Chapter Eighty-Two
"Dad! Merry Christmas! Time to get up and go to the Train!"
"Ohh…Allie," and Nathan drew his hands to his face. "Merry Christmas, Sweetheart! You're already dressed?"
"Yes, and I've got some Coffee on for you. But hurry, we can't have our Christmas till we get Mr. and Mrs. Bouchard off on their Honeymoon, and I'm so ready for Christmas, Dad! So is Little Jack, we can barely wait. Don't forget to wear the Pullover Sweater Laura got you, so we'll all match!"
"Yes, Ma'am! Off you go, so I can actually get dressed," laughed Nathan, shaking his head.
Nathan couldn't help but smile at his exuberant Daughter.
She had been waiting for this day, perhaps forever, wanting a real Family so desperately.
She had always been happy with him, just the two of them, he knew that.
But he also knew she was happiest when they were with Elizabeth, her soon to be Mother, and Jack, definitely already her Little Brother!
He dressed quickly, grabbing his new Pullover Sweater, matching his Daughter's Cardigan, and went to help her with her Hair.
"How do you want it today, Allie Bean?"
"Can you French-Braid it?"
"I can try! You know that's not my best, but here turn around, let's give it our all!"
She sat down on the Floor in front of him and he first brushed through her Hair, then used the comb to divide it into three sections, trying to remember watching Colleen do it.
"Okay, right section, left section, middle section. First right over middle, left over right and I have to smooth as I go. Got it. Now add a little more hair, repeat. I think I'm getting it…repeat again...and again...do you have a Twist Band and Ribbon for the end?"
"Here, Dad here's the Hairband and this White Ribbon matches the Pearl Buttons on my Cardigan. I don't have that Color of Blue. These clash."
"I think the White looks perfect, Allie. Just like the Christmas Snow, we're going out in! Turn around and let me see."
"May I see first…" and she ran to the Hall Mirror. "Hey, Dad, you did good! I think it looks great!"
"Let me see. I think you're right. You look beautiful, Allie. Merry Christmas, Sweetheart," Nathan hugged his Daughter and kissed the top of her head.
"Come on Dad, get your Coat and stuff on. We gotta hurry!"
"Allie, don't forget your Rice!" reminded her Dad.
"Thanks for picking us up, Nathan. Gustav took our Luggage and checked it in as soon as the Train pulled in. So, we don't have to worry with that! They're waiting about twenty minutes before they pull out, something to do with a Cargo Check," explained Lucas, very grateful to not have to bother with their Luggage.
Elizabeth and Sophie were talking excitedly across the Front Seat of the Sleigh about the Wedding and Reception.
"Is Sophie excited to be going Home to San Francisco?" asked Nathan, as he turned his head to glance quickly at Lucas.
"Yes, she can't wait for us to meet her extended Family and Friends as a Couple. She brought her Wedding Gown to wear for our Reception there, and I have my Tux, of course."
"Everyone will be very impressed, I'm sure! Elizabeth and Allie went on and on about Sophie's Gown! Now, aren't you glad you agreed to her wearing White?"
"Absolutely. She really did look like an Angel! I'm a pretty lucky Man, aren't I!"
"That you are, Lucas. And you better take excellent care of her. I like Sophie a lot. She's a good Soul, as kind as they come."
"Real pretty, too," piped in Allie.
"She is, isn't she? Are you two Kids ready for Santa?" asked Lucas.
"Yes, we're so ready, Mr. Bouchard! There are Packages everywhere under the Christmas Tree and we can't wait! We've looked, but we're not supposed to touch anything! Well, I touched one, because Jack moved it, but it was so light I don't even think there's anything in it!"
"Well, if that's the case, give it to me when we get back, and I'll personally send it back to the North Pole for a Full Refund!" exclaimed Lucas.
"You know how to do that?" asked Allie, incredulously.
"I most certainly do!"
"Okay, it's a deal. If there's nothing in it, I'm bringing it to you! And that's a promise. But how long are you going to be gone? That could be a problem…" said the ever-pragmatic Allie.
"Alas, you're right, that could be a problem because Mrs. Bouchard and I are going to be gone a whole Month!"
"Well, that's not going to work at all. Santa will have forgotten it by then. Oh, well, we'll figure something out here," pronounced Allie through narrowed eyes. "Maybe Uncle Bill can help us. He's a Judge you know!"
"We're here," Nathan announced as they pulled into the Train Station. "Here, Sophie, I'll take your Carry-On Bag."
Lucas jumped down from the Sleigh to help Sophie and Allie down, then grabbed Sophie's Bag so Nathan could rush to lift Elizabeth and Jack down.
Allie snuck back to the Sleigh to grab her huge Bag of Rice, then skipped ahead of everyone to strategically position herself!
"You two just relax and forget about everything here. It will all be here waiting for you when you get back," said Elizabeth as she hugged Sophie. "Make sure to take lots of Pictures at the Reception! I want to see that gorgeous Gown again!"
"That's actually good advice, Lucas, especially for you. Your Businesses will be here when you get back. Enjoy your time together and San Francisco! Take lots of Touristy Pictures for us!"
"We will!"
Lucas held out his hand to his Wife, and Sophie kissed Elizabeth one last time, then hugged and kissed Nathan.
"Thank you, more than you can know, Nathan," and Sophie motioned to Lucas and winked at Nathan.
Then she whispered, "You had the hard part!"
Nathan had Jack in his arms, so, Sophie kissed Jack too, who was still a little sleepy!
Then she looked for Allie, but Allie was too busy ready to bombard them with Rice, and as soon as Lucas grabbed Sophie's hand, that's exactly what she did!
"Whoa…" called Lucas as he tried to shield Sophie somewhat from the onslaught, but couldn't, so he swooped her up in his arms and carried her onto the Train as the Grants and Thorntons laughed and waved a heartfelt Goodbye.
And luckily for the Newlyweds, Allie was finally out of Rice!
"Got you!" yelled Allie over the roar of the Train.
"That you did Young Lady, that you did!" called Lucas.
"Bye Allie! Bye, All! See you in a Month!" waved Sophie happily.
The Couple stood there waving till the Train took them slowly out of sight, but not before Elizabeth, Nathan and the Children saw the Newlyweds kissing passionately on the Train's tiny Platform.
"Eweee!" called Allie with a scrunched up face!
Nathan kissed Elizabeth, and they both laughed at their Daughter…
"Double Ewee!" but Allie was secretly smiling at her Dad and her Teacher.
"Come on, Santa's waiting!" called Nathan.
"Yes!" as Allie scrambled frantically to get into the Sleigh.
"Es!" yelled Little Jack. "Kissmas!"
They stopped at the Livery to pick up Seth, who was going to drive them to Elizabeth's then drive the Sleigh back to the Livery to take care of the Horses there.
That way, they'd be ready for Nathan when he needed the Sleigh later that afternoon to pick up his Family along with the Coulters for their Big Family Christmas Dinner together with Bill, Adeline, and the others at the Café.
But as Nathan lifted Allie, Elizabeth, and Jack down from the Sleigh at Elizabeth's rowhouse, he was grateful for the alone time the four were about to have.
This was their first very own Christmas together and it was a wonderful thing!
Nathan couldn't wait to see the Children's reactions to their Christmas presents.
"Thank you, Seth! Merry Christmas!"
"Constable, why don't I drive the Sleigh back down for you? Just give me an approximate time you think you'll be ready for it. There's not that much to do today at the Livery, and I'm going to be bored stiff."
"If you're sure! We're planning to leave for the Café at about 1:30. Will that work?"
"That's perfect. See you then!"
"Thanks, Seth. Merry Christmas! We'll bring you some Christmas Dinner from the Café!"
"Now, that would be great! Merry Christmas!"
Nathan started with Luke 2:7 and ended with Luke 2:10-14…
"And the Angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,"
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (41*)
"And that Children is the Christmas Story…" concluded Nathan.
"And Grandpa read it to you and my Mom every Christmas morning?" asked Allie.
"Yes, Allie, when he was with us, he did. It was one of our favorite things to do at Christmas. And you know what we did after that?" asked Nathan with a huge smile.
"Open Presents?" asked Allie.
"Pesants?" asked Jack full of excitement.
"Yes! It's time for Presents! Is everybody ready? Elizabeth you want to help Santa?"
"Only if you'll help me help Santa!" she winked.
"It's a deal, Love!"
The Children ran to sit on the Floor in front of the brilliantly lit Christmas Tree, so excited and so ready!
"This one's Allie's and this one's Jack's!" said Elizabeth.
The Children tore into the beautifully Wrapped Packages!
"Oh, it's the Pollyanna Board Game! That's the one I wanted! You have to get all four pieces in the center at once. I love it! And so will Opal. She's been dying to play this!"
But Little Jack looked a bit confused.
"Look, Jack, you got Uncle Wiggily! I'll teach you to play. It's easy," promised Allie.
"Wiggwee?"
"Yes, Wiggily. We'll play after we open all our Presents!"
"And you just might need someplace you can play it on…" teased Nathan, as he went out into the cold to carry in Jack's Handmade Presents, one at a time!
He came back first with the Table, then got the four little Chairs with backs shaped like Horses.
Little Jack's eyes got wide and his mouth fell open…
"Me?" pounding on his little chest.
"Yes, Jack this is all yours! Darling, where would you like me to set it?"
"This is perfect! Here in his Play Corner. We'll move this other stuff out somewhere," Elizabeth was thinking aloud, wondering where she could possibly put all Jack's Toys.
"Maybe you won't have to…" Nathan said with a twinkle in his eyes, reaching to kiss her. "I'll be right back! Are you ready, Jack for one more?"
Little Jack shook his head up and down excitedly and then he ran to sit in one of his Horsie Chairs with a huge smile on his face!
When Nathan came back in with his second gift, Elizabeth gasped.
"How in this World did you know exactly what Jack needed? This is beautiful, Nathan. Just beautiful and they're perfectly Jack! Oh, Darling! Look, Jack, it's a Box for your Toys! And it's a Bench, too, where you can sit! Nathan, this is adorable and so helpful too. I've never been able to keep this Corner cleaned up. Jack, Nathan made this for you…Jack loves it and I love it!"
"Dat!" and the Little Guy went running to his Na'tan, his Dat.
"Come here Big Guy," and Nathan swooped him up in his arms and lifted him to the ceiling to tons of giggles.
"Merry Christmas, Son!"
"Merry Kissmas!"
But as soon as Nathan brought him back down again, Jack was full of kisses, and both of Nathan's cheeks were soon wet with them!
Nathan had carved a group of Horse Heads for the Back of the Toy Chest, so it could also serve as a Bench. It was truly a Work of Art, and One of a Kind, for sure!
When Nathan let his Big Guy down, Jack ran to get his Uncle Wiggily Board Game and Allie's Pollyanna Board Game, insisting they both go on his Table. He pulled Allie with him, and laughing, she sat down in one of the Chairs, trying to explain to Jack they still had lots of Presents to unwrap and they'd play later.
Elizabeth had her arm around Nathan, "They're beautiful, Love and just perfect. They're as much for me as Jack. I never knew what to do with that Corner, but you did. Thank you!"
She reached to kiss him, "You are so thoughtful. You positively amaze me!"
"Now, it's the Ladies' turn," announced Nathan as he reached under the Christmas Tree.
"Allie, this one's yours, and Elizabeth, this one's yours! You might want to open them together!" he suggested.
It was hard to tell who was more excited as they tore into their packages.
"Darling!" "Dad!"
"These are beautiful. How did you know I didn't have one?" asked Elizabeth.
"I told him, Mrs. Thornton. I noticed you had to put your Jewelry in your top Dresser Drawer."
"Well, thank you for noticing that. This is the most beautiful Jewelry Chest I've ever seen, and you made all this, didn't you?" she reached over and kissed him on his cheek. "I absolutely love it."
"Open it…"
"'Only You,' oh, Darling, this is so beautiful," and as she listened to the music, tears came and wouldn't stop.
"I mean every single word, Elizabeth. Every single word," he whispered as he held her close, wiping her tears.
Only you can make all this world seem right
Only you can make the darkness bright
Only you and you alone can thrill me like you do
And fill my heart with love for only you
Only you can make all this change in me
For it's true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand I understand the magic that you do
You're my dream come true, my one and only you
Only you can make this change in me
For it's true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand I understand the magic that you do
You're my dream come true, my one and only you (42*)
Elizabeth straightened herself up enough, to ask through her tears, "Allie, what does yours play, Sweetheart?"
"My favorite: 'Alouette!'" smiled Allie. "I used to beg Dad to sing it over and over to me." (43*)
"In French?"
"Oh, yes, over and over again and it had to be in French for my Little Girl! I think there must be fifty verses, and I also think it was Allie's way of never having to go to sleep!" explained Nathan.
Allie laughed and ran to kiss her Dad.
"It's so beautiful and it makes me feel grown up to have my very own Jewelry Chest, just like Mrs. Thornton's. Thank you, Dad. I love you!"
Of course, Allie's was a bit smaller, but every bit just as beautiful.
Nathan had even lined them with their favorite colors of Velvet. A soft Blue for Elizabeth and Lavender for Allie.
He grabbed Allie and pulled her to his lap holding her till Elizabeth held up her next present…
"Okay, you two! We're just getting started! Here, you go!"
Next came the Christmas Outfits, Elizabeth and Nathan had found in Union City.
"This is the most beautiful dress I've ever seen!" and Allie was dancing around the room holding it up to her.
The Red Velvet was going to look perfect on her, with its White Collar of Lace and Lace Edged Cuffs.
Jack had a little Red Outfit to match of Red Velvet Shorts with a Matching Jacket and long Knee Socks.
"That's for you to wear to Dinner today, and your's too, Jack. That way, you both match, and you both are going to look adorable, I might add. Allie, your hair looks gorgeous! How did you French Braid that yourself?"
"Dad did it!"
"Are you serious? What can you not do?"
"Well, I do have to take care of my Little Girl! Let's just say, you have to be a bit flexible and ready to constantly be learning new things!" he laughed.
Elizabeth just shook her head and looked mischievously at him, bending to whisper, "I may have to see that first hand!"
"It's a deal if you're brave enough…" he dared her.
"Oh, I'm brave enough…" she answered with certainty and a brilliant smile.
"Here, Jack and I want you to open these next, together. We made them for you," begged Allie.
"Ah, the mysterious Craft Session with Auntie Rosie!" exclaimed Nathan.
"Yes, and we can't wait. You're gonna love them, but you have to open them at the exact same time!"
Little Jack came running.
"One, two, three, open!" called Nathan.
Huge smiles came across both Nathan's and Elizabeth's faces.
"Allie, Jack these are absolutely perfect!" and Elizabeth was starting to cry all over again.
The Children, with their Auntie Rosie's help, had made Picture Frames and decorated them with Gold Glitter, all to frame the "Keeper" Picture Carson had taken at Clara and Jessie's Wedding.
Carson had developed two Photographs, one for Nathan and one for Elizabeth, and the Children had framed both.
The Couple kissed and hugged their Children.
"You all have outdone yourselves! I can't think of a better Gift! And what a great job you did on those Frames!" bragged Nathan. "I know exactly where this is going to go."
"And mine is going right here," and Elizabeth got up to place it in the center of all her Framed Photographs.
"It's the perfect Gift, Allie and Jack. Perfect. We absolutely love them! And they're even more special because you made them for us!" cooed Elizabeth.
"We both helped make each of them! It was so much fun, and Auntie Rosie was really patient with us! We kept having to go back to the Mercantile for more Glitter! Mr. Yost said we got the very last he had!"
"Thankfully you were able to get all his Glitter because these are beautiful just the way they are! We'll have to thank Auntie Rosie for helping you and Jack, too, Allie," smiled Nathan.
The Children then opened several Packages that had Books in them, perfectly suited to each! They were thrilled with their Selections, and Jack insisted on carrying all of them, including Allie's, to his little Table, which was getting more and more loaded down with Goodies.
Then they both had a Couple of New Winter Outfits to open, which were all hits!
Followed by new Handknitted Sweaters, Hats, Scarves, and Mittens which were needed and also loved and modeled by both.
"Here, Allie, open these next!" and Nathan handed her a stack of Presents.
"This one's from me! And these two are from your Auntie Rosie!" pointed out Elizabeth.
"Oh, it's gorgeous and my favorite color!" and Allie pulled a Hand-Quilted Spread with Lavender Roses all around it and in the Center.
She ran to kiss Elizabeth, "Rose is my middle name!"
"It's mine too!" whispered Elizabeth.
Allie was shocked and responded with the largest of grins, then hugged Elizabeth again, "This is just so perfect. I love that we have the same name and this! It's like I'll be wrapped up in love at night!"
"You absolutely will be wrapped up in my love at night, Sweetheart! I'm so happy you love it! Here, open these from Auntie Rosie!"
The two Boxes held Matching Quilted Pillow Shams and Drapery Panels, all with Lavender Roses.
"Now, I have a whole new Bedroom! Wow! They're exactly what I would dream of picking out, too!"
Nathan smiled quietly, knowing there was a much bigger surprise to come for that Bedroom when they took Allie by their house on the way to the Café! But he didn't say a word about that.
"These are really beautiful, Elizabeth. You did such a great job!" complimented Nathan, looking at the Quilt Stitching closely with Allie.
"Thank you, Love! Rosemary and I had a lot of fun making them. Jack, these are yours, Son!"
Jack ripped into the Packages, to find his Mountie Doll with its Red Serge, Leather Pieces, and Campaign Hat. He ran straight to Nathan so he could help fix his Mountie properly. And yes, there was no doubt this was Little Jack's favorite smaller Gift so far!
Then he tore into an Erector Set, a Miniature Sleigh with his beloved Horsies, and a Wooden Set of three Train Cars. There was also a large Top to match his smaller one from the Advent House, and a few Coloring Books, which he immediately took to his own private Table!
"Allie these are yours!" smiled a jubilant Elizabeth.
Allie opened the largest Gift first to unwrap the Wooden Easel.
"Ohhhhh!"
"It has Collapsible Legs so you can use it on a Desk too!" explained Elizabeth.
Allie was speechless, but she remembered her manners and ran to kiss Elizabeth.
"I love this!" she enthused! "I always wanted to draw. But I just had notebooks and regular paper."
Next, she opened the Paint Set of Oils & Watercolors that also included Colored Sketching Pencils.
"Now I can really Draw and Paint," she cried. "These are wonderful! I've only had Crayons and Lead Pencils before. I can't wait to use these! I'll feel just like a real Artist!"
Next, she opened the Box that held the Sketchbooks and the Artist Aprons.
"This is the best Gift ever! I love it! I really love it!" and she looked like she was ready to cry.
Elizabeth distributed the last of the Children's Gifts, or I should say the last of their Gifts under the Tree – a new Selection of Ribbons and Bows for Allie, along with a new Winter Coat (which was badly needed, as she was rapidly outgrowing her old one, and several little Pieces of Clothing for Jack, along with a new pair of Shoes.
The Children were thrilled with each of their Gifts, and both were excitedly going through all their Christmas Treasures together.
Nathan and Elizabeth took this time, to exchange the rest of their Gifts to each other.
"Darling, this is little, but I hope you like it," said Elizabeth hopefully, as she handed Nathan a tiny, but beautifully wrapped Gift.
"I'm sure I'll love it if you chose it," he smiled.
"Oh, Elizabeth, here we were thinking alike, and you never let on!"
There in Nathan's hand was the exact same Gold Fountain Pen he had purchased for Elizabeth and placed in the Advent House.
"I love it, Darling! Now we have matching Fountain Pens, in Gold no less! How did we do that?" and he reached to kiss her.
"Great minds?" and they kissed again. "I really did want one for myself! You can't believe how close I came to buying two. And here, you had already done it for me!"
Next, she struggled to hand him a much larger Gift, which was rather heavy. He immediately got up and took it from her to lighten her load.
As he opened the large Box, he looked at her puzzled…
"Elizabeth, how did you know I wanted these? Not even Allie knew that!"
"I saw you look at them in the Union City Bookstore, and had the Clerk put the Set back for you. They shipped them to me, so we'd be sure you wouldn't see them!"
"Do you realize, this will allow me to completely finish my Book Series? These Books reminded me of something I needed to go back and add. Thank you, Darling! They're wonderful with really Detailed Maps that will help in future Books too! A great Reference for the Children and our Library!"
"I can't wait for that Library!" and she meant it.
"Can we just build it now?" she pleaded.
"Oh, how I wish! Soon, but for now, this one is for you, Love!"
She opened the Package not having any idea at all what was inside, and when she opened it, she was still a bit unsure…
"I made you a Manuscript Box for your First Book's Manuscript, Darling!"
And then she saw the Title and her Name he had engraved in Gold-Leaf on the perfectly Finished-Wood.
"This is stunning! I have stacks of my Book Chapters in various drawers of my Desk right now. I didn't even know what to do with them. And they are always getting out of order. This is the perfect answer. Do you make them for your Books, too?"
He nodded yes.
"I love this! It means everything, Darling. That you would think to do this for me means everything," and she nestled in beside him. "How is everything so perfect?"
And as they looked over to the Children, and then to each other, they knew everything was indeed perfect.
"The next one you may have to lift for me, Darling," and she pointed him to the large Box in the Corner.
He carried it back to where they were sitting and set it on the low Table in front of them.
"I love you, Nathan!"
"I love you, Lisbeth!"
Then he opened it, her big Gift to him…
He was completely surprised!
"Darling, I love this. I needed this. I don't have one at Home and there's never time to use the one at Work for personal use. This will help me so very much!"
And he bent to kiss her, drawing her to him, needing her.
"It's identical to mine, Darling, so we will have matching Typewriters for our Library!"
"I thought so, and that only makes it even more special! I love it. I love you," and their lips met yet again.
Then he got up to grab one of the last three Presents under the Christmas Tree.
"For now, and for our Honeymoon, Darling!"
She smiled at him, not wanting to take her eyes off him, but then her curiosity got the better of her, and she ripped into the gorgeously wrapped Package.
Her mouth widened into a huge 'O' as she pulled the latest Camera and Attachments out of the Box, along with a Leather Shoulder Case.
"How did you think of this? Oh, Nathan, I can't tell you how many times I've wanted a Camera to remember a special moment with Jack, with Allie, and with us. Oh, you couldn't have gotten me anything better…and it will be so exciting to be able to take Pictures on our Honeymoon. NYC here we come!"
"Yes, we do! That is the very latest model, quite a bit newer than Carson's. But he's read up on it and is going to give us Lessons, so we'll be Pros by the time we leave for New York!"
"You think of absolutely everything, Love. I don't know how you do it!"
"The same as you. It's because I love you!" and he reached to kiss her neck.
"There's one more…" she whispered.
She handed him the package, almost shyly.
He took it and watched her face intently as he opened it, and then he knew instantly.
She was giving him her Heart, physically.
She had written a Manuscript, "Musings of Love," and like her Book, it was also dedicated to him, but with "Written for Your Eyes Only, My Love" handwritten below his name.
He couldn't completely hold the tears back as he reached for the last package under the Tree.
He handed it to her gently with pure love glistening in his eyes.
She began to shake as she opened it.
"It's a Manuscript too, Darling!" whispered Elizabeth.
Then she read the Title: "Loving You," but this was hers. Nathan had dedicated it to "My Darling Elizabeth," and below that, he had written, "For You and Only You," just like the Song inside her Musical Jewelry Chest.
They both sat there on the Settee, transfixed that both had created and given each other their own version of the exact same thing: their Hearts, raw and unfiltered.
They dried their tears and brought their lips together holding each other tightly, completely in love and so very thankful one for the other.
They sat together, alone in their own World for the moment, when she suddenly realized the time...
"Oh, my goodness! It's time for Breakfast!" she whispered conspiratorially.
"We'd better get a move on! Children you play, Elizabeth and I'll fix Breakfast!" directed Nathan.
"Thanks, Dad! This has been the most perfect Christmas Ever!"
"Yes, it has Allie Bean!" and he reached to give her a Christmas Kiss, then tousled Jack's hair and gave him a Christmas Kiss.
Elizabeth also reached to give both Allie and Jack Christmas Kisses.
Then she grabbed Nathan's hand, pulling him into the Kitchen with her.
"Merry Christmas, Love!" he grabbed her as they walked through the Kitchen Door.
"Darling, Merry, Merry Christmas! Here's your Coffee!"
"Not till this," and he kissed her Merry Christmas just to make sure it was Official.
"I love you, Nathan Grant, and I love my North Star Necklace!"
"I noticed you're wearing it! And it looks beautiful on you, Darling. Is everything a go?"
"Yes," she smiled. "Everything's set!"
"You do know this is your very last chance to back out, don't you?"
"I know, but no backing out, Constable! Too late, now!"
She put her arms around his neck and he lifted her up in his arms and swung her around the Kitchen, both of them laughing.
"Hey you two, hurry up in there or we'll never eat and get to Christmas with Uncle Bill and Auntie Adeline and all the others!" called Allie through the Kitchen Doors. "And we want to see what Frederic got!"
"Yes, Ma'am!" called back Nathan.
But he snuck in one more kiss anyway!
"What can I do, Lisbeth?"
"Hold me, while I cook!" she smiled.
"Oh, I can totally do that," and he held her around the waist lowering his lips to her neck"
She turned to kiss him, "Last night was perfect, Darling. I didn't want it to end! I dreamed about you, you know."
"You did?" he sounded surprised.
"I did."
"And are you going to share?"
"Maybe later, when we're alone."
"Fair enough. But was it at least a good Dream?"
"It was the best Dream ever," and she laid down her spatula and kissed him in a way that let him know just how good the Dream had been.
"We're almost ready here. Do you want to call Allie and Jack?"
"I'll go get them…"
He returned with one Child under each arm.
"I have two Children who somehow mistakenly think it's Christmas Day. What shall we do with them?"
"Oh my. Christmas, huh? I guess we'll just have to feed them! It's Blueberry Pancakes for everybody! With Blueberry Syrup and Whipped Cream!"
"Yum!" "Yummm!"
"I'd say that's a yes. And I'll add a Yum!" teased Nathan.
"Everybody sit!" ordered Elizabeth "Christmas Orders!"
"Allie, will you say our Christmas Breakfast Prayer?"
"Yes Ma'am!"
"Dear Father, We thank You for the Food we get to eat, especially the Blueberry Pancakes! And we thank You for letting us share our Christmas Joy with the Eppings, and we hope Rupert and his little Sister are having a really good Christmas, too! And thanks for letting us all be together for Christmas. Amen!"
"Amen!" "Amen!" "Men!"
"Allie, that was a beautiful Prayer, and I'm sure Rupert, his Sister, and their Parents are having a great Christmas, thanks to Ned, and you and Jack. I'm so happy you thought of them, Allie. Imagine, I don't even think they'd be having a Christmas at all if you hadn't. I'm so proud of you, Allie for that!"
"It was a beautiful thing to do, Allie and Jack! We need to always be aware of those around us who are less fortunate, and we need to help them whenever we can, throughout the entire year. Because Christmas isn't just a Day, it's the Feeling of Love and Joy God wants us to have in our Hearts year-round!"
"Yes, Sir! And the funny thing is, I don't understand it, but I think it helped us as much as it did them! I think it just makes you feel really good to help people."
Nathan and Elizabeth smiled at each other across the Table.
"Blueberry Pancakes, Dad! These are my favorite, too!"
"Their Special Christmas Blueberry Pancakes, Allie. Here comes the Whipped Cream!"
"Yum!" "Yummm!" added Little Jack.
"Oh, my goodness. These are great! I hope you have a lot more of these Mrs. Thornton!" winked Nathan.
"More than you can eat, I assure you!"
"Oh, I don't know about that!"
"Nathan, did you hear something?"
"I'll go check!"
He was gone a few moments, but when he returned and noticed the Children were occupied eating, he signaled to Elizabeth that everything was as planned!
She was trying so hard not to smile back.
"Children, what was your favorite Present?"
"I can't choose! What about you, Jack?"
Jack stuck out his little lower lip to think, then beamed, "Chair!"
Nathan was thrilled his work was such a hit!
"Are you all ready to play some more, then get Frederic and your Uncle Lee and Auntie Rosie to go to the Café for Christmas Dinner later?"
"What about the Pond, Darling? Will we be able to Ice Skate?"
"Probably not Today, but the temperature is supposed to drop again Tonight, so we should be able to all go Ice Skating on the Pond Tomorrow! How does that sound?"
"It sounds wonderful. I for one can't wait!" then Elizabeth got an alarmed look in her eyes.
Nathan listened and then he heard it too.
"Children, let's finish up Breakfast and head back to your Christmas Gifts, all those Toys and Books and such!"
"I'm done. These were the best! Look Jack's even eaten two whole Pancakes! And Jack, you've got Whipped Cream all over your face. Here, let me get it," and Allie carefully wiped his face, just like a little Mother or Big Sister would.
"Here, Jack, let me get you down!" and Jack reached his little arms for Allie, who carried him into the Living Room and set him down.
Allie's eyes immediately went to a large Gift under the Christmas Tree.
"What's this? It wasn't here before," said Allie, very sure she had never seen this particular Present before.
"Wonder where it came from. Why don't you and Jack go see what it is?" suggested Elizabeth casually.
Nathan reached for Elizabeth's hand and held her, with his arms around her waist, his hands clasped over hers, as they stood back waiting for the Children to see their Big Surprise.
"I think I heard something. Listen, Jack do you hear anything?"
Jack put his little ear to the Box and his eyes got real big…
"Awee, Awee! Open…Open!"
Allie did, and all pandemonium broke out!
The Children shrieked in delight and were so excited they couldn't even talk!
Shrieking was about all they could manage, and there were lots of them from both Allie and Jack!
For there was not one, but two of the most adorable Chocolate Border Collie Puppies any of the four had ever seen!
They had long fur, with almost identical brown and white markings, and the bluest of eyes.
"Are…are.. they..they twins? Are they…o...ours?" Allie somehow managed to get out.
Elizabeth nodded yes…
And there was an explosion of tears from both Allie and Jack as they each reached for a Puppy.
Jack had instinctively gone for the bigger one, which was the Male, and Allie had gone for the tinier one, which was the Female.
"They're really, really ours?" Allie asked again, more clearly this time.
Both Nathan and Elizabeth nodded yes with broad smiles on their faces.
They had never seen Allie or Jack so happy.
"Best idea ever, Lisbeth!" whispered Nathan as they went to sit by the Children.
"What are their names?" asked Allie.
"They don't have any names, Sweetie. It's up to you and Jack to name them. You have the Girl and Jack is holding the Boy," explained Elizabeth.
"And Allie, they are Chocolate Border Collies. Guess who loved Border Collies?"
"Who?" asked Allie curiously.
"Queen Victoria!"
"Wow! Then they should have royal names. Let's think Jack…"
The Children whispered back and forth together for some time as they played with their new Puppies, never letting them out of their hands.
"We've got it!" and Allie and Jack looked elated.
"The Boy is Rex!" proclaimed Allie.
"Wex," piped in Jack.
"And the Girl is Regina, for Royalty, but we're going to call her Reggie for short because Jack can say that!"
"Weggie," said Jack proving he could.
"I think those are perfect names and very appropriate for Puppies with a Royal background," smiled Elizabeth.
Then Allie seemed to remember something, but she wasn't about to let Reggie down.
"Here Jack, bring Rex, and let's thank Mom and Dad!"
It had slipped out in the most natural way it could have ever done so.
Allie hadn't even realized what she had said, or that she had said it, but Elizabeth was crying by the time her Daughter and Son came running to kiss her. She held them both, loving on both of them, of course with the Puppies between them, because neither Allie nor Jack had any intention of letting them go.
The Children then hugged and kissed Nathan thanking him for the new Additions to their Family, proudly showing them off to him.
And off they went with their Rex and Reggie, down on the floor, watching their every move, bonding with these two Puppies who were about to receive more Love than they ever could have imagined.
Nathan went to put Christmas Carols on the Victrola, and the Music was the perfect addition to their Christmas as they watched their Children lovingly play with their new Puppies.
"Best Christmas Ever, Darling!" whispered Nathan.
"Best Christmas Ever, Love!" whispered Elizabeth.
And each caressed the other's neck as their lips drew to each others' with a heightened intensity and stayed there.
Then they drew each other even closer, holding each other, reveling in the Love and Joy of Christmas and their own True Love, with the fullest of hearts completely overflowing.
Never had a Couple been more in Love.
And never had a Family been more clearly meant to Love each other together...
"Merry Christmas, Love!"
"Merry Christmas, Darling!"
"We're now a Family of Six, Lisbeth!" grinned Nathan, with that most lop-sided grin of his, which she couldn't resist kissing...
(41*) King James Bible, Luck 2:7-14, Public Domain
(42*) "Only You," Frank D. Pease, Lyricist and Dave Fitzgibbon, Composer, 1901, Public Domain
(43*) "Alouette," French Canadian Folk Song, 1885, Public Domain