Nathan stood by the Christmas tree and smiled. He looked at all the decorations Elizabeth had on her tree. Some of them were from when she was a little girl. Some were from her time with Jack. And some were new ones they had all made together. Nathan looked over at the floor. Jack was playing with the toys that Nathan had made him. Allie was sitting on the sofa reading the first of many books Elizabeth had bought for her.
Elizabeth walked out of the kitchen and handed Allie some hot chocolate. She did the same with Jack and told them to be careful as the beverage was hot. Elizabeth walked toward Nathan and handed him his hot chocolate.
"Careful, it's hot." Elizabeth said. Nathan smiled. He adored Elizabeth the most when she would take care of the smallest details such as making sure his serge was buttoned up correctly or if his tie was straight for church.
"Thank you" Nathan said as he blew on his hot chocolate to cool it down.
"Shall we do our gift exchange?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes." Nathan said with a smile. They had agreed to do their gift exchange later in the evening. They both sat down by the window.
"How about you go first?' Nathan suggested.
Elizabeth smile and nodded. She brought out a medium size box. Nathan carefully unwrapped the present. He opened the box. There was a navy blue scarf inside.
"I knitted it myself" Elizabeth said.
"Really? I didn't know you knitted." Nathan said.
"I don't. Florence showed me. I wanted to make you a scarf since you mentioned that your ears get cold during rounds this time of year." Elizabeth said.
Nathan's eyes glistened.
"I love it." Nathan said.
"Thank you." Elizabeth said.
Nathan brought out his gift and gave it to Elizabeth. Elizabeth carefully unwrapped it. It was a sketch book. Elizabeth smiled and opened the sketch book. Once she realized what she was looking at, her jaw dropped.
"Is this Jack's old sketch book?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes. I was going through some old boxes and saw this." Nathan said.
Elizabeth flipped through the pages. There were lots of sketches of her but of Hope Valley too.
"I thought this was lost forever. Thank you, Nathan." Elizabeth said.
"I know that Jack will always be in your heart. He is an important part of your life and Jack's life. I want you to know I will always honor your past." Nathan said.
Tears formed in Elizabeth's eyes.
"But I also want to honor the future. And my future is with you. When I think about 30 years from now, it's you I see Elizabeth. You, Jack, Allie, and our future family. And I hope you feel the same way." Nathan said.
Nathan brought out a ring and got on one knee.
"Elizabeth, will you be my future and marry me?" Nathan asked.
Elizabeth nodded her head.
"Yes of course." Elizabeth said.
Nathan stood up and kissed Elizabeth.
"Did she say yes?" Allie asked.
Nathan smiled.
"She did!" Nathan exclaimed
Both Allie and Jack cheered.
"They both knew?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes. I asked Jack while we were ice skating if I could be his earthly Daddy and he said yes." Nathan said.
"And he kept that secret for this long?" Elizabeth asked.
"Code of the Mountie's, right Jack.' Nathan said.
Jack nodded and gave Nathan a big hug while Allie hugged Elizabeth. After hugging Nathan, Jack walked over and saw the sketch book.
"Pretty pictures." Jack said.
Elizabeth bent down to Jack's level.
"Remember how you have a heavenly Daddy? Well, he drew these pictures. Nathan found it' Elizabeth said.
"Is Natey going to be my Daddy now?" Jack asked.
"I will be your earthly Daddy. Your heavenly Daddy help give you life. And he will always be a part of your life. Understand?" Nathan asked.
Jack nodded and gave Nathan another hug.
"Who wants some cookies?" Elizabeth asked.
"Me!" Nathan, Jack and Allie said in unison. The kids ran to the kitchen and Elizabeth was right behind them. Nathan smiled. Nathan looked down and saw the sketch book. He picked it up and put it on the table with Jack's pictures.
"I'll take good care of them, I promise." Nathan said softly to the picture. Elizabeth called Nathan's name and he went into the kitchen to join his new family.