For the next few days, Nathan spent most of his time in the workshop at the lumber mill. Allie, Archie and Nathan all agreed that one Christmas gift had to be from the heart. Nathan was building Allie a shelf for her room. He was building a picture frame for Archie. He had finished Elizabeth's gift; a plaque that had an Emerson quote. And after being invited to Jack's birthday party, he carved and painted a wooden Mountie and horse for Jack to play with. It was exhausting but Nathan couldn't wait to see their faces.
The party was going to be held after church on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, Nathan, Allie and Archie went to church. The whole community was at the service. Some of the school children sang Christmas carols and Pastor Joseph gave a touching speech about the meaning of Christmas. Nathan was surprised by one person in particular at church; Archie. At one point during the service. Archie folded his hands and bowed his head. He started to quietly pray. Nathan realized that Archie was probably asking for forgiveness. Nathan realized that if God could forgive Archie, so could Nathan.
After the service, Nathan, Allie and Archie headed back home to retrieve their gift for the party. Nathan was going to wait until he could find time alone with Elizabeth to give her his gift. Tonight, would not be that night. As soon as they got home, Archie started having one of his cough attacks. This was a bad attack and a lot more blood was coming out when he coughed. Archie decided that he wasn't up for the party. Nathan helped Archie to bed and then made him some tea.
Nathan brought him the tea and sat on the edge of the bed next to Archie.
"Please tell Elizabeth that I'm sorry that I couldn't make it." Archie said.
"She'll understand." Nathan said.
Archie handed Nathan a folded-up note.
"Please give this to Elizabeth." Archie said.
Nathan took the note and put it in his pocket.
"I saw you praying in church." Nathan said.
"And you think I'm a hypocrite?" Archie asked.
"Not at all." Nathan said. Nathan looked at his father. He saw a frail old man who had to battle his own demons and live with the disappointment of his family.
Nathan cleared his throat.
"I just wanted to say that I'm glad you are here for Christmas." Nathan said.
Archie smiled.
"Me too son, me too." Archie said.
Nathan smiled. He pulled the covers up to Archie's chin and told him goodnight.
Allie and Nathan rode to Elizabeth's house. They knocked on the door and it opened but no one was there to greet them. Nathan and Allie stepped inside Elizabeth's house to see it packed with people.
"I'm glad you could make it." A voice said.
Nathan turned around and saw Elizabeth.
"A full house tonight." Nathan said.
"I only invited a few people but somehow, I ended up with all these people. Where is Archie?" Elizabeth asked.
"He wasn't feeling well. He sends his apologies and this note." Nathan said giving Elizabeth the note.
Elizabeth smiled. Before she could say anything, someone was calling her over.
"Excuse me." Elizabeth said walking away.
During the party, Nathan met a lot of people from town that he had never met before. He met Henry Gowen, Florence and Molly, Fiona, Dr. Shepphard and the nurse, Faith Carter. They were nice people who made Nathan feel welcomed to their community. They knew Colleen and had stories to tell him. But most of the stories that everyone told were about Jack's father, Jack Sr. He was beloved by the community. His death had broken them but with Jack's birth, they were reborn.
People were passing Jack around and suddenly; Jack was in Nathan's arms.
"Hi there." Nathan said to Jack.
Jack wasn't sure of this man, which Nathan understood. How would Nathan feel if some random stranger was holding him? Nathan decided to break the ice by doing funny faces. The funny faces trick worked and Jack started to smile and laugh. His laugh made Nathan laugh. Nathan carried Jack over to the Christmas tree.
"Look at that pretty ornament" Nathan said pointing to an angel ornament.
"That was a gift from my parents when I was a little girl." Elizabeth said walking up next to him.
"It's beautiful." Nathan said.
"I was obsessed with angels. I found them fascinating." Elizabeth said.
"I was the same but my obsession was with eggs. I couldn't believe there were different colored eggs out there." Nathan said.
Elizabeth laughed.
"We are about to sing happy birthday so I need the birthday boy." Elizabeth said.
Nathan handed Jack to Elizabeth. Jack waved at Nathan. Nathan waved back and Elizabeth laughed.
Everyone sang happy birthday to Jack and everyone had cake. Jack was starting to get fussy and that was everyone's cue to start leaving. Elizabeth told the guests that she and Jack would open all their presents tomorrow. Little by little, people started leaving the party. Nathan and Allie helped clean up with the other women while Elizabeth put Jack to bed. After a few minutes, Elizabeth came back down and helped clean up.
There were a handful of people left to help clean up so Nathan decided he and Allie should get going.
Elizabeth hugged Allie and thanked her for coming. When she got to Nathan, she smiled.
"Tell your father, I accept." Elizabeth said.
"What?" Nathan asked.
"The note. Your father asked Jack and I over for Christmas dinner and I accept." Elizabeth said.
"You don't have to. If you have other plans." Nathan said.
"No other plans. What time shall we come over tomorrow?" Elizabeth said.
"Five o'clock but you don't have to come. We aren't having anything fancy. We are cooking everyone's favorite food; pancakes for me, spaghetti for Allie and oysters for Archie." Nathan said.
"I will bring chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Those are my favorite." Elizabeth said.
Nathan smiled.
"We will see you tomorrow." Nathan said.
They said their goodbyes. Nathan and Allie rode home. They were exhausted from the day and Allie went to bed. Nathan went to check on Archie. Archie had left his lantern on with his glasses. A book was laying on his chest. Nathan took the book off his chest and took Archie's glasses off. Archie moved his position but didn't wake up. Nathan smiled.
"I forgive you." Nathan whispered and he turned the lantern off and went to bed.