Chapter Seventy-Six
"The Second Christmas Miracle"
"Good morning, Darling! Here's your breakfast!"
"Blueberry pancakes, yum! That's my favorite. How did you know?"
"Oh, a little Allie Bird told me!"
"Does she tell you everything?"
"Pretty much. Yes, I'd say an open book and I love it! She sort of keeps me on top of things where you're concerned, you know!"
"Oh, I don't doubt that! A man can't have any secrets! Will you sit with me while I eat?"
She bent to kiss him lightly and very gingerly on his still swollen mouth.
"Wouldn't have it any other way!"
"Did Allie kick you all night?"
"Only once or twice!" she laughed.
"Elizabeth, be honest. Has the swelling gone down?"
"Yes, Love. Significantly, but definitely some still there, and the colors are deepening, which makes it look worse. Almost a purply black, I'd say. Carson says we still have to alternate the ice and warm compresses. He's making Aaron do the same. And Bill insists he's got everything covered at work. So, don't worry about that! Oh, and Bill said to tell you he's already had the prisoners transported to Union City. Said he didn't want to fool with them during the Holidays! And you know Bill, he pretty much calls the shots!"
"Good! And yes, he does. He knows everybody, and somehow gets them to do exactly what he wants them to do! I've never seen anything like it! Oh, these pancakes are so good!"
Elizabeth was making sure she was still feeding him very small bites.
"Did you make the syrup?"
"I did! From my canned Blueberries. It was my first try canning them, but I think they turned out okay."
"Better than okay, Darling. They're delicious. The best I've had. But I still don't have much of an appetite. So sorry about that."
"Just a few more bites…"
He tried his best and was able to slowly get a few more bites down.
"See, you did it! Over half the plate. And compared to what you ate yesterday, that's good! I'm going to take this tray downstairs and I'll be right back up."
He grabbed her hand.
"Thank you for taking such good care of me, Elizabeth."
"Always, Love. Always…" she smiled and bent to kiss his forehead.
Elizabeth walked back up the stairs loaded down with a basin of Cold Water and towels. Laura helped her carry the second basin of Hot Water.
She sat her load down on the Dresser, and then took Laura's load and set it on the Washstand next to the Bed.
Then she went rummaging in Nathan's Satchel.
She was on a Mission.
"What are you looking for?" asked Nathan.
"Your Toiletry Bag…oh, here it is!"
"Oh, thanks for getting my Shaving Kit out. I'm so ready to give myself a shave!"
"But you're not doing it. I am. Doctor's orders. Carson says you're too unsteady, and we can't risk you cutting yourself!"
Nathan's eyes widened and he asked hopefully, "Have you ever done this before, like with Jack?"
"No, but I watched him a couple of times."
"And your Dad, you've helped him?"
"No, Silly! Father doesn't shave himself unless he's traveling. The Butler does it. But don't worry, I've watched him more times than I can count!"
"How old were you?"
Nathan's investigative skills were on full display.
"Probably twelve or thereabouts."
"Oh, that makes me feel lots better," said Nathan skeptically, trying not to show what he really felt.
"Oh, ye of little faith!" she smiled and sharpened his Straight Razor against the strop. (22*)
She then set the long, sharply edged instrument down, and made a very hot compress, which she plastered across his face.
Nathan was ready to pull the compress up over his eyes, so she wouldn't be able to see the fear that he knew was showing there.
"You are much too calm about this to have never done it before," he remarked quizzically. "I mean it is an extremely sharp Blade, actually a lethal one."
"Darling, you do trust me, don't you?" she implored.
This was one of those no-win questions men everywhere should be afraid of, so he proceeded very cautiously.
"In almost everything, I do, completely! I'm just not so sure about this particular thing. This is one time maybe a little personal experience would be nice!"
"Relax, let the steam work its magic," she directed.
And as it did so, she lathered up his Shaving Soap with Hot Water, then grabbed his brush, reached to take his compress off, and started applying the lather up and down all over his face and neck.
Nathan was incredulous, this was really happening!
At first, it almost felt like an invasion of his privacy, but then he realized this was Elizabeth, his one true love.
She was part of him.
She was in his heart.
He realized she was doing it out of love for him and she would do her very best.
He just had to try to relax and go with it…he could manage a few cuts.
"That does feel good," he murmured.
"I know we start up here," and she tentatively placed the long Straight Razor at his sideburn on the good side, figuring she needed the practice first there before she started on his injured side.
And she started shaving downward in long light strokes, while she pulled his skin taut with her other hand, just like she had seen her Father's Butler do so many times.
She had been so curious how her Dad never got cut, she had actually asked the Butler how in the world he shaved her Father without ever cutting him.
Since Elizabeth was his favorite of the three Sisters, he had happily obliged her with every detail.
Although he had a fairly good idea, the Butler wasn't quite sure how her Parents, his Employers, would have taken his sharing of such a personal nature with their Daughter!
He was, however, quite sure his Miss Elizabeth would never tell their secret.
And thankfully for Nathan, Elizabeth did have a very good memory!
Nathan started to relax a bit more, because so far so good, and at least, she seemed confident in her task.
She started on his good cheek, then moved the Razor down to his neck, pushing his head back a bit further against his pillow, and continuing the long, light strokes.
Every few strokes, she would rinse the Blade with Warm Water.
She even knew to switch direction and move the Razor up around his Chin and Mouth area.
Nathan was impressed.
'Okay, I'm in good hands,' he thought to himself and in that moment, he relaxed completely.
It took her twice as long on the other side because Carson had told her how important it was that she be careful and not cut any of the gorged vessels.
But she finally got the job done.
"There, not a single nick!" she said proudly, and grabbed an icy cold wet towel she had prepared, dipped it again, wrung it out, and laid that across Nathan's newly shaven face.
He startled a bit at the icy cold but quickly adjusted.
Oh, how she loved that handsome face!
And she couldn't wait to get the towel off to gaze at it again and see her handiwork.
She left the towel there for a bit, then removed it, kissing him gently on the mouth.
Then she took a dry, clean towel and blotted his entire face and neck dry, being extra careful on his swollen side.
Their eyes met and locked.
And Nathan's voice was low and a bit rough.
He was overcome with her love.
"I've never loved you more. You may have to do that regularly, my Darling. I've never had a better shave, nor a more romantic one!" he whispered in her ear.
He pulled her down closer to him so he could place his good freshly shaven cheek next to her soft one.
And she knew his eyes were sparkling…
Lunch had been shared with the Children gathered on his bed, excitedly telling them about their day and their Christmas Dreams.
And there were many!
They rambled and rambled in their excitement.
Most all of which, unknown to them, were going to come true, thanks to the diligence of both Elizabeth and Nathan.
The Couple could only smile!
Because there was one thing that the Children had no idea about whatsoever.
And it was going to be huge.
Nathan wasn't sure Allie or Jack knew they even wanted it, but he knew they would when they saw it. Thanks to Elizabeth, as it had been her idea. He had only had to agree to it. And now, he was so very glad he had.
It was going to be wonderful to see their excitement...
The rest of the day had gone by with Nathan and Elizabeth holding hands while she read her Novel to him.
"I love hearing it told in your voice, Elizabeth," he said earnestly.
"I love reading it to you, Darling. It seems more real to me. Like it's coming alive!"
They kissed at that point, as much as they could, but it was still difficult for Nathan with the swelling and tenderness.
Then they continued on with her Book reading throughout the afternoon, totally at peace and in love, one with the other, sharing something that was intimately theirs, before it was shared with the world!
Treasuring each moment alone together…
They had gotten through the week with Nathan's face now looking a strange shade of blue, in a dark hue that was majorly clashing with those beautiful blue eyes.
But when they met with Lucas, Sophie, Rosemary, and Bill, along with the Pastor for an early Wedding Rehearsal, (Rosemary had insisted they do it early since everyone was so busy with Christmas activities), there were a few fireworks.
Adeline tagged along with Bill since he was giving Sophie away, to help Rosemary if she needed it. All in all, it was a small party of eight!
Lucas was beyond concerned that Nathan's jaw heal before the Wedding pictures, and he finally could stand it no longer, so he just came right out and voiced his concern.
"Nathan, your jaw has to heal before the Wedding. That's going to stand out like a sore thumb in the Wedding photos. Can't you do something with it?"
All Nathan could say was, "I'll do my best, Lucas!"
Sophie was absolutely furious with Lucas for having said anything at all…
"Lucas, this man has bent over backward to make our Wedding special, and you have the audacity to tell your Best Man, that HE better heal fast? In the first place, he took that hit saving your ungrateful life! Well, grow up. Some things are beyond our control! I'll have you know Nathan will look very handsome whether the bruise is there or not!"
Bill was about to burst into a fit of laughter at Lucas being told off until Adeline gave him a look that would kill!
Even the Pastor let out a little chuckle as Sophie lit into Lucas!
And Rosemary very loudly and succinctly added, "Really, Lucas! Where are your manners? And your gratitude? The poor man has been beaten up saving your life, yet again! With a comment like that, I'm beginning to think why should he even bother!"
Once Rosemary was on your side, she was firmly on your side. And now having gotten to know Nathan as Family, she loved him dearly and was not about to stand there and watch him be treated like that.
"Sorry, Nathan. That was very, very poor of me. Very rude of me, in fact. I guess I'm just really nervous about the Wedding…and I shouldn't have said that."
Lucas glanced at Sophie, whose look made it clear to him that was not nearly enough.
"And I'm so sorry for saying anything at all. Sophie and Rosemary are right. I should be thanking you for taking the hit in saving my life! And I'm sorry you're going through this on my account. Allow me to go on record here and now, in front of Witnesses, that I owe you my life and I am most grateful. Sophie and I are most grateful. So, thank you from the bottom of our hearts and it will not be forgotten, I promise!"
"No offense taken. If it's still this bad, maybe Elizabeth will loan me something to cover it up with. I promise not to ruin your Wedding, Lucas!"
Elizabeth also couldn't help react by letting out a little giggle when Sophie had first gone on the attack. She was loving Sophie more and more every day! She was positive that Sophie was just what Lucas needed in every way! And she grabbed her in a huge hug of thanks!
And then Elizabeth threw an adoring look at the man she loved, who always seemed to handle anything and everything with such grace, even Lucas!
The more Rosemary saw of Sophie and Lucas together, she also had to agree Sophie was Lucas's perfect match!
Although the jury was still out on the competition from Sophie's soon to be opened Millinery Shoppe.
Rosemary was making no commitment there at all!
The feeling of the Wedding Party was pretty much unanimous.
Sophie was perfect for Lucas.
Sophie was beautiful, kind, and thoughtful of those around her.
And although very elegant, there was a down-to-earth quality in her way of dealing with things.
She made Lucas seem more real, more human, instead of a perfect impeccably-dressed façade.
You couldn't help but like her.
But they were all thinking the same thing…
They only hoped Lucas would grow into his new role as a Husband enough to be perfect for Sophie!
She deserved that and so did he!
He was really trying, and she definitely was going to keep him on his toes.
Thankfully, all in all, the Rehearsal had gone fairly well…
Nathan and Allie had gone home to their house, and both Elizabeth and Jack missed them terribly.
And truth be told, Nathan and Allie missed Elizabeth and Jack terribly.
But they were spending this Saturday before Christmas together.
And there was so much to look forward to.
Although, Carson had ordered both Aaron and Nathan to not overdue and rest some throughout the day.
And the first item on their agenda was to deliver Christmas to Rupert and the entire Epping Family.
They wanted them to know ahead of time, that they didn't have to worry about having a good Christmas for the Children. Everything was going to be there for them, with Dinner coming on Christmas Day.
"Nathan, what if they're hesitant to accept the gifts?" asked Elizabeth as he was helping them into their Sleigh, which had been filled with beautifully Wrapped Packages.
"It's not always going to be this way for the Eppings, Darling. We're just helping them through a rough patch. I'll make sure they know that. They're good people and if the situation were reversed, they'd do the same for us. Wonder if Ned has delivered the plow?"
"Why don't we stop by the Mercantile and check?"
"Nathan, that jaw is still looking mighty rough!"
Ned almost shuddered thinking about how that initial hit had felt.
"It's a lot better than it was, Ned! I'm just thankful it wasn't broken. Aaron's too!"
"Just hate you two have to go through this and at Christmas, too! You, know my Delivery Boy's here now. Why don't I have him follow you all out there? He was a little unsure where the Eppings' Farm was. And that way everything's delivered all at once."
"Ned, could you go with us?" asked Nathan.
Ned seemed both touched and flustered, "I would love to, but I'd have to come straight back. My help leaves at Noon."
"Great! That's plenty of time and plenty of room here for you in the Sleigh! We'll wait while you get your coat and things."
Ned was gone a few minutes longer than they expected, but when he came through the doors, they knew why.
He was loaded down with more toys for the Epping Children! And some extra Christmas Lights, Ornaments, and Tinsel Garland.
"Ned, this is so very nice of you," said Elizabeth.
"It's Christmas, Elizabeth, and my Pop always said 'You share at Christmas and all through the year, but especially at Christmas!' So, I'm just doing what my Pop taught me!"
"He'd be proud of you, Ned, for sure!" and Nathan meant it, because in addition to being an astute Businessman, Ned had a really good heart, and Nathan had liked him as soon as he had met him.
What they couldn't yet see were the two new bikes Ned had previously added to the Wagon transporting the plow, one for Rupert and one very small one for his little Sister, Daisy...
When they pulled up to the Epping's tiny home, there was a quietness that came over them.
No decorations, nothing except just what was needed.
And some of what was needed was missing.
In fact, the little abode looked barren and empty except for the circle of smoke escaping its chimney.
There weren't even Curtains at the Windows or Chairs on the Porch.
The Porch was completely empty, but it was spotlessly clean.
The snow had been swept off of it, and the whole front of the house looked like it had recently been scrubbed down.
In all truth, the Barn which was rather close to the house was at least four times the size of the tiny house, which was dwarfed in comparison.
'How could a Family of four possibly live here?' thought Elizabeth.
Nathan got out and went to the door. Ned was afraid they'd think he was coming to collect their bill, which had already been paid, unknown to them. So he had asked Nathan to go first and explain to them.
"Hello and Merry Christmas, Jonathan!"
"Constable Grant! What's happened to you?"
"Got slammed by a prisoner. It's actually better than it was! And it's not broken. So, I'm very thankful for that!"
Jonathan smiled, "Well, that is something to be thankful for…"
"Are Anna and the Children home?"
"No, they've just left for town to get some groceries."
"Good. I want you to surprise them for Christmas. Jonathan, your bill's been taken care of at the Mercantile. Ned and I went in together and took care of it. It's been a hard year, and we didn't want that hanging over your heads facing the New Year. It's important to start out with a clean slate!"
"Constable, we can't let you do that…"
"Jonathan, it's nothing you wouldn't do for us if the hard year had been ours instead of yours. And we know that. This year, it's our turn to help, another year, it will be your turn to help. That's just what the Good Book tells us we're supposed to do. There's also a plow you've been looking at that we want you to have to make work easier this coming year, and there's Christmas for Anna, Rupert, and Daisy. Do you think we could hide everything in the Barn, so you can surprise them on Christmas Day?"
"You'd do all that for us, you'd do that for me?"
"We just wish it could be more. I did order Christmas Dinner from the Café since you won't be in town to celebrate with us. They'll deliver your Turkey with all the Trimmings on Christmas before Noon. That way Anna won't have to worry about cooking a huge meal."
Jonathan had tears in his eyes and looked to the ground.
"Nathan, there wasn't going to be any huge meal this Christmas. We just haven't had the money. It was just one thing after the other. The crop was less than we expected, then we had a cow to die, and everything just went down from there. I've failed my Family."
"A lot of people have had it hard this year. There's no shame in that, what with the way the weather has been and all! And you haven't failed your Family. They have a roof over their heads and heat and food. And you give them lots of love. You're doing fine by your Family. Let's go get this stuff unloaded to hide in the Barn, what do you say?"
"I don't know what to say," but when Jonathan looked at the wagon with the Plow and Bikes and then the Sleigh filled with Gifts, he turned to Nathan and took his hand.
"Yes, I do know what to say! It's a Christmas Miracle, that's what this is! I've been praying and this is my answer. I can't thank you enough. My family can't thank you enough. God gave me my answer through you!"
"Jonathan, we're giving this to you to give to them. It's your Christmas for your Family and that's the way we want it. Our names shouldn't even be mentioned. We're just doing what we're supposed to do. We don't want any credit at all. This is from you. I only ask one thing. Elizabeth, Mrs. Thornton, says your son is really smart and she would give anything if he could have about an hour a night to study, do you think that could be arranged?"
"Nathan, I've been pushing the boy to farm and he's just not interested, maybe I'm pushing him in the wrong direction. But it's all I know to teach him."
"Let Elizabeth teach him, Jonathan. Let her find out what it is he really wants to do with his life. Because if anybody can do it, she can! And she'll help him learn what he needs to learn. That would be just one more worry off your plate."
By this time, Elizabeth could hear what they were saying, and she reached over to get down.
Nathan rushed to help her, "Jonathan, this is Elizabeth Thornton, Rupert's Teacher, and her Son, Jack. This is my Daughter, Allie."
Jonathan smiled and nodded to the Children.
"You've got a really smart Boy, Mr. Epping. And a good Boy. You and your Wife have done a great job raising him. You must be very proud."
"Yes, but I've been working him pretty hard. He tries but he's just not at all interested in the farm work. At first, I thought he was lazy, but deep down, I know that's not it. I just don't know anything else to teach him," and Jonathan looked almost helpless.
"You let me worry about that. There are so many things he would be great at doing. If you'll trust me, I'll do my best by him and I won't let you or Mrs. Epping down. I promise you that."
"I'll see that he studies, then. And I'm counting on you. The Boy has to learn a living. And as long as he does that, I'm fine with whatever it is."
"That's very good of you! It means the world to have parents to support you. Thank you for that Mr. Epping, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for that," and Elizabeth meant every word.
Jonathan and Elizabeth shook hands to seal their agreement.
"Do you have your Christmas Tree up yet?" asked Elizabeth brightly.
"Yes, but it doesn't have much on it this year. We lost our Ornaments in a fire at the edge of the barn last year."
"Would you mind if Allie and I added a few? We've got some extra."
"That would be mighty nice of you," he smiled. "It's just inside the door. Make yourself at home while I help the men."
Nathan lifted Allie down from the Sleigh and she went to help Elizabeth trim the tree.
Since Carson didn't want Nathan to do any heavy lifting, he took Little Jack and watched him as Ned, the Delivery Boy and Jonathan unloaded the Wagon, and then the Sleigh.
Nathan was so relieved that Ned instantly made Jonathan feel comfortable!
The two men laughed and talked together as they, along with Ned's Delivery Boy, unloaded the Wagon and the Sleigh.
"You've even got the packages wrapped. It's just all so much!" he just shook his head in awe.
"Well, the paper came from Ned, and the wrapping was by Elizabeth and Allie! I think they had a great time wrapping everything! It's all been our privilege. And, as I said, it's all yours now, for you to give to your Family," reminded Nathan.
He knew it was important for Jonathan to feel like he had something to do with the surprises that were coming for them all.
Jonathan had prayed for help, and in Nathan's mind, everything was just being transferred over into his care.
"Jonathan, this new year is going to be better, and if you get to a place you need some help, don't be afraid to ask for it. That's what Hope Valley is all about! We help each other all the time. That's the thing I love about it!" explained Ned.
"I may just take you two up on that. This means the world to me. To go from worrying about a bare Christmas to this, I just can't really find the words. But I am so, so thankful. And we'll put everything to good use, I promise. Anna and the Kids will be beside themselves! We thought this was going to be our worst Christmas and here it's going to be our Best Christmas ever! Thank you all for that!"
"You and your Family just enjoy everything," smiled Nathan. "Merry Christmas, Jonathan! You're a good man!"
Elizabeth and Allie came out of the tiny house, satisfied with their transformation of the Christmas Tree. The Lights, Garland, and Ornaments made all the difference, and although the Tree was on the small side, it was now beautiful!
"Enjoy the Tree, Mr. Epping!" smiled both Elizabeth and Allie.
Nathan helped the Ladies into the Sleigh, then lifted Little Jack up to Allie.
Ned climbed in the back of the Sleigh.
The Delivery boy had already started on his way back to Town with the empty Wagon.
There was a chorus of "Merry Christmases" and smiles as Nathan turned the Sleigh to head back toward Town.
A very happy and grateful man was left, smiling and waving back at them, watching his own Christmas Miracle of this small band of people on a Sleigh, who had given their time, their money, and most of all their love this Christmas.
And they had done it in a way, that Jonathan's dignity was still intact, vowing, in better times, he would pass it along and do the same for another family in need.
After they had gotten down the road, Nathan turned to his passengers and quoted Acts 20:35.
"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the Words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive." (23*)
"It's about spreading joy, isn't it, Dad?" asked Allie.
"Doy?" asked Little Jack.
"Yes, Allie and Jack, it is about spreading joy! By thinking of others, you've made an entire Family very, very happy, and given them a lot of Christmas Joy to remember for a long time to come. And that, Children, is the very best part of Christmas!"
Ned wiped his eyes in the back seat and somehow couldn't keep the tears from streaming. To hear the words of his Father passed on by a young Father to his soon to be new, young Family, Ned was overcome with Happiness and Christmas Joy!
"Yes, Nathan, this is the very best part of Christmas!" he somehow managed to get out. "And always will be!"
(22*) King James Bible, Matthew 8:26, Public Domain
(23*) King James Bible, Acts 20:35, Public Domain