Hope for Tomorrow
Chapter 38
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James was staying in Hope Valley for Christmas. Although James' parents would've really appreciated having him home, it was still a difficult situation between them and he hadn't developed the gumption to work it out. His father made it perfectly clear he was disappointed when James left the prestigious dental office his father had pulled strings for him to join as a partner. His idea for his son was definitely to follow in his footsteps but James was not about to lose his integrity for wealth.
Although James missed his mother, he wasn't ready to return to Hamilton. He had telephoned her when he knew his father was working and talked to her, treasuring hearing her voice again. Their conversation made him miss her even more. Hearing her voice crack as she spoke, he knew she was crying. Not wanting to make it any harder, he cut the call shorter than he wanted. When he hung up he pushed his chair back from his desk sighing and looked out the window, shaking his head. That's when he decided to walk to Nichols and Dimes and see if Fiona could break away for lunch.
Fiona was extremely busy with last minute hairdos, haircuts, and shaves, so when James came through the door asking her out for lunch, she wanted nothing more than to run out the door and escape with him, but she was working on Henry's haircut. When James came in, he acted like he was waiting for a haircut sitting in Christy's chair.
"James, what a nice surprise!" Fiona smiled sweetly, "are you wanting a haircut?"
"Maybe. Do I need one?"
Henry snickered, "Doesn't sound to me like you came here for a haircut."
"No, it doesn't," Fiona agreed.
"Lunch. I want some lunch, are you hungry?" James asked with a smile.
"Ah James, I have a customer, haven't you noticed?" she laughed.
"Oh he knows," Henry answered, "hurry up with this haircut so I can get out of James way."
Fiona laughed, "Do you know this man is now engaged to Dottie?"
"Oh yeah? Congratulations!" James said as he shook hands with Henry as he was getting up to leave.
Henry smiled, "Thanks, can you believe someone wants to marry me?" Thanking Fiona and paying her for his haircut. "See you tonight at the nativity program?"
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it. I love watching all the children act out the Nativity," Fiona nodded then looked at James questioningly.
"Me too, I'll pick you up and we can go together, but let's have lunch now."
Over lunch the two of them decided to enjoy Christmas dinner together. Fiona offered to cook a ham, with au gratin potatoes, rolls, and salad, topped off with a Yule log cake that Minnie had baked for sale. James would bring the wine. It wasn't the food that tempted James though. He was growing very fond of Fiona and she was of him. Since Minnie was closing the Cafe, they didn't stay long.
Besides, Fiona had a few more clients and then she would go home and get cleaned up and dressed for the nativity program. She smiled to herself thinking about having James over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. What a lovely holiday it would be!
James went back to the office and before he closed up he went over the bills. He had given Lisa Peterson the week off for Christmas to be home when her sister Lana returned for Christmas. He didn't mind doing the paperwork this week, it kept him from thinking about his family back in Hamilton. Now though, he was excited for tomorrow. He would have Fiona all to himself. What a lovely holiday it would be!
Over at the Thornton's home, Tom and Elizabeth were having a deep but good conversation about the time Tom was held captive by Bouchard for money from Elizabeth to release him. He admitted he had been gambling and was swept up in the deceptive world of Bouchard and his notorious connections. Tom was relieved to confess to Elizabeth and asked for forgiveness.
Elizabeth reassured Tom that he would always be family and that Jack wouldn't want it any other way. Not that Jack would approve of Tom's behavior, but that everyone deserves a second chance, a chance to turn their life around. That's when Tom reminded Elizabeth that what she just said, she needed to practice.
"What?" she asked.
"Elizabeth, Jack's mother, and also my mother is coming here anytime now. If I deserve a second chance, doesn't she?" Tom looked deeply into Elizabeth's eyes.
Elizabeth felt Tom's eyes burning through her anger straight to her heart. She knew he was right. If Charlotte came, she would do what she knew she should, for little Jack's sake. He needn't be deprived of his grandmother and she knew better than to allow her disappointment in Charlotte come between them.
"You're right Tom. When she comes, she will be welcome, for little Jack's sake. I want her to get to know him and when she sees he's the spitting image of her son, she won't be able to stay away," Elizabeth said convincing herself as well as Tom.
Jack got to know Uncle Tom that day as they played, Tom gave him horseback rides and they built a snowman in the yard. It was what Elizabeth had hoped Jack would be doing with his own daddy, but now his uncle was there and it was going to be a fun Christmas for her son. Soon, he would get to meet his other grandmother, two more important family members for little Jack. What a lovely holiday it would be!
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When James picked up Fiona he was delighted to see her in her beautiful green dress. She had her hair done up with a gem-filled barrette holding her hair off her lovely face. Her big brown eyes, little nose, and curvaceous lips with a touch of velvet red lipstick that matched her finger nails, made James want to sweep her off her feet and twirl her around while kissing her. However, he bit his lip instead knowing he'd look rather silly with lipstick on.
Instead, he whistled. "My, my, don't you look mighty fine Fiona!" he grinned.
Fiona blushed, "James, you sure know how to flatter a girl!"
As they were going over to church for the nativity program, James shared with Fiona what idea he had for tonight. "I'm sorry that I didn't share with you my idea before, but as things were going along I knew it wouldn't happen, at least not this year."
"Now you really have me curious. What on earth were you thinking?"
"Well, I thought it might be nice, until just recently, that we could have Nathan play the part of Joseph and Dee play Mary with their new baby as Jesus," he stopped to watch Fiona's reaction.
Fiona was stunned. Hope Valley would love that! "But Christopher is too small to go out in a crowd. He hasn't even been baptized, and it's too soon for Dee, so..."
"Exactly. If the newest member of the Grant family had arrived earlier, it would have worked, but I didn't know when Dee was due. She looked so big to me, that I mistakenly guessed it would've been sooner. That's why I didn't even bring it up."
"Yes, it could have been really nice, and I like the idea," Fiona said as they were walking up the steps of the Community Church. "It looks so festive inside doesn't it? The atmosphere is sure joyful with all the children assembling in the back office for the nativity."
"I see Angela and Mr. Landis are in front by the piano. Allie has her guitar, Cooper is with his drums, and the rest of the children from the school choir are finding their places. All seems to be in order," James noted.
Just then Mr. Landis spotted James coming in and walked over to him, "Dr. Scholl, as you know Dee just had her baby, and..."
"Mr. Landis, please call me James, and if there's anything you want me to help with, I'd be more than happy. So, how can I help?"
"Would you be so kind as to be our soloist tonight?"
"What do you want me to sing?"
"O Holy Night after the narrator, Harper, reads from Luke 2:1-7 "And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
"We're in luck since I know this song and have sung it to audiences before. I'd be honored," James smiled.
When Dee and James sat up close to the choir, James tilted his head down to Fiona and whispered, what I'd like to do next year, is have a Hallelujah chorus!"
Fiona's big eyes got bigger, oh my, that's a lot to expect don't you think?"
"Not if we combine with Fr. Ricardo's choir from St. James. The town is growing and if I can help develop a community choir, I'd be really happy to get to work."
"That's a great idea, let's bring it up at the next town council meeting. Pretty soon, we won't have enough room in here. I'm so glad we've expanded. As soon as the new school opens up the church will have this all." Fiona nodded.
"We could shoot for Easter and pray for good weather for an outdoor community worship of song and praise!" James suggested, "with the Easter egg hunt of course."
Just then, Dottie, and Henry walked to the end of their pew, smiling and sat down next to them. Dottie showed off her new engagement ring to Fiona and it was quite dazzling. "Congratulations Dottie! I wish you both everlasting happiness!"
Dottie covered her mouth so as not to spoil her surprise, "I'm anxiously awaiting for my Christmas surprise for Henry!" she giggled.
"What is it?" Fiona asked.
"You'll see, hopefully!" Dottie winked.
When Nathan brought his and Dee's families inside, they filled up a whole pew. Allie was up front and Dee was home with little bun. When the congregation saw them, quite a few nodded with big smiles and a few of the men came over to shake Nathan's hand and congratulate him. He had time to talk with Gunther and Andy checking in with them.
Molly, Rosaleen, and Bill sat behind them and Nathan told Bill he expected them to come by for dessert Christmas night. Molly and Bill agreed that they couldn't wait to stop by and take a peek at Christopher. Nathan was going to ask Rosemary, Lee, and Paul to stop by too. It would be crowded for a short time, but Dee and him really wanted them to come and meet Christopher.
A hush fell over the room when Elizabeth and little Jack walked in with Tom and Charlotte Thornton. Elizabeth felt quite uneasy as no one knew for sure who that lady was until Rosemary identified her and began the whisper that traveled around the room from pew to pew. As they sat down, Elizabeth closed her eyes knowing what was being talked about and she was ready to sink into the floor. Little Jack sat next to her still holding her hand and waving at everyone who was watching them. Tom sat next to LJ and Charlotte was next to her son. Nothing seemed to bother her at all.
Pastor Joseph seeing the whispering quickly spoke up, "Fr. Ricardo and I would like to thank you all in joining us in our community nativity pageant tonight! The children and Mrs. Thornton along with Mrs. Coulter, and Mr. Landis have worked very hard for you all to enjoy this holy night of love. Love that was brought to us by a very special baby, Our Lord Jesus Christ. We will begin in just a minute and ask you to sing along with the children."
Right before they all stood up to sing, the door opened one last time, in walked Christopher Gowen and Rachel his new wife. As the congregation looked around, Lee spotted his niece, Rachel. He happily waved hello while Rosemary blew kisses. They had no idea they would be coming. As Henry slowly looked to see what was happening, his eyes began to water as he saw Christopher standing right next to him at the end of the pew. "May we sit with you Dad?"
Henry threw his arms around Christopher and embraced him for a long time. The crowd all sighed with happiness with them and Dottie grinned from ear to ear.
"Please, come closer and we'll make room! Welcome home and to my new daughter-in-law, Rachel. What a great night this truly is!"
Mr. Landis nodded at his little musical group and began singing with the congregation, "Joy to the World!"
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When the nativity started Elizabeth took little Jack up to the front with her and he joined right in as a sheep. Working side by side with Rosemary they guided the children to step up and do their part. Some of the sheep baaed too much, angels had crooked halos, and 'Mary' almost dropped baby Jesus, but that's what made the nativity so special with the children!
Throughout the program the congregation in the pews joined the children's choir singing "O Come all Ye Faithful", "Little Town of Bethlehem", "Silent Night", and at the end Cooper walked around the church playing his drum while the children sang, "The Little Drummer Boy,". But, when James sang "O Holy Night" you could hear a pin drop. He commanded the room and Mr. Landis was astonished as he was mesmerized like the others with James rendition.
When the program was over, all the people stood up and applauded while the children bowed. Allie had wished her Mom had been there to see it. Nathan was thinking the same thing, she would be so proud of the children. Luckily, Carson was taking pictures with his camera for memories.
Nathan wanted to ask Lee and Rosemary over to see little Christopher Christmas night, but noticed they were on their way up to the front of the church to talk to their niece Rachel. Apparently, they had eloped as Lee never said anything about a wedding. When they reached the Gowens, Dottie and Henry were still in shock that Christopher was with them, here in Hope Valley, and had just wed Rachel. They were all talking and laughing. As Lee came up, Rachel turned to him and was greeted with a big hug.
"Rachel, we had no idea you were coming. Your mom, never told me a word. Wait, does she know?" Lee checked.
"Yes, she does. She also knows that Dottie asked Christopher to surprise his father, but Dottie didn't know we were married. So, we surprised everyone!" Rachel giggled.
"You sure did! Well, Rachel we have a few surprises for you too. If you haven't heard, we have a son, Paul," Lee said proudly as he waved for Paul to come stand next to him.
"Paul, this is your cousin, Rachel, and her husband, Christopher Gowen, Henry's son," Lee explained.
"Hello, Paul! You are so lucky to have Uncle Lee and Aunt Rosemary as your parents. I'm so happy to meet you," Rachel said as she leaned down to give Paul a welcome to the family hug.
Christopher gave Paul a gentleman's handshake, "Nice to meet you Paul!"
Rosemary excused herself from the group of children still in front to join Lee and Rachel. Paul turned toward Rosemary, "I won't be the only Coulter child, mom's having a baby!" They all laughed.
Rosemary grabbed Paul's hand, "You did so well tonight Paul, I'm very proud of you!" she said as she bent down and gave her son a hug.
Then she embraced Rachel and told her that they had missed her. When Christopher hugged Rosemary too, he told them all that he missed Rachel too and was grateful that his dad encouraged him to go find her. Putting his arm around Rachel he continued, "We both didn't want to be separated again so we decided to elope."
Rachel spoke up, "Mom and dad weren't too happy about that, but they are happy for us now. They send you their love and hope to visit as soon as Aunt Rosemary has her baby!"
"Well, congratulations to you both. While you're here, let's ask Pastor Joseph to give you a blessing," Lee suggested.
Dottie, Henry, and Rosaleen agreed as they went to the front of the church to do just that.
On the other side of the room, Elizabeth had just joined her family with her little sheep, Jack. He was in a goofy fun mood and baaed at his Uncle Tom, who baaed back.
Charlotte looked down at little Jack and marveled at how much he reminded her of his daddy, Jack, her son.
She was delighted as he called her grandma and hugged her, "What did you think of me, grandma?"
Charlotte melted as he treated her with such love. This little boy was so sweet and innocent and she fell in love with him instantly. She squatted down to his level, "Jack, you were the best little sheep I ever saw! I couldn't take my eyes off of you," as she hugged him tightly.
This made Elizabeth so thrilled her eyes shimmered with tears. They had talked before coming to church and Charlotte explained that the death of Jack was so hard for her, that she couldn't bear coming to Hope Valley with him not there. She let her grief trap her from allowing herself to see Elizabeth knowing all she would think about was that Jack wasn't there. Then, when she found out Elizabeth had a little boy, it crushed her. Only because she knew her son would have been so very proud to have his own son, and she just couldn't handle it knowing what he was missing out.
Grief is felt in different ways for different people and she asked Elizabeth to try somehow to understand that she wasn't shutting out Elizabeth, but was actually too weak to come to terms that Jack was no longer there. She tried to pretend that it didn't happen, but when Tom was in danger and almost killed, she had to stop herself from losing out on life. Life with her son, her daughter-in-law, and now her grandson. She had just started to spill all her pent up feelings to Elizabeth and her emotions were causing her to sob. Luckily, they had to leave for the pageant which proved to be good timing. Neither Elizabeth nor Charlotte wanted to upset little Jack. They'd have more time later. But, now was a happy time.
Elizabeth was smiling at Charlotte and her grandson together in a big hug. Tom seeing Elizabeth enjoying the moment, put his arm around Elizabeth and whispered, "Merry Christmas, Elizabeth!"