What Child Is This?: A Grant Family First Christmas
A/N: Hi Friends! This story is gifted to Lauralyn ElizabethB88 for a #holidayficexchange among several authors on the Sunday Night Serge Facebook group. Lynn nebula2 set this up for us & Lauralyn chose the Christmas carol What Child Is This? + iced Christmas cookies + a manger + Christmas tree to be worked into the story. Hope you have fun looking for those!
Chapter 1: A Warm Welcome
The snow crunched softly under Nathan's boots as he walked back from the barn after another successful day upholding the law in the sleepy little town of Hope Valley. The skies grew dark early this time of year. He used to find that rather depressing to return home in the dark. But much had changed in the last year, evidenced by the glow from the windows and the sounds of laughter and music escaping through the heavy wooden door.
He paused for just a moment at the top step to peer through the frosted window perfectly framing the family that he loved most. Elizabeth stood at the stove stirring a bubbling pot. She was smiling over at Allie who sat at the table with a furrowed brow finishing up her schoolwork. The ease with which they were conversing further reflected the restored relationship that they now enjoyed.
Jack had apparently abandoned his blocks that were now scattered about on the floor. He was tugging at his mother's skirt with his nose high in the air trying desperately to get another whiff—and hopefully even an early taste of dinner.
Nathan smiled to himself as warmth filled his heart even as a light breeze chilled his nose. Home. It had taken the winding path of a few years to get here, but their home was now filled with mercy and forgiveness as grieving hearts melded together in love that cast out all fear.
Stomping as much snow off of his boots as he could before entering the door, his family—alerted by the noise—ran to the other side awaiting his return. He opened the door to his three favorite faces in the valley—or anywhere, really.
"Dad!" Allie exclaimed as she threw her arms around his serge-covered neck. She held him so tightly whether he had been gone for a few hours or for a few weeks. Today, it had only been a few hours, but he would never tire of her daughterly hugs.
Never one to waste a moment, Nathan relished her embrace and hugged her back. He lifted her slightly to make up for his height difference—much to her delight.
Two little arms slammed into his legs as, "Dadd-ee" wrung out in the crisp air snaking it's way through the still partially open door. Placing Allie back on her feet, she ducked behind him and shut out the offending cold before turning and smiling at her younger brother's enthusiasm.
"Hi Buddy!" Nathan returned as he scooped Jack up high and pressed his cold nose to Jack's neck under his ears. Jack squealed with laughter at his father's antics. His toddler arms pressed back against Nathan helplessly as Jack giggled again and again with his feet flailing under Nathan's embrace.
Elizabeth smiled warmly at the sight before her. Nathan was a wonderful father to both Jack and Allie. A swift kick to her ribs reminded her that he was a wonderful father to at least one more little Grant as well. She rubbed the spot on her belly gingerly. This baby already seemed to love their Daddy as a flurry of kicks landed every time Elizabeth found herself within arms length of Nathan. His rich tenor brought what felt like somersaults every time.
Glancing over Jack's shoulder, Nathan admired his beautiful bride already carrying their third child. Much like the baby's older brother, Jack, this little one seemed to be another honeymoon baby. Having married in the spring, this baby was due to make their appearance by the end of February, but already Nathan found that he couldn't wait.
Nathan gently set Jack down and enveloped his wife and child in a tender hug. With one hand around Elizabeth's shoulder and one hand on her protruding belly, Nathan placed a kiss on his wife's lips pulling her as close as their child allowed. Nathan was rewarded with a swift kick to his lower abdomen which evoked a laugh from both Nathan and Elizabeth.
"Well hello to you too little one! Daddy loves you." He framed both hands around Elizabeth's midsection and placed several kisses on her stomach guessing where the baby would strike next. He was hopelessly in love already.
Bubbling on the stove brought the adults and Allie back to attention. "Oh Nathan the stew!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
His long strides made quick work across the kitchen. He lifted the lid and stirred down the rising stew stealing a quick taste and only mildly burning his mouth. "Mmmmm the chicken stew is perfect Lizbeth thank you!"
"Well…it's shaping up to be a cold night and I was afraid that the snow would leave you wet on rounds. I thought I'd warm you up on the inside." A light blush filled her cheeks as she looked deeply into her Mountie's eyes.
His eyes crinkled in a smile. "Thank you. That was very thoughtful. I'm warming up already." He reached out again to her to pull her in for another embrace when Allie breezed between them.
"Alright you two…you love each other. We get it…now let's not burn the stew." She rolled her eyes, but inwardly her heart swelled—thankful that her many prayers for a mother and a bigger family were already being answered several times over.
Allie reached into the oven and pulled out the loaf of sourdough slicing it into pieces. Elizabeth grabbed four bowls from the cupboard as Jack grabbed the spoons to set the table.
It hadn't taken long for the Grants to fall into a comfortable routine together. An outside observer could easily assume that this family had been together for years as opposed to merely seven months. Instead, the adjustment after their wedding had happened rather seamlessly as if destiny had finally prevailed and everything was as it should be.
Supper was eaten together as each person shared about the highs and lows of their day. It was a simple daily exercise, but it kept them all in tune with each other filling in the gaps from the time they spent apart.
With full stomachs, the Grant family cleaned up supper. Elizabeth cleared the table with Jack before Nathan redirected her to the settee in front of the fireplace.
"You've been carrying precious cargo all day Mrs. Grant. It's time for you to put your feet up while the kids and I handle the dishes." Nathan playfully pointed a finger for her to remain on the couch when she opened her mouth to protest. Seemingly satisfied, she sat back with a smile.
It was nice to be fussed over by a doting husband. Tragically, she had missed out on that with Jack's pregnancy. This time, she found Nathan's protective nature amusing if not at times a bit overbearing.
The vision before her of Nathan teaching Jack how to gently dry the silverware was precious. It would have been faster for he and Allie to crank out the dishes just the two of them, but true to Nathan's nature he wasn't interested in the fastest route if the longer route proved better relationally.
He had showed that time and again as he gave her time to grieve a few years ago. He had settled in comfortably as the friend that she could count on and needed. Instead of pressuring her for a date—like another man in town looking for a quick gamble—Nathan had trusted that she would come around when her heart was healed and ready.
Little footsteps broke through her thoughts. "I did it Mama! I hepped." Jack was glowing with excitement triumphantly holding his dish towel high over his head.
"You helped? Thank you my sweet boy. What a gentleman you are." She gingerly held his cheek as his little chest puffed out.
"Like Daddy and Papa. Right, Mama?" Jack ventured softly in a reverent whisper.
"Yes Jack. You make them so proud." Elizabeth's face softened further at her little boy who was growing up already to be a responsible young boy. "I love you Jack. Thank you for your help." Her eyes misted with unshed tears.
"Wuv you too." He kissed his mother and gingerly touched her belly. "Wuv you too bay-bee!" Jack scampered off returning to the floor to reclaim his blocks as his mother wiped the tears running down her cheeks.
Nathan approached the settee—drying his hands in a dishcloth with a sympathetic smile. The sleeves of his henley were rolled up exposing his muscular forearms. He sat down gently at the end of the settee taking Elizabeth's slightly swollen feet in his strong hands.
Rubbing the soles of her feet elicited a sigh from Elizabeth and consequently washed a lop-sided grin across Nathan's face. Almost a year after marrying, and she still melted at his touch. It was a trait he hoped they would never lose nor forget to appreciate.
Allie approached and sat in the armchair across from her parents. She cleared her throat loudly announcing her presence. "Mom? Dad? Can we discuss finding our Christmas tree tomorrow?"
Elizabeth opened her eyes and nodded at Nathan as a silent conversation happened between them. "Sure Allie. What are you wanting to do, Sweetheart?"
Allie smiled back at her mother soaking up the endearment. "Well…I wanted to go with Jack ahead a little bit into the forest so we can scout out the best trees. We're…um…a bit faster at the moment…and I was hoping you would let me take Jack with me…if you trust me. We'll stay within eyesight. I promise!"
Amused by her ability to tactfully avoid commenting on her smaller pregnancy stride, Elizabeth stifled a chuckle behind her hand and deferred to her husband for his thoughts. Smirking at his wife's struggle to maintain a serious parenting face, Nathan smiled at Allie and agreed to her proposal.
"Yesssss!" Allie pumped a fist in the air with Jack echoing the same from across the room. If Allie was happy, so was he…regardless of the fact that he had no idea what they were even grateful for.
Nathan excused himself and took the stairs two at a time up to the master bedroom returning with a wooden crate filled with more than a dozen newspaper wrapped smaller parcels. Upon his return, Allie smiled knowingly approaching the crate as Elizabeth and Jack peered in curiously.
"What's dis?" Jack asked cautiously poking one of the smaller parcels.
"Open it and see." Nathan encouraged passing out several to the family while winking at Allie.
Jack carefully unwrapped the paper to reveal a small wooden lamb. "Sheepie!"
Elizabeth unwrapped a camel and two of the wisemen. Allie had Joseph and Mary. Nathan unwrapped a beautifully carved stable and empty manger.
"Nathan, did you make this?" Elizabeth asked in wonder admiring the detailed handiwork.
A blush filled Nathan's face as he nodded. "Do you like it?"
"Oh, Nathan it's beautiful." Elizabeth breathed in awe.
"I started carving the set when Allie was little. I just finished it this summer. I wanted us to have a full nativity set for our first Christmas together officially as the Grant family. Allie has been helping me lightly paint the wood to finish it."
"Dad did the hard work. I just wanted a little color on there too." Allie smiled pleased at her mother's approval of her handiwork.
"Every night in December Allie and I would take a piece of the nativity set and tell the story of Jesus' birth. At first, it was the best way to keep her attention, but over time it became our special tradition. Would you and Jack mind if we continued it as a bigger family?" Nathan glanced at Elizabeth pleased to see her nodding.
Jack's hands were reaching out for a shepherd to add to his small unwrapped collection of carved sheep, cows, camels, and a donkey.
Reminded of earlier Christmases with Allie, Nathan grabbed his Bible and the carved stable setting them on the table before him.
"Right now we are in the season of Advent which means coming. It's the time when we wait for the Savior to come celebrating his birth on Christmas. God's people had been waiting for a very long time for the Savior. So tonight we remember their waiting as we set up the empty stable waiting for the Savior. Do you know who the Savior was that was born in a stable, Jack?"
Although Jack appeared to be deep in play with his menagerie of animals, he didn't miss a beat and looked up at his father. "Jesus!"
"That's right Jack. Jesus was born almost 2,000 years ago and he would grow up to save God's people. Just like the people of Israel, wait even today for Jesus to return again. Let's pray."
"Lord, thank you for coming to Earth as a little baby to save us from our sins. Help us to learn about you this Christmas season and to wait for you to return.
Amen"
A chorus of Amens rung out around the table.
"Allie and Jack? Why don't you two get into your pajamas and brush your teeth and then maybe we can talk Daddy into playing guitar and singing a few Christmas carols before bed." Elizabeth smirked playfully at Nathan whom she coyly volunteered to entertain them.
Nathan laughed at her antics and nodded following the children up the stairs to get Jack ready for bed and to grab his guitar.
Returning dressed in his own pajamas, Nathan tuned his guitar in the firelight as Allie and Jack snuggled in closer to Elizabeth on the settee. Strumming the opening chords, Nathan and Elizabeth harmonized the opening lines of O' Little Town of Bethlehem.
O' Little Town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in the dark streets shineth
The everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
The firelight danced in flickers lighting the nativity's carved figures on the table making the carol come to life.
Perhaps it was the magic of a fire, maybe it was the warmth of his mother's touch, or the soothing tenor of his father's song, but at last Jack slumped forward as sleep overtook him and his eyelids gave up their fight. Allie seemed to be close behind her brother so Nathan stood and cradled the boy in his arms as he carried him upstairs.
Elizabeth took Allie's hand and helped her to her feet. With an arm around her back, Elizabeth supported the girl as she trudged her way up the stairs to her bedroom. Quickly braiding the teen's hair, she helped arrange Allie's covers as she too slipped off to dreamland. Elizabeth kissed her forehead and stroked her cheek. "I love you Allie. Sweet dreams."
Elizabeth stood to find Nathan's tall frame leaning on the doorframe watching his wife and daughter tenderly. He stepped forward and placed a kiss on Allie's forehead as well before turning back to his wife.
Elizabeth took his hand as they walked back to Jack's bedroom so Elizabeth could kiss Jack good night as well. "Good night my sweet boy. I love you."
Turning from Jack's bed, she sunk into the strong arms of her waiting husband. "They're growing up fast Nathan. Too fast." Tears lined her eyes as they bored into Nathan's sympathetic gaze.
"I know. I think that every day too. Thankfully we'll have this little one to keep us busy soon." Nathan smiled at his wife's beautiful belly as he gently caressed it in wonder. "You are so beautiful, Lizbeth. Do you know that? What an incredible gift. I couldn't be happier this Christmas. I have everything I've ever wanted."
Touched by his words and embrace, Elizabeth stood on her tiptoes and gently kissed the man that had captured her heart and taught her to love again. She poured all of her heart into that kiss leaving no question that she felt the same.
Nathan stood stunned swaying on his feet. "Wow! Remind me to hang mistletoe around the house…"
Elizabeth laughed and took his hand leading him back to their bedroom. "C'mon Constable. I'll tuck you in."
A/N:
Merry Christmas Lauralyn elizabethb88 ! You couldn't choose What Child Is This for a carol without getting a Grant pregnancy. There just is no other way in my mind! Great song choice & I hope that you enjoy your story. I have enjoyed your writing for more than a year so forgive my fangirling. Ha!
The frosted windows framing the Grant family for Nathan was my little nod to Faith PathsThroughLavenderFields and her beautiful description of spider webs of frost in her NYC Christmas fic. (Great one if you haven't read it yet!)
The nativity devotional tradition is one that my husband & I do each year with our little kids. Part of Nathan's dialogue is paraphrasing the first night of Advent devotionals by Part of The Main . Wordpress. Com
Unlike Nathan's hand carved set, I've both painted my own wooden peg dolls & purchased a few peg dolls on Etsy to make a simple wooden peg doll nativity set for my kids to hold like Little Jack does. I'll include the daily devotional link on the Sunday Night Serge group & photos of our set.
Merry Christmas friends!
Amy :)