Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 4, Page 41

Christmas Eve was a cold but sunny day. The sun was waking Ned and Flo who were sleeping in late. It had been a very busy month and they were exhausted. Flo was happy that they were going to have a quiet day. All they had planned was the Christmas Eve service, but the rest of the day they could finally relax.

Molly and Bill had plans to enjoy a dinner at Elizabeth's with Sam after church. Being little Jack's Godfather, Bill was looking forward to enjoying some time with Jack. It was hard to believe that he was already a toddler and Bill was glad that Sam was now in his life. Both Molly and Bill were also hopeful that Elizabeth and Sam would have a long future together.

Clare and Jesse were sleepy, but so thrilled to have their little Michael safe, sound, and healthy. Faith had stayed to help Clare learn to breastfeed and although Clare found it difficult to accept the tight grip Michael had, she was happy that she could give him the best nutrition he needed. Jesse soon learned to change his diaper and although he knew he had to, it was his only detested part of being a daddy. Both of them were grateful that Abigail had left the rocking chair when she left, as even though Jesse couldn't sing lullabies, he could take turns rocking Michael so Clara could catch a brief wink of sleep. They were both so tired that they slept right through breakfast, until they heard a knock on their door.

Jesse threw on his robe and went downstairs to find Faith anxiously waiting to come in from the cold. "Sorry, if I woke you. I just want to check on Clara and the baby."

"Come in, I just rocked Michael to sleep so Clara could catch a nap." Jesse said. "I think though that Clara is awake now. Please, go on up."

Faith peeked in and found a sleepy, barely awake Clara slowly sitting up in bed. "Good morning Mama!" Faith quietly greeted her. "How are you feeling?"

"Sore, but blissfully happy." Clara yawned. "Jesse has been a real trooper."

"Good. That's a big help. After I check you and see how you're healing, you should eat some breakfast. I want you to keep drinking fluids to help produce the milk for your little one." Faith confided. Faith looked at Jesse and suggested he make breakfast for two and make sure Clara has no coffee.

"What? Why?" he looked puzzled.

"We don't want Michael to have any caffeine right now. It can be irritating to him and you'll know when he can't sleep!"

"Well, we're not going to give him a cup," Jesse laughed.

"Jesse honey, whatever I eat or drink, I pass along to our son when I nurse him." Clara smiled with a little smirk.

"Sounds like you two got this. Now, stay in bed, put the ointment on and sleep when you can Clara. I'll bring over some dinner later for you both." Faith winked as she left.

Rosemary was having a great time showing Paul how to make french toast. As Paul was standing on the chair with Rosemary's apron on, he was mixing up the eggs and Lee couldn't help but laugh at the sight of those two. "I see you have a new chef!"

Paul was giggling and Rosemary was too. As the french toast was cooking, Rosemary helped Paul down and Lee put his chair back. Lee poured the milk and coffee. Soon they were eating Paul's delicious breakfast. "This is the best french toast I've ever had!" Lee complimented Paul.

"Thanks, it was easy." Paul grinned.

"I guess you would like to play with those Lincoln logs today?" Lee asked.

"Yes, Mr. Lee, but do we have cookies to leave for Santa tonight?" Paul worried.

"Oh, I'm sure Mrs. Rosemary has some all ready." Lee nodded. "Let's build Santa's workshop now, what do ya say?"

Over at the Canfields, Minnie was making sure that her family's clothes were washed and ironed for the Christmas eve service tonight. Pastor Joseph was going over his sermon, and both Angela and Cooper were practicing their music.

Dottie was getting a quick hair updo style by Fiona. As the ladies were talking Fiona was very interested in Dottie's plans to open the upstairs of her apparel shop for men and children's clothing. "That's exactly what is needed. I'm so glad Henry agreed."

"Me too, he wasn't too happy to clean it out, but now it's ready to remodel. So, after Christmas, that's exactly what I'll be doing before Dee and Nathan's wedding." Dottie informed the mayor.

"Well now, let me know and I'll come over and help. I want to encourage any woman in this town to be a proprietor!" Fiona grinned.

"Fiona, I will! You did a lovely up do for me. If you don't have plans already, how about you joining Bill, Molly, and Henry as a guest for Christmas dinner tomorrow?" Dottie smiled.

"Oh, that is so nice! Thank you!" Fiona smiled. "Can I bring something?"

"Just yourself. See you at church tonight" Dottie grinned.

Emily was getting together a small but delicious meal. Nathan, Archie, Allie and Dee were busy wrapping gifts and packing up for the morning when they would be heading to Brookfield for their Christmas get together at Dorothy's home. Emily was hoping that Dee's mother picked up the special item from the farmhouse she wanted her to bring tomorrow for Allie's gift. Nathan was smiling thinking about what Dee would think of his present for her and just couldn't resist giving her a kiss.

"What was that for?" Dee asked, "but I'm definitely not complaining!"

"I don't know what over took me, probably just your fabulous looks" Nathan looked at her with love as he brushed a loose wisp of hair off her face and smiled.

Now it was time to go to Church. The bells were ringing and people were on their way. It was a Holy Night, a Silent Night, where all was calm and all was bright.