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A HOPE VALLEY CHRISTMAS
Chapter XII
"Christmas Day & The Day After"
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12*
. . .
On their way walking to get the children, now hand in hand, Nathan and Elizabeth realized they needed to make plans for the day.
"Christmas Day is here, Lizbeth!"
"It is! And so wonderfully so. Why don't I cook breakfast for all of us at my house? Then if you don't mind, we can move all of Jack's Christmas Presents to your house and spend Christmas Day there?"
"That actually sounds perfect since we left your Nativity Scene at my house," reminded Nathan.
"I was so excited to get the children, I forgot," admitted Elizabeth. "But it looked so lovely sitting there on your table, which is the perfect height for Jack to really be able to see it."
"Besides, I want to cook Christmas Dinner for you," grinned Nathan.
"You do? But I want to cook Christmas Dinner for you!"
They both chuckled.
"Then we'll simply cook Christmas Dinner together, at my place," offered Nathan.
"That sounds perfect!"
Before they could knock on the door, Allie and Jack, all bundled up, ran out on the porch to greet them with huge hugs and kisses...
"Merry Christmas, Dad! Merry Christmas, Mrs. Thornton!"
Both Nathan and Elizabeth could tell Allie was doing her best to gauge how the two adults were doing.
But when she saw their smiles and ease with each other, and noted they were still holding hands, Allie smiled broadly.
"I'm getting my Christmas wish!"
"And what's that?" asked her Dad.
"Dad, we're all together!"
"Yes, we are, for the entire day!" agreed her Dad, which wasn't exactly what Allie wanted to hear, but she'd take it.
Allie simply wanted the four of them to be together forever!
But everything was so very new for the couple. They were still finding their way, even though they now knew they belonged to each other. It was too early to know what their future held, wasn't it?
"Merry Christmas, Rosemary, Lee," smiled Nathan. "I hope the children weren't too much of a handful!"
"They were an absolute delight, Nathan! They opened our presents for them, and we made cookies. It was so much fun! By the way, here's a box of Christmas Cookies to take with you," and Rosemary handed the box to Elizabeth with a hug.
"Auntie Rosie, I'll bring yours and Uncle Lee's presents by later! Thank you for a wonderful Christmas Eve!"
"Thank you, Dear Child!"
"And we will be bringing your presents, too," winked Elizabeth. "Merry Christmas, and thank you, Dear Friends, for showing Allie and Jack such a wonderful Christmas Eve!"
Nathan nodded and added his own personal thank you.
"We can't thank you enough for this time you've given us, Rosemary, Lee! You both have hearts of gold. But till we see each other later, thanks from the bottom, of our hearts, and have a very Merry Christmas Day together..."
In Elizabeth's kitchen, Nathan insisted on helping her make breakfast.
"You're spoiling me! I could get used to having a sous chef, you know!"
"I'm devastated! Is that all I am? A replaceable sous chef?" teased Nathan.
She turned and placed both her hands flat against his chest.
"You, Nathan Grant, are totally and irrevocably irreplaceable!"
He grinned that lopsided grin.
"You know, all this attention you've been giving me is…well, it's a very new thing for me. I haven't had an adult fussing over me since I was home with Mother and Colleen. Of course, Allie makes up for them both, or at least tries to!" he chuckled.
"I bet she does!" agreed Elizabeth.
Then Elizabeth grew most serious.
"Without doubt, kind Sir, I could spend the rest of my life fussing over you. This past week of doing just that has given me so much pleasure. If you must know, focusing on you and Allie is what has put me in the Holiday spirit!"
"Really?"
"The truth is, I was dreading the Holidays. I had to make a Christmas for Jack, so I went through the motions, but in my heart, until I prayed and asked for forgiveness, I felt so empty inside."
"How do you feel now?"
"Full of love and overflowing! I have hope for the first time in a long time. Hope for us, the two of us, and the four of us," she admitted, wanting to make sure he knew where she stood.
Nathan reached for her hands, and they simply looked at each other while having an entire silent conversation based on those words alone.
"Oops! The pancakes are going to burn!"
Elizabeth slowly and reluctantly removed her hands from Nathan's, but with a brilliant smile.
"I'll pour the juices and milk," offered Nathan, still deep in thought…
With Nathan and the children already seated at the table, Elizabeth stirred the blueberry syrup that was warming on the stove, one last time.
Then she poured it into a small pitcher and, with a smile, placed it on the table along with the Pancakes, Bacon, Eggs, and Biscuits Nathan had placed there earlier.
"There! Now, we're finally ready to eat. Allie, would you like to say grace?"
"Yes, Ma'am!"
Everyone joined hands.
Nathan braced himself because, given the last week, he wasn't at all sure what his daughter would say in her prayer.
"Dear God, Thank You for this special Christmas Day, and thank You most of all that we're all here, to celebrate it together. Thank You for the food, Dad and Mrs. Thornton cooked for us! And thank You most of all for answering my secret prayer, but will You please keep working on that still? I don't think it's going to be real hard! But just to be sure, can You take a second look? Thank you, God, Amen!"
"Amen," added a somewhat relieved Nathan and giggling Elizabeth, and a loud "'men" was added by an enthusiastic Little Jack.
The strangest thing was that for all four of them, this felt like the most natural thing in the world.
It felt right that they were eating together and looking forward to spending Christmas Day together.
As Jack climbed out of his chair into Nathan's lap, Nathan simply kissed the little boy's head and wrapped his arms securely around him.
And suddenly, Elizabeth knew everything was exactly as it was meant to be.
Perfectly…
"All presents from Santa have now officially been delivered to the Grant abode!" announced Nathan.
It had taken him two trips, but now he was at Elizabeth's to escort his family home.
Had he actually thought 'family?' And 'home?'
But the truth was, that was exactly what they felt like to him. Both family and home.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts and smiled.
"Do you need any help, Jack?"
"Peas!"
Elizabeth watched, with her arms around Allie's shoulders, amazed at the ease with which Nathan dressed Jack!
The boy clearly adored him, just as much as the Constable adored Jack!
They were truly such a beautiful thing together, and Allie was just smiling away, not at all jealous, like Jack was her little brother, and sharing her father was the way it was supposed to be!
"Are we bundled up and ready to go out into the freezing cold?" asked Nathan.
"Yes!" smiled Allie, anxious to get to her Christmas presents.
"Oh, just one moment. I need to run upstairs for one little thing," exclaimed Elizabeth.
So, Allie and Jack waited, both laughing at Nathan's Dad jokes, with Nathan thoroughly enjoying his audience of two…
Inside the Grant House, as soon as Jack was unbundled, he clapped his little hands and ran straight toward the Nativity Scene!
Totally mesmerized, he just sat there staring at every single piece.
"Jack, that's the Nativity Scene your Mama promised you to take home," explained Nathan.
"Mine?"
"Yes, Jack, Nathan made it for us! Isn't it the most beautiful Nativity Scene ever?"
"Boo ti ful, Mama! I wuv it! I wuv it!"
"Well, that's a huge success," whispered Elizabeth with a bright smile. "Thank you, you totally saved me!"
Nathan touched her elbow ever so slightly, on his way to the fireplace.
There, he stoked the fire, till it was raging, making the little rowhouse all warm and toasty inside.
"First, we need some Christmas music. Then I'll go put the Turkey in the oven for a slow roast, and we'll have our Christmas," announced Nathan to loud cheers.
"I'll come help," offered Elizabeth. "Allie, do you mind watching Jack?"
"Of course not, Mrs. Thornton. Jack and I are fine!"
"Just don't let him mess up anything, Allie!"
Allie grinned.
"I won't!"
The truth was, Jack seemed perfectly content as long as he was with Allie, which amazed his mother because she knew her son was usually quite the handful!
Although, apparently not to Allie!
After having had a little too much fun basting, and now with the Turkey fully basted and roasting, Nathan and Elizabeth happily gathered in the living room with the children where Christmas Carols were still playing...
On his way, Nathan turned down the volume on the gramophone leaving the carols playing, but more softly in the background, then he sat in his favorite leather chair with his Bible.
Elizabeth sat on the Settee and gathered the children with her, though not for long.
"Oops! Dad is going to read the Christmas Story now, and I always sit with him for that," explained Allie as she moved to sit on the arm of her Father's chair. "We always do this before we open presents!"
"What a lovely tradition," smiled Elizabeth, holding Jack.
Never before had she seen the Christmas Story being read from the Bible before opening presents in a home, but she loved the idea.
Soon, Jack was down and scampering to be with his Allie and Na'tan, leaving Elizabeth on the settee alone.
Though she didn't mind at all, as she was immersed in watching the children with Nathan.
Jack found his spot, plopping himself down on Nathan's lap while Allie was content with her usual place on the arm of his chair, with her arm wrapped around her Dad.
Elizabeth wished she had remembered to bring her camera.
Nathan read the same scripture as was used in the Pageant, Luke 2:1-20 but somehow, with Nathan's expressive voice and inflections, it felt very different, so real, yet so personal.
The children attentively listened, which amazed Elizabeth, as their presents, which were so close by, weren't even a thought.
'This is such a beautiful, forever moment to keep in our hearts always,' mused Elizabeth, meaning every word.
She was simply so touched, and her heart was truly overflowing with love, contentment, and happiness, because this felt like her family, and this was what Christmas was truly about…
2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (*33)
"That was so lovely, Nathan," complimented Elizabeth with tears in her eyes. I love this tradition!"
He smiled tenderly back at her, pleased such a simple tradition had touched her so deeply.
"Now, how about unwrapping some of those presents under the tree?" he winked to the children.
"Dad, where is our cardinal ornament? I don't see it anywhere! Did we lose it?"
Nathan looked flustered.
"No, Sweetheart…it's…it's in my desk drawer," he admitted.
"But, why?"
"Allie…" but he just couldn't explain it, not to his daughter, not in front of Elizabeth.
"I think I know why, Sweetheart, and it's all my fault," interjected Elizabeth. "But I believe we can fix it! Just a minute."
Elizabeth got up and found the little box she had brought with her.
"Nathan, this is a gift I bought a long time ago for you."
"Do you want me to open it?"
"I think you should," she grinned, using his own words.
Nathan unwrapped the small box carefully, almost as though he somehow knew something precious was inside.
"Elizabeth, I don't know what to say…"
But he looked into her eyes and saw all the love she had for him in those deep oceans of blue, and he was shaken to the core.
"Every cardinal needs a companion, Nathan," she cooed, teasingly yet so seriously.
"May I get ours, Dad?"
"Yes, Allie, I think we should," he answered, still gazing at Elizabeth.
While Allie ran to her Dad's desk to find their cardinal ornament, Nathan reached for Elizabeth's hand.
"Thank you, Elizabeth," both now relishing in the fact that moment so long ago while decorating the tree had meant a lot, and exactly the same, to each of them.
That memorable moment had been cherished and kept in both of their hearts.
All this time both Nathan and Elizabeth had each treasured that beautiful memory, both remembering that precious scene with love...
"Here it is, Dad!"
Nathan handed their cardinal ornament to Elizabeth, back to the hands that had previously touched it.
Then Nathan led Elizabeth to the Christmas Tree, where the two of them recreated that tender scene from their past.
But this time, both knew it would end differently.
There were no doubts of any kind left in their minds.
They were now as free as the two cardinals themselves.
Free to soar.
As Elizabeth stretched to hang the first cardinal, she couldn't quite reach the branch, even on her tiptoes.
Nathan covered her hand and took the ornament, hanging it on the highest branch, along with Elizabeth's second cardinal ornament next to it.
All the while with Elizabeth still in his arms.
She turned, and their eyes met just as before.
But this time, everything was different, the way it should have been before. The way it almost was.
Suddenly nothing else mattered, and neither could stop what was happening as their lips met so softly and so tenderly in what would forever more be their first real kiss.
Their lips were soft and warm, melding with each other as though they belonged together, and they could taste their love, not even aware Allie and Jack were vigorously clapping.
His left hand found the nape of her neck, as he pulled her closer with his right hand on her back.
She fit perfectly against him, and though it pained them to part their lips, the children were there.
AND there were all the presents to open!
He held her still as they moved aside so the children could find which packages were theirs.
Nathan stood behind Elizabeth with his arms comfortably around her waist, both watching the flurry of excitement before them, as Allie and Jack grabbed boxes and tore off ribbons and paper, experiencing the joy of receiving gifts that were given with so much love.
But in that simple, most wonderful kiss that was still palpable for both, their complete commitment to each other had been made, never to be broken again.
While more importantly moving them from their tenuous present into their beautiful new future together...
By now, wrapping paper was scattered everywhere!
"Dad, you made me a standing easel! This is so perfect! It's just what I needed, but I never dreamed I would actually have one!"
"I'm glad you love it, Allie," blowing his daughter a kiss. "It's adjustable, so you can use it as you grow, even into adulthood."
"I even have a drawer to store my paints and supplies! But the legs look so complicated."
"That's because it folds up for storage or moving it to wherever you need!"
"How did you know how to build it, Dad?"
"Remember when we visited the museum in Union City, and the artist painted your picture that's hanging there above our mantel? I was memorizing every detail of his easel the whole time. I sketched it out while you slept on the train."
Allie smiled remembering their little Father-Daughter trip, and ran to give her Dad a real kiss and hug because he had gone to so much trouble to give her not only that trip she wanted so badly, but the perfect gift as well.
She also knew just how much he hated to think about her growing up, yet he had made her something that she would carry with her into adulthood and proudly use her whole life.
"It looks just like the one the artist used, Dad! And he told me his was the best made, that it came from France!"
"I did a little research when I got back too. I wanted it perfect for you, Allie. It's made just like his!"
Her love and gratitude were profound and shown clearly to him, as he wiped his daughter's tears, and kissed her cheek.
He would swell with pride every time he saw her using it, knowing Colleen was as proud as he was.
Allie was carrying on in her mother's footsteps. Whether she realized it or not, she was her mother made over, even in her style of painting. And it was such a heartwarming thing to see!
Nathan couldn't help but wonder, if like her mother, someday Allie might also become a professional artist.
As for Jack, he was overwhelmed with all his toys, playing with first one, then another, until he opened Nathan's gifts last.
Those, of course, being his favorites!
Even though his relationship with Elizabeth had been dubious at best at the time, Nathan had carved Jack more Mounties and Horses, along with a very realistic Fort, and the little guy was beyond thrilled, now off in the corner playing with them all, contented as could be.
"Me got a Fowt, Mama! A Fowt!" he called, smiling from ear to ear, reminding his Mama yet again.
"Yes, Son, you most certainly did! And what a Fort it is!"
On impulse, Jack ran back and jumped in Nathan's lap to thank him for probably the hundredth time!
It was quite clear nothing compared to the Little Guy's 'Fowt!'"
"Allie, open the blue package," suggested Elizabeth, excitedly.
Inside the perfectly wrapped box, was a virtual library of all the latest books for tweens.
"This is just the best! I've heard about all of these, but I didn't think I could read them till the library got them next year! Thank you, Mrs. Thornton. I truly love them all!"
"You are very welcome, Sweetheart. Now grab the other one wrapped in purple."
"Another one? This is too much!"
"No, it's sort of practical," laughed Elizabeth. "I hope you like it!"
Allie opened the beautifully wrapped package to find the most gorgeous dress she had ever seen, in her favorite lavender.
"This is just gorgeous! May I try it on?"
"Of course, Allie, there's plenty of time before we eat," answered her Dad with his arm still around Elizabeth.
Allie ran upstairs carefully carrying her new dress.
"I think there's one more package under the tree, Nathan," teased Elizabeth.
"Really? I thought you didn't get me anything. Besides, the cardinal ornament is more than enough! I'll treasure it always," and he kissed her hand.
"Well, I stretched that a little. Let's just say I didn't have it with me at the time. It was home mixed in with all of Jack's packages."
Nathan got up and walked to the back of the tree to find a huge box wrapped in his favorite blues and greens.
"It's heavy," warned Elizabeth. "Be careful lifting it!"
"Oh, I remember this one! What do you have in it? Lead?"
"You never know," she teased. "Bring it here, so I can see you open it, please!"
"Your wish is my command!"
As Nathan sat with the box in front of him, he turned to Elizabeth.
"I'm already happier than I have ever been. You didn't need to give me a gift."
"Yes, I did! I want you to feel loved every single time you use what's inside!"
Nathan opened the box, still not at all sure what was in it.
But when he finally saw what was inside, he was amazed.
"How could you possibly know this is the exact set of woodworking tools I've been looking at for the last two years?"
"It's good to be friends with people in high places!" she giggled.
"Florence Yost! You little cheater! But I do love it so, and that you gave it to me just makes me love it all the more, Lizbeth! Thank you. I will love making you beautiful things with these."
"Good, because there might have been an ulterior motive in making this selection, and I think you may have nailed it! Nathan, not to change the subject, but you have no idea how I've longed to hear you say my name like that! It slipped twice last night, which was wonderful! But it sounds even better after our kiss," she blushed.
"It does, doesn't it?"
Allie flitted down the stairs and pirouetted like a professional model.
Nathan whistled.
"You look beautiful, Allie. So beautiful," complimented Elizabeth, which earned her the biggest hug ever…
After the most enjoyable Christmas Day Feast ever, Nathan and Elizabeth took the children, along with their gifts, to visit Rosemary and Lee, followed by a second visit to Bill.
When finished with their visits, they returned back to Nathan's for a hearty round of Christmas games that lasted until it was time to snack on leftovers.
"Now, this is the best part of Christmas!" insisted Nathan.
Elizabeth and the children just laughed, but they dug in too!
After snacks and lots of them, along with desserts, Nathan and Elizabeth sat quietly together and just talked in front of the fire, while Allie read books to Jack upstairs.
By nightfall, the children were worn out, to say nothing of the parents!
But all, oh, so happily so!
Allie kissed a sleeping Jack, then Elizabeth.
"This has been the best Christmas ever!" declared Allie in a low voice so as not to wake Jack.
"I agree, Sweet Girl, the very best! Sweet dreams tonight!"
"I will. I love you, Mrs. Thornton!"
"And I love you, Allie, so very much! More than you can know!"
The two hugged and kissed goodnight.
Thankfully, Nathan had already carried all of Jack's toys and the Thornton's new Nativity Scene, to their home earlier, as now he was holding the sleeping little boy, himself, to carry there.
"Allie, are you sure you'll be alright till I get back?"
"Sure, Dad, I'll start reading one of my new books and wait for you down here! But, Dad, we forgot our seeds!"
"Wrapped in the kitchen, Allie! I could never forget our seeds! We'll open them together when I get back…"
Having helped Elizabeth tuck Jack into bed, and hating to leave, Nathan knew he needed to get back to Allie.
As he walked Elizabeth to the door, both were silent, content to simply hold hands instead of words.
At the front door, they stood like two teenagers not wanting to part.
"This has been the best Christmas ever!" smiled Elizabeth, emphasizing every word.
"I just happen to have one more gift!"
"Nathan, that's not fair. I really don't have anything else this time!"
"This is sort of a gift for both of us, Lizbeth," as Nathan took both of her hands. "Will you do me the honor of going on a first date with me!"
"I would be thrilled! When? Where?"
"Tomorrow night, promptly at six! Where we're going, though, is a surprise."
"Really?" she was elated for it to be so soon, wondering how in the world she could wait even that long.
But now their first date had been offered and accepted, and she couldn't be more thrilled!
Not knowing where would just add to the excitement.
"Really," he kissed her forehead. "And dress up, not that you wouldn't look beautiful in anything!"
"You are too kind!"
"Just truthful."
She tenderly touched his cheek.
Till tomorrow, Lizbeth. I'm tired of wasting time," and he grinned that crooked grin that made her weak in the knees, kissed her hand, placing it for a moment on his own heart, then turned to leave.
But as she watched from her porch, with her coat thrown around her shoulders, she waved with the biggest smile on her face every single time he turned back to wave.
And delightedly, that happened several times.
The last time, he simply blew her a kiss.
Then he was gone.
But she was still in heaven…
All Monday afternoon, Elizabeth tried on everything in her closet, trying to decide on what to wear.
Nothing felt just right, till Rosemary came over with three brand-new dressy winter gowns to choose from.
"This one, Rosemary! It's perfect!"
"Oh, I was hoping you'd choose that one. It looks positively divine on you!"
The gown was made of ivory cashmere, and it was simply stunning in its elegant simplicity. The dress gathered slightly at the waist but flowed to the floor with just the slightest curve draping behind her.
Tiny pearl buttons ran down the entire front of the dress.
The sleeves were long, and there was an intricate lace collar that hugged her neck.
"Now, for your jewelry! I think your grandmother's diamond cross pendant and that tiny matching diamond bracelet."
"What about earrings, pearl or diamond?" asked Elizabeth.
"Definitely diamond! But we've got to get you dressed instead of just talking about it. Elizabeth, you have less than an hour! Hop to it…"
Looking out her window at half past five, Elizabeth was beginning to worry that the inclement weather would keep them from going anywhere for their date.
"I know it looks rough outside, but I think you'll be okay staying in town. Oops, I've got to go and give you a few moments alone. You not only look more beautiful than I've ever seen you, Elizabeth, but you also look positively radiant, like a woman desperately in love, who truly knows her own heart. And that makes me so happy!"
"I do, Rosemary. I've actually always known. Nathan has been, is, and will always be my heart! It just took me a while to sort through my fears."
Rosemary kissed her best friend.
"Thank goodness, you finally have! Just relax and enjoy tonight. You deserve this. Nathan deserves this."
"Thanks for taking care of Allie and Jack for us!"
"It's our pleasure. We're going to have a blast, you know! And I want to hear all about it when you get back, with nothing left out."
Elizabeth just smiled…
After Rosemary left, the time flew by, and before she knew it, there was Nathan's knock on the door!
She couldn't wait and opened it immediately.
Nathan was speechless at first, looking her over from head to toe!
"You look absolutely stunning, Lizbeth. I've never seen a more beautiful woman, nor one who comes close."
"And I've never seen a more handsome man, nor one who comes close! You look wonderful, Nathan!"
And he did.
He was wearing a rather new dark navy double-breasted suit she had never seen before, with a blue striped shirt and dark silk paisley tie that matched the suit.
She noticed he had even added the matching kerchief to his pocket, just like he had done for Allie's Adoption Party, but tonight just for her.
The man literally took her breath away.
"I was worried the weather might prevent our outing," admitted Elizabeth.
Nathan wrapped her warmly in her fur coat and grinned.
"Have you ever seen a Mountie unprepared?"
Then he opened the door and pointed to their transportation.
"Nathan! A Sleigh! How did you…"
"Shh! Just enjoy. It's all for you, for us!"
Before she realized what was happening, Nathan whisked her up and carried her to the sleigh.
He then tucked her in under a warm fur and got in beside her.
The quarters were tight, which suited her just fine, snuggling up against him.
He took the reins while giving a cluck to the horses, and they were off on what Elizabeth was sure would be the most romantic night of her life…
"Where are we going?"
"It's top secret! But you'll soon figure it out," he grinned.
They rode for a while, and the night was positively magical, with the silvery moon glistening from afar and the stars twinkling brightly over them.
But when they came close to their destination, she finally knew.
"Our cabin! The cabin in the woods where we were stranded with the kids!"
"I wanted to replace all the bad memories with new wonderful ones," he whispered into her ear.
"Nathan Grant, you're a romantic," she teased.
"Guilty, as charged, Mrs. Thornton," then he turned and smiled in the glow from the sleigh's lanterns.
A smile that totally melted her.
When they reached the cabin, he insisted on carrying her, so her heels wouldn't get wet, and Elizabeth wasn't about to complain, placing her arms securely around his neck.
But as he kicked open the door, she was overwhelmed.
"This is gorgeous, Nathan! How did you do all this?"
The fire was roaring, and a table for two was set with fine china, crystal, and silver. In the middle of it all was a simple bouquet of purple roses, her favorite, flanked by two tall tapers.
It was so elegant.
Lanterns, already lit, flanked the mantel over the fire, and in various places around the entire cabin.
"This is just so beautiful! I've never seen anything like this," she insisted. "Thank you, Nathan!"
As he seated her to eat, he turned and brought out a bottle of champagne.
"Champagne, too?"
"Only the best for you, Lizbeth. Your mother said this was your favorite."
"You called my mother?"
"As you said, it's nice to have friends in high places!" he winked.
With a flourish, he lifted the dome to reveal her plate.
"Especially when you need to know my top favorite meal of all time. Nathan, I don't know how you did all this, but this is divine!"
Before her, were all of her favorites. A Wild Mushroom Salad, Cornish Hens with Potatoes Au Gratin, and Corn Pudding with Homemade Rolls, followed by her favorite dessert in the world, Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream with Cherry Macarons, which, unknown to her, Bill had ordered from Union City this morning.
"This is the best meal I have ever eaten! I think I'm stuffed!"
"Not too stuffed for a little dancing, I hope! May I have this dance, Elizabeth Thornton?"
He had started the music on a Gramophone, and she couldn't wait to be in his arms.
"Finally, I get to dance with the man of my dreams, and it's heavenly!"
They fit together like a glove, dancing around the cabin floor, as though they were floating!
After they had practically danced the night away, Nathan led her to the settee in front of the fireplace and poured them a glass of her favorite champagne.
She leaned her head against his chest as they simply talked, something they would never tire of doing with each other.
But suddenly, Nathan got up, which puzzled her. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, then got down on one knee.
Elizabeth gasped in surprise, and her hands automatically covered her mouth.
"Lizbeth, I don't want to court you to marry you. I want to marry you to court you all the days of my life. Will you do me the great honor of being my wife?"
Tears ran down her face.
"That is the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me. Yes, Nathan! Yes! Yes! And yes, a million times over!"
He opened the tiny velvet box, and her mouth fell open.
There lay the most beautiful oval-cut ruby, surrounded by four significant diamonds, two on each side.
"The diamonds are for each member of our family, the four of us, but the ruby is for us alone, the magic we already share, the magic we will always share."
As he slipped the ring on her finger, their eyes never left each other's, and they couldn't help but fall into each other in the most passionate of kisses that neither wanted to ever end.
The kiss was everything both had dreamed it would be and more!
But when they finally had to stop to breathe, something dawned on Elizabeth, almost afraid to hear the answer.
"Nathan, how did you find this gorgeous ring so quickly?"
He looked embarrassed, but she caressed his chin.
"Honesty, remember?"
"But I don't want to hurt you, Love," he pleaded.
"Nothing hidden between us, remember?"
Now, she knew the answer, but she also knew she needed to hear Nathan say it out loud.
"I designed it for you, Elizabeth, and had it ready to give you last Christmas."
She started shaking, and worried, he rose and wrapped his arms around her to warm her.
"I am so deeply sorry, my Love. So deeply sorry I messed our lives up so badly! I've wasted an entire year," lamented Elizabeth.
"Shh. No more talk about any of that. It might have taken a year for me to put this on your finger, but Lizbeth, I would have waited for you as long as it took. You are my soul mate. No one else could ever do."
She sobbed in his arms for quite some time, grieving over the loss of last year, but he patiently and lovingly kissed her grief away, and they just sat silently together, watching the fire crackle.
"You know, Lizbeth, your ruby stands for passion and protectiveness. I vow to give you enough of both to erase any lost time we might have had."
Suddenly, with those words, all was truly healed.
"I've never known there could be happiness like this, Nathan."
"It's you, Elizabeth. It's us together. Our beautiful present is finally here, and now, our beautiful future awaits..."
. . .
*33. Hebrews 4:12, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain
*34. Luke 2:1-20, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain