A/N: Hello friends! This Christmas story is part of a #holidayficexchange organized by nebula2. I love Christmas, so I am very excited to write this one. It's a little different - I might have drawn some inspiration from the Hallmark movie My Grown Up Christmas List while writing this, with vignette-style storytelling. It will take place over eight Christmases spread throughout the years. I hope you enjoy it.

This story is for Amy, also known as FnficJunkie. :)

December 1917

A gentle snow fell from the sky, blanketing Hope Valley in beautiful white. Elizabeth Thornton held fast to Nathan Grant's hand as they walked through the winter wonderland. The forest was hushed and peaceful, the quiet broken only occasionally by the laughter of their children. Allie led Jack through the trees as they searched for the perfect pine to bring home for Christmas.

Elizabeth leaned her head against Nathan's shoulder. Ever since the incident last month, when she thought he'd been shot in a prisoner transfer gone wrong, they had been practically inseparable. The memory still made her shudder.

She turned from the wagon, Carson's sad proclamation of "he's gone" ringing in her ears. Grief crashed into her so hard she could barely move. Nathan couldn't be gone. She hadn't been able to give him an answer about dinner. She hadn't been able to tell him that he mattered to her too. She couldn't lose him. She couldn't lose another man she …

A flash of red entered her line of sight. For a moment, her foggy brain didn't register what she was seeing. But then Nathan's dear face became clear, and Elizabeth didn't stop to think. She rushed forward into his arms, hugging him as if she would never let go. He held her just as tightly, though he seemed shell-shocked by something. When they finally released each other, Bill urged Nathan to come with him to the NWMP office. Elizabeth couldn't let him go before she spoke her heart.

"Nathan."

He turned to look at her. She felt her throat constrict, but she gave him a smile. "If the invitation still stands for dinner, I accept."

Some of the heaviness lifted from his eyes. He smiled back. "I look forward to it."

There had been many dinners since. Some were just the two of them, some involved Jack and Allie. Their courtship was only a month and a half along, but already Elizabeth knew they had found something special. Nathan was the perfect gentleman. They shared hugs and held hands, but that was the extent of their physical affection. He told her it had long been a rule of his to only kiss a woman if there was an engagement between them. Though sometimes she longed to know what it would be like to feel his lips caressing hers, Elizabeth knew his standards were out of respect for her. She appreciated that.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Nathan's voice broke into her ruminations. She smiled up at him. "I was just thinking about how we got here."

He quirked a brow and gave her a cheeky grin. "You were thinking about the horse and wagon?"

Elizabeth laughed, pushing him lightly. "No, silly. I meant us being together."

"Ah, yes. I never thought I'd be thankful for a prisoner transfer gone wrong, but considering it broke through our months of push and pull tension, that at least was a blessing."

He lapsed into silence, his forehead furrowing. Elizabeth reached up to smooth his wrinkled skin with her gloved hand. "Does it still bother you?"

Nathan sighed. A cloud of white drifted in front of his face before disappearing into the air. "Yes. I still see the pain on Novak's face, the horror on Jenny's, the shock on Bill's." Another puff of white appeared as he sighed once more. "I know it wasn't my fault, but I can't help wondering if there was anything I could have done to change the outcome."

She pulled him to a stop and framed his face in her hands. "There was nothing you could have done, Nathan. Bill told me you had the situation completely under control. Novak made a decision to lift his own gun. That's what cost him his life. It wasn't your fault."

A small smile tweaked his lips. "You always know just what to say." He pulled her into a hug. "Thank you."

"Uncle Nathan! Mrs. Thornton! We found the tree!"

Allie's voice sounded loud and excited. They made their way to the children. Allie fairly bounced up and down while Jack stood grinning by her side. "Twee, Mama! Wook!" He pointed to the large pine tree behind him.

Nathan slipped an arm around Elizabeth's waist as they came to a stop. "Once again, Allie-girl, you've found the most perfect tree in the entire forest."

"I didn't find it. Jack did." Allie ruffled the little boy's hair. "It's only fitting that the birthday boy be the one to find the tree."

"It's beautiful," Elizabeth said. She smiled at them. "And thank you for humoring me with getting a tree on Christmas Eve. I know it's late in the year, but my family always had a tradition of putting the tree up the day before Christmas. I want to start that tradition with little Jack."

"It's our pleasure." Nathan squeezed her gently. "I think that will be a beautiful tradition. We had fun decorating the tree in our house, and now we can make some more memories by decorating this tree. But first, I need help cutting it down." He lifted his saw. "Who's in?"

"Me!" The chorus from the children made Elizabeth smile. They were fully enjoying this excursion. Hopefully it was one they would make for many years to come.

Nathan chuckled as he watched Allie show Jack how to ice skate. The little boy didn't seem too sure about the new contraptions on his feet. Ned had to special order the skates for the two-year-old, but it had been more than worth it. Allie wanted to surprise Jack with them for his birthday. Ice skating held many fond memories for her, and she wanted to share those memories with him. Nathan considered that to be a very good sign. If all went well, Jack and Allie would soon be brother and sister.

He slid a hand into his pocket, clasping it over the ring resting there. He'd had it for months. Even before Elizabeth gave him any sign of hope, he'd bought the ring on a whim of faith. He'd known for a while that he was in love with her. The only question was whether she felt the same. He suspected she did. Every interaction between them spoke of it. Still, the words had not been uttered by either of them. He planned to change that tonight.

Elizabeth skated up to him. He watched, smiling at the graceful way she moved. She smiled back, holding out her hand. "Skate with me?"

He accepted readily. Soon they were gliding over the ice, hand in hand. "This was a brilliant idea for Jack's second birthday party," he said. "It looks like everyone is having a good time."

Elizabeth chuckled. "I'm not so sure Bill is thrilled with this arrangement."

Nathan looked over to see his friend and mentor flailing his arms, trying to keep from falling over. Lee and Rosemary grabbed him from either side and kept him upright. The three of them were the only ones invited to Jack's small party, but they were the ones who were most important in his life. He bit back a smile as he watched Bill attempt to move forward. "It's good for him. He can't be great at everything."

"Tell him that," Elizabeth said with a laugh. They made another round over the lake, smiling at Allie, who was holding Jack by both hands so he wouldn't fall. The little boy laughed as they skated. Elizabeth's smile was gentle. "He really loves Allie."

Warmth spread through Nathan's chest. "He does. She's good with him."

Elizabeth's eyes remained on the children. "She is a natural big sister."

That sent a rush of emotion through him. His grip tightened on her hand involuntarily. Elizabeth's mouth dropped and her eyes darted to his, as if she just realized what she said. "That is … I mean … someday …" Her cheeks turned bright red, and Nathan knew it had nothing to do with the cold.

He smiled, holding her eyes with his. "I agree."

She stumbled. He caught her easily. "I got you."

"Thanks." He hadn't thought it possible, but her cheeks flushed even brighter. She drew in a breath. "Nathan, are you saying … "

"Uncle Nathan!"

The interruption was all too typical of their relationship thus far. He shook his head, laughing lightly. "Foiled again."

Elizabeth smiled. It was clear she understood his meaning. He squeezed her hand before letting go and skating over to Allie. "Yes?"

She gently pushed Jack toward him. "He wants to skate with you, and I want to skate with Mrs. Thornton."

"Fine by me." Nathan swung Jack up into his arms. "Hey there, buddy. Are you getting tired?"

Jack nodded, blinking slowly. Nathan took a few laps around the pond while he held the little boy, then found a log near the ice to sit on. Jack perked up a bit. Nathan hummed some carols. Jack clapped along, totally out of rhythm, but seemingly delighted with the arrangement. A little while later, the entire group made their way to Elizabeth's house, where they enjoyed a lovely dinner prepared by Rosemary, then served a chocolate cake and watched Jack open his birthday presents.

It was the best day Nathan had experienced in a long time. Being surrounded by loved ones was a new feeling for him and Allie. It was one he hoped would last forever.

He slipped a hand into his pocket again, feeling the ring resting there. If all went as planned, forever would start tonight.

Elizabeth gazed at the fully decorated Christmas tree. It was beautiful. The hour it took to decorate had flown by. They drank hot cocoa and arranged ornaments on the tree, talking and laughing the whole time.

"Great job, everyone. This is by far the prettiest tree I've seen."

Nathan grinned. "We missed a spot."

Elizabeth tilted her head. "We did?"

He nodded. One hand lay hidden behind his back. Elizabeth quirked a brow. "Which ornament did we forget?"

Nathan presented it with a flourish. "Our cardinal."

Elizabeth smiled as she took in the small red bird, remembering last Christmas when Nathan helped her hang it on the tree. She'd not been that close to a man since her husband died. The attraction she'd felt in that moment had discombobulated her entirely. Now, however, it was a sweet reminder of their first decorating experience.

She took the ornament and stepped toward the tree. She shot a glance over her shoulder, batting her eyes at Nathan. "Aren't you going to help me? It is tradition, after all."

He chuckled. "I won't argue about that." He reached up to help her hang the ornament on the uppermost branch. His other hand rested lightly on her back, sending tingles up and down her spine. Once the bird was in place, Elizabeth leaned against his chest and looked up at it. "Perfect."

Nathan slipped his arms around her waist. They rested there, content to just be with each other and share the tender moment. It was only broken when Jack called for Elizabeth. "Mama."

She went to her son. "Yes, my sweet boy?"

He rubbed his eyes before speaking. "Sing now?"

She looked at Nathan. "Are you up for some carols?"

Allie answered for him. "Uncle Nathan loves carols. Singing is one of our special traditions."

Elizabeth smiled, sliding an arm around Allie's shoulders. "Ours too. What's your favorite carol?"

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. It's Uncle Nathan's favorite as well."

Elizabeth nodded. "Wonderful choice." She smiled at Nathan, who lifted Jack into his arms. "Maybe we can sing that one first. Will you start us off?"

Nathan's eyes lit up. "It would be my honor." He began singing, his clear tenor filling the small house.

God rest ye, merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Saviour

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan's power

When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

Allie and Elizabeth joined in for the remaining verses. They sang all seven, the song rising joyfully as their voices blended in perfect harmony

Now to the Lord sing praises

All you within this place

And with true love and brotherhood

Each other now embrace

This holy tide of Christmas

All other doth deface

O tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy

After the last note ended, there was a period of silence. Elizabeth reflected on the words of the song. She loved thinking about the message of carols at Christmastime. It reminded her of the importance of the season and the reason they celebrated.

They sang several more carols. Somewhere in the midst of their singing, Jack fell asleep on Nathan's shoulder. Elizabeth gazed at the sweet picture they made - the tall, strapping Mountie holding the small boy so tenderly against his chest. Tears pricked her eyes as gratitude filled her.

Nathan would make a wonderful father for her son. She fervently hoped their relationship was headed in that direction. His comment earlier on the ice, agreeing with her that Allie would make a good big sister, had given her hope.

She felt Allie lean into her. Glancing down, she saw that the girl was falling asleep on her feet. Getting Nathan's attention, Elizabeth nodded toward the settee. The four of them settled on the comfortable piece of furniture. It was a tight fit, but Elizabeth thought it cozy. Nathan sat at her side, Jack sleeping in his arms, while Allie sat on her other side, head leaning against her shoulder.

"Mrs. Thornton, we haven't sang your favorite carol yet. What is it?"

"O Holy Night," Elizabeth replied. "I've loved it since I was a girl."

Nathan took her hand in his. "Then let's sing."

Elizabeth started the song, and Nathan joined in moments later.

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth;

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!

O night divine! O night when Christ was born.

O night divine, O night, O night divine.

Through the second and third verse, Elizabeth closed her eyes, picturing the tiny baby born years ago in a manger. She found herself wondering how Mary felt, giving birth in a stable, with none to celebrate the arrival of the infant King but her gentle husband and a handful of shepherds. The Savior had chosen to come to a tiny town in the dead of night, a mark of humility in the God made man. Awe settled over her as it did every year.

"Thank you." The simple, whispered prayer slipped straight from her heart to heaven. A soft smile curved her lips. She opened her eyes to find Nathan gazing at her.

"I think we wore out the children." His quiet comment made her glance at Allie. The girl had fallen asleep while they sang.

"I guess we did."

Nathan shifted slightly, letting go of her hand. Elizabeth almost protested, but she stopped when he placed it on her cheek. His thumb softly caressed her skin while his words melted her heart.

"This isn't how I planned to say this, but the timing feels right. Elizabeth, we've known each other for almost two years. The more I learn about you, the more I want to learn. I know we haven't been courting long. I know we will have some challenges with trying to blend two families. But I am in love with you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Jack, and Allie." His hand left her cheek to slip into his pocket, his eyes never leaving hers. "Elizabeth Thornton, I have a question to ask."

She gasped softly, even as Nathan held up a diamond ring. "Will you marry me?"

Something between a laugh and a sob escaped her. She nodded, unable to find any words. Nathan's entire face lit up with a smile. He slid the ring onto her finger. Elizabeth rested a hand on his cheek. A day's worth of facial hair scratched her palm. "I love you, Nathan."

"I love you too." He leaned closer, holding Jack securely in one arm to make sure he didn't fall. His lips met hers in a sweet kiss full of promise. Elizabeth returned the kiss, delighting in the love surrounding them. There were no candles or roses or fanfare. It was just them, bathed in the lights from the Christmas tree, with their children nestled alongside them.

Elizabeth couldn't imagine a more perfect ending to this beautiful night.