December 1939

The cold winds that came with early December howled as night fell. Nathan sat on the settee in the cafe kitchen, his eyes moving back and forth as he watched his son pace in an agitated manner. Jack ran his hands through his sandy blond hair. "What's taking so long?"

Nathan refrained from chuckling, knowing it wasn't what Jack needed to hear right now. "These things take time, son. Your mother was in labor for hours with your siblings. Evangeline has only been at the infirmary for two hours."

"Only?!" Jack stared at him. "You mean this could go on all night?"

"And then some." Nathan stood, wrapping an arm around his son. "Relax, Jack. Everything is going to be fine. Your wife is young and strong. Carson said things looked good. It's just a matter of time before you meet your first child."

Jack slumped into Nathan's embrace. "I don't know how you did this so many times, first with Mom, then with Allie." He looked up. "Was it harder for either of them?"

Nathan reflected on the question. "I was a wreck when your mother had Amy. I was pacing back and forth in this very room, much like you've been. The relief when she was born was strong. I wasn't quite as nervous with the twins, and by the time April came along, it went so quickly I didn't have time to be nervous. With Allie's pregnancies, it was much the same - the first birth was the hardest, and it got easier from there." He paused. "I think I was more worried when your mother was giving birth, though."

"That makes me feel a little better. Thanks, Dad."

Nathan smiled, hugging Jack close. Before he could respond, the door opened. Lucas came in, his hair as disheveled as Jack's. "Fiona just gave me an update. Evangeline's water still hasn't broken. Carson thinks the labor process will go most of the night." He sighed, running a hand through his salt-and-pepper waves. "I could hear my little girl crying in pain, and I could do nothing to stop it." His face held anguish. "I know this is a natural process. Fiona went through it five times. But for some reason, thinking of Evangeline doing the same hurts even more."

Jack looked between his father and father-in-law. "Do you think Carson will let me go to her?"

"No." The two men spoke in unison. Lucas smiled wryly. "Believe me, both your father and I wanted to be there when our wives were giving birth. Carson shooed us from the room, saying we would only get in the way."

"Unfortunately, that's how things are done." Nathan led Jack to the settee. "Sit a while, son. You can be sure your mother or Fiona will send updates as they can."

The three men settled in for a long night. To keep themselves occupied, they talked about their families.

"How are Allie and Harper planning to spend their ten-year anniversary?" Lucas asked.

Nathan leaned against the settee. "They wanted a quiet weekend to themselves. Elizabeth and I will be taking their kids from Friday through Sunday."

Lucas chuckled. "Are you ready to have a houseful of children again? Allie's boys are as rambunctious as your twins were."

That made Nathan and Jack both laugh. "I think we are. The boys might have energy, but Colleen has already said she wants to help us look after them." He smiled as he thought of his sister's namesake. At nine years old, little Colleen Elizabeth was already showing signs of being like her biological grandmother - feisty and independent, yet sweet-natured. She helped keep her three little brothers in line. Nate, Devin, and Tommy ranged in age from seven to three, and they gave meaning to the word mischievous. When Nate skipped school for the first time, Nathan teased his daughter that she was getting a taste of her own medicine.

"I can't believe you already have four grandchildren, five once this new little one is born." Lucas shook his head. "We're now in our fifties, but I, for one, feel too young to be a grandfather."

Nathan laughed again. "Speak for yourself. I'm pushing fifty-five, and can safely say I'm looking forward to retirement next year."

"Passing the baton to the younger generation?" Lucas' grin was wide.

"That I am. By the time Jordan completes Mountie training, I'll be ready to give him the posting alongside Robert."

Jack smiled. "It's amazing that you mentored Robert when he was posted here after his training, and now he'll be the one training Jordan as you retire. It feels like a full circle moment."

"It does."

Lucas eyed him. "It's obvious you are proud of all your children, Nathan. I've never seen a man look so full to bursting as you do."

"I am proud of them," Nathan admitted. "They're following the call placed on their hearts." He closed his eyes briefly. "Though I will say I'm struggling with the thought of Amy marrying so young. She's only twenty, but in two months she'll trade the name Grant for Coulter."

"Evangeline was barely eighteen when she married Jack, and she's only nineteen now." Lucas patted Nathan's shoulder. "Amy will be fine. She's a mature young lady, and Patrick is over the moon for her." He smirked. "Besides, Rosemary is ecstatic that your families are finally being joined by marriage." His smirk turned to a chuckle. "I think she was a tad miffed that our family was united with yours before hers could be."

Jack laughed too. "Aunt Rosemary always has had a flair for the dramatic. She told me for years that she hoped I would marry Lily, but Evangeline was the only one for me."

Lucas smiled. "I'm glad about that. You're a fine son-in-law. Besides, isn't your brother enamored with Lily?"

Jack grinned. "That he is. Jude is a lot like Dad was around women: stuttering and shy. But Lily sees him all the time since he works for Uncle Lee as his main carpenter, and she seems to like him as much as he likes her. They're the same age. So it all works out."

"Hey!" Nathan protested. "I wasn't that bad!"

Lucas shot him a look. "We must be remembering the past rather differently if you think Jack is wrong about his assessment of your initial attempts at romancing Elizabeth."

Nathan pushed his friend's shoulder. "I seem to remember having some competition."

Jack shook his head. "That still boggles my mind. I can't believe you two were wooing Mom at the same time."

"Fortunately for all of us, she made the right decision." Lucas chuckled. "I'm just glad your dad and I were able to get past that and be friends."

"Me too."

Their conversation turned to April, an aspiring reporter, then to Lucas and Fiona's other children. The night slowly passed away. When the first rays of dawn lit the sky, the door opened. Elizabeth entered, a smile on her face. "Jack." She went straight to their son, taking his hands. "You have a daughter."

Wonder crossed his face. He stood. "Take me to her?"

Elizabeth nodded. She tossed a smile first at Nathan, then at Lucas as they headed for the door. "Come on, grandpas."

The four of them trooped to the infirmary. Jack practically ran to the door and pushed through it. Nathan entered the room in time to see his son sit on the hospital bed and pull his tired-looking yet smiling wife into his arms. Even after knowing Evangeline all her life, Nathan was stunned at how much she looked like her mother. She could have been Fiona's twin. The young woman shifted, placing a bundle in Jack's arms. "Your daughter."

Nathan watched as Jack stared at his newborn baby. "She's perfect." The murmured words held a world of awe. Elizabeth slipped an arm around Nathan as Lucas hugged Evangeline with a smile. "Our son just became a father. Where does time go?"

He chuckled, pulling her closer. "I have no idea. Did I look like that when Amy was born?"

Elizabeth smiled. "You certainly did. It warmed my heart to see you so awestruck." She lifted herself to kiss his cheek. "With her and with every baby that came after, including our grandchildren."

Jack rose, carrying the infant to them. "Look at her." Pride radiated from his voice as he beamed at his little girl. "She's beautiful." He held the baby out to Nathan. "Would you like to hold her, Dad?"

Nathan accepted the tiny bundle. "What is her name?"

Jack smiled at Elizabeth. "We named her after her great-grandmothers. Helen Grace Grant." He glanced back at Lucas. "We especially wanted to honor Grandma Helen since she passed earlier this year."

Tears shone in Lucas' eyes, but a smile lifted his lips. "She would have been happy to know her first grandchild was named after her. Thank you, Jack." He leaned his head against Evangeline's. "I know she would have loved little Helen."

The baby was passed around to all of her grandparents before Carson shooed them from the infirmary to let Evangeline get some rest. Jack remained with her. Nathan and Elizabeth walked hand in hand to their home, enjoying the cold but still December morning.

"The kids will be excited to know they have another niece."

Elizabeth's comment made Nathan smile. He nodded. "After three nephews in a row, it'll be a nice break in the pattern."

His wife leaned her head against his shoulder. "I wonder which of the kids will have the next grandbaby."

"It could be Amy." Nathan's heart constricted at the thought of losing his little girl, but he also knew Patrick would be a good husband. Amy already talked about wanting a child of her own. Nathan had a feeling an announcement would follow a few months following the wedding. "Allie's mentioned wanting another child or two as well."

Elizabeth grinned. "I'm all for it. It's nice having little ones around again. I miss those years."

Nathan pulled her to a stop, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Why, Mrs. Grant, I thought you were looking forward to the fact that we'll have an empty nest in a few years."

She chuckled. "Well, yes, that will be a nice experience." She shot him a saucy look. "I'll finally have you all to myself." A dreamy sigh escaped. "Can you believe it? Once April leaves home, it'll be you and me for the first time in our entire relationship." Her eyes twinkled. "I have a feeling we'll learn even more about each other as we adjust to life without kids at home."

"It will be different, for sure." He leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on her lips. "But I'm looking forward to it. Our children will still be in Hope Valley, and that makes me happy." His own grin grew. "But I'll enjoy having you all to myself at home."

They shared another kiss, then continued their walk home as snow began falling gently from the sky.

Christmas morning dawned bright and clear. Nathan and Elizabeth made their way to the small church where Jack was preparing to give his first Christmas sermon. He'd gone through seminary and then trained under Joseph for a few years. The older man had retired earlier this year, passing the reins to Jack. Elizabeth knew her son was slightly nervous to give such an important sermon, but she had faith that he would do a good job. He had only to speak from the heart. Though he would never claim it himself, Jack was a natural speaker with a talent for relating to others.

She settled into their family pew. Nathan sat at her left. April, Jordan, and Jude sat in the pew as well. Amy was with Patrick while Allie and her family sat in the pew behind them. Evangeline sat in the front row with her parents, holding little Helen and beaming with pride at her husband. The service opened with a beautiful rendition of O Holy Night. Afterward, a rumble of excitement sounded from the adult siblings as Jack made his way to the pulpit for his sermon. He gripped the podium with both hands, the only indication he was nervous. His face bore a relaxed smile as he looked out at his family, friends, and neighbors.

"I'm glad we started with that carol. It happens to be one of my family's favorites. For a long time, it was up for debate as to whether the Grant family preferred O Holy Night or God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." He grinned. "There are eight of us total. Naturally, it's split fifty-fifty as to which one my siblings and parents prefer."

Laughter sounded from the congregation. Jack relaxed further. His eyes rested on Elizabeth and the other members of their family before he continued. "I decided to base this sermon on the final verse of O Holy Night. As uncertain times rage around us, it feels fitting to reflect on these words." Silence fell on the church as Jack began to slowly sing the third verse.

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace;

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,

And in His name all oppression shall cease,

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;

Let all within us praise His holy name!

Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!

His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!

His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!

Her son opened his eyes when he finished singing. "I'd like us all to take a few moments to think about what we just heard." He paused, allowing the congregation time to do just that. A good two minutes passed before he spoke again. "None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. We live in a time of great restlessness. The war in Europe weighs heavily on all our minds. Each one of us knows someone who left home to fight. We can't see how it will all turn out. But we have the promise that in His name, all oppression shall cease. We might not see it. We might live forever under war or the threat of war. God never promised that life would be easy, but He did promise to save us." He pointed to the large Nativity near the altar. "Years ago, on the first Christmas morning, God became man to dwell among us. He was born to die, to save us from our sins. He came to break the chains of oppression and hate. He came to free us from the prisons of our own making. The tiny baby, laid in a manger because there was no room at the inn, would one day give His life for you and for me. He holds true freedom in His hands. No matter what happens here on Earth, His kingdom will reign forevermore. Empires rise and empires fall, but God remains. His law is love and His gospel is peace. How do we achieve that in this life? Simple. We love others as He loved us. Love is the theme of the entire gospel. Christ Himself said that is how we would be recognized as His followers, by the love we hold for others. Show people your love. It doesn't have to be through grand acts. Go home and love your family. Love your neighbors. Create peace by sowing love in all the little things you do on a daily basis. This is what it means to live the law of love. If everyone followed this law, it would literally change the world." He bowed his head, falling silent for a few moments before raising his eyes once more. "Now it is time for our annual reenactment of the Nativity." He nodded to Rosemary, who stood and gathered the children for the pageant.

Elizabeth had eyes only for Jack. His words, spoken so fervently, touched her deep inside. She was proud of the man he'd become. Their eyes met. She smiled, silently telling him he'd done a good job. Relief crossed his face. He mouthed thank you with a smile of his own.

After the service, the family swarmed their brother. Jack laughed and joked with them the way he always had, and after he greeted the rest of the congregation, the entire Grant family made their way to Allie's home for Christmas brunch. Their new tradition was to spend time after Christmas services together, then branch off to their various families for Christmas dinner. The change was a little hard for Elizabeth, but she knew it was good that her married children were creating their own traditions with their families. She and Nathan would be having dinner with their three youngest children and Bill.

Brunch was a lively affair. All told, there were sixteen of them gathered in Allie and Harper's home. Elizabeth smiled to herself, remembering the day years ago when Nathan had protested that twenty people at Christmas was a lot. If their family continued to grow as it had been, they would soon surpass that number. The thought made her chuckle. After gifts had been exchanged and opened, she noticed her husband had disappeared. She also knew exactly where to find him.

Slipping into her jacket, Elizabeth made her way onto the back porch. Nathan was leaning against a rail, looking out over the land. He smiled when he saw her walking toward him. "I just needed a minute to breathe, that's all."

She smiled back. "I know, sweetheart. Being around so many people is draining for you, even if it is all family."

He chuckled. "I thought I might grow out of that someday."

She shook her head. "I don't think so. Jude and Jack are a lot like you in that sense. I noticed they sought some alone time as well earlier."

"It'll just take a few moments," he promised. "I'll be in shortly." He reached for her hand. "Though I wouldn't object to your company."

She allowed him to pull her closer. "I think I can handle that."

He laughed at the teasing note in her voice. Wrapping his arms around her, he rested his head against hers. They didn't need to speak. Elizabeth knew Nathan just needed a little bit of quiet before jumping back into the fray. For now, she was content to stand with him, being held and surrounded by his love.