Chapter Eighty-Four: Ice Skating at the Pond

"How can the day after Christmas be just as good as Christmas Day?"

"Because you're in it, Lisbeth…"

Nathan's hands were caressing Elizabeth's face and his eyes were sparkling as they looked longingly into hers.

"I love you, my Darling. But I must confess, I didn't dream of you last night…" she whispered.

"Does that mean I'm losing my touch?" he asked softly.

"No, Love. It just means I read your gift to me all night long. Those beautiful words that I couldn't put down. They were you, and you were right there with me. You'll always be right there with me. Forever!"

He bent down and tenderly kissed her neck, then smiled that lopsided grin that would always make her weak in the knees.

"I read your words of love over and over, Darling! And they lifted me up to a place I've never known before. I'm not sure I can wait, Lisbeth. I'm not sure at all! I want you. I need you."

"I'm not sure either…" and she kissed him with fervor and held him as he held her, stroking her neck and hair.

"You know, it's impossible for Rosemary and Lee to travel to Hamilton with us now that she's pregnant. Do you think it's better that I just go alone? I could go as soon as I get back from Headquarters."

"Darling, don't worry about that. We'll figure something out…perhaps Bill and Adeline would go with us. Or, perhaps we won't have to go at all…"

He looked at her with a puzzled look…

"Perhaps you could talk on the phone and ask Father that way, or…"

"What are you thinking, Lisbeth? And just what do you have up your sleeve, Love?"

"I'm not sure. Do you trust me?"

"Implicitly."

"Then just don't worry! Nathan, are you ready for the Ceremonies at Headquarters?"

"Well, I really don't have a choice, do I?" and he swooped her up, carrying her to the Settee.

"Mrs. Thornton, we'd better make good use of our time while Jack and Allie are with Frederic…" he whispered with narrowed, yet the bluest of sparkling eyes.

He held her sitting in front of the Christmas Tree, with his arms wrapped around her.

"Do you have any idea at all what's going to happen?" asked Elizabeth, curiously.

"Yes, as far as the Celebrations go, I'd say they'll be pretty standard. Ceremonies, possibly a Regiment Parade, Drills, that sort of thing. They've told us we have to bring the Horses, even Bill's. So, whatever it is, they're planning on Bill taking part with us. Not sure how Newton's going to do on the Train, but there's no other way to get him there. We've also been told to bring along our Dress Uniforms. And of course, the Serge will be mandatory for the rest of the time."

"I really want to go…"

"Of course, I want you with me. But, Darling, I literally doubt if I'll have a moment to myself. And I would worry about you just being stuck there alone. Besides…" and he kissed her fully on her sweet lips, "I want you to rest up and get ready for all the things we have to do when I get back. It's just a long weekend after all. We'll make it through…"

Elizabeth hugged him, so he couldn't see her face, because she was about to explode. This was working and Nathan appeared to have no clue. And she was not about to change that...

"And, Lisbeth, why don't you let Allie stay with Opal? That way, you won't have all that extra work."

"Absolutely not. Allie stays with Jack and me, and that's that!"

"Yes, Ma'am. If you're sure, I'm sure she'll love that. But, remember, I gave you my promise that no matter what happens at Headquarters, we stay in Hope Valley. If there happens to be a promotion involved, and there may not be one at all, if it's outside of Hope Valley, I just won't take it. So, promise me, no matter what happens, no worries! With you or Allie."

"I love you, Nathan. I love you so much!" she took her index finger and ran it across his lips. "This has been the most magical Christmas I've ever had. Am I allowed…"

"You, my Darling, are allowed anything…"

"Am I allowed to tell you I can't wait till the next six months come and go because I want more than anything in this world to be Mrs. Nathan Alexander Grant," and her lips caressed his, first softly and then with such passion, it took him aback and he sat there stunned a moment before he could respond, but then came the response with equal if not more passion, taking them far away into their private place, where only the two of them could go together.

He swung her back, into a sitting dip, till she laughed and caught her breath…

Then he kissed her, really kissed her, till she was breathless again.

"I adore you, Lisbeth, I adore you. I'm so ready to be with you every possible moment of every single possible day. You know you're making this very difficult on me having to leave in a couple of weeks."

She laughed, "That's the goal, Constable! You better miss me every single moment you're gone!"

She reached up and grabbed him around his neck.

"That, my Love, is a given, a constant. I miss you…when you're right here," his eyes looked into hers searchingly, and she knew exactly what he meant because it was exactly the same for her.

"I do, too, Darling!"

Nathan didn't feel this was the right time, but he was feeling more and more frustrated about not having a trip planned to Hamilton to ask her Father for her Hand in Marriage, and then there was the whole Granda's ring scenario he was going to have to deal with and sort through to an acceptable resolution.

The last thing he wanted to do was disappoint her, and that, he simply would not allow to happen.

But she had said to trust her, so for now, that's what he would have to do.

This woman was meant to be by his side, not just in Courtship, but in Marriage, and Nathan was ready to do whatever it took to make that happen…

"Hickam, wanted to thank you again…" yelled Bill from across the Street.

"What for?" asked a puzzled Hickam.

Bill ran to catch up with him, "For being Santa, of course. And a pretty great one at that! The kids loved you!"

"What are you talking about, Bill? I told you I had to make a run to Benson Hills and couldn't do it!"

"But, I thought you got back early…"

"Nope, got back a few minutes before Nathan dropped my Christmas Dinner off. And thanks for that. Great food by the way! You made my Christmas!"

Hickam smiled and waved, as he turned and walked away, leaving Bill incredulous and more confused than ever!

"Here are your skates, Love!" called Adeline as she came up behind him carrying two pairs of Ice Skates for them.

"Oh, hi Darlin'!"

"Bill, is everything alright? You look perplexed!"

"Sure, everything's fine! Let's go skating! Let me get my extra scarf at the Café!"

But Bill's eyebrows were still furrowed into a frown.

'If it wasn't Hickam, then who in the world was that Santa...'

"Rosemary, the answer is still no. There will be no Ice Skating for you! Lee, I'm serious about this. Am I going to have to go to the Pond myself?" asked Carson, ready to do just that.

"Wouldn't be a bad idea! Please?" begged Lee.

"Rosemary is normally quite the handful, and that I can manage! But a pregnant Rosemary, I'm at a total loss," he whispered to Carson.

"Understood. You know, sounds like fun! Let me get my skates!"

"Really, Lee! So, it takes two of you to manage me, now?" asked an outraged Rosemary.

"Sort of looks like it, but Rosie, you know we have to protect the Baby!"

"I know…but I love to Ice Skate!" she pouted. "Who knows? Our little Violet might even love to Ice Skate!"

"Not, in the womb, Sweetheart...and besides, our little Violet just might be a little Lee!"

"Men!..."

By the time, Nathan and Elizabeth made it to the Pond with the Coulters and the Children in their Sleigh, quite a crowd had gathered, ready to take advantage of the ice.

Rosemary was ordered to stay in the Sleigh, covered with Furs to the max, and she was none too happy about it!

But Carson, himself was there to make sure that his Doctor's orders were enforced.

However, every single time the good Doctor circled the ice and came anywhere close to the vicinity of the Sleigh, Rosemary glowered directly at him!

Carson just smiled, then laughed as he swung around and away from her; he had known this pregnancy was going to be one of his most difficult, and believe me, he was counting down the months to deliver both his Patient and himself!

Lee was getting Frederic's skates on and was almost ready to take him for a spin.

Allie was already on the ice, and Elizabeth was shocked at how good she was.

"She looks like a pro, Nathan!"

Nathan laughed, "She loves it! I've had her on skates since she was four. She's a natural, just like her Mother."

Nathan was busy fitting Jack into his little skates, "Why don't we both take a hand, so he'll feel secure? We're going to glide across the ice, Big Guy. It's a lot of fun. You, ready?"

Little Jack nodded and was all smiles, "Ice!"

"Yes, ice! Here, let me carry you over there…Darling, are you ready? This is a pretty big deal, Jack's first time on the ice!"

"Yes, just need a hand to get up!"

"I'm pretty sure the two men in your life can manage that! Here you go!"

He drew her up to them, all the way to them…and kissed her, then held Jack so he could kiss her too!

"You two did that on purpose!" she exclaimed, giggling.

"Yes, we did!" even Little Jack was giggling at his Mama.

"Let's go! Are you ready, Jack?"

"Weady!"

Jack's eyes got wider as they led him to the ice, but once he realized his Mama and his Na'tan had him so he wouldn't fall, he was ready to skate!

Seeing Allie and Frederic skating around the Pond didn't hurt at all either. If they could do it, he could do it, too!

This Little Guy was not about to be outdone!

Nathan and Elizabeth continued to skate around the Pond with Little Jack, who was beaming by the time they made their way back to the Sleigh.

"Look at your Son out there, Rosemary! He's a natural!" complimented Nathan. "And this Big Guy is doing great, too!"

"Can you believe it? Frederic said he had only skated once before!" she answered, bursting with pride. "So proud of you, too, Jack! Looking good out there."

"Ready to go again, you two?" smiled Nathan.

The broad smiles on Elizabeth's and Jack's faces answered "Yes!" and off they went, almost a complete Family, minus Allie, of course.

But it wasn't long till Allie skated up and took Elizabeth's hand, and the four of them took off together.

"This is the most fun ever!" shouted Allie.

But in that instant, Nathan looked up, "Allie, come take Jack's hand!"

She recognized the urgency in her Dad's voice and immediately swung behind Mrs. Thornton and her Dad, to take Jack's hand, as Nathan took off in a beeline toward Opal, who was skating backward on a dare from Robert and the other Boys.

"Opal! Skate toward me – now! Opal! Skate toward me!" Nathan called, swinging with all his might across the ice.

But it was too late. Bill looked up as he heard Nathan's voice and immediately skated to help him.

Opal was down, and the ice she was laying on was very thin, so thin, Nathan realized he couldn't possibly reach her from where he was. Bill stopped short realizing the same thing.

"Opal, don't move. Stay right there. Don't move!" ordered Nathan.

He could see the fear in her eyes because she could feel the ice give way beneath her.

By Skating backward she had gone too close to the far edge of a section they had flagged off.

There was no way around it, both men knew they couldn't reach her from the ice.

"You stay here, Bill. Keep her focused. I'll go to the edge – there's rope in the Sleigh. I'll get it to her from there. Don't let her move. The slightest move and she's in."

By that time the ice was cleared of skaters and Carson was racing to help Nathan.

Rosemary grabbed the rope and threw it to Nathan, who took off with Carson for the far side of the Pond.

"We need a tree to wrap this around…"

Nathan found a sturdy tree close to the Pond and then started taking off his skates.

"Carson, hold the rope so there is tension; don't let loose of it. I'll have to wade into the Marsh to get the rope to her."

Carson nodded and grabbed the rope, holding it taut, just as Nathan had asked.

By this time, Opal was softly crying and Bill was talking to her in soothing tones, trying his best to calm her down, but more importantly, he was making sure she didn't move in the slightest.

Nathan started through the Icy Marsh and went all the way to the edge of the ice, afraid to disturb it, not knowing if it was better to continue through the jagged ice or toss the rope from where he was.

When he saw how panicked Opal was, he decided to toss the rope to her and wade out at the same time.

The water was freezing.

"Opal, look at me. I've got you. I'm throwing the rope to you. Grab it! Then I've got you. You're going to be okay, Opal. Now can you reach the rope? Good, that's it! Now Carson's got the other end of the rope, it's not going anywhere. And I'm getting closer. I still need you to stay exactly where you are. Don't move, Sweetheart. Don't move! Let me come to you."

She nodded, but Nathan could see pure fear in her eyes, so he kept talking…

"Opal, look at me. Don't take your eyes off my face. You know we love you and we're not going to let anything happen to you, right? Right! When I get closer, not now, but when I'm closer, you're going to jump up into my arms. Okay? You're going to jump up high into my arms, and I'll have you. I won't let you fall. Just keep looking at me. That's it. You're doing a great job, Opal, a great job!"

The entire time Nathan was talking, he was moving closer toward Opal through the Icy Marsh.

He was concerned because he needed her to be secured with the rope, but the closer he got, he could see her slightest movement was going to break away the ice, and she would go under into the icy water.

He knew in an instant, that he'd have to rely only on her jumping to him, and he had to catch her without hesitation.

There would be no rope, no trial run.

One chance and that's all they had.

Nathan prayed as he continued to speak to Opal.

"Opal, you know Allie was so excited to have you stay with her last night in her new Room. I think it was her Christmas highlight! You're going to be inside your own Room soon, under lots of warm covers, and you're going to be having the sweetest dreams tonight after you've had lots of warm Cocoa!"

He edged even closer till he knew he couldn't go any further, "Opal, look at me. Look into my eyes. You trust me, don't you?"

"Yyeess…"

"Good, now, I don't want you to take your eyes off mine. Do you promise?"

"Yes…"

"Now, when I say three, jump up as high as you can into my arms. Got that, Opal?"

"Yes…"

"One…two…three!"

Nathan grabbed her midair and had her secured in his arms, as the crackling ice gave way beneath her!

There was a huge collective sigh of relief as the crowd could see Nathan had her safe in his arms, followed by a round of applause that kept getting louder and louder.

Nathan turned to make his way back through the Marsh, holding Opal up high above the water's edge, trying his best to keep her dry.

Opal had her arms completely around him, and her legs wrapped around his waist, with her face buried in his chest, softly crying.

Nathan's only concern was getting them out safely, yet he was consoling Opal the entire time.

Carson pulled the rope back in, realizing it had been impossible to use.

Allie had Jack back in the Sleigh with Rosemary hovering over both of them.

Elizabeth immediately ran to the Marsh Edge, frantic to warm Nathan.

Carson took Opal, and Elizabeth threw a blanket around Nathan and drew him close to her, icy wetness and all.

"You're shivering. We've got to get you Home."

"I'll take Opal to her house. You go to Elizabeth's. I'll be there as soon as I can. Get him out of those clothes. Keep him warm in Bed, lots of covers, but no hot water bottles or massaging till I get there! But do give him warm Liquids, if he can tolerate them," ordered Carson. "As much as he can keep down!"

"Yes, Carson, we will," promised Elizabeth.

Lee had driven the Sleigh around to the Marshside and got out to help Nathan in, along with Bill.

"Lisbeth, no I need to make sure Opal is alright!"

"Nathan, hush, you're coming Home with me and that's that! Carson is with her!"

"We'll come too," offered Bill grudgingly, glancing at Adeline, who promptly nodded in agreement.

"But, I don't know why we just can't make this official and stop all this malarkey!" he quickly added.

"William Spencer Avery!" and that was all it took from Adeline to stop Bill's nonsensical comments dead in their tracks.

Bill got into the Sleigh and pulled Allie to his lap, and Adeline held Frederic in hers, squeezing in so they could all fit in the Sleigh together!

Rosemary was holding Little Jack.

"But, Uncle Bill, will Opal be alright?" asked a very worried Allie.

"Yes, Sweetheart. Thanks to your Dad, she's going to be fine!"

"Is Dad going to be alright?"

"Yes, Baby, he's going to be fine! We just have to get him all warmed up and let him rest," encouraged Adeline.

"Dad…"

"Allie, I'm fine Sweetheart, just really cold. Don't worry, I'm fine!" assured her shivering Dad through gritted teeth.

"Can't you go faster, Lee? He's so wet, and we really need to get him out of these Clothes!" begged Elizabeth.

"On it, Elizabeth," as Lee quickened the pace of the Horses.

"Lee after you let them out, drop me by Nathan's house and I'll get his stuff. First a broken jaw, now this! Got all this down pat by now…" grumbled Bill, which garnered another look from Adeline.

One that Bill understood immediately...

"Carson, is he really going to be okay?" asked a very worried Elizabeth.

"Yes, he is. His blood pressure is only slightly elevated, which is to be expected. No blue extremities, so I think we're good. But, Nathan, that does not mean you go back to business as usual. I know you're not going to like this, but it's bed rest for you over the next three days. I don't want any extremes in temperature, so no going in and out. It's much too cold outside and the temperatures have been volatile. Staying in bed is our best option here. Do you understand me? I can't have you getting Pneumonia on top of this!"

The look on his face said no, so Elizabeth stepped in, "I understand you, and that's exactly what he'll do. Bedrest for three days, starting now!"

"Keep the warm Fluids coming, Elizabeth. Give him as much as he can tolerate. It's natural instinct to rub the coldness away, but that doesn't work. So, no massaging. I don't want any damaged blood vessels. If you need me, just have Lee to call and I'll be right here. In fact, I'll check in later tonight, after I finish at the Infirmary. And Nathan, be glad I'm not making you stay at the Infirmary! Because if this doesn't work, that's our next option."

"Got it, Carson! At least, thanks for that!" acquiesced Nathan.

"I'll show myself out. Try to be a good Patient, Nathan! If you can do that, you'll be back to normal soon. And Nathan, that was a good thing you did, not only rescuing Opal but keeping her calm the whole time. Not sure I could have done as well. She was lucky to have you, Nathan. The whole town is lucky to have you!"

"Thank you, Carson. That means a lot coming from you…"

Elizabeth walked Carson to the top of the stairs, where he hugged her, "Elizabeth, he's going to be all right with us caring for him. Just do whatever you have to do to keep him warm. And keep forcing the fluids!"

"Thank you, Carson!" and Elizabeth kissed him on his cheek.

She then returned to check on her patient, who was still badly shivering.

She shut the door behind her, and then sat down on the bed.

"Wh...What…"

"Scoot!"

"What are you doing?"

"I'm warming you up, Constable," and she took the covers and spread them over her as she laid down beside him.

She held him and almost cried as she felt his body continue to shiver.

Feeling him next to her, she realized he was shaking worse than she had realized.

"I could get used to this, you know," whispered Nathan.

"Shush! Promise me something, though?"

"Anything…"

"Promise, me after we're married, you'll spend one entire day with me in bed, holding me," she begged.

He took her chin in his shaky hand and through chattering teeth whispered, "Lisbeth, I'll hold you for the rest of my life!"

"And that's a promise..."

Before Lunch, the next Day, Opal and her Parents dropped by to thank Nathan for saving their Daughter.

"Do you mind if I see Mountie Nathan alone, first?" asked Opal.

"Let me take you up to him," smiled Elizabeth.

When Opal saw Nathan almost hidden under the covers, still shivering, she started to cry.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you sick!" she apologized.

"Opal, you have nothing to be sorry about. You didn't mean for any of this to happen. It was just an accident, and it's my job to fix accidents. I'm going to be fine Opal, I promise!"

"But I was wrong. I thought Mountie Jack was the only brave Mountie because he saved my life. But you're every bit as brave. You saved my life, too. And I wouldn't let myself love you as much as Mountie Jack, but now I do. I love you as much as Mountie Jack," sobbed Opal.

"Come here, Opal," and Nathan held out his arms and held her, stroking her hair, consoling her just like he would have done for Allie.

"You know, Opal," he continued, "Mountie Jack was a splendid Mountie, and he was an extraordinary Man…"

Nathan looked up at Elizabeth standing in the doorway, and smiled, then continued on.

"And it's right that you keep him in your Heart, just as everyone who knew him does. It isn't a competition, Opal. It's just my turn to do my job. And I pray that I do it very well, just like Mountie Jack did his job. I think there's room enough in your Heart to love us both. And I think Mountie Jack would want that. You know, Opal, I was very proud of you. You were very brave! And that helped me to do my job. I think we make a very good Team!"

Opal sniffed as Nathan smiled and wiped her tears.

Elizabeth felt her own Heart overflow with love for this extraordinary man, who was everything to her.

And then she knew, there had never been a competition, just total acceptance of Jack, Little Jack, her past, and her present.

An understanding, respectful, pragmatic viewpoint that was more than she could have ever dreamed of or hoped for.

Total acceptance.

And because of this man, who understood and loved her completely, her blessings, and her Son's blessings, were boundless.

Life had never been fuller or richer…