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Chapter One hundred eighteen

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A Family Evening

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High praise circulated around the dining table after the Grant's carrot cake was served. Nathan and Allie grinned, happy to have contributed something so appreciated.

"We actually have Fiona to thank for this recipe. She brought it to us when the town sent meals after my injury and we fell in love with it." Not wanting to dwell on that subject, Nathan quickly added, "It has taken a few tries, but I think we have perfected her recipe!"

"Do you have plans for dessert on Christmas Day?" Bill questioned Carol. "I know a variation of Fiona's carrot cake with cranberries that Abigail tried at the Café and it has been very popular, so I would be happy to make that."

"I like the sound of that, Bill!" Carol enthused. "We have some ideas, but having multiple desserts with this crowd would be wise. Let me know what you would need from the grocery store, please?"

"Mmmm. Thanks in advance, my friend!" Nathan responded with wiggled eyebrows at Allie.

"May I help you make that, Uncle Bill? I love learning new recipes and we all know Dad loves desserts!" Allie returned her father's teasing glance with one uniquely her own. "It can be my gift to him."

Laughing, Nathan retorted. "Oh? Then you have to make two because one will be all mine!"

Looking from Allie to Nathan, Elizabeth basked in their fun banter while her parents smiled knowingly at the Collins's.

"Mmmm!" Totally focused on his piece of cake and with frosting round his mouth, yet outside the reach of his little pink tongue, Jack commented. "I like this cake. Almost as good as chocolate!"

Exchanging knowing looks, Carol, Nathan, Elizabeth and Allie laughed.

William offered, "Like father, like son." Smiling at Nathan, then grinning at Jack he added. "...And grandfather!" No one noticed the assumption of their family connection!

"Sorry to abruptly change the subject, but can we discuss our plans or ideas for the next couple of days? Meals, what and where and with whom?" Nathan suggested. "Carol and I have planned a tentative menu plan, but we need it adjusted or confirmed, depending on what everyone needs to do. I have Thursday through Monday off from work and Allie's last day is Wednesday, for a two week vacation. So neither of us will be around during the day for the next two days. Bill? If you transport us to and from school, you are welcome to use my vehicle. Now, everyone else? Your plans?"

Elizabeth spoke up quickly. "Bill, could you get Jack and me to the Hotel in the morning so I can help Mother and Hudson unpack? Maybe I could bring a sandwich lunch if you have the supplies, Nathan? Then I would need a ride back here to assist Carol with our evening meal and afterwards maybe we could spend some quiet time together at the Cottage?"

"You would be welcome to come, Sweetheart, but we have no deadline to settle the suites as long as we have access to some kitchen items, bedlinens, towels and our clothes." Reminded Grace. "You can come see the rooms, but you need not stay."

"I want to help you, Mother, and then return to help Carol. What is on the menu plan for tomorrow?" Elizabeth addressed the question to Carol.

"Pork tenderloin, potatoes either scalloped or mashed according to your family preference, peas or green beans, again whichever is preferred, or I could prepare both, a cold vegetable plate and applesauce. Brownies and cookie bars for dessert." Carol looked around. "Is that okay?"

Although everyone was grinning, no one spoke until Bill. "That sounds good, Carol, but I know a delicious recipe for maple and rosemary glazed pork, if you would allow me to prepare that meal? I can bake brownies in the afternoon. That will give you a little break before all the holiday meals? I'll take care of Wednesday lunch since you are getting groceries, or I can do the grocery run with Jake if you prefer?"

After some discussion, Nathan summarized the decisions for Tuesday, noting that the Thatcher's would unpack and settle at the hotel then return mid-afternoon for some family time before dinner. Peter offered to bring the Grants to the Academies and Nathan home after work. With one day planned, the table was cleared.

Nathan, William, and Peter took care of the washing up while Elizabeth packed a tote of Jack's pajamas, a toothbrush, extra clothes, and toys to keep at the Cottage. Allie had stayed at the dining table to finish her math homework and soon the Thatcher family said farewell and returned to the hotel.

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Bill entered and held Nathan's arm before he could leave the kitchen, handing Nathan a small red tin, tied with red string. "Constable Paul asked me to give this to you, saying you would know why. Do you?"

Nathan untied the string and lifted the lid, laughing out loud as he saw the contents. "I guess I need to make a candy drawer, eh?" Nathan opened the folded note on top.

'Hello, Sergeant, I thought you might benefit from being prepared. Jack pointed out the empty drawer on his first visit to see me, so I made a quick trip to the Mercantile as soon as he left. You know we Mounties must be well supplied with all the necessities! Use this until you have time to make a proper candy drawer. Merry Christmas and enjoy that little fella. He is a treasure! Paul'

Bill grinned. "He gave me a tin to have on the train, knowing he had suggested to Jack that there might be a drawer there! He's a good man, Nathan, and good for Hope Valley. I found out Paul has a brother the same age as Jack and they became fast friends. Their connection blessed them both. No one could replace you, Son, but during Elizabeth's lowest times, I took it upon myself to get Jack the influence of a Mountie brother."

Clearing his throat, Nathan responded, "Thank you, Bill, for caring for Jack…and for Elizabeth. Allie and I prayed for you too, knowing those weeks were so difficult. I hope you found strength in the Lord and support from others in town?"

"Thanks, Nathan. I did. Joseph has no idea how much he meant to me. Lee too. And William? We forged a surprising friendship that feels like he is my brother. Who would have thought, eh?"

Patting Nathan on the shoulder, Bill explained that he would remain in the main house, so Nathan, Elizabeth and the children could have some time at the Cottage. "Goodnight, Son, and enjoy your family time!"

"Thanks Bill. Let me get my car keys from my overcoat, so you can get around tomorrow. If you want to meet me at Depot for lunch, give me a call in the morning, okay? We can eat in the mess or in my office. Your choice."

"I'll call you to confirm, but either sounds great! Good night."

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"Ooooo! This is nice!" Jack surveyed the front room of the Grant's little house. Pointing to the tree, he clapped with glee when Nathan turned the tree lights on. "So pretty! Mommy, look! Just like Gramma Carol's and Grampa Pete's tree!"

Nathan quickly got a blazing fire burning in the fireplace, remembering to immediately use the fireplace screen with Jack in the house. "Lisbeth, maybe you should keep your coats on until the house warms?"

"Dad? May I give Jack a tour?" Inquired Allie, reaching to take Jack's hand.

"You may, Allie-girl. Jack? Do you want to see our house?" Nathan asked with a grin as Jack took Allie's hand.

Elizabeth and Nathan followed Jack and Allie, observing from the doorway and loving their bond. Allie was so attentive, seeming to understand exactly what Jack could understand. She obviously loved seeing the world from Jack's perspective.

"What's that, Awlie?" Jack stood on tiptoe, his hands gripping the edge of Allie's desk.

"You mean this, Jack?" Allie held up a pencil box.

"Nuh uhh. That." He let go of his grip and pointed. "Those tall things. What's that?"

"Oh. You mean these?" Allie pulled one of the paintbrushes from the jar and handed it to Jack to feel. "That's a paintbrush. Did you ever see someone paint? Here, open your hand."

Allie brushed the soft bristles across Jack's palm as he giggled. "That tickles. Just like Mommy's hair." Jack took the brush and placed it against his cheek. "It's really soft." Jack paused, looking up at Allie. "Is your hair like that?"

Allie wrapped her hand around a bunch of her hair, tightening it like a paintbrush and bent to tickle Jack's cheek. "Is it? Soft and tickly?"

Giggling again, Jack admitted. "Yeah. It tickles the same."

Standing behind Elizabeth with his arms wrapped around her waist, Nathan leaned down to feel her soft hair against his cheek, whispering against her ear. "Jack's right. Soft and tickly!"

Elizabeth giggled, tilted her face towards Nathan's and gave a quick, soft kiss. She reached one hand up to caress the side of his face and held his gaze until interrupted by a tug on her skirt.

"Mommy? Look. It's Awlie's paintbrush. Feel it." Jack held it high.

"Yes, you are right! Have you ever seen anyone paint before, Jack? I don't think you have. Maybe someday Allie can demonstrate how to paint, eh?" Elizabeth glanced at Allie and with her responsive nod, continued. "Would that be fun?"

"I want to paint too! Can I?" Jack looked from his mother to Allie. "Can I have this?"

"I'm sorry, Jack. You cannot keep that because that is a very special brush to me. It's so special that I don't even use it. It belonged to my mother and now it is one of my special treasures."

Jack examined it carefully before looking up at Allie. "It's a nice treasure."

Leaving one hand on Nathan's arm encircling her, Elizabeth reached out the other to pat Jack's head. Getting his attention she spoke, "Jack, Honey, that belongs to Allie so you shouldn't ever touch that brush unless Allie specifically gives it to you to look at. Do you understand? Actually, you should never touch anything in Allie's room unless she is with you, okay? This room belongs to Allie and we don't touch other people's things, remember."

After a final brush against his own cheek, Jack handed the paintbrush back to Allie and nodded. His attention was soon diverted to a wooden butterfly and he needed the story of that object. When he was satisfied with the pictures and items in Allie's room, Jack headed towards the door. "Can I see Daddy Nat'n's room now?"

Fascinated with the family crest on the pillow in Nathan's rocking chair, Jack went straight to it, pointed and looked back at Nathan. "What's that? Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Lee have a picture on the wall like that."

"That is my Grant family crest, Jack. Many families from countries far away across the ocean have those. Sometimes they are called a coat of arms."

Jack laughed with his head thrown back. "A coat with lots of arms?" He wiggled his arms in the air. "Why lots of arms? We only have two!"

Chuckling, Nathan remembered too late that oft times less information is better with little ones. "The word 'arms' can refer to swords or rifles, Jack. Sometimes a family crest includes swords as arms, thus the name. This one is a crest that symbolizes the Grant family and it's from Scotland."

Jack pointed to the crowns, "One. Two. Three crowns. But what's that?"

"That is a helmet. It's made of metal and a knight, a soldier, used to wear that to protect his head and face."

While listening to the explanation, Jack climbed up in the chair and started to rock. "This is fun." From there he turned to Nathan's bookcase. "That's a lot of books! Like Mommy has."

Catching sight of a small wooden horse, Jack slid off the chair and grabbed it off of Nathan's bookcase. "A horse!" He held it up for Nathan to see, as if it was new to him as well. "Where did you get this?"

"I carved it, Jack. It was one of the first figures I carved so it isn't very good, but it is a good reminder that with practice I got better!"

"Practice? Like I practice my letters?" Jack had a confused look on his face.

Elizabeth spoke up to explain to Nathan what Jack was referring to. "I write dotted letters on a page and he traces them. He practices!"

"Ah ha. I understand now. Let's see how can I explain this? It is similar to your practice writing. When I was young and began to carve, my hands didn't always make the cuts I wanted them to make. My hand would slip and I might go off to the side when I wanted to go straight. Did you ever do that when you draw?" As Jack nodded his yes, Nathan continued. "I found that the more I used the carving tool, the better I could control my hands and the less mistakes I made. So every time I carved it was practice until I became better and better. Now, I just carve and don't practice much anymore."

"Um, so this was practice?" Jack inquired, enamored with his Daddy Nat'n. "Will you show me how to practice like this?"

"I can let you watch when I do it, Jack, but the tools are sharp and you could get hurt." Ever the protector, Nathan continued." I will teach you when you are older, okay?"

Nodding ferociously, Jack declared. "I'll be older soon! On my birthday!"

Chuckling, Nathan patted Jack's head. "You'll need to be older than five, Son. I promise to ask you if you want to learn when I think you are old enough, okay?"

"I guess so." Holding up the horse, Jack inquired. "Can I keep this until then?"

"Jack! You can't ask people to give you their things!" Elizabeth admonished as she interrupted. "You can admire the horse but keep him right where Nathan has him. Put it back, please?"

Looking up at Nathan as if he might get a different answer from him, Jack put the horse on the shelf, but kept his hand on it.

Bending to Jack's level, Nathan agreed. "Your mommy is right, Jack. We can look at other people's things, but not touch without their permission and never take them." Nathan looked at Jack somberly. "When I am home, you may come in with me and visit Mr. Horse right there on the shelf." Nathan gently pried Jack's hand from the carving.

At the exact right moment, Allie spoke up saying brightly, "Come on Jack. Let's finish our tour." She held out her hand and Jack readily slipped his into hers, the horse forgotten for now.

After a tour of the bathroom, which Jack deemed big, and the kitchen in which he inquired about what door needed the big key hanging above the sink, Nathan helped Jack into his pajamas and made sure he brushed his teeth. Elizabeth heated some milk and added honey, while Allie changed into her nightgown and robe.

As Elizabeth carried a tray of steaming mugs into the front room, she stopped to take in the scene before her, momentarily holding her breath. Nathan sat on the sofa with a child tucked under his arms on either side. He was reading Mother Goose with inflections and occasional songs, while Allie joined the songs and supplied some hand motions. This was a tender scene that Elizabeth hoped to see often!

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With Jack ready for bed, the warm beverage was just what he needed to cause his eyes to droop and he soon fell asleep. Lifting him carefully, Nathan bent so Elizabeth could kiss Jack's head and whisper her love to him, then carried Jack to sleep on top of his own bed, tucking a wool blanket tightly around the little boy. Leaving the bedroom door ajar, he joined Elizabeth for nightly prayers in Allie's room before sharing hugs and kisses and turning out her light since it was a school night. It had been a full day and tomorrow promised to be the same.

Fitting into the position they had both come to love on her first visit, Nathan had his arm draped round Elizabeth's shoulders as she cuddled to his side. She had lifted her hand and entwined her fingers in his as they quietly observed the Christmas tree.

There were many words to fill future evenings together, but tonight, they relaxed in the warmth of the fire, listened to its spurts and sparks, and enjoyed the comfort of each other's presence.

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Having been carried to his bed in the main house tightly wrapped in the blanket, Jack remained sound asleep as Nathan kissed his forehead. Nathan and Elizabeth tiptoed to the back door for a goodnight kiss.

Placing his hands on either side of Elizabeth's neck, Nathan tilted her head as he bent to kiss her, caressing her soft lips with his own and amazed that he now owned this privilege. Without prior experience to guide him, Nathan hoped his kisses pleased this woman he loved for he knew they pleased him. Nathan need not have worried, for Elizabeth relished each sweet kiss and reveled in every gentle expression and touch. Nathan was hers, heart and soul and she was his. No doubts.

Still, Nathan had to be sure. Their first kiss had been unexpected and just prior to her departure, so he had never asked. Quietly he whispered now. "Lisbeth," His breath was warm, his voice husky. "Am I doing this right? I mean kissing you? You know I don't have any…"

Elizabeth pressed her fingers against his lips as she searched his face in the dim light of the hall lamp. "Nathan, my Love, shhhh. You need not ask, for your kisses are beautiful and perfect and they stir me to my toes. You are so amazing, so sweet and loving and gentle. I adore you, Nathan, and I relish every kiss and every touch." Elizabeth removed her fingers and slid her hand behind Nathan's neck, pulling him towards her for another sweet kiss before confessing. "I long for you, Nathan, and I love you dearly."

With shining eyes and grateful for the dim light, Nathan dipped his head, blushing. This was all new to him, but he was grateful his Elizabeth was pleased. He drew her into a hug and buried his face into her shoulder, whispering. "You make me so happy, Lisbeth. I love you."

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