"Keep it dry and change the dressing daily until it heals," Faith instructed as she secured the new bandage around Harold's hand. "And be more careful with your knife."
"I will definitely try," Harold replied. "How much do I owe you?"
Harold took care of the bill and then turned to leave. After taking one step he turned back to the doctor again. "Can I ask you something nonmedical related?"
Faith looked at him quizzically as she replied. "You may."
"Flowers are not exactly easy to come by this time of year around here, but I did not want to show up empty handed for my date with Marion. Do you think she would like a box of chocolates?"
"I don't think you could go wrong with a box of chocolates," Faith assured him with a smile. "I would suggest asking Ned to tie a ribbon around the box for you to dress it up a bit. He does a lovely job with bows."
"Thanks for the advice, Dr. Kinslow," Harold said.
"Anytime," Faith assured him. "Now shoo. You have a date to get ready for."
"You sound like your husband," Harold muttered as he headed out of the infirmary. The chuckle behind him told him that she had heard the comment.
Harold made a stop at the mercantile. He selected a box of chocolates and then after glancing around to make sure no one was paying attention, asked Ned to tie a red ribbon around it. The story owner simply winked at him and said, "one pretty bow coming up."
After stopping by his apartment to clean and change into civilian clothes, Harold then went to the livery where Curt Lawson had agreed to meet him with his sleigh and team to borrow for the night. Curt had even included a couple bear skin lap robes to help keep them warm during the ride. After thanking the man, Harold headed the sleigh toward the boarding house to pick up Marion for their supper.
Reaching the boarding house, Harold brought the sleigh to a stop in front of the porch and went to the door. He didn't have a chance to knock, as the door opened as he approached. Apparently, Marion had been waiting for him. She already wore her coat though she did usher him inside momentarily.
"These are for you," he told her, handing her the box of chocolates.
"Thank you," Marion said, reaching for the box of chocolates. She almost dropped them as she accepted the box, indicating to Harold that he was not the only one nervous.
Ms. Carver entered the foyer at that moment, breaking the nervous silence that was beginning between them. The landlady held out a towel-wrapped, rectangular object. "It's a cold night. I warmed this brick to help keep the lady's feet warm during the ride."
"Very thoughtful, Ms. Carver. Thank you," Harold said as he accepted the object.
"I like to lock the front door by nine thirty young man," Ms. Carver continued. "I tend to trust my neighbors, but you never know who might step off that train on any given day."
"A wise precaution," Harold replied, without missing a beat. "I will make sure I have Marion home by then."
Ms. Carver nodded. "You two have fun," she said. Turning to Marion, she spoke again. "Would you like me to put the candy in your room, dear?"
"Thank you," Marion said, handing over the box.
Harold waited for Marion to don her gloves and hat before offering her his arm. "Shall we?"
Marion nodded. The short walk to the sleigh was silent. Reaching the conveyance, Harold placed the brick on the floor before holding his hand out to Marion to assist her inside.
"Thank you," Marion said before letting out a nervous giggle as she settled in the seat, her feet on either side of the warm brick. "I am a grown woman. You would think I could say more than thank you."
"Nerves don't care about your age," Harold commented lightly as he tucked the lap robe securely around her before going around and climbing into the other side of the sleigh.
"I haven't been on a date since before I married my late husband," Marion admitted as Harold settled down beside her. "I have no clue how I am supposed to act."
"Just act as if you are having supper out with a friend," Harold told her, as he picked up the reigns. "My mother always said the key to a lasting relationship is a solid friendship first."
"She sounds like a wise woman."
"She was," Harold replied as he signaled the horses to move forward. "I have never been married nor was I alone when I had to deal with it, but I do know the burden of losing someone you love. Now, you can choose whether you want to share about those feelings but know that if you want to talk about your late husband, it will not bother me."
Having glanced over at the end of the comment, he caught the nod that Marion gave him before she looped her arm around one of his.
"So, what do you think of Hope Valley?" Marion asked, signaling that for now she wanted to keep the conversation to easier topics.
As she walked into the café on Corporal Mayne's arm, Marion felt as if everyone in the place was watching them. Yes, a few eyes glanced their way as they entered, but she had a feeling the sensation was mostly in her mind.
Leading her to an empty table, Harold pulled out a chair and helped her get settled before taking the seat across from her. Picking up the menu, he made easy conversation about the choices. In the end, they both chose to go with the meatloaf, glazed carrots, mashed potatoes, and some rolls.
After Clara left with their order, Marion gazed across the table at her date. Harold had been nothing but a gentleman all night and yet she wasn't quite sure she deserved him. Not a day went by when she didn't think of Marcus at some point. While she knew her late husband would be fine with her finding love again, as he would want her to be happy, Marion had never felt right about asking someone to compete with a memory.
"I am not sure accepting this invitation to supper was fair to you."
The words were out before she realized she was saying them. Embarrassed she looked down at the plate.
"What do you mean by that?" Harold asked, not a hint of condemnation in his voice - only empathy. It was that compassion that gave her the courage to explain.
"While I have accepted that my husband is never coming home, not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I don't see that changing any time soon."
Harold reached out and gently captured one of her hands in his. "I know exactly how you feel. I lost someone I loved as well. Even though you force yourself to go on with life, a part of you never really lets them go."
"That is exactly how I feel," Marion replied, looking up at Harold. "I go between missing him and being happy. Then when I do start enjoying myself, I feel guilty for doing so even though I know Marcus would want me to be happy."
"That guilt does fade eventually," Harold told her. "I know from experience. I have never been married, but I was in love when I was a teenager. Some people told me I was too young to really be in love, but I know I loved Becky. Knew that she was the one I wanted to spend my life with and then she was gone. No one else ever sparked my interest until I met you. Maybe it's because I knew that I had found someone who could truly understand."
Having spent the last years feeling sorry for herself, Marion was relieved to be able to feel empathy for someone else's loss.
"Will you tell me about her?" Marion asked.
Harold nodded and as he started to relate his tale, Marion felt her first sense of peace over agreeing to this date. No, this wasn't a typical conversation for a first date, but for her and Harold it seemed appropriate. Sharing their heartaches seemed a fitting way to start the exploration of a possible new love for them.
They hadn't even finished this date, but Marion hoped very much an invitation to their next one would precede the final goodnight of the evening.
In Hamilton, the next few days passed quickly. The plans made were carried out and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Soon, Christmas Eve was dawning. Waking to a dull room, Elizabeth glanced at the clock sitting on the dresser, wondering if perhaps she was just awake earlier than usual. The hands on the time piece soon assured her that the lack of light was not caused by the time of day. She noted that Nathan was already up and about somewhere as she climbed from underneath the heavy quilts. The chill in the air, after the warmth of the blankets, had her immediately reaching for her heavy robe. She slipped her arms in it as she headed for the window.
At the window, Elizabeth pushed aside the heavy curtains to reveal a dark grey sky that blocked out the sunlight. Big, fluffy snowflakes drifted lazily down to the ground. Normally, she would think them pretty. Today though, she worried that the snow might ruin the plans they had for her son's fifth birthday. Last year's celebration was simply a cupcake with a candle in it that she had bought from the café as Lucas was whisking them out of town. Jack's birthday had been spent in the car, with supper being at the home of a business contact of Lucas'. Jack hadn't even been able to eat with them, the kids at another table in a smaller room under the supervision of a governess. She hadn't even been able to tuck Jack into bed, another task done by the governess, as Lucas had insisted she stay by his side. Christmas hadn't been much better.
Still, if the snow stayed like it was, their guests should still be able to make it. If not, Elizabeth vowed to make it a happy birthday for her son with just the family who was in the houses.
Turning from the window, Elizabeth decided to go check on her son. If he was awake, she would wish him a happy birthday. If he was still sleeping, she would let him sleep and go find her husband before getting ready for the day.
As it turned out, she accomplished both those things. Going to the door that connected their room with Jack's, Elizabeth pushed it open gently and heard Nathan's tenor voice speaking softly.
"We both knew that two men against the Tolliver gang wasn't going to cut it. We needed backup but with your mother and aunt being held, we didn't have time to wait it. See, that is the difference between me and your father. I tend to stick to the book in my way of thinking but not your daddy, Jack. One of your father's strongest traits was his ingenuity. Your father needed backup and he was going to create his own."
Elizabeth recognized the tale of Jack and Patrick's efforts to rescue her and Julie from the Tolliver gang. Standing in the doorway she continued to listen as Nathan read from the pieces of paper he held in his hands. He and Jack were sitting in the rocking chair by the room's window. Both were dressed and ready for the day.
"Most of what I knew about your daddy was from other people as I only had the honor of serving with Jack Sr. that one time our paths crossed in Hope Valley. But just those few days were enough to tell me that all the stories I heard about him were true. Your daddy was a man of integrity and honor, Jack, just like your new dad, Nathan, is. You can count yourself lucky to have both men your life. If you follow their examples, you will grow up to be a man of integrity and honor yourself, Jack. I know that is what your father would have wanted most for you. Sincerely, Superintendent Patrick O'Reilly."
Nathan started folding the paper as he looked down at the little boy in his lap. "I hope these letters help you get to know the father you never got to meet, Jack," he told the boy as he tucked the paper into an envelope. "They are tales about your father that as you get older, you can read whenever you want to feel close to him. Until you can read them on your own, your Mama and I will be happy to read them to you. A lot of them are from fellow Mounties, but I talked to people in Hope Valley to write down a memory or story about your father as well."
"So, I get to know him through stories?" Jack asked, tilting his head to look up at the man behind him.
"Exactly, though some I think you need to wait to hear when you are a little older."
"But I am five today," Jack said, a pout on his face.
Nathan smiled at him. Leaning down, he rubbed his stubbled cheek against Jack's smooth one causing the little boy to giggle. "You are and you know what the great thing about being five is?"
"No, what?"
"You still get to be a child for a few more years. You don't need to look out quite as much for your mother these days, Jack. You have me to look out for her and you. Just enjoy being a kid again."
"I love you, Nathan," Jack said, turning so that he could wrap his arms around Nathan's torso.
"I love you too, Jack," Nathan said, setting the envelope aside and hugging the child.
Still watching, Elizabeth reached up and wiped away the silent tears falling down her cheek at the sight. Somehow, she knew that already this birthday was helping replace any disappointing memories her son might have from the year before and she knew there was more to come. Jack's other presents may not be as sentimental as the one from Nathan, but she knew they would bring her sweet boy joy.
"Do you think Daddy would be upset that I love you?" Jack asked, still snuggled against Nathan though his voice trembled a bit at the question.
"No, Jack. I don't think that would upset him. A parent's greatest wish for their child is to feel loved and secure and while they want to be the one providing that more than anything, if they can't then they would want someone else to do so in their place," Nathan told him.
Stepping from the doorway and toward her husband and son, Elizabeth let her presence be known with her own answer.
"I truly believe that your daddy would approve of you being raised by Nathan, Jack," Elizabeth said. She crossed to the rocking chair and knelt down so she could look into her son's eyes. "I loved your daddy and he was a great judge in character. Asking myself what your father would have thought of the man I chose to be with was what I should have done all along. I didn't the last time and that did not turn out well for either of us."
Jack reached out a small hand and laid it on her cheek. "It's fine, Mama. We all make mistakes."
"That we do, but as your mother, I should have known better. I'm sorry. But I know without a doubt that your daddy would approve of Nathan being a second dad to you. You want to know how?"
Jack nodded.
"Because Nathan spends time with you, just like your daddy would have if he were still here. He teaches you things and reads to you. Most importantly though, Nathan has taken it upon himself to create a way for you to know who your daddy was by collecting those letters for you. You might not realize just how precious a gift it is today, but I think it will sink in as you get older, my sweet boy."
"Perhaps your Mama would even write a few letters to add to the collection," Nathan suggested.
Jack's eyes brightened. "Will you, Mama?"
"I would be happy too," Elizabeth told him.
Jack finally let go of Nathan, leaning forward to hug his mother.
"Happy Birthday, Jack," Elizabeth told him hugging him close.
"Love you, Mama," was Jack's muffled reply as his face was hidden in her robe.
Nathan sat quietly, watching the tender embrace. A quiet knock on the door connecting the room to the hallway ended the moment.
"Come in," Nathan called out as Jack settled back against him again and Elizabeth got to her feet.
"Sorry to disturb you, sir, miss," Ella, the Thatcher's maid said, "but I was asked to let you know that breakfast is ready. Miss Ally has added a special touch for Master Jack's birthday."
"Can we go see!" Jack asked.
Elizabeth chuckled. "Why don't you and your dad go downstairs? I will get dressed and join you shortly."
Jack squirmed from Nathan's lap and hurried toward the door. Standing up, Nathan pressed a quick kiss to his wife's lips. "Good morning, Beth. I will tell everyone you will be down shortly."
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied, aware of Jack wishing Ella a good morning. Looking from Nathan, she saw the maid brush a gentle hand over the boy's head as she wished him a Happy Birthday. The fact that Lucas had never shown Jack even a moment of genuine affection like that was not lost on her.
It's in the past, Elizabeth told herself.
A gentle hand on her cheek brought her attention back to Nathan. Though he didn't offer her words, the reassurance she saw in his eyes soothed your troubled emotions. It was not too late to make sure Jack got the childhood that he deserved.
Elizabeth gave a small nod and then headed toward the door between the two rooms. Footsteps behind her told her that Nathan was following Jack and Ella downstairs. Back in the bedroom she was sharing with Nathan, Elizabeth quickly used the water closet and changed into a simple white blouse, with a dark green ruffled skirt. Hanging up her robe, Elizabeth took out a green and black plaid shawl, wrapping it around her shoulders as she headed out of the room.
Downstairs, Elizabeth followed the murmur of voice to the dining room. There she found her family gathered around the table. Gretchen, the cook, and Ella were finishing filling water glasses. Jack looked up from the plate in front of him to look at her.
"Mama! Ally put smiley faces with birthday hats on the French toast for my birthday!" Jack exclaimed. Ally sat next to him with Archie on the other side of Jack. The girl was beaming with pride, clearly happy that her efforts were being appreciated.
"Well, that was sweet of her," Elizabeth said as she walked toward the table.
Getting to his feet, Nathan held the chair between his and Julies for her.
"Thank you," Elizabeth said, as she took her seat.
"You're welcome," Nathan said quietly, resuming his own seat once she was settled.
"Oh, Ally, these are lovely," Elizabeth said, as she got a look at the slice of French toast on her plate. The smiley face's head was done in powdered sugar. Banana slices gave the creation big eyes. A single blueberry formed its nose, while a string of blueberries with a slightly upward curve served as a mouth. Strawberry slices cut to form a cone created a birthday hat.
"Thank you! I wanted to do something special for Jack's birthday. Dad used to do these for my birthday until I said I was getting too old for them," Ally admitted. She looked sheepishly across the table at her father. "I kind of regret saying that."
"I will be happy to make them for you on your next birthday," Nathan told her.
Ally looked down as her cheeks colored.
Coming to his granddaughter's rescue, Archie spoke up. "Eileen used to do a version of those for both Colleen and Nathan when they were kids. She used raisins for the eyes though."
"Dad usually does too but I had bananas here and I liked the idea of big eyes," Ally said, looking up again.
"Your mom made them for you on your third and fourth birthdays. She wanted to repeat the tradition our mom had started," Nathan said. "It felt like something that should be continued for you."
"I'm glad you did," Ally said. Reaching out, she put an arm around Jack's shoulders and pulled him close. "And now I get to share it with my brother."
"Thank you, Ally," Jack told her. Then looking at his Grandpa Thatcher asked, "can we eat now?"
William chuckled. "Let's say a quick grace first and then we can eat," he said, before bowing his head. Elizabeth and the others followed his lead.