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Chapter one hundred and three

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Home in Hope Valley

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Breaking the silence in the former Grant row house, the telephone rang. "Good morning, Thatcher here."

"Hello, Father! You answer the telephone as though you are in your office and everyone knows who 'Thatcher' is!" Julie giggled. "Am I disturbing you at work?"

William chuckled at his youngest daughter. "Hello, Julie! I am working while Laura has taken my little sidekick into town. So, how are you this morning?"

"I am excited, Father. I have missed you and Mother here in Hamilton, but guess what? I will be arriving in Hope Valley on Tuesday morning! Isn't that grand? I'll spend Christmas with you all in Hope Valley!"

"Mother and I have missed you as well, Julie, but we will not be here in Hope Valley for very long! You know Elizabeth and Nathan are courting, right?"

Julie quieted, hesitant to ask more so her answer was a brief question. "Yes?"

"Well, Elizabeth wants to move to Regina as soon as possible. She and Mother are expected back here this afternoon and we will all pack to move together. The plan is to leave here on Boxing Day or the day after. Elizabeth wants to be in Regina before New Year's."

"Oh! Did you say you and Mother are moving?"

William explained the plan of establishing a new branch of Thatcher Shipping in Regina with transport by train and airplane being the focus of the branch. He also shared about the apartments in the new downtown hotel, Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle, and the gala and open house during the New Year's celebrations. "We have a great deal of information to share, my dear, so we look forward to your arrival. I will check the expected time of arrival on Tuesday. You are in a private compartment, right? Are you traveling alone, or?"

"Always, the worried father! I will be fine and yes, I'll be alone in the compartment. I actually have a lot of lesson plans and samples to work on while I travel in order to be fully devoted to my family during my stay! I better say goodbye for now though. I love you, Father. Give my love to Mother and Elizabeth, oh and young Jack. I can't wait to see him!"

"Okay, dear. We love you too. Mother and I will be praying for your journey and see you soon. Good bye, Julie."

"Good bye," Julie hardly allowed enough time for her salutation before disconnecting the call.

"Well!" William leaned back in the chair and let out a long sigh. Shaking his head and speaking into the silent house, he continued. "Our regular schedule and sanity is about to be disrupted by more than packing and shipping crates!"

Elizabeth and Grace shared lunch together in their compartment. They had packed their luggage in the morning and kept out only those books, Elizabeth's journal and Grace's needlework project that they would need for the afternoon, expecting to arrive in Hope Valley before dinner.

"Are you ready for the onslaught of questions from Jack, Sweetheart? He'll probably be curious about where you have been." Grace commented, smiling as she thought of her grandson.

"Do you think so? I figured he would want to tell me all about what he has been doing with the menfolk! Remember his comment when Father returned? He wanted someone around who could make the correct engine noises!" Elizabeth laughed remembering.

"Well that's true. Maybe be prepared either way?" Grace sipped her tea. "How do you plan to tell him about the move?"

"I've been thinking about that. Hope Valley and the row house is all Jack has known so I want to get him intrigued about a new place." Elizabeth laughed. "Maybe first I'll tempt him with the train ride! Then the fact that Nathan and Allie will be at the end of his train ride will be the necessary motivation. The less said about leaving Hope Valley, the better I think." Elizabeth paused. "I don't know how soon Nathan and I will marry, but I can promise that Jack will see some of our friends in the future. I won't tell him it might be at a wedding though!" Elizabeth giggled. "That would bring too many questions too soon!"

"True. But he is older than you might realize, Sweetheart. Remember how he asked about Nathan when we were in Union City and he kept searching for Nathan amongst the uniformed Mounties? He won't have a full understanding, but he grasps that Nathan and Allie live somewhere else and you are going to see them. Plus he'll pick up on the excitement and your happiness." Grace reached across the table and touched Elizabeth's hand. "Your joy is contagious for many of us, Elizabeth. I am so happy for you."

Blushing, Elizabeth responded. "Just keep reminding me I am not dreaming? Just these few days on the train have me doubting what happened. Our week was a whirlwind!"

"I have heard the jingling of golden charms more than once on this trip!" Grace's eyes twinkled with mirth. "Plus, you have your sweet fella's letters to remind you of where things stand, Sweetheart!

Elizabeth twisted her wrist to hear the charms. "Speaking if which, I need to finish my letters to Nathan and Allie so I can post them when we arrive."

Seeing it was close to the noon hour, Rosemary Coulter placed her pen on her desk where she was endeavoring to compose a brilliant editorial about Hope Valley's Christmas celebrations. The problem for Rosemary was that she could hardly keep her attention focused on anything other than the blonde little boy who was wandering around the parlor pulling his toy dog. He made little barking noises amidst his running commentary and giggles. Every so often he would come and place his hand on her leg and giggle. "Look, Momma! Look!"

Rosemary was utterly charmed.

After retrieving Patrick from Brookfield a week ago Rosemary and Lee had adored the little boy and could see God's hand in allowing them to wait to adopt so they could be his parents. After an initial hesitation and shyness, Patrick had warmed to Rosemary the first night when he called out crying and she came and rocked him to sleep. The little boy stayed asleep even when Lee came and carried him into their bed, snuggling him between them. When Patrick awoke in the morning, cradled in Lee's arms, he was at home with both of his new parents from that moment on. Having fallen asleep in the arms of one parent and awakened in the arms of the other, little Patrick felt safe.

"I believe it is time to rustle up some lunch, Sweet boy! What do you think? Are you hungry?" Rosemary bent to kiss her son's blonde curls as she walked towards the kitchen.

"Mmmm." Always interested in food, Patrick asked, "What's for lunch, Momma?"

"A bowl of yummy soup and some fresh bread. Doesn't that sound delicious?" Rosemary turned down the burner and stirred the soup. "How about we get your hands washed and then we can set the table so we'll be ready when Daddy gets home, okay?"

Laura continued to watch Jack a few mornings each week and always made sure to take a walk into town and stop at the RCMP office. Constable Paul had talked to Jed Campbell and they all understood that the Mountie rules prevented marriage until after five years in the service. So far, Paul had accumulated a little over three years so would not want to officially court Laura for at least another year. In the meantime, Paul and Laura had decided to spend time together on Sunday visits at the Campbell farm and in the RCMP office while Jack was visiting.

As long as the candy drawer remained stocked, Jack enjoyed a fun time with Mountie Paul. Actually, even without the candy they would have been a blessing to each other, but wanting to be assured of Jack and Laura's visits, Paul kept the candy available! Laura's presence and gentle laughter endeared her to them both and each one looked forward to their visits!

The school students were busy rehearsing for a condensed version of 'Dickens' Christmas Carol,' the upcoming play in their new school and then the Christmas Eve pageant at church. All this while finishing lessons and preparing small gifts to share with family and those in need.

Lee observed the town Christmas tree as he approached his vehicle, proud that he and his men had found such a beauty.

Returning by popular request-otherwise known as a poll in the Valley Voice newspaper-the 'Wishing Tree' had been raised close to the corner rather than in the center of the familiar intersection. With more vehicles in town, it was deemed a safer option, plus the townspeople could easily reach the ornaments and choose a wish to fulfill for someone during the holiday.

As he drove home to share lunch with his family, Lee thought about how his greatest wish had already been granted, in the little person of Patrick Leland Coulter. Aloud he whispered, "Thank you, Lord."

Bundled against a cold wind, William placed Jack in the seat behind him. "Now, you need to stay on the seat, Jack. I've propped you up with a couple blankets so you can see out the window, okay?"

Although filled with excitement at going to the 'real train station,' Jack nodded in agreement. "Will we see the train come, Grandaddy?"

"Yes, my boy, we will!" As William pulled away from the row house, he added. "You have three guesses. Who is on the train today?"

"Mommy! Daddy Nat'n and Allie!" Jack grinned. "Am I right?"

Chuckling, William responded. "Partly right, Jack. We are going to get Mommy at the station. Can you guess who else is with her? Maybe someone I am especially excited to see?"

Thinking for a moment, Jack answered, "Grandmommy!"

"You are correct! Your Mommy and Grandmommy are almost here!"

"Yay!" Jack drew out the word and clapped his mitten-clad hands. "Yay, yay, yay!"

Holding Jack in his arms, William gave the excuse that Jack could see better from this height when in fact it was to prevent a little boy who loved trains from running towards one when it arrived. "Oh, listen! Do you hear that?" William moved the hat away from Jack's ear even as the little boy's face lit up.

"I hear it! I hear it! Will it blow its whistle too?" Jack wiggled with excitement.

"Let's listen and you tell me!"

"Whoo hooo!" Jack imitated the whistle.

As the train screeched to a halt and clouds of steam enveloped the engine and the front railcar, Jack started to yell. "Welcome home, Mommy. Welcome home!"

William pointed to his two lovely ladies stepping down from a railcar and hurried towards them, waving to them with one hand. "There they are!"

Aware that Elizabeth had her eye on her son and Jack was completely focused on his mother, William crouched down to let Jack run the final distance to greet her.

"Mommy! Mommy! Mommy!" Cried Jack as he slammed into Elizabeth's legs. "Mommy! You came home!"

Kneeling to capture her little boy in a snug hug, Elizabeth could only exclaim. "I'm here. Jack. Mommy is here. Oh how I have missed you, my little man." She squeezed him tightly. "Did you grow taller since I left last week? You seem bigger!"

"I am bigger. I am a big boy now, 'member?"

"Oh, of course you are." Elizabeth clasped his face between her hands and kissed his nose.

"Pick me up?" As if his fervent request wasn't enough, Jack added. "Pwease?"

Lifting Jack into her arms, Elizabeth balanced him on her hip. "You, little man, are getting heavy!" Nuzzling her face into his neck they both giggled. "How about a hug for Grandmommy?"

Turning to his grandmother, Jack opened one arm to hug Grace, while still holding his mother's neck. He planted a kiss on her cheek. "You came home too! Grandaddy is really, really happy now!"

Grace blushed and looked at William with a teasing glance. "Is he now?"

Jack nodded seriously, "In the car he had me guess who he is 'specially 'cited to see. You! Grandmommy."

As if Elizabeth and Grace didn't know the town, Jack played tour guide on the drive home, pointing out the Café, Mountie Paul's, the Mercantile and the Wishing Tree.

"Oh! The Tree looks lovely. That just went up during this past week. Can you see from your side, Mother?"

"A little and it does look lovely. Explain to me again how the wishing part works?" Grace asked.

"Everyone writes a wish on an ornament. It can be something personal, for someone else or for the town. You hang it on the tree and we all read and find a wish we can fulfill. One year Hope Valley blessed the orphans in New Hope Orphanage in Brookfield because the school children changed all of their wishes. It was an example of Hope Valley's warm heart!" Elizabeth had tears in her eyes. In spite of the joy before her, leaving her dear town would not be easy.

"We have a simple supper prepared for you tonight, dear girl." Hudson explained as he served cups of tea. "We've been invited to dine at the Coulter's tomorrow evening. I hope that is acceptable to you?"

Sipping her tea, Elizabeth spoke. "Of course. Will Bill be coming this evening?"

"Oh yes, he wouldn't miss it! Your father, Bill and I have been sharing suppers with Jack while you have been away and I believe Jack has reveled in all the attention. We menfolk have stuck together!" Hudson lowered his voice to a whisper. "There were times when he missed you, but he seemed to accept the promise of your return. So far we have kept him from knowing who you were visiting…"

Jack heard the comment and perked up immediately. "Who? Who did you visit?" He left his toy train behind and came to Elizabeth. "Who?"

"Uh oh! So sorry, Bessie!" Hudson apologized.

Gulping to have to explain so soon after arriving, Elizabeth set down her teacup and took both of Jack's hands in hers. Deciding to put is simply, she spoke softly. "I visited Mountie Nathan and Al…!"

Jack finished the name for her. "Awlie? You saw Daddy Nat'n and Awlie? Why didn't they come home with you?" Tears forming in his pale blue eyes, Jack added, "I miss them."

"Oh Jack. They miss you too, but they cannot come back here as the train trip is too long and they have school. But, would you like to go see them in a few weeks? We could take the tr…"

Again Jack interrupted. "The train? We take the train to see Daddy Nat'n and Awlie?" Tears spilled down his cheeks as his excitement and longing required a release.

Encircling her little boy in her arms, Elizabeth spoke softly into his ear. "Yes, Sweet Boy we are going to move to the city where they live so we can be closer together. Would you like that?"

Sniffling, Jack pulled back and searched his mother's face. "We live closer? They want that?"

"Yes, dear boy. They want that very much! They miss you too, you know?"

"Miss me?"

"Absolutely. I think maybe this would be a good time to give you something Mountie Nathan sent back with me for Christmas. Would you like that?" Elizabeth stood slowly then moved to the tote of presents that Nathan and Allie had packed, quickly finding the little package Nathan had mentioned to her. Back at the sofa, Elizabeth handed the small gift to her son.

Holding it reverently, Jack looked up at Elizabeth who nodded for him to open it.

Tearing the paper off in his excitement, Jack whooped. "A train! A 'comotive!"

Taking a minute to translate, Elizabeth chuckled. "A locomotive! Yes, Jack! That is for our Christmas tree, but we can hang it in your bedroom before then, okay?"

Jack clutched the small black engine to himself. "Uh huh…" Looking at it again, he stroked the wooden carving. "I wuv it." Reverting to his toodler talk, Jack hugged it again, then took the piece to show his grandfather, grandmother and Mr. Huds. "Look! Daddy Nat'n made for me!"

There were no dry eyes in the Thornton family parlor when there was a knock on the front door. "Bill here," He announced as he opened the door, balancing a covered cake in his hand. "Oh!"

Jack made his way to Uncle Bill first, holding up the little engine and proudly declaring, "Daddy Nat'n made this for me!"

Squatting, Bill responded. "How special, Buddy. Just what you like, eh?" Bill made the noise of a train then looked up to find everyone wiping their eyes. "Oh!"

Bill stood, handing the cake plate to Hudson and enveloping Elizabeth in a hug. "It's good to see you, my dear. I heard from a certain young man that you both had a wonderful week! You'll have to tell us all about it yourself." Bill leaned back and patted Elizabeth's cheek. With one arm still around Elizabeth, Bill welcomed Grace home as well.

The ring of the telephone interrupted the family washing up and bringing food to the table. Elizabeth glanced at the clock and realized maybe she needed to call Nathan now, but would answer this call first. "Hello?"

"Lisbeth! I couldn't wait… You made it back safely! God be praised!" Nathan's joyful voice rang in her ear.

"Oh, Honey! I'm sorry. I was just getting settled with Jack and the family and we are about to have supper. It is so good to hear your voice, Nathan."

"Good! I have missed you terribly, my Love!" Nathan's voice cracked with emotion before he continued. "I have so much to tell you. Do you think you could call me later, after choir practice? That way the ring of the telephone wouldn't awaken Jack." Nathan added a question. "How is he?"

"Uh… Jack is great and seems to have thrived with all his male caretakers! I told him we would take the train and see you and Allie, then allowed him to open the train ornament. He is clutching it to him as we speak and I think we now have competition for his Mountie toy! I'll tell you more tonight, my Love."

After arranging the best time, Nathan confessed, "I love you, Lisbeth. Talk tonight."

"I love you too, Honey. Till later." Elizabeth made the sound of a kiss into the phone hearing Nathan's happy chuckle as he hung up the receiver.

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