A/N: It's Christmas Eve already?! Time sure does fly! Well, Merry Christmas Eve! Tune in tomorrow (Christmas Day!) for my last chapter! It will not be a "chapter" about Hope Valley per se...just tune in and read it to find out for yourself! Also, don't miss Hallmark Channel's When Calls the Heart "The Greatest Christmas Blessing"! It airs on Hallmark Channel at 9/8c! Do NOT miss it! Also, I'd love to know if you guys spot me and pm me how you liked the movie! For now, ENJOY this chapter! (One of my favorites).

(Chapter Fifty-Three)

Shepherd's Pie

Carson picked Faith up promptly at 5 o'clock. He was half an hour early and he knew it.

"I just couldn't wait a minute longer," he used as his excuse. Carson hoped to discuss something very important that night. Faith had left Carson waiting downstairs while she ran up to change. She came down a few moments later, but to Carson it felt like an eternity.

"Wow – " he exclaimed, standing to his feet when he saw he slowly descending the stairs.

She walked across the room while smiling at him. One of her sweet, beautiful smiles. She slowly walked up to him, and he reached his arms out to her.

"You look – beautiful."

She beamed up at him. "You don't look so bad yourself," she teased.

There was a moment of silence as the two locked eyes. Carson withdrew his hands and helped Faith with her warm, winter jacket. He then offered his arm to her and she took it without hesitation.

When they arrived at the café, Carson held the door for Faith. As they entered, the warm spilled out into the cold night.

"Brrr . . ." Carson shivered, and Faith chuckled softly. He let out a slight laugh as he eyed the beautiful woman beside him.

"Well, hello," he heard a warm and friendly voice greet them.

"Hello, Abigail," Carson broke his gaze from Faith, turning his attention to Abigail.

"It's so nice to see you two again. Please, sit. I'll be right back to take your orders."

"Thank you, Abigail," Carson replied as he held a chair out for Faith.

"Thank you, Carson," she said, smiling up at him as she seated herself on the offered chair.

"You're welcome," he more mouthed the words than verbalized them. He pushed her chair in and then took a seat opposite her.

Abigail was soon back, as promised.

"What can I get for you two?" she asked with a twinkle in her eye, carefully eyeing Faith's beautiful blue dress. And Carson looked so handsome in his dark suit.

This must be a very special night, she thought to herself.

Carson sent a silent message to Faith, telling her to order first.

"Hmmm . . . Let me see. Could I get the Shepherd's Pie, please?" she requested, thinking of the name. Shepherd's Pie. Carson Shepherd. She remembered her first time making the delicious meal. She and Elizabeth had since become very close friends. She hoped that maybe she and Carson could become close as well. After all, we do work together! But maybe I could invite him over to make Shepherd's Pie sometime.

"Of course. And you?" the woman asked, looking Carson's way.

"You know what? That sounds really good. Would you please make that two?"

"For sure. Two Shepherd's Pies coming up. I'll be back shortly. Enjoy your evening," she said with another twinkle in her eye.

"Thank you, Abigail," Carson replied in his manly voice.

They chatted freely while waiting for the food to arrive. Abigail returned shortly with two plates of Shepherd's Pie.

"Here you go," she announced, carefully placing the dishes on the table before them.

"Thank you," Carson replied with a smile, and Faith joined in with a smile of her own.

After the meal was over, Carson led Faith out into the cold night once again. He still hadn't discussed what he had intended to. He figured that walking her home would pose the perfect opportunity.

"Here – I, ah – I got you a little something," Carson announced shyly, handing a tiny box to Faith.

"What's this?" she asked, surprised. She suddenly realized that she had not gotten him a gift.

"Just open it," he said simply.

She glanced up at him and back at the box. She slowly popped off the lid and caught sight of the most beautiful necklace she had ever laid her eyes on.

"Carson!" she screamed, looking deeply into his blue eyes. "It's beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it."

"It's the best Christmas gift I have ever received."

"Well, it's not just a Christmas gift."

'It's not?" she asked, shocked to think of another reason for this special gift.

"No. I – Faith, I – " he faltered.

She turned her attention to him completely. "Yes?" she whispered softly, her breath appearing as a white puff in the cold air.

"I – I have something very important to ask you."

She held her breath.

"I – I love you, very much, Faith. What would you think of the idea of officially courting?"

She let out her breath out in a little squeal. "Oh, Carson!" she threw herself into his arms. "I would love that."

He kissed her gently. "Good," he sighed softly. "May I?" he whispered.

"Of course," she replied, lifting her out hair out of the way for him to slip the necklace on easily.

There they stood in the cold night, but neither one cared. All they cared about was each other and the love they shared. Faith's necklace sparkled in the moonlight and a snowflake landed on her nose. Carson realized he needed to release his grasp on Faith.

"I love you, Carson," she briefly parted their lips.

"I'm glad," he teased her carefully and quickly kissed her nose as they resumed walking. He gently pulled her gloved hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly.

"I love you, Faith," he whispered, tucking her hand into his once again. She clung onto his arm. He was actually hers now. What a thought!

Love was wonderful, and she knew that they shared a lasting love. They may face some hard times; but with God's help, they could face any obstacle. Faith knew that Carson truly loved her, and that she truly loved Carson. Their love could endure anything.