Chapter Seventy-Nine

Christmas Eve Part II: Birthday

Christmas Eve Part III: Christmas with Laura

Bill, Adeline, Lee, and Rosemary were basically putting on the entire Birthday Party for Jack in order to save Elizabeth's sanity.

She was to meet the two couples at Noon to help with the finishing touches, while Nathan and Allie kept Little Jack and Frederic at their house and had a light Lunch.

Elizabeth had given Bill a guest list to include every Child under six years of age in Hope Valley and their Parents.

There had been no Regrets! Literally, everyone was coming…

She had asked that they not bring gifts, but her guests had other plans.

Bill had gone all out, having run into a friend in Union City who sold and rented Street Vending Carts.

They had offered to loan him anything he could use for the Party. And Bill took them at their word.

He had selected an Ice Cream Cart, as Little Jack loved Ice Cream of all kinds and he was always wanting Bill to make him Sundaes at the Café.

Bill had also requested a Cotton Candy Cart, to be honest, because it brought back childhood memories of his own, and he wanted Jack to experience the same thing!

But since it was free, Bill said he'd take the Pretzel Cart as well!

The Carts had arrived by Train just in time to get them ready for the Party.

So, it was going to be quite the Birthday Celebration with the various Stations set up around the Cafe! Clara was manning the Ice Cream Cart, Bill was manning the Cotton Candy Cart, and Lee was manning the Pretzel Cart.

It was going to be an afternoon full of fun for the Children, as well as the Adults!

"Bill, this is perfect! We'll never be able to outdo this!" exclaimed Elizabeth when she opened the Door to the Cafe!

"Nothing's too good for my Godson, Elizabeth! Besides practically the whole town is coming. I thought we'd do it up right this year!"

"Well, you've most certainly done that! What can there possibly be left for us to do?"

"Not much, which is exactly the way we planned it! Does everything suit?" asked Adeline.

"It's perfect, Adeline. Absolutely perfect! I can't wait for Jack to see it!"

"Elizabeth, we've cleared this area for the Games. Does it look alright?" asked Rosemary, calling loudly from the far corner of the large Room.

"That's a great spot, Rosemary! Looks wonderful with all the Decorations. What's this hanging thing?"

"It's the latest rage. It's called a Pinata, and the Children take turns hitting it with a Stick and Candy falls out everywhere! I can't wait to see them split it open. It's going to be so much fun!"

"Where in the world did you find it?"

"We made it! Little Jack had to have a Horse, so we just made it!"

"You mean that stuff is going to fall out all over my Café?" asked a somewhat concerned Bill.

"Bill, the Children will pick it all up. I made sure of that by filling it with Candy! Have you ever seen a Child not grab Candy?" glared Rosemary.

"If you say so. They'd better, Rosemary, and that's all I've got to say!"

"It's all perfect! And Bill, we'll pick up what the Children don't. Oh, look at all these little Carts. Lee, what do they have you doing?" asked Elizabeth.

"I'm the Pretzel guy, Elizabeth. That is if I don't eat them all. These things are scrumptious!"

"We may have to occupy you elsewhere for a bit, Lee! Look at this! Cotton Candy and Ice Cream too! Oh, my goodness! Even my Parents would be impressed. This rivals their Birthday Parties for us Girls growing up. How do I thank you all?"

"You just did! And that's that!" pronounced Rosemary.

Adeline gave her a wink, very quickly having learned Hope Valley dynamics.

If there was going to be a Party in Hope Valley, Rosemary definitely, pregnant or not, had to have her stamp on it!

And this one, like all the others, was going to be an afternoon to remember!

"Elizabeth, is the Cake okay here in the center?" fussed Bill.

"It's perfect, Bill, right where it is! Looks really adorable, too! I can't tell you how happy I am. Here, I worried and worried, and you all have it done!"

"Sit down and grab a bite. You need your strength up for the Party and the Wedding! Do you and Nathan have everything ready for tonight?" asked Bill.

"Yes, I think so. We just have to help the Bride and Groom get dressed! And get them to the Church on time!"

Bill laughed, "You ought to be able to handle that! The Bride is going to be a Piece of Cake. She's Cool as a Cucumber on Ice. It's Nathan I'm worried about. Wouldn't want to be in his boots. Lucas is a basket case!"

Elizabeth laughed, "Nathan was afraid of that. He says Lucas has been obsessing over every single detail! As if poor Nathan hasn't already gone through enough with that Gentleman's Bachelor Party! Lucas even had Garlands made for the Sleigh and they had to match the Wedding Flowers exactly. And he's making Nathan wear his Dress Uniform with his Saber, no less! But then he was worried about the pink roses against the Red of the Serge. He finally figured out the men would use single Gardenias for their boutonnieres. So, Catastrophe averted!"

"That man is worse than any Bride I've ever seen. That's for sure!" mumbled Bill.

"Oh, just you wait till ours, Sweetheart!" taunted Adeline.

"Hmph! No way I'm getting involved in all that! I show up, put the ring on your finger, and we ride off into the sunset together!" retorted Bill.

"Aww, I do like that riding off into the Sunset part!" cooed Adeline as she bent to kiss her betrothed. "Oh, Elizabeth, Felicity told me to tell you she and Aaron would be a bit late, but they'll come as soon as Aaron finishes Rounds!"

"I'm just glad they're going to get to make it at all!"

Nathan was truly grateful Bill, Adeline and the Coulters were having Jack's Birthday Party at the Cafe because he knew Elizabeth had to be exhausted from nursing him through his ordeal, while at the same time preparing for Christmas and a Wedding!

He had urged her to go early to help with the decorations and make sure everything was set up to her liking, mostly so she would still feel like she had a hand in her own Son's Celebration.

He had also insisted that he and Allie would take care of both Jack and Frederic, so there would be no distractions for the Adults while they were getting the Party ready.

Elizabeth had asked Nathan to try to prepare Jack because she was afraid all the commotion of so many people at the Party might scare him, as the Little Guy had no idea what he was going to experience, being too young to remember his first, which had also been a much smaller family affair.

So, Nathan and Allie patiently explained to Jack over and over just what a Birthday Party was.

"Here Big Guy, it's almost time for your Birthday Party! Allie Bean, do you have everything?"

"Birfday?"

"Yes, Jack, your Birthday! It's going to be a lot of fun! We get to celebrate you! We're going to have a Birthday Cake with Candles. You get to blow them out. And you get to open lots of Presents!"

"Me?"

"Yes! You!"

"Getting the Tackle Box...okay, Dad. I have everything. Is it time to go?"

"Yes, we've got just enough time to get there by 1:00 o'clock. Where are the Fishing Rods, Allie? Frederic, you want to help Allie get the presents?"

"Oops, I forgot...come with me, Frederic, to get the Rods. Here, you hold the Tackle Box while I look."

"Let's hurry, you two since we're having to walk!"

Since the Sleigh was being cleaned and decorated for the Wedding, that left them walking into Town to the Party.

Nathan bundled up the Birthday Boy and wrapped him in his knitted Red Scarf, then fit him into his woolen Red Hat and Mittens.

"Allie, do you need any help?" asked her Dad.

No, Sir! Well, yes! This Scarf, can you wrap it, please?"

"There you go..."

"What about you, Frederic. Need any help?"

"I'm good Uncle Nathan. See? Mama wraps me and wraps me and wraps me just like this!"

Nathan had to smile because that was exactly the way Rosemary "wrapped" her little boy!

He high fived Frederic, "Great job, Frederic! Now, are we ready?"

And off Nathan went with his little darling Minions of Three who were as excited as could be...carrying the Birthday Boy, with Allie and Frederic at each side!

Promptly, at One PM, Nathan arrived for the Birthday Party still carrying the Guest of Honor, along with Allie and Frederic.

Allie was carrying the Fishing Poles Nathan had carved to fit Little Jack and Frederic was carrying the Tackle Box.

Nathan had carved Jack's name in block letters on the front of the Wooden Box and painted them a Bright Red, which matched the Box's Red wooden Handle.

He had placed a huge Red Bow on the Rods and another on the Handle of the Tackle Box and the whole thing looked so adorable.

Elizabeth happened to glance up as the door opened with Nathan and the Children standing there, just like she had a Sixth Sense, which she did seem to always have where Nathan was concerned!

Her face literally lit up, on seeing him, and she ran to embrace him!

"Darling, look at all this! Jack this is your Birthday Party!"

Bill came and grabbed his Godson to give him the VIP Tour and to allow Nathan and Elizabeth to steal a moment alone before all the guests arrived.

"Elizabeth, you really do look beautiful!" and he bent to kiss her. "Are you ready for this, Darling?"

But before they could get another word out, people started streaming in, early and ready to party!

Adeline quickly directed the Guests to the Gift Table and got them started visiting the various Food Cart Stations.

Elizabeth grabbed Nathan, Allie, and Jack to stand with her at the Door of the Cafe to help her greet their Guests.

Jack played shy and insisted on his Nathan holding him.

Allie hovered close to Little Jack, making him laugh and giggle whenever he seemed stressed by all the people.

Rosemary was busy in the Play Area designated for the Children, directing them in Games, at least the ones not eating!

They were all laughing and having a grand time!

And the Food Stations were obviously a huge hit, even with the Adults!

When they had finally greeted all their Guests, Little Jack was ready to Play, mostly Run that is.

He ran from one end of the Café to the other and then realized there was Food he could eat, especially lots of good sweet things, like Pink Cotton Candy, Ice Cream with Sprinkles, and every Topping known to man, as well as huge Pretzels dipped in Mustard!

And if that weren't enough – there was Birthday Cake!

"It's time to Blow out the Candles, Jack! Make a Wish!" prompted Elizabeth.

Jack looked at Nathan for instruction, who promptly rounded his mouth and showed their little boy how to do it.

It was adorable, the two practiced a couple of times, and then Jack was ready!

Nathan leaned over the Cake with him and urged, "Blow, Jack!"

And he did it! Both Candles were blown out in one gigantic gust! Well, one little gigantic gust. But the Job was done and Jack's Secret Birthday Wish was to now come true!

Then Little Jack clapped his hands and everyone joined in, clapping and singing "Happy Birthday, Dear Jack!"

"Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Jack
Happy Birthday to You.

From good friends and true,
From old friends and new,
May good luck go with you,
And happiness too." (33*)

Adeline and Elizabeth couldn't help but see the tears of love in Bill's eyes.

He clearly adored his Godson.

At that point, Jack was ready for his Cake, "Ice ceem? Ice ceem?"

"Yes, my Sweetie! Ice Cream for the Birthday Boy!" and his Mother's face was full of love and pride for her now Two-Year-Old Boy, as she got his favorite Ice Cream and added a Dip to his piece of Birthday Cake.

Carson was kind enough to have come as soon as he could get away from the Infirmary and had been taking Pictures ever since his arrival.

"The one of Nathan and Jack before Jack blew out the Candles is phenomenal. You're going to love it, Elizabeth!"

"Carson, how do I ever thank you? This means so much to me!"

"My pleasure, Elizabeth. Just consider it our gift, from Faith and me!"

"It's a perfect gift, Carson! Just perfect! One I'll treasure. Thank you!"

Elizabeth's eyes suddenly met Nathan's through the crowd.

Since Nathan towered over most everyone, it was always very easy for her to find him.

She watched as he was talking animatedly with Nathaniel, who had made the long trek into town just for Jack's Party.

Nathaniel was also returning tomorrow, as it wouldn't be Christmas without him!

And the Children were so excited for not only their Christmas as a Family but their Christmas with their extended Family, as well.

Nathaniel smiled and waved to Elizabeth, and Nathan just stood there, with his eyes overflowing full of love for her.

Elizabeth realized at that moment, with a pang of pure joy, how deeply happy both she and her Son were on this Special Day.

She and Jack would never be alone again because of this Man and his ten-year-old Daughter!

Soon-to-be-her-Husband! Soon-to-be-her-Daughter!

Soon-to-be-Jack's-Father! Soon-to-be-Jack's-Sister!

The four of them already meant the world to each other.

You could feel the richest of loves throughout the room: Love of Couples, Love of Families (both Born and Created), and Love of Friends.

It was the best of Celebrations!

And who would have thought?

Rosemary had been right.

The Horse Pinata, thanks to Rosemary and the Children, was indeed the highlight of the entire Birthday Party!

And there was not a single piece of Candy left on the Floor to worry about!

In fact, the Adults were determined to have a special Pinata next time, just for them...

Laura met Elizabeth and Nathan and the Children at Jack's Birthday Party and they all walked back to Elizabeth's together since their Sleigh was still in the process of being decorated for the Wedding!

"Laura, you are sure you don't mind doing this?" asked Elizabeth.

"Not at all! I just want to see the Bride, and I can do that at the Reception! I'll bring Allie, Frederic, and Jack to you all there. And I can help a bit at the Reception, too, since you all will probably still be busy. My parents are coming later, so they'll just take me home from there!"

"This helps us so much, Laura. Nathan and I talked about it and we're each Paying you Double today plus a huge Bonus, so Merry Christmas from us, in addition to your Christmas Presents!"

"That's not necessary," and Laura looked down at the floor.

"Laura, we couldn't have done all this without you. We love you and we really appreciate your hard work! Double Pay, huge Bonus, and Christmas Presents! Which are already under the Christmas Tree just waiting to be unwrapped!"

Elizabeth went to her Desk, grabbed the two envelopes with Pay and Bonus from each of them, and then ran to the Christmas Tree to search under it…

"Here we go!" and she picked out two beautifully Wrapped Packages with Laura's name on them. "This one's from Jack and me."

"And this one is from Allie and me!" said Nathan. "Thank you, Laura, for always helping us out!"

"I'm happy to do it. Allie's a gem. A huge help with Jack and Frederic!"

'Well, she loves you, that's for sure!"

"Are you going to open them, Laura?" asked an anxious Allie.

"Only if you open mine!" and she grabbed a huge bag by the door, stuffed full of gifts!

"It's Christmas!" shouted Allie. "Come, Jack, we're having Christmas with Laura!"

Little Jack came running, "Kissmas?"

"Yes, Christmas, Jack!" and Allie grabbed him and sat him down beside her on the Settee with Laura.

Nathan was in the big comfy chair and Elizabeth perched on the arm beside him.

"Here Laura, open this one first. It's from Mrs. Thornton and Jack!" directed Allie.

The Package was one that Adeline had beautifully Wrapped.

"It's so beautiful, I almost hate to Unwrap it!"

As Laura did carefully Unwrap it, she was astonished!

"It's a Work Satchel for all my books and papers!" and Laura started to cry as she ran her hands over the rich Leather.

"Yes, to use here, and then when you go to College, to use there as well!" explained Elizabeth, who got up to give Laura a hug and kiss.

"Oh, look, my name is engraved in Gold on the top flap. It's beautiful. I've never had anything so lovely. Thank you, Mrs. Thornton!"

"Thank you, Laura. You completely deserve it!"

"Open this one too!" begged an excited Allie, because she knew what was inside. "This one's from Dad and me!"

Laura nervously Unwrapped the Package, as it was a large one, also beautifully Wrapped.

As she carefully Unwrapped the Gift, Laura's eyes widened…

"It's the matching Satchel, large enough for me to travel with! I've never had a piece of Luggage before! And it has my name engraved in Gold, too! I love it! I really do. Thank you, Allie! Thank you, Constable Grant!"

"You are so welcome, Laura. You can use it here going back and forth and later for College, as well! Just happy you love it! Thank you, Laura, for all that you do! The Children love you and that means everything. And I hope you know by now, Elizabeth and I love you too!" and Nathan got up to give Laura a hug.

"I love you all, too, Constable Grant. You all are the best, and you're my Family, too! Here, let me get these Presents out!"

Laura sorted through her bag, distributing the bright Red Packages to the four people she loved so much.

"This one's Jack's. This one's for Allie. This one is the Constable's and this one is for you Mrs. Thornton! Everybody open all at once!"

As it turned out, the Grants and the Thorntons weren't at all shy when it came to Christmas, and when they opened the pretty Packages, they saw the most beautiful Sweaters in a gorgeous shade of soft, but rich Blue, a French Blue, and they all matched!

Nathan's and Jack's were Pullovers, while Elizabeth's and Allie's were Cardigans with little pearl buttons. All of them had the most beautiful Argyle patterned design knitted in.

"These are stunning, Laura! I love them and they all match!" said an excited Elizabeth.

"These are the best, Laura, but we have to get one for you! So, you can match us too!" begged Allie.

Laura blushed, then laughed as she noticed Little Jack, who was very busy, trying his best to get his Sweater on.

She reached to help him.

"These are simply stunning, Laura! We'll wear them on Christmas Day. They're perfect! Thank you!" said Nathan.

"Yes, we will! They really are perfect, Laura! Thank you!" and Elizabeth went to give her a kiss.

Nathan reached to clean up the Wrapping, carefully folding each piece and handing them to Laura.

The Children scampered off to the Kitchen, where Allie was going to pour them some milk and get them a Christmas Cookie.

Elizabeth handed the envelopes to Laura.

"I almost forgot these, Laura. Open, please!"

And when she did, Laura started to cry, "I can't possibly accept this."

"Yes, you can and you will! You do so much for us, Laura, every single day," explained Elizabeth.

"We really couldn't make it without you, Laura. But we do want you to go to College and this will be a good start. We'll keep adding to your fund and before you know it, you'll have enough!" encouraged Nathan.

"I don't know what to say…"

"You don't have to say anything! Merry Christmas from all of us!" smiled Elizabeth.

"This is my best Christmas ever! Thank you both!"

Both Nathan and Elizabeth hugged her.

"Darling, look at the time. I hate to have to leave, but we'd better be going to help the Bride and the Groom!"

"Oh, no, Nathan! I lost track of time. Let me run upstairs and get my Toiletry Bag!"

"And I'll go check on the Children!" said Laura.

Nathan sat there a minute alone, overwhelmed with the love all around him.

How could a Christmas Eve be so very rich?

Yet, Nathan knew the answer.

They were a Family already, and it was the richness of sharing this Christmas Eve together that made it so special. He would never forget this feeling.

His heart was truly full to overflowing with Love and Gratitude.

When he glanced up and saw Elizabeth standing on the stairs, he got up and rushed to her, holding her close to him, not wanting to ever let her go.

"Are you ready, Love?" she asked.

He nodded and turned to get her coat, then placed it on her, nestling in at her neck, kissing her gently in front of the Door.

"Oh…but you, Constable have to be good! We have a job to do," she reminded him gently.

"You Children be good for Laura!" she called into the kitchen.

But the Children came running, with goodbye kisses and hugs for both Elizabeth and Nathan.

"Merry Christmas Eve Wedding!" called Allie, who couldn't wait to attend the Reception. "Can we see your Gown up close?"

"Of course, you can. As well as your Father's Dress Uniform! He's going to look smashing. Just like at the Ball!" enthused Elizabeth.

"And can we have our picture taken with the Bride and Groom?" asked Allie.

"I'm pretty sure that can be arranged, Allie Bean!" reassured Nathan. "But we want a picture of you two with us too, please! So don't forget!"

"Sure thing, Dad. We can do that, can't we Jack?"

"You two better make time for us and a picture! Goodbye, my Darlings! And Laura, if you can, try to get them to take a little nap at least. It's going to be such a long night for them. And we have to get up early in the morning to see the Newlyweds off at the Train Station! Being Christmas, there's only one train tomorrow and it's a very early one. Oh, and Rosemary will drop Frederic off when they leave for the Wedding! See you all at the Reception!"

"See you there, Mrs. Thornton, Constable Grant! Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!"

And they all stood and waved goodbye to the Best Man and the Matron of Honor...

(33*) "Happy Birthday to You," Patty Smith Hill and Mildred J. Hill, 1893, Public Domain