in their faces, and they were so happy. Nathan wished Trevon and Taleisha could have seen them!

Tyrone had already stood and was holding onto the front grip and Nathan soon realized, Laila wanted to do the same, but couldn't see to do so.

Nathan slowed the sleigh a bit.

"Laila, take my hand and Tyrone you take your Sister's other hand. Now stand up straight. Good. Take two steps. Now take your hand from Tyrone and reach straight out. A little lower. There, you have it. Are you holding on tightly? Now release your hand from mine and grab the grip, just like you did with the other hand. Perfect. Now, how about we speed this thing up a little bit? Hang on tight!"

The children were laughing and making faces as the wind hit them, and it was pure joy to watch them. He was so thankful they had taken the time to do this! It was worth every second!

By the time they got back to the Williams' house, Trevon had made it home.

"Wish we'd known Trevon. You could have come with us!"

"Pop, it was the most fun ever! We loved it. The wind just hits you smack in the face and you just glide across the snow, and the horses are beautiful and…"

"Hold on, now! You'll have to tell me all about it after our company leaves. Hurry up and get washed up. Ma and Mrs. Thornton have Dinner ready!"

"Trevon, how's the business going?"

"Would you believe, really well! At this rate, I'm going to have to hire help just to keep Lee's equipment up to speed."

"That's great news! Congratulations!"

"How's the Law Enforcement business going?"

"Nabbed three bank robbers today, one from Benson Hills and two from Union City! So, I guess you'd call that a good day!"

"I'd say so. Whatever were they doing in Hope Valley?"

"Well, the two masterminds were on the train and their runner rode into town earlier like a flash of lightning. I tell you, I happened to be standing in the street and had to put my arms out and push poor Mrs. Ainsley back so he wouldn't hit her. Aaron and I nabbed him in his room at the Saloon, with a bag of cash from the Union City Bank no less."

Little Tyrone was listening raptly to the Constable.

"I want to be a Montie when I grro up!"

"You do, do you? Well, that means you're going to have to eat all your vegetables! Mounties have to be very strong to get all those bad guys, you know!"

Tyrone nodded his head furiously up and down in agreement.

"Speaking of which," interjected Taleisha, "It's time for Dinner! Let's go into the Dining Room."

"Constable, you sit here at the Head of the table, and Elizabeth you sit here between Nathan and me."

"Constable, would you be so kind to lead us in prayer…"

Everyone joined hands and Nathan began his prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this Family we are so happy to see join our community. We pray for your guidance and richest blessings upon them, in their work, their home, and in their Family. We thank you for the food we are about to receive and the wonderful fellowship that goes with it. Amen!

"And they all said Amen!" added Trevon, with his family joining him on the Amen.

Everyone passed the food, and Nathan noticed that Laila struggled a little trying to see what was being passed. She was sitting next to him on his other side, so when he passed each dish, he just quietly added what it was. Laila smiled back at him and seemed to relax.

The family seemed comfortable together and even with Nathan and Elizabeth, but Nathan noticed Taleisha seemed frustrated that Laila was having some difficulty with her food. Elizabeth noticed it, too.

"We're going to have a little community supper and dance to welcome all our new residents this Saturday night at the Queen of Hearts. We use that to sub as our community center of sorts," Elizabeth announced. "And you all are invited as the Guests of Honor, along with some other people who are new to Hope Valley!"

"Who all will be there?" asked Taleisha.

"Oh, the whole town comes out! Everybody brings a dish and we always end up with the most delicious meal! We have so much fun and you don't have to worry about what to wear. Everybody just comes as they want. Some casual, some a little dressier, some in their overalls. It really doesn't matter, just so you're comfortable! It's all very casual."

"You don't have to do anything special. Just come and enjoy the food and the dancing if you wish. There will be quite a few new people, you all, Frederic, Aaron, the new Constable, and his Fiancee, Felicity, and Sophie a guest of Lucas Bouchard," Nathan realized he wasn't quite sure how Lucas and Sophie were labeling their relationship, so he left it as he had said. "We really hope you can make it!"

"Of course, we'll be…" Trevon started to accept but the look Taleisha gave him stopped him mid-sentence. He frowned and went back to eating his food.

Taleisha quickly got up from the table, started removing the empty plates, and walked into the kitchen to get dessert."

"Taleisha, let me help you with that!" offered Nathan as he picked up a stack of empty plates so she couldn't refuse.

In the kitchen, Nathan noticed Taleisha looked like she was about to cry. And instead of talking, he just walked up to her and held her.

"You go on and cry, Taleisha. I don't know for sure what's wrong, but I think I have a pretty good idea. And when you're ready to talk about it, I'm here."

Instead of pulling away, she just let it all out, "Trevon's going to be so mad at me. He thinks we should take part in everything for the Business. But, he doesn't know what it's like! I'm just not going to go through it again. And I don't want to put the children through it either!"

"Taleisha, what what is like, and go through what?" his voice was soft and calming and he could tell Taleisha trusted him.

He could hear the sound of the piano playing in the other room, and the music was beautiful. Obviously, Laila was a wonderful pianist.

But he had to focus on Taleisha.

"Taleisha, I saw this same hesitation or reservation at Church last Sunday. I don't know what it is that's bothering you, but I know I've prayed all week about it. Taleisha, let me help. Tell me what's wrong. I may not be able to fix it, but I can sure listen. I'm a really good listener, and I'm ready to listen if you'll just tell me."

"Nathan, there are two things. Obviously, we don't fit in. And you know we don't."

"No, I know no such thing. I see a beautiful family who is trying to make an honest living. A couple who love each other and are raising their children in the Church. A couple who are working night and day to have something and provide for those children. What is it, Taleisha? You belong in Hope Valley just as much as I do."

"You don't know anything. Do you know how it feels to go to a party and get mistaken for the maid? Do you know what's it like to be stared at? And whispered about?"

Nathan did an odd thing, he laughed, "Taleisha, I'm sorry, but that's hysterical. Maids come in all colors, sizes, and shapes, and if someone is that bigoted, all we can do is laugh at their misery and pray for them. Then we move on and live our lives. And I may know more than you think I do. I can tell you that when I first came to Hope Valley, it took months for some people to even look at me, much less speak to me. See, I was replacing Elizabeth's husband, who was their previous Mountie. He was a Legend, and I'm no Legend. Everyone loved him. He was killed in the line of work, and he died a Hero. People wouldn't have anything to do with me for the longest time. It was horrible. And believe me, there were days, I just wanted to leave, and go somewhere without all the baggage. But I didn't have that option, so I just had to overlook them and keep doing my job. It was even hard for Elizabeth the first time she met me. And we've gone through a lot after that first introduction, some of it hard, but look at how that's turning out! I've never been so happy in my entire life! And I could have missed out on all that!"

Instead of getting defensive or even mad, she said, "I'm sorry, Nathan. So, you do know a little about being shut out. Try dealing with it your entire life! But you really do believe what you're saying, don't you?"

"Yes, Ma'am, I do. My Mother taught me a long time ago that people like that are the ones with the problem, not the person they're picking on. And my Mother was and is a very strong believer in prayer. A whole lot of prayer went into this conversation, we're having here, I can tell you that. You know what I want for you, Taleisha? I want you to give us a chance and open your heart to the love Hope Valley has to offer, and that's going to continue to be my prayer every single day for you. I can't promise you that very same thing isn't going to happen here in Hope Valley, or God forbid, something even worse. But I can promise, we'll all be there for you if it does. I'll always be a friend to you, as will Elizabeth, Rosemary, Lee, and on and on. There are many more people just like us as well. So, are you going to shut me out and everyone else that thinks like I do, and obviously you do, because of a few stupid people? In my book, that's missing out on a whole lot of love, and I don't think God wants us to do that, Taleisha! You know He doesn't! And if you miss out on our love, then the tragedy is, we miss out on yours. And I think you've got a lot to give this community."

Taleisha swatted his arm with her dish towel and said through her tears, "How can you possibly know I needed that little lecture? You barely know me."

Nathan laughed, "Well, you know that's not true. Maybe we're kindred spirits. My Mother believes in that, too."

Taleisha laughed, "Well, I've got to meet your Mother. I think she and I would get along just fine!"

Nathan hugged Taleisha, "I think you two would get along just fine, too! Here, let's cut these pies or they're going to be stampeding the kitchen. Hey, what was the second thing you mentioned?"

"Well, you genius you, you've already answered that one, too!" and she laughed.

"Oh, I love being called a Genius! It was about Laila, wasn't it?"

"Now, how could you possibly know that?"

"She's beautiful, and she's tougher than you think, Taleisha. I know some things are difficult for her, but you should have seen her on that sleigh tonight! I think instead of talking about any difficulties she might have, people are just going to fall in love with her."

"You crazy know it all! And here, you've gone and made me feel all better!"

"Mama's can't protect forever, you know!"

"No, I suppose they can't. But that doesn't mean we Mamas ever stop trying!

"You saving me a dance for Saturday night?" and for some strange reason, the sparkle was coming back to Nathan's eyes.

"You betcha. And let me tell you, I can dance!"

"You're on!" and to give her a chance to prove it, he twirled her around the kitchen floor!

"You're not bad, yourself, Constable, not bad at all!"

Funny how God does that, you help someone else and you end up being the one helped just as much yourself, if not more! Or you could say, you bless someone else and you end up being the one blessed just as much yourself, if not more! Either way, God never fails with that. That's one of the many wonderful things about life…

"I don't have any idea how you worked your magic back there with Taleisha, but I can tell you this, Trevon is going to bed one happy man tonight! He's thrilled you talked her into going to the party Saturday evening! And he's even more ecstatic that she's happy about it!"

"I may have promised a dance. Apparently, she's a really great dancer!"

"So, I have competition, do I? Well. two can play that game! I'll dance with Trevon while you have your dance with Taleisha. But, I'm just going to tell you right now Constable, that's the only dance you get for the entire night with another woman, so there!"

"Duly noted! And I'm sorry! Forgive me?"

"I not only forgive you, I love you desperately. That will help them feel like they fit in and belong and it was wonderful of you to think of it!"

She reached to give him a kiss to prove it.

They were standing in Elizabeth's doorway, hanging up the children's coats, and putting away their scarfs, hats, and mittens.

The children were dancing around the Advent Schoolhouse, anxiously awaiting opening their next drawer, and their presents!

Elizabeth was just as anxious.

"Are we ready?"

"Ready! Ready!" came the answer.

"Allie, you open tonight's drawer."

"Yeah!" and she pulled it out with Little Jack already clapping. He couldn't see a thing, but boy, was he excited!

"It's a set of Jacks! Dad, how did you know I lost four? This is great! Now Opal and I can play again!" and she ran to hug her Dad.

"Here Little Jack, do you see yours?" asked Allie when she returned.

Little Jack was peaking inside and his eyes got so big, Nathan and Elizabeth were wishing they had a camera.

"Na'tan! Na'tan" and he pulled out a tiny wooden Mountie, hat and all, carved perfectly to fit his little horse from before.

"Go get your little horse, Jack and we'll let our Mountie go riding!"

Jack ran to get his horse, screaming, "Ride! Ride! Ride Na'tan ride!" He quickly brought the horse back to his Nathan and they put the little Mountie on his horse together.

Nathan got another sloppy kiss, seemingly the only kind Little Jack knew how to give, but they were very sweet, indeed! Who could ask for more?

"My turn..." and Elizabeth thought she was going to cry. "Nathan, it's the most beautiful bottle of perfume I've ever seen. How did you know that's what I wear?"

"Really? Of course, I know what you wear. I love that fragrance and you have to promise me you'll wear it always. It's perfectly you, my Love! And I've never told you but my Mother and Grandmother before her always raised White Lilies. So it's a much-loved scent from my childhood! And I adore it mixed with the lavender. But that could be because I adore you!"

She went to give him a kiss and a huge hug. How she loved this man! He was keeping his promise and doing his best to hide any pain. This was part of their Christmas and nothing but joy was going to touch that!

"Thank you, my Darling! It's perfect, really perfect! I'll think of you every time I put it on!" she whispered in his ear.

Nathan bent to kiss her just behind the ear, where he knew she always dabbed her perfume. Well, it would be more accurate to say he knew that was one of the places she dabbed her perfume. Nathan was very attuned to both his Elizabeth and that particular fragrance! Elizabeth didn't have to tell him that she always dabbed it on in multiple places. Being the great detective he was, he knew exactly where she placed her perfume, each and every single spot. Although he was sure, she had no idea he knew. He couldn't help but smile.

"You better," he whispered.

"it's the perfect size to travel with, too! So, Mountie Ball, here we come!"

"And Honeymoon, here we come - it will come sooner than you think, my Darling," he whispered back.

They looked into each other's eyes and wondered how in the world they could possibly wait that long.

In some ways, their Wedding seemed so close, and in other ways, it seemed so very far away.

They pulled away to tend to the children.

"How does hot Cocoa sound?" asked Elizabeth.

"Pretty perfect, want help?"

"Always," she said coquettishly.

He smiled back at her and reached for her hand, then she pulled him into her kitchen.

"Don't forget the Marshmallows!" Allie reminded them through the door. "Jack wants two!"

"Not a single Marshmallow will be forgotten," and Nathan frowned his Monster frown, hulking and lungeing at Allie to grab her in a big hug, lifting her from the floor.

She giggled and tried to get away, but to no avail! Her Dad had caught her firmly in his arms, "You know what the getaway price is, my Little Pretty," he said in his scariest Monster voice.

"Oh, no! Oh, no!" a dramatic Allie responded. "Jack, Jack, help me he's going to take me away!"

Jack was absolutely no help, he did come running, but immediately wanted to be lifted up and included in Monster Nathan's grip.

So, Nathan held Allie in one arm and scooped up Jack in the other, making strange Monster noises and carrying them around the kitchen with both children laughing and giggling at the same time.

"Well, I think I want in on that!" pouted a left out Elizabeth

"Don't think I can't get you too, Pretty Girl!" still in his Monster voice, he placed Jack in Allie's arms, while he grabbed Elizabeth firmly into his grip with his now free arm.

She screamed, "Oh, no, Allie, Jack, we're doomed!"

"YOU are at MY mercy and there's only one way you can escape...and I'm not telling!" his Monster voice was at a crescendo.

Elizabeth quickly conferred with Allie and then they both whispered to Little Jack and then Elizabeth shouted "One, two, three...," and they all kissed their Monster at the very same time!

Alas, they were still in his hold.

But their Monster was getting weaker from their kisses, and suddenly he fell to the kitchen floor, taking all of them with him.

As it turns out, he was a very kind and considerate Monster, though, because lucky for them he cushioned the fall for all of them, and they just all lay piled on top of him, loving their Monster and laughing and giggling together!

"Whew! I've never had so much fun in this kitchen!" exclaimed a breathless Elizabeth.

"Me neither!" said Allie.

"Fun!" said Jack

"But you all are going to have to help me up if we're going to have Cocoa and Marshmallows!" begged Elizabeth.

Allie managed to get up first, and she first gave Elizabeth a hand, then she tried to grab Little Jack, but he wanted to stay on the floor and play with Monster Na'tan!

Nathan lifted him up high above him from the floor making Monster noises the whole time, and Allie grabbed him! Which Jack thought was all sorts of fun!

"Isn't anybody going to help me?"

"Dad, I hate to tell you this, but Monsters are on their own! You help them, they can turn on you again! It's just not a smart thing to do!" and off she and Little Jack went!

"Allie! Allie!... you get back here!"

"Maybe I could help you, but it will most certainly cost you," sighed Elizabeth.

"I'll pay anything! Just get me up! I think my back's broken."

But instead, she joined him back on the floor first, "You are wonderful, you do know that, don't you? Those two children are the luckiest children in the world to have you."

And she kissed her Monster with a kiss that should have been good for numerous captures to come!

He hugged her to him there on the floor, but ever the Gentleman, he finally managed to get himself up so he could then lift her up.

"Nathan, you make our lives so rich," and she kissed him again, this time standing upright! "Here, help me make the Cocoa. I need to run something by you!"

They quickly got the Cocoa on the stove and got the Marshmallows out so that they were at the ready!

He came up behind her and placed his arms around her waist, leaning his chin down on her shoulder.

"What do we need to discuss, Darling?"

She turned around and her eyes were bright as stars.

She whispered to him.

"Really?"

"You've thought this through?"

"You're absolutely sure?"

"No doubts?"

"Then I'm in!"

"Best idea ever!" he smiled as the idea grew on him.

"They're going to be seriously over the moon!"

And just like that, the sparkles were back, both in his eyes and her eyes...