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Chapter One Hundred
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The Gifts
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Nathan and Allie were running late due to their enjoyment of a delicious and leisurely breakfast with Elizabeth, so amidst laughter and teasing, she gave them hugs and shooed them out the door, blowing kisses. Elizabeth had gladly offered to wash the dishes and restore order to the kitchen, knowing she had more than an hour before she needed to be ready to go downtown to tour Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle.
Elizabeth hummed 'The Holly and the Ivy' as she completed the kitchen tasks, then entered the front room to straighten as needed. While still humming, she stood near the Christmas tree and had an idea. Quickly returning to the kitchen, she searched for a drawer of miscellaneous items where she might find small clippers and string. "Ah ha!"
After cutting branches and sprigs of arborvitae, along with some ivy and holly from bushes outside, Elizabeth laid them on newspaper she found with the kindling and set up a work station at the dining room table. From Allie's closet she took a wire coat-hanger and shaped it into a circle with the hook at the top. Forming small bunches of arborvitae, she fastened them to the wire circle with all the sprigs overlapping in one direction. She added ivy and holly sprigs at the bottom and decided to purchase some red ribbon at the department store when downtown. Elizabeth hoped the door wreath would be a lovely surprise gift for Nathan and Allie when they arrived home and a small reminder of her love for them while she was away!
Grace, Elizabeth and David Wright were met at the entrance by the manager of Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle, Mr. Curtis Durand, who welcomed them with sincere pleasure. Having the Thatcher family and name associated with his hotel would be an endorsement of great benefit.
Yet, as Mr. Durand showed them around he began to genuinely like each one. William Thatcher's Assistant, Mr. David Wright, was a friendly, yet well-prepared, businessman with astute questions. Mrs. Grace Thatcher was elegant and knowledgeable of the paintings the Hotel proudly displayed in the lobby as well as furniture styles and designers in New York, London and Paris. She was not at all condescending which was a relief to Curtis Durand as he would be interacting with Mrs. William Thatcher frequently as the lady of the house.
'Now,' Mr. Durand thought to himself, 'Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton is refreshing! She carries herself with poise and self-confidence, yet with kindness and friendliness that proves her interest is in people and not in pocketbooks.' Plus, the Manager thought she was enchanting and beautiful. He was quite taken with the woman and interested to learn of her widowhood, her young son and the Staff Sergeant Major she was courting! She also spoke highly of a daughter who Mr. Durand looked forward to meeting.
As the group stepped inside the grand lobby, Elizabeth absorbed the feeling of opulence. Cream and beige polished marble floors sparkled and shiny, wide marble columns in taupe flanked the long hallway inviting you into the space. A high coffered ceiling above gave the impression you were entering an English Castle, but its height and the enormous, sparkling chandeliers illuminated the space with warmth and light.
Leather couches in coordinating shades of browns and taupe, were arranged in seating groups centered on lush Persian carpets, with cushioned chairs encouraging conversations amongst the guests. The groupings were set apart by tall palms that helped temper the scale of the enormous hall. Highly polished wood tables and plant stands were scattered amidst the seating groups and copious patterned pillows added accents of teal, dark green, chocolate brown and cream while giving the feeling of home.
Immediately to the left of the entrance were double glass doors that opened into a large restaurant and dining room. Although tables and chairs were arranged, their linens sat in boxes around the room and empty crystal vases filled one of the tables while wooden boxes of silverware were scattered on tables ready to be laid for the January first grand opening.
Across the entranceway on the right side, were more double glass doors that opened into a Café that would assure beverages, sandwiches and pastries were available until midnight. Next was a closed room that had display cabinets and boxes stacked against teal-colored walls. A few employees were busily unpacking to prepare the gift shop to be open for the gala weekend.
Walking further into the wide entrance hallway they passed an elegant wood reception desk, behind which were mailboxes closed with etched glass doors and brass keyholes and a large matching wall cabinet containing rows of keys. On the opposite side sat a grand piano amidst tall palms, with a few straight chairs gathered nearby. Four workman were installing an enormous mirror on the wall next to the piano and a rolling cart nearby held carefully wrapped mirrors which appeared to be awaiting their installation down the hallway.
Beyond the two banks of elevators which flanked opposite walls were multiple sets of double doors opening into a grand ballroom that rivaled the palaces in Europe! Murals filled the ceiling and wall panels while teal velvet drapes bordered the tall windows. A patterned, polished marble floor stretched before them, with a stage at one end. Another grand piano, along with music stands and chairs graced the windowed wall and numerous tall potted palms were scattered around the ballroom.
Mr. Durand spoke of the plans for the New Year's Eve Gala and the Hotel's Open House the following day. Knowing the Thatcher's were well-known in society throughout Canada, he was surprised that their interest was in the opportunities the Hotel would offer to the City of Regina as compared to increasing their social status or attending the upcoming events. Nevertheless he pointed out the offices at the end of the corridor and then took them to a second set of elevators to go to the fifth floor to examine the suites.
Leaving David behind to handle the leases and paperwork upon their approval, the two women walked to R.H. Williams Department Store, as Elizabeth shared some of her ideas with her mother. Having entered the store on a mission, they first acquired wide red grosgrain ribbon, then they headed to the jewelry department. "I already have Christmas gifts, but I want to leave behind a small farewell gift for my women friends in Hope Valley. It would be nice if they were similar, you know? All bracelets or all earrings, etc. Could you look on one side of the counter and I'll take the other side? Then we can compare notes!"
With a plan in place it didn't take long for them to decide on boxed sets of sterling silver drop earrings that would be perfect. "I will take a dozen of these please? Oh, they gift-wrap, Mother! That would be helpful, especially since they are all the same!" Addressing the waiting saleswoman, Elizabeth paid for the items, then arranged for gift wrapping each one. With time to spare, those gifts were checked off her list. Next was to find a silver Christmas tree charm for Allie.
Grace saw the musical note and decided to purchase that for Allie from her someday-to-be grandparents! Wanting Allie to have something else to open on Christmas Day, Grace had Elizabeth join her search for gold chain necklaces similar to what Elizabeth had lent to Allie.
"Mother! Look!" Elizabeth pointed to a pair of gold Celtic knot studs and grinned. "I'll get those for Allie myself!"
Laying the additional items on the counter, Elizabeth turned to the men's section, in search of a meaningful tie tack and cufflink set for Nathan. the initial tieclasp she had found in Union City was nice, but she needed more. Before long she found a set of silver keys. "Perfect! This will remind Nathan of how many Hope Valley citizens appreciated him and that we met there!" Elizabeth blushed as her mother inspected the items.
"A key?" Grace inquired as she continued to glance over the selections.
"Hope Valley gave Nathan a key to the town when he departed. It's hanging in the kitchen."
"Ah, ha... Oh, Elizabeth, look! This is gold, but so unique!" Grace pointed to a tieclasp that was actually a long gold bar that would slide into a buttonhole, with a chain that encircled the tie and on it was a key that slid along the chain much as it would on a necklace. "This clasp has 'key' cufflinks too!"
"Oh! I like that a lot. I'll get that one. Thanks, Mother." Separating her gifts from her Mother's in order to pay, Elizabeth requested gift-wrapping once again for the remaining gifts from them both.
"Mother? I need to get something for Zachary now. Maybe a necktie or oh, look! A leather shaving kit, perfect for travel. I hope he doesn't have one or that he doesn't have to use a Mountie-issued one!"
"That is a useful, lifetime gift, Honey. Wonderful. Let me get Zachary a nice necktie." Grace added. "That young man is such a gentleman and I enjoyed getting to know him the other night."
Once the final gifts were wrapped, Elizabeth and Grace were pleased with all their purchases and stepped outside to find David waiting in front.
"Shall we get lunch, my dears? That way we don't have to surprise Carol by arriving both hungry and later than we expected! Why not go to that little Café that Carol took us to? Victoria's?" Grace patted David's arm. "This includes you, David."
When they had ordered sandwiches and soup, Elizabeth giggled. "Deborah, our waitress, is probably so confused! Nathan came here with Rachel, the choir-director, and then with Ardis and Allie, before he came with me. Ardis was here with Wes on Saturday and here am I with another man! Wait until I tell Nathan. Poor Deborah will never figure us out with all our friend combinations!"
At Depot, Nathan cleared his desk, left a note for Wes to remind him that he would be late on Tuesday morning because he was taking Elizabeth and Grace to the train station. With a last glance, Nathan buttoned his overcoat and took his hat from the hook, heading to the jewelry store to collect the charm he had ordered this afternoon. With the tiny, wrapped gift in his pocket, he decided he would add this gift to the tote that he and Allie had prepared to send back with Elizabeth. Nathan reminded himself to get a ribbon from Allie and add his letters to send along with Elizabeth as well. Although apart, they would be in each other's thoughts throughout their separation and Christmas.
Nathan turned towards home, excited for the evening out with his Elizabeth!
Having tied the red ribbon at the bottom of the wreath, Elizabeth hung it on the Cottage door, very pleased.
Back in the main house, Elizabeth packed her purchases to return with her to Hope Valley. After making arrangements for the totes with the Grant's, Bill's and the Collins's Christmas gifts to remain in her bedroom until she told Nathan to collect them, Elizabeth checked the clock and realized she should begin to get ready for her date with Nathan.
Wearing a garnet red velvet dress with a lace collar around the v-neckline and at the wrists of the long sleeves. She chose an heirloom garnet brooch which she pinned where the collar came together and added her garnet drop earrings and a gold bracelet along with her grandmother's old watch. Small garnets were set on either side of the watch's face and, although it no longer worked, the sentimental value made Elizabeth wear it at special occasions. It reminded her of the grandmother who truly saw her and loved her for who she was.
Elizabeth sat before the mirror to brush her hair while she decided what hairstyle to choose to please Nathan. A timid knock on the door revealed Allie was home, asking to come in while Elizabeth dressed.
"Of course, Honey. You can tell me if you think your father would like my hair this way?"
"Oh, I know he would. I don't want to mention when it was, but you once wore it that way and he commented on how lovely you looked. He was trying to distract me from asking questions, but I was trying to distract him too, so we discussed your hairstyle!" Allie giggled. "He'll love it."
"My goodness. That's quite an explanation, Allie. Can you please tell me when it was?"
"I shouldn't, Mrs. Thornton. I've already said too much and please don't mention it to Dad? It is best to stay in the present and not revisit the past."
Elizabeth stared at her reflection pondering. Looking at Allie with sudden insight, she whispered. "It has to do with Lucas, doesn't it?"
When Allie's cheeks colored, Elizabeth knew. Remembering the scene on the street after she had returned from the Union City trip to see Virginia Wolff, Elizabeth asked, "Should I chose another style, Allie?"
Elizabeth had pulled back the sides of her hair to form a high bun above the cascading locks down her back. Tendrils of curls always escaped when she wore her hair like this, but she remembered Nathan had mentioned he loved those escaped curls.
"Please don't." Allie came behind Elizabeth and placed her hands on her teacher's shoulders as they looked into the mirror. "Dad loved it that way and tonight will replace the memory of the past. You look beautiful."
Elizabeth clasped Allie's hand. "Thank you, Sweet Allie."
"Oh, Elizabeth! You are a vision. That dress, that color, your hairstyle, everything…" Nathan admired Elizabeth. "I may end up stumbling over my words tonight looking at you like this."
Elizabeth did a small pirouette, checking Nathan's face for approval. "Really? I look okay?"
"Beyond okay. You are gorgeous, my Love." He took her coat off the hanger. "Here let me help you with this."
Seeing Allie shyly watching from the kitchen doorway, Nathan reached his hand towards his daughter and pulled her into a hug. "You enjoy your time with Mrs. Thatcher and Gramma and Grampa tonight, okay? Oh, and when you go to the Cottage, look and see what is on our front door? I think Mrs. Thornton left us a gift!"
"Oh really? What is it? Can I go see now?" Allie asked.
"Wait until you go home, Allie-girl. You'll love it. Now, may I have a goodnight kiss, dear girl?"
"Goodnight, Dad. I love you. Enjoy your dinner and evening!" Turning to Elizabeth, Allie added, "You look so pretty! Have fun. You will love this restaurant, Mrs. Thornton. You'll have to tell me all about it!"
"Good night, Sweet girl. Sweet dreams and thank you for your assistance as I was dressing!" Elizabeth winked at Allie, then hugged and kissed her cheek, reaching for her clutch and black leather gloves. "Okay, Nathan. I believe I am ready."
Offering his arm, Nathan called out a final goodbye and tweaked Allie's nose. "Sweet dreams, Allie-girl."
"Well, Lisbeth! We are finally on our first official evening dinner date! It took us long enough, eh?" Nathan grinned as he slid into the booth opposite Elizabeth.
"I'm not going to look back and have regrets, Honey. We are here now and I am grateful and excited to spend the evening with you." She reached her hand across the table.
Before taking her hand in his, Nathan gently touched her sleeve. "Your dress is so soft. Is it velvet?"
"It is. I love the fabric and the warmth too." Elizabeth looked around The Crown Restaurant, then whispered. "I match the décor!" Giggling she added. "Maybe I will blend in!"
Nathan squeezed her hands. "To me, you, Lisbeth, will never blend in. My heart is drawn to yours and I will find you in a crowd, anywhere." They got lost in each other's eyes until the waiter arrived to pour their water and take their order since their menus remained closed. "Could you please give us a few moments, Sir? We haven't even glanced at the menu!"
"Certainly, Sir. Please take as long as you wish." Admiring the stunning couple, the waiter bowed and departed.
"Do you enjoy seafood, Nathan, or beef or lamb or…" Elizabeth asked, wondering at his taste since Nathan had often surprised her when she thought he was inexperienced with the culture and opportunities in a large City.
"Elizabeth, if you don't realize it already, I like food." Nathan chuckled adding. "Unless it is burnt to a crisp or tough as boot leather, I am easy to please. Allie even says that once she decides what she wants to order, I just go along with the same. It's true and she usually has great taste. Do you see something you would enjoy?"
"Well, then if I am ordering for two, have you ever had Coquille Saint Jacques? It's scallops and mushrooms in butter and wine, baked in a casserole with…"
Nathan interrupted, "Gruyère cheese. I know and I love it!"
Surprised, Elizabeth made a face. "You've had it before?"
"Indeed. I think I will get that tonight for an entrée. How about you?"
Giggling, Elizabeth responded. "Make that two of us!"
Nathan grinned, happy to have surprised her. "Now for an appetizer? Shall we stay with seafood and order shrimp cocktail?"
Nodding, Elizabeth whispered. "Yes, please. Thank you, Nathan." Closing their menus, their hands gravitated to each other's once again. "When have you experienced fine dining, Nathan? Hope Valley hardly qualifies, as delicious as Abigail's food is!"
Nathan kept his grin. "The Mounties have transferred me and in the larger cities, I've had meals out with leadership and colleagues. As Allie grew older I took her for father-, well at the time, uncle-niece dates so we've enjoyed a variety of cuisines. French is my favorite though as I adore butter and cream and cheese and… well… as long as I can correctly pronounce the dish I happily order French food!"
"I had no idea. I don't think Jack ever mentioned culinary experiences."
"Well, Jack was not in the officer track within the Mounties so that might make a difference. I think I was transferred more frequently than he would have been." Usually comfortable discussing Jack Senior, Nathan did not want to continue the subject on this special date with Elizabeth. "So tell me, how was the inspection of the Hotel this morning? Did it pass muster?"
Apologizing, the waiter interrupted to take their orders.
"Please don't apologize! We are extremely focused tonight so haven't noticed you approach! We would like shrimp cocktail for our appetizers, Coquille St. Jacques with mushrooms prepared on the side for our main courses, along with risotto and sautéed spinach" As the waiter nodded, Nathan continued. "Also could we please share a tomato balsamic salad? Tea with our meal as well, please? Thank you, James." Motioning, Nathan noted the brass nametag the waiter wore and nodded. "I am Nathan Grant and this is Elizabeth Thornton."
"Pleased to meet you both. Aren't you the Sergeant who arrested the man outside a few weeks ago?" James inquired. "That was impressive, Sir."
Blushing, Nathan nodded. "Ah yes. Well, ah, I was only doing my job."
Elizabeth spoke up quickly. "Don't let his humility overshadow his brave act. Nathan was protecting my father while they were enjoying dinner here together. I am very thankful."
"Well, thank you for your service, Sir. We are all indebted and grateful. I will return with your appetizers shortly." James bowed slightly and backed away.
Holding Nathan's gaze, Elizabeth spoke softly. "You need not be shy about your position or your noble service, Nathan. Let people thank you. You deserve it." Elizabeth raised her eyebrows as emphasis then continued as she opened her hands to him again. "Now, about this morning…"
Elizabeth described the tour of Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle. "When the manager took us upstairs to the suites, I was surprised. Father has leased three large, multi-bedroom suites, one of which will be for Jack and I when we move out of the Collins's and another as David's apartment, shared wih Father's official office. Father ordered the décor when he inspected the suites on his visit here! Unbeknownst to any of us, Dad has had a plan!" Elizabeth giggled. "Plus, he has other nearby hotel rooms reserved indefinitely. I think he is planning to host all of Hope Valley before long!" As soon as she said that, Elizabeth regretted it. "Ah, I'm sorry, Nathan. That was a poor choice of words. I'm afraid I am assuming…" Her voice trailed off with her embarrassment.
Nathan chuckled, knowing he had already heard William's hope for his daughter and Nathan's future. "Don't worry, Honey. I wouldn't put it past him to invite the entire town to a certain blessed event when the time comes." He squeezed her hands as the waiter returned.
"I chose to serve the shrimp as a double order to share, Sir. I hope that is acceptable?" James set down an enormous stemmed glass encircled with large shrimp and a crystal bowl of sauce. He also laid two small plates, two small linen napkins and two small seafood forks on the table, then poured two cups of tea and set the teapot on the table towards the window. "Can I get anything else, Sir? Ma'am?"
"This looks delicious. Nothing else right now, thank you, James."
As James departed, Nathan reached for Elizabeth's hands again. "Lisbeth? You can assume we will marry someday. We have pledged our love. You have proven yours is true by coming to Regina and by all you have shared this week. You have already made your vow to me. I am not proposing yet, but the time will come. Please be patient with me a bit longer?" Nathan smiled and love shone from his eyes. "Still, you need not be embarrassed to assume our courtship will end at our future wedding day. It will happen, Lisbeth. It will. Now, let's pray, shall we?"
Elizabeth had tears in her eyes. Every teardrop was gratitude encapsulated and offered to Nathan and to the Lord. She nodded, tightening her grip on his hands.
"Dear Lord, Thank you for the privilege of this evening together. Thank you for all you have done to bring Elizabeth and me to this night, in this place and with our love. I feel your blessing and I thank you for that too. Now, we give thanks for this delicious food and we commit our conversation and our evening to you. In Your Name we pray, Amen." Nathan leaned over enough to lift Elizabeth's hands and gently brush a kiss across them.
James, the Crown's manager, and a few patrons noticed this beautiful couple, thinking to themselves what they couldn't voice. 'These two beautiful people were deeply in love and made a stunning couple.'
The harpist stepped aside and a pianist began to play softly just as Nathan and Elizabeth completed their entrée. When James approached to remove their plates, Nathan inquired if they could postpone their dessert for a while and take advantage of the dance floor. Receiving the affirmation he had hoped for, Nathan stood and held out his hand to Elizabeth. "Lisbeth, my Love, may I please have this dance?"
Breathlessly, Elizabeth answered, "Yes," and placed her hand in his. Guiding her to the dance floor, Nathan twirled her into his arms, taking the formal waltz position but without any stiffness or awkwardness. Elizabeth felt as though she was being swept away by a prince, Nathan was so graceful as he led her in time with the music. Every once in a while, Nathan surprised her with an extra turn or twirl, but always caught her perfectly in time. As Elizabeth relaxed, he gradually pulled her closer until her hand rested against his chest and she could feel his cheek against her hair.
Lost in each other's embrace, neither Nathan nor Elizabeth noticed when songs changed, they just continued dancing, adjusting their timing with ease. Those that observed were mesmerized. Not only was that tall, handsome man with the dark brown hair and clear, sky blue eyes attention-getting, but his partner was beautiful. She was tall and slender with creamy skin and a hint of a blush, dark chestnut waves, and indigo blue eyes that so obviously adored the man who held her so tenderly. They only had eyes for each other and when they closed those eyes and tightened their embrace, no one could question they belonged together. Nathan kissed the top of Elizabeth's head and then whispered in her ear. "I love you, Lisbeth. I love you so much. I could dance like this forever."
Moving her head to whisper in his ear, Elizabeth responded. "And I love you, my dear Nathan. I will be your dance partner from this moment on."
When they parted to look into each other's eyes, Nathan placed a gentle kiss on Elizabeth's forehead and spoke huskily, "Shall we have some dessert before we go home?"
Remembering Allie's comments about Nathan's love for dessert, Elizabeth giggled softly. "Our meal would not be complete without dessert, Honey."
Over cups of steaming coffee and ramekins of sweet Crème Brulee, Elizabeth questioned Nathan on his dancing expertise. "You wrote that you knew how to dance, Nathan, but I never dreamed you were so adept! Undoubtedly, you are the most skilled dance partner I have ever encountered and I have danced at many Hamilton society balls!"
"Lots of practice, Lisbeth, but most of it with Carol Collins! As I told you, I was her partner and she mine at many Mountie Balls. Carol never seemed to mind!"
"Mind? Nathan! If I ask her about it, I am sure she will expound on your graceful dancing abilities!"
"You are a lovely dancer yourself, Lisbeth. You must just think we Mounties are big strong oafs!" Nathan chuckled at her expression.
"Strong? Yes. But, you are so far from an oaf, it is laughable, Nathan Grant. I have never seen a man mount a horse as gracefully as you do, nor carry a child as tenderly. You are a gentle giant maybe, but not an oaf!" Elizabeth took a final spoonful of dessert and dabbed her lips. "Now that was delicious and I cannot believe I ate that. Well… you had some!"
"Mmmm. I did and thank you for sharing! I could repeat this meal anytime, dancing and dessert included!" Nathan placed his napkin on the table. "Are we ready to depart, my Love?"
Allie had gone to bed while Grace was at the Cottage and was probably sound asleep by the time her father and teacher returned from their date. Nathan had walked Grace back to the main house while Elizabeth made peppermint tea for them to enjoy and now they sat, curled up on the sofa before a roaring fire. Nathan and Elizabeth held each other close, satisfied to be quiet and in each other's presence, knowing tomorrow would come too soon.
Breaking the silence, Nathan spoke softly. "I have something for you, Lisbeth. I don't want to wait until you return to give you a late Christmas gift. So, this is my Christmas gift, early." Nathan reached behind a pillow and handed Elizabeth a beautiful long, gold box, tied with red ribbon. "Open it, please?"
Adjusting her position, Elizabeth pulled the ribbon and lifted the lid. "Oh, Nathan! A charm bracelet for me? Like Allie's?"
"Not exactly like hers, of course. But the same tradition." He pointed to one end. "Start here. They are in order."
"A campaign hat!" She whispered as she fingered the tiny sculpted Stetson. "An apple? For the one you bribed me with, Constable?" Elizabeth giggled looking into his merry eyes.
"A book? Is that in order?" Elizabeth looked up at him.
"That represents two things, Lisbeth. Do you recall our hands touching when we both reached for the same book on the Library floor?" Seeing Elizabeth nod, Nathan continued. "And, although there is pain attached in some ways, you accomplished the writing of two books. I want you to remember that achievement, Honey. And I believe there will be many more books to come!"
"I think you are right, but they will be very different than the previous ones, I assure you." Elizabeth paused and held Nathan's gaze. "Are you planning to write more volumes, Nathan?"
"I believe I will, just not right now. There are too many other things to adjust to. You know, my job, choir, Allie and you? All of you need my attention and time. I have various poems and segments of partial poems in my journal. Someday they may call to me again and I trust God will guide me."
"I haven't even fully absorbed your other volumes, Honey, but I hope there are more. You have a gift and your insights may help readers grow closer to God. I love that."
Nodding to the bracelet, Nathan pointed to the following charm.
"A heart is next?"
"That represents when I told you that you mattered to me and then later that I loved you, Lisbeth."
She could feel his warm breath against her cheek and she shivered with the remembrance of his love offered so long ago, but now acknowledged and hers alone.
"A circle engraved with this year, 1920." She gently glided her finger over the number. "Representing this, the year we finally began to court and I admitted my love?"
Nathan nodded. "And the envelope? Turn it over."
As Elizabeth turned the golden charm, she gasped to see the tiny heart on the flap. "Oh, Nathan. Our letters. Our love letters really. Though brutally honest, Nathan, I hold those letters dear and have them safely tied with a ribbon, you know."
"I promise there will be many more over the years to add to that stack." Nathan kissed the top of her head, then pointed to the tiny pen. "And that is for your current writing. Not books yet, but in the process of being written. Plus, I hope I'll receive more love letters too!"
"You will." She nodded. "A rose for the beautiful roses you gave me this week when we began to court. That's so sweet, Honey. A rose to symbolize our courtship." Elizabeth fingered the next charm. "Let me guess! A musical note to remember the concert and when we sang last night? But wait, when did you get this, Nathan? Today?"
"No. I chose the charms on Friday and that was the errand I had to do on Saturday morning. The jeweler added them to the bracelet for me. As for the symbols? I bought that music note knowing about the concert and the caroling. Last night was a bonus, but will be the first of many musical evenings in our life together." Nathan confessed softly. "I have purchased some things in faith, Elizabeth."
Elizabeth wiped tears from the corners of her eyes, thinking, 'This precious man…'
When she saw the last charm, the key, a small gasp escaped. He didn't know what she had purchased for him today! Holding it up to Nathan, she only whispered, "A key?"
"That key represents a couple of things. First, Hope Valley was where we met and really where we fell in love so, because I now have a key to the town, this little one stands for that. Then there is the fact that you, Elizabeth, hold the key to my heart. My whole heart is yours, my Love. All of it." Nathan smiled his most endearing, crooked smile and with twinkling eyes, added. "And then I gave you the key to my home, so this little key reminds you that I trust you, Lisbeth. I trust you now. I do."
Elizabeth could hold in her emotions no longer. She gasped as tears fell and she leaned into Nathan's chest, letting the tears soak his dark blue waistcoat as she grasped his collar. As he had loosened his necktie and unbuttoned the first couple shirt buttons, the back of her hand laid against his bare neck and sparks flew for both of them as they held each other tightly.
Breaking the silence this time, Elizabeth managed to speak, her weeping ceased. "Thank you, Nathan, for each of these remembrances. They tell the precious story of our love and I will cherish this reminder always."
Huskily, Nathan responded. "The story of our love. The story of us. You are welcome, my Love."
"I have something for you for Christmas, too. I wanted to be here when you opened it, Nathan." Elizabeth rose from the sofa and reached into her coat pocket. Handing him a small package wrapped in brown paper and tied up with a red string, Elizabeth sat beside him again, but only said, "For you."
Unwrapping the red cardinal ornament, Nathan inhaled quickly, thinking. 'She doesn't know about my gift to her or what I bought this afternoon!' Aloud, Nathan commented. "So you remembered…"
"Oh, Nathan! I have never forgotten and, although this ornament was in the box you returned to me, I have never added it to another tree since that first time with you." She reached out to stroke the little wooden bird. "Do you know that Cardinals mate for life? And they both share the childrearing unlike some other birds that care for their offspring alone. Also, if another bird adds their egg to a Cardinal's nest, the Cardinal couple will raise that baby bird as if it is their own. Like adopting the unrelated baby bird." Elizabeth looked at Nathan to see if he grasped the significance. By the emotion she read on his face, he did.
"Plus the Cardinal is easy to spot with his brilliant red coat." The smile she gave Nathan was a mixture of deep emotion along with a gentle tease. "No matter how incredibly handsome you look in your blue serge, Sergeant, I will always love the red serge best on you. My honorable, noble, protector and defender." Her voice softening again, she whispered, "And my dearest Love."
Nathan pulled her back against his chest, stroking her soft curls. "How can I let you go tomorrow, my Love? I can't bear the thought…"
"You can let me go because I give you my solemn promise, Nathan, before the Lord. The sooner I go, the sooner I'll be back." Elizabeth reached for his hand. "I will return in a couple weeks and take the next steps forward with you, for you are my lifetime love."
After some moments of silence, Nathan asked. "Shall we hang the Cardinal?"
Re-enacting the first time, Elizabeth reached as high as she could and Nathan stretched around her from behind, taking the little red bird and hanging it on an upper branch. Elizabeth turned to face him, and Nathan gulped. She was so close… Still endeavoring to keep his intent to wait until they were committed to each other and engaged, Nathan wasn't ready to kiss her, so he wrapped his arms around her and held her in a tight embrace.
Seeing the lateness of the hour, Nathan and Elizabeth reluctantly moved to gather their coats. Nathan held hers and with both hands flipped her hair from inside her collar. He then took her scarf and carefully wrapped it around her neck. Donning his own coat and scarf, he buttoned it, grabbed his gloves and took Elizabeth's hand as they moved towards the door.
And that is when it happened.
Nathan Grant could wait no longer. Elizabeth had vowed, promising her love. Nathan had promised his intention and committed to a future with her. It was time…
Pulling Elizabeth's hand back, he spun her towards him and let go, delighting and surprising her. Lifting his hands to each side of her face, Nathan searched for any resistance. He found none. Lowering his face to hers, Nathan kissed Elizabeth.
His first kiss was sweet and gentle against her soft lips and sent thrills through them both.
But after moving away for mere seconds, Elizabeth reached her hands behind his neck and pulled Nathan into a second kiss. This one and the next were ripe with promise and passion and they didn't want them to end. When they finally paused to breathe, Nathan's arms were encircling Elizabeth and pressing her close to himself, one arm around her waist and the other around her shoulder. He let his hand find its way, weaving into her soft and fragrant hair.
Elizabeth's one hand encircled his neck while her other hand found its way into the hair at the back of his neck. Finding each other's eyes, Nathan confessed, "Kissing you was not what I had planned…."
Nathan couldn't finish his sentence as Elizabeth whispered, "But I am so glad you did."
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Author's Notes:
Finally! The long-hoped-for-kiss! I send out this 100th chapter as my New Year's gift to you, my dear readers-one hundred and two years since that sweet moment in a cottage in Regina, SK.
Thank you for your many reviews. Lately, I have written the story rather than responded, but I have read and appreciated each message. I appreciate you all. And to guests who review without leaving your name, thank you for your comments. One reader was concerned for other Hope Valley characters to be included? They will be. It was necessary to focus on our sweet couple for their week together, but stay tuned, for there is more to come, including some surprises in Hope Valley! Alas, I am still in the writing stages!
You can all thank Cinda, who encouraged me to have Nathan and Elizabeth kiss before New Year's Eve (which was my original plan!) Her comment was, "They have waited long enough!" Also, my thanks to Cinda for reading and correcting this special chapter to clarify. I am grateful.
Enjoy, and may the Lord's every blessing be yours in this New Year. Eilie