Hope for Tomorrow

Chapter 39

Page 115

Paul jumped out of bed and looked out his window. There was a soft snow falling and the trees were adorned with snow covered branches making the outside look like a winter wonderland. It was Christmas morning!

Looking down the stairs he ran to see if St. Nicholas came. Sure enough, he did! The plate of cookies was empty and his stocking was filled hanging by the fireplace and presents were under the tree, so he ran back upstairs and bounded into his parent's bedroom.

"MOM! DAD!" Paul cried in delight. "It's time to get up, St. Nicholas came!" Paul started jumping on their bed.

"Paul, whoa! We're up, we're up," Lee laughed. "Watch out for your mom, she'll be having the baby if you keep this up."

"Oh, sorry!" Paul ran over and gave Rosemary a kiss.

Rosemary patted his head, "Let me grab my robe and slippers, honey."

The three of them went downstairs and Paul laughed, "Look, St. Nicholas liked our cookies, Mom. He ate them, no wonder he's so fat! Can I open my stocking please?" Both Lee and Rosemary nodded yes as they laughed too.

As Paul shook the stocking, out rolled an apple, orange, walnuts, peppermint and a ball with jacks in a little cloth tie bag. "Let's play!" Paul suggested.

"Look around you, let's open presents first," Lee said.

Paul was excited when he opened his first gift, Lincoln logs, followed by a sweater and slack set, but then the best of all a Lionel Train set!

"Oh boy, dad can we put this together now?" Lee nodded just as excited as Paul.

Rosemary was in a very tender moment watching her boys play. She loved the earrings and gold locket Lee had bought her with a picture of Lee and Paul inside. As she rubbed her tummy she thought, I'll need a new picture soon!

She had bought Lee engraved cuff links with a matching tie clip. He liked it, but she was waiting to have a photo of the four of them for his desk, so in the meantime, she asked Carson to take a formal picture of the three of them for now. Lee was thrilled with the picture. Their little family was happy as can be.

Later the Coulters would be joining the Gowens for a Christmas early dinner to enjoy a visit with their niece Rachel and Christopher, Dottie and Henry. Dottie and Henry wanted to celebrate their engagement too. After dinner that night they would get a chance to visit with the Grants and see how little Christopher was doing on his first Christmas.

Karen and Benjamin woke up at the same time and bumped into each other in the hallway. Both of them giggled and practically pushed the other down the stairs to see the tree. Benjamin was so elated to actually see a tree with presents and stockings filled. It was his first Christmas morning with a family. He took it all in and then bounded up the stairs to his parent's room waking up Marie and Bob. He begged them to hurry up and told them St. Nicholas had been there!

Karen was grinning as they all came downstairs and just like the Coulter family they laughed joyfully while opening presents. They were not as wealthy as the Coulters so there were some homemade gifts, but they were thoughtful and so treasured. Having purchased a stollen coffeecake they had just enough time to grab a quick piece before they had to get ready to go to Mass.

Over at the Grants, Allie didn't wake up like the rest of the children bright and early, in fact her Oma was the first one awake. She quietly washed up and dressed before the bathroom would be taken over, then started the coffee. Actually, little Christopher was the second to wake up. Nathan chuckled thinking the aroma of the coffee wafting upstairs might have woke him up. Dee picked up her little bun and nestled him next to her as she nursed him.

Nathan checked in on Allie and she was stirring so when he walked over by her, he kissed her on the head. Turning to see her dad, she let out a little squeal when he tickled her. "Get up and let's see if St. Nicholas came."

"Dad! I'm not a little girl anymore. I don't believe in that stuff," she laughed.

"Well, just this year, but next year you will believe again."

"What?" Allie wrinkled her nose.

"For Christopher's sake, you will believe, we all will! Anyways, he's up, so now's a good time to open our gifts. Soon I have to take Oma to Mass, so you and I have to prepare for Christmas dinner with your other grandparents, Uncle Tom, Aunt Dorothy Uncle George and cousins," Nathan told her. Allie still was excited even though she was trying so hard to be mature about it all, so her dad didn't have to say much more.

By then, Archie was up. He didn't realize it was Christmas morning until they started to open gifts. Allie was thrilled at the furry white muff her mom and dad had bought for her along with another charm for her bracelet in the shape of a heart that had an engraving of Love, mom and dad.

Emily got a new apron so she could finally throw out her old worn one, and a framed photo of her and Archie that Carson had taken earlier in the year. Dee and Nathan watched carefully to see her reaction, but she was delighted and held it to her breast for a moment closing her eyes with a smile across her lips. When Archie looked at it, he was happy to know he had one too for his room. Allie had picked out a new pair of gloves for her grandfather as he had lost his when moving. They all kept an eye out for Archie's things now.

Nathan and Dee had agreed not to give each other a gift, but both went back on their word. Dee gave Nathan a new silver pocket watch. She hoped it would help him to remember to come home earlier. Nathan didn't keep his promise either and bought Dee a lovely pair of earrings and bracelet that matched, in favorite color of blue.

The other gifts were for the rest of the family later that afternoon. Nathan made sure Dee was able to get cleaned up and dressed before he drove his Ma to mass. It was going to be a long day with their close friends stopping by tonight too. But, it was Christmas and that's exactly what it was all about. Love.

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When the Gleixners had gone to Mass Christmas morning, Walter thought he recognized Lana Peterson. It also happened that Trevor thought he recognized Walter. So, after Mass they gathered for a short while before heading home to celebrate with their own families. Trevor initiated the connections by approaching Lana. When he tapped on her shoulder, she turned around and instantly a puzzled look but with a look of recognition came over her face.

"Hello, do I know you?" she asked trying to think of where she might have seen him.

"I think so, you look so familiar. Let me introduce myself, I'm Walter Gleixner, Dee Grant's brother. By any chance, were you helping with the nurses in the war?" Walter asked.

"Why yes, I was," Lana smiled. "that's where I've seen you!"

"That's right," Walter nodded, "I was a medic. So now it all makes sense!"

Just then Trevor noticing the two of them talking, joined them and said, "I hope you don't mind, but you two together made me remember where I saw you both. I was in the war and injured my ankle, so I was thinking that you were the medic who tended to me," he shared with Walter. Then looking at Lana, "and you were one of the nursing assistants that took care of me in the sick ward."

"Wow! What a small world! Walter grinned.

"Right? Who would have thought we'd be together on this Christmas?" Lana laughed.

"I just wish that my best friend, Buddy had made it," Trevor said sadly looking away.

Walter put his hand on Trevor's shoulder. "I know, I saw so many not make it. That's why though, I decided I wanted to pursue learning to be doctor. I will be leaving for medical school next week. Fortunately, they are taking into consideration my medic experience as part of my requirements."

Lana spoke up then, "I felt the same way. I just returned from my first semester at nursing school; I love it!"

Suddenly, they were all chatting away and talking about their experiences in the war, not just the sad parts, but those that recovered and beat the odds. Lana told them about the nuns she worked with and was so impressed with their dedication and caring. Trevor agreed and shared his story about the nun who took such good care of him.

Trevor introduced his friend Luke to Walter. Lana already knew Trevor and Luke from the Hopefuls and invited Walter to get together with them later in the week at Billees when they had more time.

"I'd like that, thanks for asking," Walter said.

Trevor reminded Lana, "and don't forget we have the New Year's Eve community moving picture and dance." It had already been planned by the Hopefuls and the town was looking forward to it. The Moretti family had happily agreed to sing a few songs, as well as Dr. James which just added to the fun already planned.

The soft snow kept falling all day long on Christmas and into the night. Since the children were home that week they loved it so they could go sledding, make snow angels, and skate on the pond. The snow also meant that visitors were staying longer than they planned. Roads had to be cleared by the horse-drawn plows and men helped with shoveling, but it would take a day or two. Even the trains were running behind.

During the week, Allie went over to help out at the Mercantile to give Mrs. Yost a day off. When Robert heard she was there, he went over right away. "Allie, I am so glad to find you here!"

"Robert! Hi! How are you? Did you have a good Christmas?" Allie asked happily.

"Pretty quiet. I've been packing up, getting ready to leave for Mountie school. I wanted to see you and talk," Robert pleaded.

"Don't worry Robert, I'm not going anywhere. I'll be home, so why don't you come over for dinner. I know you love Oma's cooking!"

"I would like that Allie, thanks. But, I want to be with you. So, I was hoping we could still have one date together before I go," Robert started. Getting up the courage he continued, "Will you please go to the New Year's Eve dance with me?"

Allie blushed. "I thought we had already agreed to go together?"

"I know we would see each other there and go as a group, but I want to pick you up and take you myself." Robert quickly rushed through this.

Allie grinned and sat there thinking of what her mom and dad would say, "I don't know if my mom and..." just then a telephone call was coming in. Flustered, Allie temporarily forgot what she was doing, and then answered the call and transferred it.

Looking back at Robert, she said, "Robert, why don't you come over for dinner one night this week first and then you can ask my dad. I imagine it'll be busy with my grandparents and family visiting in the beginning of this week, so probably by Thursday."

Robert agreed, but hesitantly. I want to make a good impression, so it that helps I will."

"You don't have to make an impression. Dad has known you for years. I just think he'd consider it more seriously if you asked him first. I'll check with Oma to see when would be a good time. Thanks Robert!" Allie said fondly.

"Thank you, Allie, talk to you soon." Robert said as he was leaving. This was what he had hoped for the last year. Going off to Mountie school was a big change in his life and he hoped he was up to the challenge, but knowing Allie was behind him rooting him on would make a difference.

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Tom Thornton was outside with Elizabeth playing with Jack. There was a little hill behind the new row houses left from digging during the construction that the children used for their sleds. Elizabeth and Tom walked over to the sled hill with Jack. He loved sledding with Uncle Tom and making snow angels with his mama. Even Grandma Thornton was outside for awhile brushing the snow off the porch and steps. So, Uncle Tom teased her with a snowball and he made Jack laugh so hard, that Charlotte couldn't resist but join in the fun.

Inside, Charlotte had made some ham and bean soup and hot chocolate for lunch. It tasted good and warmed them up. After lunch Uncle Tom kept playing with Jack causing Charlotte to smile and say, "Tom you're the biggest child of them all!"

This gave Charlotte the opportunity to talk more with Elizabeth. "I certainly don't expect you to forget the time I wasted not coming to see you. I know it must've really hurt and angered you, but I hope you'll forgive me."

Elizabeth not knowing what more she could say, just knew in her heart that her husband would want them to be family. He wouldn't have approved of his mother staying away, but neither would he have approved if Elizabeth wouldn't accept his mother's apology. So forget, no, she wouldn't, but with time that would slowly fade away, but for now, she could forgive. The message of Christmas spoke loud and strong to her and Elizabeth knew what she must do.

When Charlotte left, Elizabeth actually hugged her and admitted she'd miss her. Asking her to come back to visit, Charlotte smiled and reassured her she wouldn't have it any other way. Tom left to go back to selling tires and Little Jack hugged his uncle tightly and cried when he left. But Tom promised he'd come back in the summer.

Now, Elizabeth and Jack were going to Hamilton to see the Thatcher side of the family and were looking forward to spending a few days there being pampered.

Elizabeth was happily surprised to find Fiona and James Scholl were going to Hamilton too. "What a nice surprise! Are you going to visit someone?" she asked.

"Yes, my parents live in Hamilton," James said, "but it was Fiona's idea."

"Well," Fiona interjected, "I thought it would be nice to meet James' folks so it should be a good time being Christmas time!" Fiona looked at James with a half-smile. Fiona didn't want to get into all the details, so she left it at that.

"Sounds like you too are getting serious!" Elizabeth inquired.

Again, Fiona quickly answered, "Oh no, nothing like that. Just a friendly visit, that's all."

James smiled, "We'll never tell," and winked.

Fiona turned several shades of red and changed the discussion topic, "So now, little Jack and you are going to visit your parents in Hamilton?"

"Yes we are!" Elizabeth and Jack clapped. "Jack's anxious to see his grandparents."

"Funny, we've never met them. Are they ever coming to Hope Valley?" Fiona queried.

That question struck Elizabeth funny. Here she had been so angry at Charlotte Thornton for not visiting her grandson, and yet, the very same thing happened with her parents. If she hadn't been taking Jack now, would they have come to visit? Elizabeth sat stunned pondering this. Julie had visited, and they had sent photos and letters, and made telephone calls, but they never came to see them!

"Elizabeth?" Fiona asked concerned.

"Yes, I'm sorry, I was thinking about something and well... hopefully with mother feeling better and dad not so busy with work, they'll come soon," she answered with her voice trailing off.

As Fiona and James left to find a seat, Jack looked up, "Mama, I can't wait to meet Grandpa and Grandma Thatcher. I'm so lucky to meet all my grandparents for Christmas!"

Elizabeth nodded, "Yes, you certainly are. Did I tell you I love you sweetheart?" and with that, she hugged him tightly and gave him lots of kisses on his head. While Jack was looking out the window, Elizabeth watched him and thought long and hard. She would have to talk to her own parents about coming to Hope Valley.

Gunther went to pick up his mom at the train station. He could hardly wait to see her. It had been quite some time since they last said goodbye. As he scanned the crowd, he spotted her and ran to greet her. "Mother!" he yelled.

"Gunther, my boy!" she replied nearly crying with joy! "It's so good to see you!"

The two of them embraced, then Gunther grabbed her suitcase and putting his arm around her walked her to the automobile he borrowed from Nathan.

"You got an automobile?"

Gunther laughed, "No ma, this is my sergeant's automobile. He let me borrow it to pick you up. He's waiting to meet you. We're invited over to his house for dinner."

On the way back to the Grant's row house where he and Andy were living, his mother never stopped talking as she was so very happy to see her son and where he was stationed. When they arrived at Hope Valley she was pleasantly surprised to see the Christmas decorations on the businesses with the big Christmas tree in the middle of the street. Seeing the children sledding, ice skating, making snowmen and forts, and throwing snowballs all enjoying themselves and the snow made them very joyful.

Gunther introduced Andy to his mother, "Andy, this is my mom, Mrs. Burmeister."

"Oh Andy, you can call me Hannah, or just Ma," she said as she opened her arms wide open for a hug.

"Welcome to our humble abode!" smiled warmly, "it's great to have you here with us. I hope you had a Merry Christmas."

"I did, I love my children and that's all I want for Christmas, so now I get to be with my Gunther and you too Andy," Hannah nodded. "Now, boys show me what's in your icebox and we'll get some lunch ready, ya?"