Christmas day dawned bright and clear. The snowfall from the night before gently blanketed the ground. Nathan smiled as Allie jumped up and down in excitement as she looked out the window.

"We get to fish in the snow! I love that!" she exclaimed, prancing away from the window and putting her arms around Nathan. "When do we leave?"

Nathan laughed. "Merry Christmas to you too," he said, chucking Allie gently under the chin. "After breakfast and after presents."

"And Mrs. Thornton and Jack are coming too, right?" Allie asked, looking up at Nathan with eager eyes.

"Yes, they're coming too."

"Yippee!" Allie squealed. She pulled on Nathan's arm, leading him to the kitchen. "Let's get a move on! Breakfast won't make itself."

After their traditional Christmas breakfast of eggs and pancakes, Allie sat on the settee, bouncing in her excitement. She had a wrapped gift in her hands, and she handed it to Nathan as soon as he sat next to her. "This is from me," she announced. "I think you're really going to like it."

Nathan shook the box gently. "Hmm, I wonder what it could be?" he mused, weighing the box in his hands.

"Uncle Nathaaaaan!"

He laughed and tore the paper from the box carefully before opening it. He lifted the gift out of the box. "Oh, Allie, these are beautiful!" he exclaimed, holding the two picture frames in his hands. "Did you make them?"

Allie nodded proudly. "Mrs. Thornton took us to Mr. Coulter's saw mill for a day, and we got to carve whatever we wanted. I thought a couple of picture frames would be perfect. I glued the leaves and flowers on myself too. We dried them at the beginning of the school year to use for decorating art projects."

Nathan shook his head, admiring Allie's work. "You did an incredible job." He grinned. "And I have just the picture to put inside."

Allie's eyes lit up. "The one of you and me when I was a baby?"

"Exactly," Nathan said. "It'll be perfect. Then I just have to find another picture for the second frame."

Grinning like a cheshire cat, Allie produced an envelope from behind her back. "That's your second present," she said slyly, handing it to him.

Nathan raised his brows. "What's that face?" he asked, suddenly wary. Allie just continued to grin at him and watched as he opened the envelope. He pulled out the picture inside, and immediately saw why Allie was smiling. He couldn't stop a smile himself. "Where did you get this?" he asked, holding up the picture Carson had taken of him and Elizabeth at Jesse and Clara's wedding.

"I asked Dr. Shepherd if he had a copy, and he did. He was happy to give it to me," Allie said. "Now you have a picture for the other frame."

Nathan smiled, looking at the photo. Their first picture together. He wrapped his arms around Allie. "Thank you, sweetheart. This is perfect."

"I thought it would be," Allie said breezily, her face knowing.

Nathan set the frames and the picture on the table in front of them, then reached under the tree for Allie's gifts. "Here you go," he said, handing her the small one first.

She tore into it. "Is this a charm?" she asked before getting the box open.

Nathan laughed. "You'll have to wait and see."

Allie got the little box open and held up the charm. "Yep!" she said with a laugh, looking at it carefully. "A star! Thank you, Uncle Nathan!" She threw her arms around him, squeezing his neck. "Is this because we started stargazing recently?"

"Sure is," Nathan said with a chuckle. "Your interest in stars is starting to rival your interest in fishing."

"Oh, nothing will ever surpass my interest in fishing," Allie informed him seriously. "But stars are beautiful, and it's fun looking for constellations. Maybe we can do that tonight after Christmas dinner at Mrs. Thornton's!"

"Absolutely," Nathan said. "I would love that."

"And do you think Mrs. Thornton and Jack would like to stargaze with us?" Allie's eyes were hopeful.

"We can ask," Nathan said. "It'll depend on how cold it is tonight. Little Jack is small and can get cold very easily."

"Oh, that won't be a problem," Allie said with a wave of her hand. "I can hold him wrapped in a warm blanket." Her eyes landed on the present sitting next to Nathan. "So, what's that one?"

Nathan handed it to her and Allie opened it quickly. She gasped in delight as she pulled a book from the box. "A book on Queen Victoria and Prince Albert! Thank you, Uncle Nathan!" she said in delight, hugging him again. "I love their story!"

"I know. You've been talking about it since you did that report," Nathan teased, hugging her back.

Allie pulled back, eyes sparkling. "Is it time to go fishing yet?" She looked at the clock. "It's already almost 11:00! I let you sleep in today!"

Nathan raised his eyebrow. "I seem to remember being awake before you, Miss Allie. I think I'm the one who let you sleep in."

Allie grinned. "Another Christmas present." She tilted her head. "So, can we go now?"

"I told Mrs. Thornton we'd pick them up at 11:30," Nathan said with a nod. "We can get everything ready to go, and by the time we're done we should be right on time to pick up Mrs. Thornton and Jack."

Soon they were packed and on their way to Elizabeth's house. Nathan knocked on the door, and within seconds Elizabeth pulled it open. Her face lit up in a radiant smile when she saw him. "Merry Christmas, Nathan." Her eyes traveled to Allie. "Merry Christmas, Allie!"

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Thornton!" Allie said with a grin, eyes sparkling. She walked into the house, immediately finding little Jack. She took his hand and led him to the door, helping him into his winter coat.

"Merry Christmas, Elizabeth," Nathan said softly, giving her a hug. Elizabeth leaned her head against his chest, and they just stood there for a moment.

"Uh, are we going or what?" Allie's voice broke them apart.

Nathan cleared his throat. "Yeah, we're going." He helped Elizabeth into her coat, and the four of them started walking to the path that led to the pond. Jack was carrying his new fishing pole, proudly holding it up.

Elizabeth leaned close to Nathan. "He loves that pole," she said, softly enough that the children couldn't hear. "He wanted to sleep with it last night."

Nathan chuckled. "I'm glad he likes it. Allie is excited to show him how to fish today." He reached down and took Elizabeth's hand in his, threading his fingers through hers.

Elizabeth smiled at him, squeezing his hand. "Jack was talking all morning about getting to fish with Allie. He's taken quite a shine to her."

"The feeling is mutual," Nathan said, watching as his niece lifted Jack over a fallen log. "She has always been good with younger children."

"You should see how she guards and protects Opal," Elizabeth said. "They're only a couple years apart, but Opal is so small that Allie feels very protective of her. It's sweet."

"The protective instincts are strong in our family," Nathan admitted wryly. "I've always been that way, as has Allie. She used to take in injured animals when she was only four or five years old. She would come walking into the house holding a bird with a broken wing or a dying rabbit and demand that I do something."

Elizabeth smiled. "That's sweet." She gazed up at him. "You've been so good for her, Nathan. She's lucky she had you and didn't end up in an orphanage."

He shuddered at her words. "I thank God every day I was able to keep her with me."

They arrived at the pond. Allie was already baiting Jack's hook for him, and then she proceeded to show him how to cast the line. Nathan and Elizabeth stood together for a moment watching the children. Nathan smiled and turned to Elizabeth. "Do you want to learn how to fish?"

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose, making Nathan laugh. "Not really," she said, little worry lines creasing her forehead. "I've never really been interested in fishing. Does that disappoint you?"

"Not at all," Nathan said truthfully. "In fact, I appreciate your honesty." He looked at Allie and Jack, and then the line in his own hand. "But won't you be bored just watching the rest of us?"

Elizabeth grinned and held up her basket. "I brought a book. And I also want to gather some pine boughs while we're out here. Allie had mentioned a couple days ago that she wanted to make some wreaths, and I thought that could be a fun activity for all of us to do together this evening after dinner."

Nathan smiled, amazed at her thoughtfulness. "That would be wonderful, Elizabeth."

She nodded. "I'll start looking for those. I'll try to stay in sight in case Jack needs me."

Nathan waved a hand. "He'll be fine, Elizabeth. Allie and I will make sure he's happy. You go find what you need, and we'll see you when you get back."

Jack looked back when he heard his name. "Fis', Mama!" he said, a wide grin on his face. "Me get fis'!"

"Yes you will," Elizabeth cooed at him. "Can you stay here with Allie and Nathan while I go find some branches?"

"Yes," Jack said with a serious nod, turning his attention back to the pond.

Elizabeth laughed. "Well, I guess that's that!" She smiled at Nathan. "I'll be back soon."

Nathan sat next to Allie and Jack on the blanket Allie had spread over the cold ground. "Take your time, Elizabeth. We have lots of fishing to do." He winked. "Maybe we'll even have enough for dinner tonight."

"Dinner was delicious," Nathan said as he finished washing the dishes from their Christmas meal. The four of them had enjoyed their dinner together, and now it was time to make the wreaths. Elizabeth was lining the materials up on the table.

"Thank you, Nathan," she said, smiling at him. "And thank you for cleaning up."

"It's the least I could do," he said, drying his hands on a towel. "After all, you cooked."

"You're a good cook, Mrs. Thornton. Much better than Uncle Nathan," Allie said matter-of-factly, taking a seat and eyeing the pine boughs. "Now, what are we supposed to do with these?"

Elizabeth sat next to her. Nathan sat across from them, and Jack toddled over, reaching up his arms to Nathan. Nathan picked him up and set him on his lap, bouncing him up and down lightly. Elizabeth showed Allie how to weave the pine boughs together to form a wreath, and then they set about decorating them with berries and tinsel and bows. Nathan helped Jack with his wreath as Elizabeth helped Allie.

Glancing up, Elizabeth watched Nathan with her son. Their heads were bent together, and both wore a look of concentration as they placed the decorations in the wreaths. Jack looked up at Nathan, toddler admiration in his eyes. Nathan grinned at him and placed a kiss on Jack's head.

Elizabeth caught her breath. In that moment, she could easily see them as a family. Little Jack could know the love of a father, a man who could show him the things his real father would have. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Nathan would love Jack like his own, just like he loved Allie as if she was his own daughter.

"Done!" Allie proclaimed, unknowingly breaking the spell Elizabeth had been under. She blinked, turning her attention to the wreath. "Wow, Allie!" she said. "It's beautiful!"

"That is excellent work, Allie," Nathan said, smiling at his niece. He held up his wreath. "I think Jack and I are done too."

"That's...not as beautiful," Allie laughed. "But I can see how hard you worked on it."

Elizabeth stifled a laugh as Nathan surveyed the wreath with a raised brow. "I think it looks just fine. What do you think, Jack?"

"Pwetty!" Jack exclaimed with a sweet smile.

Allie set the wreath on the table, then looked at Nathan. "Can we stargaze now?" she asked, hands clasped under her chin in supplication.

"Stargaze?" Elizabeth asked, looking between them.

"Allie is on a stars kick," Nathan explained, smiling at Allie. "She was wondering if we would all be interested in stargazing together tonight."

Elizabeth placed a hand on Allie's shoulder. "Do you know, looking at the stars is one of my favorite things to do? Especially in winter?"

"Really?" Allie asked, eyes wide. "That's great! So does that mean we can do it now?"

"I don't see why not," Elizabeth said. "Let's get our coats on, and we can sit on the porch steps."

Elizabeth bundled little Jack in a blanket and joined Nathan and Allie on the steps. Allie asked to hold Jack, who was getting sleepier by the moment, and Elizabeth relinquished him to her. Nathan wrapped an arm around Elizabeth lightly, and the four of them sat silently looking up at the clear night sky.

Elizabeth lost track of time as they sat in the peaceful tranquility of Christmas night. Her breath formed in soft white puffs in the air, disappearing as quickly as they appeared. She felt safe and warm next to Nathan, with Allie leaning against her legs.

After a while, Allie glanced back at Elizabeth. "Mrs. Thornton, Jack's asleep. Can I go put him in his crib?"

"Of course," Elizabeth said as they all got to their feet. "Are you sure you are okay with that? I can go put him to bed."

Allie shook her head, a grin working its way across her face. "That's okay, I'm happy to help. Besides, I think you and Uncle Nathan have something to...talk...about."

Elizabeth's brow wrinkled. Nathan looked as confused as she did. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, nothing much," Allie said nonchalantly. "But Mrs. Coulter did help me with something today."

"Allie, you're not making any sense," Nathan said, sounding bewildered. "What are you talking about?"

"That," Allie said, pointing above their heads with a smirk before turning and heading for Jack's room. Nathan and Elizabeth looked up at the same time.

Mistletoe.

And they were standing right under it.

Nathan laughed. "Allie is becoming a little matchmaker."

"And she's learning from the queen," Elizabeth said wryly. "Rosemary is Hope Valley's self-appointed romance guru."

Nathan stepped closer to her, his eyes moving from her eyes to her lips and back again. "Mistletoe is a Christmas tradition," he said quietly, a twinkle in his eyes.

Elizabeth took a step forward as well, her eyes locked on his. "And we were interrupted the last time," she murmured, suddenly feeling breathless.

Nathan wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "That is true," he agreed, a smile breaking free. "I think we're safe from interruption this time." A serious look crossed his face. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

She nodded, her heart in her eyes. "Yes, Nathan, I'm ready."

He smiled at her tenderly, then lowered his head, bringing his mouth to hers. At the touch of his lips, Elizabeth's eyes closed, her senses swimming. Nathan's kiss was gentle and passionate all at once, awakening feelings in her that she had forgotten existed. She was focused solely on him and on the feelings coursing through her. As their kiss lengthened on, she couldn't remember ever feeling so safe, so cherished, so loved.

Nathan pulled away gently, leaning his forehead against hers. "I love you, Elizabeth," he whispered. "I have for a long time."

Her heart soared, a smile working its way to her lips. "And I love you, Nathan." She framed his face with her hands. "I bless the day you walked into my life."

Nathan kissed her again, deeply. When he finally pulled away, he pressed her to his heart. "Merry Christmas, my sweet Elizabeth."

Elizabeth smiled against his coat, her arms wrapped around his back. "Merry Christmas, Nathan."

A discreet cough brought their attention to the front door. Allie stood there, grinning. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she said, knowing full well what had just happened between her teacher and her uncle.

Elizabeth blushed, but Nathan smiled. "Precocious as always, Allie," he said with a wink. He reluctantly let go of Elizabeth, his arms falling to his side. "We should probably get going."

Elizabeth nodded, words failing her. Allie wrapped her arms around Elizabeth, hugging her tightly. "Thank you for the best Christmas ever, Mrs. Thornton," she said, her eyes dancing.

"You're welcome, Allie. I'm glad it was a good one." Allie waved and started skipping home.

Nathan reached out and took Elizabeth's hand. "I'll see you tomorrow?" he asked softly, bringing her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. The look in his eyes melted Elizabeth's heart.

"Yes," she said. "See you tomorrow."

He smiled and nodded, then walked down the steps and followed after Allie. Elizabeth watched until he disappeared from sight, then stepped inside and sighed happily.

Allie was right. This was the best Christmas ever.