Lucas looked around the saloon with a critical eye, making sure everything was in place for tonight's big event. After a candlelight church service, everyone would make their way to the saloon for a Christmas Eve potluck and dance. Last year's Christmas festival had been a hit, but this year everyone had decided to keep things a little simpler. Lucas had been happy with that. Last year he wanted to bring some of his family traditions to Hope Valley; this year he wanted to experience a traditional Hope Valley Christmas.

Rosemary and Fiona were in charge of decorating the saloon, and Lucas had to admit they had done a spectacular job. Christmas trees were placed throughout and beautifully decorated. The tables were lined with white tablecloths and wreaths graced the center of each table, a candle in the middle of every wreath. Garland hung gracefully on the walls. It looked like a Christmas wonderland.

"Well, what do you think?" Rosemary asked, suddenly appearing beside him, her stage voice on. "Isn't it marvelous?"

"Yes, it's very nice," Lucas said, pressing his lips together to hide a smile at Rosemary's frown.

"Nice? It's more than nice, Lucas!" she spouted. Fiona was standing next to her, also trying to hide a smile.

Lucas laughed, putting Rosemary out of her misery. "It's beautiful, Rosemary. You both did a fantastic job."

"Oh! Well, good," Rosemary said, temporarily at a loss for words. She looked at the clipboard in her hands. "Now let me see, there's still the Nativity to be put up in the church. Hickam!" she called, spotting him walking into the saloon. "Excuse me," she said to Lucas and Fiona, making a beeline for Mike.

"He's about to get roped in," Fiona said with a chuckle.

"And he won't even know what hit him," Lucas said, joining in her laughter.

Once their laughter subsided, Fiona looked up at him. "I hear you're going to be a part of the Christmas brunch tomorrow at the cafe."

Lucas nodded. "Yes. Jesse and Clara were kind enough to ask me to join them again this year. You're coming too?"

"I sure am," Fiona said. "Clara invited me. She said it's a pancake breakfast with good conversation and company."

"It'll be fun," Lucas said, though his mind went to last Christmas. When he and Henry were still on good terms.

"What's wrong?" Fiona asked.

Lucas sighed. "I was just thinking about Henry. We haven't spoken since he went to visit his friend in Union City. He hasn't been back in Hope Valley since the day after I bought him out. I wonder if he means to return."

Fiona put a hand on his arm. "You can't blame yourself for what happened, Lucas. Henry made some bad business decisions. That's not your fault."

"Maybe not," Lucas said. "But I feel like maybe I could have offered him another way out. Maybe proposed going into the business 50/50 instead of me having the majority share. Maybe things would be different now."

"You can't live in maybes," Fiona said, dropping her hand to her side. "Besides, I think we're slowly starting to figure this whole oil business out."

"We do make a good team," Lucas said. "Best decision I've made in a long time was hiring you on."

Fiona's cheeks reddened slightly. Lucas hid his smile. She was cute when she was flustered.

He blinked. Where had that thought come from?

Over the past month, he'd had a lot of time to think about what had happened between him and Elizabeth. The fact that her heart had been with Nathan for a long time had hurt at first, but he had slowly come to realize that his heart hadn't been broken. More than anything, his pride had been stung. He'd thought Elizabeth might return his feelings someday, but as he looked back over his attempts to woo her, he'd realized that she had always seen him first and foremost as a friend. Hadn't she told him that on numerous occasions? And he in his pride had thought to overcome that. When he'd realized Nathan had feelings for Elizabeth as well, he had redoubled his efforts to win her heart. Without realizing it, he had made it a competition. He never really thought Nathan had a chance.

He had been wrong.

Once he had processed everything, he knew that Elizabeth had made the best choice. He had been trying too hard with her, and as she had pointed out, things should come more naturally with the right person.

Now he felt something unfamiliar as he looked at Fiona. Her blush had deepened under his gaze, and he found himself wondering if Kevin was still infatuated with her. She was a sweet and feisty woman, the kind of woman any man would be lucky to have in his life.

He wasn't used to feeling uncertain around a woman, and he wasn't sure he liked the feeling. "Uh...I need to go check on something. I'll see you at church tonight?"

She nodded, looking confused at his sudden change in subject. Lucas quickly headed for the kitchen, trying to collect himself. He was used to being calm and unflappable. This uncertainty was new.

He wasn't sure what to do about it.

"Happy birthday, sweet boy!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she set Jack's birthday cake in front of him. "You're two years old today!"

The little crowd around the table cheered little Jack on as he looked at the candles flickering on the cake.

"Like this, Jack," Allie said, mimicking how to blow. Jack leaned forward and copied her, blowing out the two candles. He laughed with glee and clapped his hands as everyone else clapped with him.

"Good job, Jack!" Bill said, a wide smile on his face. "You're such a big boy!"

"Too big," Lee said, shaking his head. "This little guy is growing up so fast."

"It's like he was born, we blinked, and now he's two," Rosemary said, a fond smile on her face. "You're such a big boy, aren't you, Jack?" she cooed at him. Jack rewarded her with a grin.

Nathan sat next to Elizabeth, watching the proceedings with fascination. He hadn't said much since coming over, but Elizabeth knew he got quieter in groups, even groups of people he knew well. She leaned over to him as Rosemary cut the cake and started handing out slices. "What are you thinking?"

"I've never been to a child's birthday party before, besides Allie." He smiled. "It's amazing to see how loved Jack is by his family and friends. He's a lucky little boy."

"He certainly is loved," Elizabeth agreed. "And it makes my heart happy to know that." She laughed as Jack dove into his birthday cake with gusto.

Bill smiled. "He likes this chocolate cake a lot better than the vanilla one from last year."

Rosemary handed plates of cake to Elizabeth and Nathan. "Of course. Who doesn't like chocolate?"

"Exactly!" Allie chimed in. "Chocolate is the best!" She looked at Elizabeth. "Did you make this?"

"I did," Elizabeth said proudly. She grinned sheepishly. "With Mrs. Coulter's help."

"Oh nonsense!" Rosemary said, waving a hand as she sat with her own slice of cake. "I simply made the frosting. You did the cake itself."

"Well, it's delicious," Lee proclaimed. "And perfect for little Jack's birthday."

"This is the best cake I've ever had," Nathan told her softly, too softly for anyone else to hear. Elizabeth looked at him, momentarily getting lost in his eyes.

"Thank you," she said, feeling suddenly breathless.

Rosemary discreetly cleared her throat, making Elizabeth blink. "Yes?"

"I just asked if now was a good time for presents," Rosemary said, giving Elizabeth a knowing look.

"Yes, of course!" Elizabeth said. "Let me just get little Jack cleaned up. I think his face is wearing most of the frosting from his cake." She picked him up and carried him to the wash basin. She ran a cloth over his face, laughing as Jack tried to wiggle his way out of the clean up. "Oh no you don't, young man," she said, securing him in her arms. "We need to get you clean."

"No!" Jack protested, pushing his little arms against Elizabeth's chest. She persisted and finally got his face clean. "Okay, kiddo, are you ready to open your birthday presents?"

Jack perked up. "Pwesent?" he said, a light in his eyes. Elizabeth set him down, and he toddled over to Bill and Lee, who were holding wrapped boxes in their arms. Everyone gathered in the living room. Bill set his gift in front of Jack. "Here you go, Jack. Go ahead, open it up."

Jack tore into the wrapping paper. "Bwocks!" he exclaimed, hugging the tub of blocks that was revealed.

"That's perfect, Bill," Elizabeth said, smiling. "Thank you!"

"Anything for my favorite godson," Bill replied, watching Jack with delight. "I think he likes them."

"I think you're right," Lee said with a chuckle. "Now our turn. Here you go, Jack. From me and Auntie Rosie."

Jack unwrapped the package to reveal a child's tool set. His eyes lit up with delight. "Oh, Lee, Rosemary, those are wonderful!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "He's been into building lately. He'll have so much fun with the tools!"

"Our turn!" Allie said, pulling an oblong package from under the tree. "Here, Jack."

Jack grinned at Allie and opened the gift. It was a child-sized fishing pole. "Fis'!" Jack said. "Fis' wif A'wee!"

"That's right," Allie said, giving him a hug. "Now we can fish together!"

Elizabeth leaned forward, admiring the rod. "That's a beautiful fishing pole!"

"Uncle Nathan made it," Allie said in an offhand manner, showing Jack how to hold the pole.

Elizabeth and Rosemary's mouths dropped. Lee and Bill stared at Nathan.

"You made that?" Elizabeth asked, looking at Nathan with wide eyes.

Nathan's cheeks reddened slightly, and he looked uncomfortable with being the center of attention. "I make all our fishing poles," he said with a shrug. "It's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal?" Lee exclaimed, staring at the pole. "Nathan, that's excellent craftsmanship!"

"Ah...thanks," Nathan said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I hope Jack enjoys it."

"Oh, he will," Bill assured him. "Especially if you and Allie are helping him learn." He wore a look that Elizabeth recognized as sly.

"Bill, would you mind helping me with the dishes?" Elizabeth asked, standing and threading her arm through his.

"Now?" Bill asked.

"Yes, now. Come on," she said, pulling him along. When they were in the kitchen, Elizabeth looked back to make sure everyone's attention was on little Jack. She turned and raised a brow at Bill. "What was that look?"

"What look?" Bill asked, looking innocent. He started washing some dishes, handing them to Elizabeth to dry.

"The look that said much more than you were actually saying." Elizabeth decided to just cut to the chase. "How long have you wanted me and Nathan together?"

Bill chuckled. "Oh, for a while now. I knew he had it bad for you, and I might have encouraged him a time or two."

Elizabeth almost dropped the plate in her hands. "You what? When?"

"Well, the first time was when you were in Union City with Lucas. I happened upon Nathan venting his frustration by chopping enough wood to last two winters. The second time was after the windstorm. I could tell there was something up between the two of you, and I told Nathan that you were stronger than you look, and that your experiences have taught you to look before you leap." Bill stepped forward, placing his hands on Elizabeth's shoulders. "Nathan is a good man, Elizabeth. I'm happy to see the two of you together." He looked over at the circle of people in the living room and smiled. Nathan was on the floor with little Jack, showing him how to use the tools. "And I think Jack would have approved."

Elizabeth blinked back tears. Bill's words meant more to her than he could know. "Thank you, Bill," she whispered, giving him a hug. "I think you're right."

Nathan shook Pastor Zeke's hand after the Christmas Eve service. "That was a wonderful sermon, pastor," he said, arm linked through Elizabeth's.

"Thank you," Zeke said with a smile. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"It was a beautiful service," Elizabeth told him. "Will we see you at the potluck?"

"I wouldn't miss it."

"Wonderful. See you there." Elizabeth and Nathan walked down the steps and headed for the saloon. Allie was ten feet in front of them, leading little Jack by the hand.

Nathan smiled at Elizabeth. "You and your students did an amazing job decorating the church," he said. "It was beautiful."

Elizabeth chuckled. "It wasn't all us. Rosemary and Fiona helped a lot. But you're right, it was beautiful." She looked up as a gentle snow began to fall and sighed, leaning her head briefly against Nathan's arm. "I love Christmas."

"It is a wonderful time," Nathan agreed, watching the snow fall on the town. "And now we get to spend time together with all our friends and neighbors."

"You're looking forward to being in a crowd?" Elizabeth teased.

Nathan smiled down at her. "Not so much the crowd part, but seeing the people who have become so integral to my life, who have become like family; that I'm looking forward to. I can handle a crowd for that."

They walked into the saloon, and Nathan could hear Elizabeth's intake of breath. He understood why. The saloon had been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. "Wow," Nathan said, mouth slightly agape. "This is incredible."

"It is, isn't it?" Lucas said, materializing beside them. Nathan felt the familiar dislike rise instantly seeing Lucas, but he shoved it away. That wasn't fair to Lucas. He was a good man, and Nathan knew he needed to get over the instantaneous reaction he had when Lucas showed up unexpectedly. It wasn't his fault they had both been attracted to Elizabeth.

Lucas continued. "Rosemary and Fiona handled the decorating this year. I'd say they outdid themselves."

"They really did," Elizabeth agreed. "I've never seen the saloon look quite so stunning." She smiled. "Well, except for Jesse and Clara's wedding."

"Indeed," Lucas said. He spotted someone across the room and excused himself.

Elizabeth looked up at Nathan. "Your jaw is clenched," she said, sounding slightly amused. "Are you still struggling with Lucas?"

"A little bit," Nathan admitted, leading her to the table Allie had chosen. "I'm trying to get over it."

Elizabeth smiled. "He's a good man, Nathan. I think in time the two of you could be friends."

Nathan laughed outright at that. "I wouldn't count on it," he said.

Rosemary fluttered by, and Elizabeth nodded toward her. "Rosemary and I didn't like each other when we first met. Nor for a while afterwards."

"Really?" Nathan asked, surprised. "But you two are best friends."

"We are now," Elizabeth said. "But she first came to Hope Valley to win back her ex-fiance. Any guesses as to who that was?"

Nathan's mouth fell open. "Jack?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Let's just say things got a little hairy for a time. Jack was never interested in getting Rosemary back, but Rosemary was bound and determined to do everything in her power to win him over. They were childhood friends and had a lot of history together. Sad to say I wasn't very secure at the time, especially where Jack was concerned. It might have led to a few issues between us." She smiled gently at Nathan. "All that to say, even though you and Lucas have had a very rocky road, there's always hope that friendship can bloom."

"Maybe," Nathan said, feeling doubtful.

"Just think about it," Elizabeth said breezily.

"Think about what?" Allie asked, leaning forward.

"Think about...what to have for dinner," Nathan said cheerily, hoping to keep her attention away from their actual conversation. "Shall we go see what's on the tables?"

Allie nodded. Elizabeth picked up Jack, and the four of them got plates filled with Christmas foods of every kind. Lee, Rosemary, and Bill joined them at the table, and they had a good time eating and laughing and sharing stories.

Nathan sat back, listening to the conversation with joy in his heart. Christmases had never been like this for him. They had always been simple, and for most of Allie's life it had been just the two of them celebrating together. Now they had friends to celebrate with, people who cared about them and who Nathan cared about as well. He would be forever thankful that he had been posted in Hope Valley.

"Oh, there's Faith!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "I haven't talked to her since she came home for Christmas break. I'll be right back." She hurried over to her friend. Nathan watched as they hugged and then started talking animatedly.

"This town has more heart than any other place I've been to," Nathan said. The other adults at the table followed his gaze, watching Elizabeth and Faith.

"It sure does," Lee said. "Hope Valley gets under your skin and never lets go. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else."

"Neither would I," Nathan said.

"I'm so glad you didn't take that inspector position last year!" Allie said. "I know you gave up your dream job, but I think we're happier here."

"I think you're right," Nathan said with a smile. "I'd rather be a constable in Hope Valley than an inspector in Union City."

"We're glad you stayed, too," Bill said.

"And so is Elizabeth," Rosemary chimed in with a grin. "You have no idea how happy it makes us to see her opening her heart again."

Nathan looked down at his hands, unsure how to respond to Rosemary's compliment. So he simply smiled at her with a nod. Rosemary smiled back, knowing he couldn't quite find the words but understanding him anyways.

Music started playing. "Oh, Lee, that's our cue!" Rosemary said exuberantly. "Let's dance!"

"Whatever you say, sweetheart," Lee chuckled, leading her to the dance floor.

"Bill, do you mind keeping an eye on Jack for a bit?" Nathan asked, standing.

"Not at all," Bill said, placing Jack on his lap. "I always have time for my favorite godson."

"Isn't he your only godson?" Allie asked as Nathan made his way toward Elizabeth. He had to bite his lip to keep from laughing at the expression on Bill's face.

Nathan stopped beside Elizabeth, giving her a smile. "What happened to Faith?"

Elizabeth pointed to the dance floor. "Carson stole her away. Something about wanting to dance with his love." She sighed. "They're so sweet together!"

"They are," Nathan said, watching Carson hold Faith as if he never wanted to let go. Clearing his throat, Nathan turned to Elizabeth. "I don't believe we've ever danced together, Mrs. Thornton." He held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

A smile spread over her face. "You certainly may, Constable Grant."

They stepped onto the dance floor, and Nathan took Elizabeth in his arms. The music changed to a slow Christmas song, and Nathan held Elizabeth close to him as they moved to the music, one hand on her back and the other hand holding hers. As he looked into her eyes, a feeling struck him that he hadn't felt this strongly in a long time.

A feeling of home.