Author's Note:

Thank you for your patience! I believe my computer issues have been resolved and I am gratefully writing once again!

For the readers who are disappointed that Elizabeth is leaving Hope Valley, I am sorry. There is little opportunity for Nathan to be promoted if he returned to the frontier town, plus Allie would miss out on the many wonderful opportunities in Regina. In real life we sometimes relocate and have to make new friends and settle in new places, yet find our lives enriched by the experience and the people. However, since this is fiction, the story is not over yet and we will see some Hope Valley and Brookfield characters again!

In addition, there are readers concerned that Elizabeth is no longer teaching. At that time in history, it was common for married women to devote themselves to their husband and families, refraining from work outside of their home. (I understand the original author of the series, Janette Oke, had Elizabeth leave her teaching profession to follow and support her husband.) Elizabeth is blessed to have Nathan's support in whatever endeavor brings Elizabeth joy, so there may also be new opportunities for Elizabeth in Regina!

As always, thank you for reading! Eilie

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Chapter One hundred and seven

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Decisions

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Having invited Laura to share breakfast on Monday morning, Elizabeth explained the moving plans in more detail with Jack's Nanny. "I am sorry I didn't get to fully explain on Friday, Laura, but please know it will be difficult to say goodbye to you. You have been such a blessing to me since shortly after Jack was born. You allowed for consistent care-giving for Jack and dependability for me as a new mother. You have been like a big sister to him and Jack has thrived in your care. I know, and he knows, you love him. We love you and will miss you. Thank you for all you have done for us, Laura." As Elizabeth stood and retrieved a wrapped gift and a note, she added. "Someday you will be a wonderful mother yourself!"

Elizabeth handed the gift and note to Laura, requesting that she open it right then.

"Oh! Mrs. Thornton, these are beautiful! I have never owned such pretty earrings! I will wear them at Christmas!" Laura rose and hugged her former teacher. "Thank you for the opportunity to care for Jack. I have loved seeing him grow over these years! Plus, you offered me the opportunity to advance my education and I'll forever be indebted for that. Thank you." Tears overflowed as Laura took her seat once again.

"You deserved the opportunity, Laura, and have excelled in your studies and practice teaching. I have no doubt you will pass your certification and be ready to join the faculty full-time at the Hope Valley School as soon as you get your results in January. The timing of all this is interesting, isn't it? Just when you will no longer be available to care for Jack, I will be moving and able to care for him myself! God is good."

Elizabeth continued. "Since you are still available in the mornings, I would appreciate if you could watch Jack while we pack? You can head over to school to teach your afternoon classes whenever you need to go, okay? If Jack is occupied, or at least observed, I can get more done!"

"Of course, Mrs. Thornton." Laura responded. "I can do that until school is dismissed for Christmas, then I could be more available as needed."

Upstairs in her bedroom, Elizabeth began to sort her dresser, beginning with her jewelry and hair accessories. She kept Allie in mind as she made decisions, finding a few items that would make a teenage girl happy. Opening the small box containing her rings from Jack, she touched them reverently as she remembered when Jack had given them to her. Elizabeth carefully tucked the box into her husband's leather shaving kit along with his pocket watch and medal that the Mounties had returned to her. From the back of her drawer, Elizabeth retrieved the compass that Bill had given her to save for Jack, along with a velvet pouch containing her son's baby spoon engraved with a "J." She added these precious belongings to the kit as well, placing it amongst framed photographs wrapped in muslin underneath Jack's sketchbook. Elizabeth held this crate in safekeeping for young Jack as mementos from his birth father.

Reaching deep into her closet, she found a large round box containing one of Jack's Mountie Stetson's and a pair of Mountie-issued leather gloves. As Elizabeth held them against her cheek, she gave thanks to God for the gift of her husband, Jack, his love, service and sacrifice, and the legacy he left her in their young son. 'Lord? I will always be grateful for Jack and all I learned through our relationship, before and after his death. It wouldn't have been the way I chose back then, but I can say I am grateful you brought me through that, Lord. Now, I understand and value Nathan more, knowing how fleeting life can be.' Elizabeth kissed the leather and reverently placed the gloves beneath the hat, then wrapped one of her little boy's baby blankets around the Stetson to keep it in place and carefully replaced the box lid.

Taking a deep breath, Elizabeth returned to her top dresser drawer. Having purchased some new undergarments while with her mother in Union City, Elizabeth began to ruthlessly discard the old, and no-longer-pure-white garments. No sense shipping items that needed to be replaced, plus she needed to begin to think wedding trousseau! There were definitely old items in her possession that she did not want Nathan to see her wear. He deserved his bride to look her best! Elizabeth blushed realizing the directions her thoughts could take her so, redirecting them, she dumped a drawer of sweaters and shawls on her bed and began to sort those. Again, she found some garments that Allie might like, so Elizabeth decided to begin a crate with Allie's name on it!

Amongst her night clothes, Elizabeth found a few embroidered hankies neatly pressed and folded. Glancing through them, she set aside two delicate hankies, one beautifully lace-edged and the other with fine cutwork embroidery in the four corners. Elizabeth placed them carefully inside a satin envelope and laid that in her open trunk along with other items she would need prior to her wedding.

From her closet, Elizabeth folded most of her hanging clothes and carefully arranged them in her trunk, then sorted and emptied her bedside table, keeping her bundle of Nathan's letters tucked safely in an inner pocket of her suitcase. Glancing around her room, Elizabeth was pleased with all she had completed. Maybe packing wouldn't take as long as she had thought?

After lunch, Elizabeth and Grace tackled Jack's room. Dividing clothing into piles of garments to give away and to keep when, at Grace's suggestion, they also added a category of keep-for-a future-little-boy just in case. Mother and daughter giggled at the possibility, grateful no menfolk were around at that moment.

Once finished with Jack's clothing, they moved a few crates into Elizabeth's bedroom, using it as a staging area for cartons ready to ship. Since Julie was expected the following day, Grace and Elizabeth then prepared the guest room.

Later, while William played with Jack downstairs, and Hudson and Grace prepared their evening meal, Elizabeth sat on the floor and weeded out Jack's bedroom toy chest and bookcase. She had a feeling she might go through them again closer to moving day, but it was a great start and by late-afternoon Elizabeth felt she had accomplished a lot. She spread out what remained in Jack's room so he wouldn't notice what was missing and descended the stairs to join the family for dinner.

In Regina early on Monday evening, the Cottage telephone rang. Nathan turned down the stovetop burners and headed to his desk, wiping his hands on his apron before answering. "Grant residence. Nathan speaking."

"Nathan! It's Zach. How are you? And how is Allie?"

"Zach! Hello, brother! We are both well, adjusting to Elizabeth's departure but keeping busy! Is everything alright with you?"

"It is! Actually, it is more than alright!" Zach updated his big brother on the status of his excellent grades and courses. "I can't believe there are only two more months before I graduate. Although some days dragged somewhat, overall the months have passed quickly."

"I'm calling about something else though." Zach explained. "Chief Superintendent Stewart observed the physical education class today and pulled me aside when it was over. He shared that I could spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with you if you will have me! I must return to sleep here at Depot, but can depart in the morning as soon as my chores are completed. Would that be okay with you?"

"Zach! Really? Tim told me that he could not give special favors and time off over the holidays, so I expected we'd only see you on the twenty-fourth! This is most generous and wonderful news. Of course you are welcome! I haven't finalized the details with Allie or Bill yet, but we'll have an early dinner on Friday since Allie and I are singing at the evening service." Nathan explained. "I don't think we will attend the Saturday morning service but will have brunch, gifts and relaxing family time with our main meal in the late afternoon. Is it okay with you to miss the Christmas morning service on Saturday? We will read the Christmas story from Luke and sing carols as a family."

"That is fine and I will fit into your schedule as needed. Maybe Bill can pick me up if you are involved in meal preparation?" Zach questioned. "I'm sorry I don't have transportation yet, unless the streetcar stops near you?"

"Since we are at the edge of town, I'll have to ask where the closest trolley stops are, but I know no public transport goes past our front door, plus it will be a holiday. Probably best to pick you up and it is no problem if it means you will be with us! I will have to thank Tim for this extra bonus gift!" Nathan grinned. "Do you need to go downtown for anything? Allie and I go every Saturday morning, so we could provide a ride."

"Thanks, but some of my friends and I will catch the trolley into town to get our shopping done Saturday afternoon." Zach sounded excited. "I better hang up now, but I wanted you to know. I'll call again, closer to Christmas."

"Sounds like a plan. Thanks for letting me know about this and I am thrilled." Nathan was grinning. "Wait until I tell Allie!"

Dishes washed and kitchen cleaned, Nathan added a log to the fire and brought his journal to the sofa. As he sat, staring into the dancing flames he remembered the previous Monday, his date with Elizabeth, how perfect she felt in his arms as they danced and their first kiss. 'Kisses!' He thought, correcting himself and smiling wistfully. 'I wish she could return earlier than she planned. Having Elizabeth and Jack here for Christmas would be the best gift I could receive. I wonder… is that even possible?' Before suggesting this to Elizabeth, Nathan decided to investigate accommodations.

Knocking on Allie's doorframe, Nathan informed her he was heading up to the main house. Leaving Allie engrossed in her homework, Nathan went to talk with Peter and Carol.

"Good evening!" Nathan entered the living room. "I won't stay long, but I thought I would ask before I mention anything to Elizabeth. Would you mind if Elizabeth and Jack came early? Maybe, before Christmas?"

"Of course we wouldn't mind!" Carol spoke up immediately. "Having Jack around during the holiday would give us the gift of a child's joy and laughter and wonder. We would love it!" Carol looked at Peter who was nodding his head in affirmation. "We heard from Bill and he will arrive on the twenty-third, so adding more extended family will make Christmas even more wonderful!" Carol clapped her hands.

"Speaking of extended family, Zach called tonight and Tim has given him both Christmas Eve and Day off to spend with us! Isn't that incredible?" Nathan shook his head, adding, "What a year!"

"Have you decided how you would like to spend the holidays?" Nodding vigorously, Carol offered. "You are welcome to use this house as you may need it for a crowd!"

"Thank you. I'll have to discuss this with Elizabeth because Jack's fifth birthday is on Christmas Eve Day! Most likely we would have a small celebration in the Cottage for that. I would enlist Allie to decorate and help plan something special!" Nathan chuckled, excited. "Let me ask Elizabeth about all of this!"

On Tuesday morning, Elizabeth, Grace and Hudson first tackled sorting the dining room buffet, then the kitchen, deciding what to give away, while packing the most valuable or sentimental of Elizabeth's belongings. Decisions that might have been overwhelming or been debated for days when alone, only took moments with the presence of her parents and Hudson.

Since she would be living with others until her marriage, Elizabeth chose only the kitchen items she would need to prepare breakfast and small meals in the Hotel apartment which meant she could leave a partially equipped kitchen for Dr. Ben. Nathan had explained that his utensils and pans were inherited from the ranch so he owned cooking items he had never even used! For her future with Nathan, they could purchase some new china to supplement what Nathan and Allie already owned. Elizabeth would bring a trunk of table linens, blankets, quilts, and bedlinens knowing their home-life would include a lot of entertaining and overnight guests!

When William finished his business meeting with David, he joined the family in Elizabeth's row house. By then, Elizabeth was seated on the parlor floor with stacks of books surrounding her. Hudson was carefully arranging the books in crates as it appeared Elizabeth was taking all of her collection with her! Having checked-in with his wife who was packing glassware and small cut glass serving dishes that were covering the dining room table, William noted how few the boxes of kitchen items were ready to move. Laughing, William observed the accumulating stack of crated books, "Bessie, I think you are finding it easier to part with dishware than your books!"

"Of course, Dad! My books are irreplaceable!" Laughed Elizabeth. "Butter dishes are a dime-a-dozen!"

"You did see how many books Nathan and Allie had in that tiny Cottage didn't you? You will need an enormous house and library when you add your collections together!"

Deciding this might be a good time before Julie arrived in a couple hours, Elizabeth took a break from her books and asked her mother to join them in the parlor. "I need to tell you something that you cannot share. Will you promise to keep this only amongst the four of us?"

Making sure that her parents and Hudson agreed, Elizabeth began. "Nathan has been given a property and house in Regina." Elizabeth let that news settle. "It was a shock, but the Collins's have gifted their property to Nathan now, rather than leave it to him in their will."

As tears filled William's and Grace's eyes, they sat speechless while Elizabeth shared the details and the availability. "We don't need to find a house or build because the house will be available at the end of February! Isn't God amazing?"

After answering her parent's questions, Elizabeth looked around the room, then back at William and Grace. "I haven't discussed this with Nathan or Peter and Carol, but I am amazed with how much we have already accomplished. Could we depart before Christmas? I was thinking that if we get a train on Sunday or Monday, the twentieth, we would have Thursday, the twenty-third, to unpack and settle and be able to celebrate Jack's birthday together as a family on Friday. I don't want to be apart a moment longer than we have to!"

William laughed and looked at Grace. "Your mother and I already guessed that might be the case so I ordered the Thatcher Pullman to be brought here in time to pack and depart the weekend prior to Christmas! We could leave earlier if you wish?"

"Really? I think I would like one final Sunday at church, then we could depart on Sunday afternoon, but… well... maybe on Saturday? Let's look at the schedule…" Elizabeth was overjoyed that she and Jack could spend Christmas with the Grants. "I'll ask Nathan tomorrow!"

Grace offered to stay home with Jack so William and Elizabeth could meet Julie at the railroad station. Father and daughter huddled together in the biting wind, waiting for the train to disembark.

"She's over there," William pointed, all thoughts of winter's chill forgotten. Taking Elizabeth's arm he lead the way.

"Elizabeth! Father!" Julie squealed as she hurried towards them.

"Julie!" Cried Elizabeth. "It has been so long!"

"You look lovely, Sis! I would never guess you had been so ill only a few months ago." Julie laughed as she took her sister's arm. "You'll have to tell me the secret to the fresh glow about you?"

"Let me arrange to get your luggage, Julie. Just those three suitcases?" William motioned to the matched set he remembered belonged to Julie.

Julie laughed. "My trunk as well, Father! Remember it's almost Christmas so I have gifts fitted in amongst my clothing!"

Having arranged for the porter to assist with Julie's luggage, William chuckled as he thought, 'Is she moving too?'

Elizabeth and Julie sat in the back seat, which allowed one of the larger suitcases to take the passenger seat. William drove slowly through town on the way to the row house as Elizabeth pointed out changes that would be new to Julie.

"What was once the Saloon is now The Hope Hotel, with Hickam's Restaurant. Do you remember Mike Hickam? He is the mayor now and his parents purchased the place and have renovated it and made it a family establishment. Oh, there is Mike now." Elizabeth waved.

"Oh, and there is Faith Carter, she's the town doctor now and she's courting Doctor Ben Marshall. He's the one next to his twin brother." Elizabeth waved at Faith and the gentlemen, giggling. "I guess that wasn't very helpful, was it! I'll introduce you later. Actually, maybe we can tour the Hotel together? It opened when we were in Union City and I haven't seen it yet." Pointing to the Barber shop, she explained that Fiona Miller owned that and she would introduce her as well. Soon rounding the corner, Elizabeth motioned towards the new school. "Isn't that wonderful? A dedicated school building with separate classrooms…"

Although Elizabeth was unaware, Julie was looking at her sister wondering at how much she had changed. Julie couldn't wait to get alone with her tonight and debated just how much sleep they would get, they had so much to discuss!

At dinner, William explained the family plans to Julie. "Our plans have changed since your telephone call. We'll be in Regina for Christmas and I have procured a couple apartments in the new Hotel, Le Chateaux Qu'Appelle, so we have plenty of room for you, my dear. We haven't spoken to Nathan yet so I don't know the holiday schedule, but we will spend as much time as possible with the Grant's and Collins's. You will adore them all, Julie. Your mother and I certainly do!"

"Just wait, Sweetheart. We are so happy for your sister and Jack, and for us as well. I am so grateful for Nathan and Allie!" Grace added, "I confess I miss them too!"

"Oh, really?" Queried Julie? "I don't recall you ever being as enthusiastic about one of our beaus before!"

"You'll understand when you meet them!" Grace assured Julie.

Whispering late into the night, Elizabeth shared with Julie, telling her about her experiences throughout the autumn months. Even a condensed version kept them up past midnight. Elizabeth showed Julie the photograph of Nathan and her at the Flynn's wedding, inquiring if she remembered meeting him.

"I seem to recall piercing blue eyes and a quiet kindness. Am I right?" Julie questioned. "By your blush I am remembering correctly! He was the one who held baby Jack after the Christening, wasn't he?" As Elizabeth nodded, Julie continued. "Ah ha! So even way back then he was attentive?!"

Elizabeth nodded, and with dreamy eyes and some distraction, offered a general explanation of the time with Nathan and Allie in Regina. Still, although tired, Julie hoped for more details in the coming days.

Finishing washing the breakfast dishes, Elizabeth thanked Laura for watching Jack and the two sisters went into town with Hudson. Stopping at Bill's office first, Elizabeth thanked Hudson for the ride and knocked on the door. Opening it slowly, she could see Bill behind his desk, but with his chair spun to face the back wall! "Bill? My sister, Julie, arrived last evening and I am introducing her around town, but thought we would first say hello to you."

Bill turned, stood and came around his desk, extending his hand. "Hello, fellow Godparent! How are you and how is Hamilton?"

Shaking his hand, Julie responded. "I am well and have found my place in Hamilton. Finally, after all these years! How are you, Bill? Keeping your eye on Jack?"

"Trying to…" His voice quieted as he swallowed his thoughts. "What place have you 'found?'"

"I am teaching art, drawing, painting and history to students in the city schools. It is equally exciting, exasperating and rewarding! I am grateful for the holiday break though!" Julie turned to peer through the glass doors at Main Street. "Elizabeth is taking me to see what has changed since last I was here."

"Slow and steady changes, many of which I approve. It's the changeover of people that I struggle with. I miss Nathan and Allie, and will miss this young lady soon as well." Bill draped his arm over Elizabeth's shoulders. "I am looking forward to visiting everyone in Regina again over Christmas."

"Yes, Bill, we will see each other there! By the way, we are considering departing the weekend before Christmas in Father's private rail car. If you wish to join us, we have room and you would be welcome. Just let me know?" Elizabeth reached up and placed a light kiss on Bill's cheek, which made the gruff yet tenderhearted judge blush. "We better go now and let you return to work."

"Let's go to the newspaper office and see if Rosie or Lee are there? You'll have to meet their adorable adopted son." Elizabeth knocked on the door as she slowly opened it. "Are we interrupting a deadline?"

Rosemary and Lee looked up from papers scattered across Lee's desk welcoming her in. Elizabeth noticed Patrick looked up smiling. He had been quietly glancing through a picture book, seated on a blanket near the front window.

"Elizabeth! Hello." Rosemary noticed the red hair peeking out from behind her friend. "Oh! Julie! Hello! When did you arrive?" Rosemary hurried around Lee's desk with open arms. Before Julie could respond, Rosemary shared excitedly. "We have someone here for you to meet!" She took Julie's hand and tugged her towards her son. "Patrick? There is someone I want you to meet. Julie, meet Patrick Leland Coulter. Patrick, Honey, this is Miss Thatcher, Mrs. Thornton's sister and Jack's Auntie."

Squatting down, Julie reached out her hand and was impressed that Patrick took it, though silently. "Will you show me the book you are reading?"

Patrick turned it and quietly corrected her. "I can't read yet. I'm memorizing the pictures!"

"Oh? Memorizing them, eh? Do you ever draw your own pictures?"

While Julie engaged the little boy, Rosemary stepped away. "How is the packing going, Elizabeth? Will you be ready to go after Christmas?"

"It is going so well that I think we may depart this coming weekend so we can be in Regina for Jack's birthday." Elizabeth placed her hand on her grief-stricken friend's arm. "I'm sorry, Rosemary. All this is not as you had hoped."

Managing to control her tears, Rosemary admitted. "No, it is not." She chided. "How can we fit-in a farewell dinner before then, Elizabeth? You can't leave like Nathan and Allie did, without a send-off!"

"Oh, don't worry about that. I am saying my goodbyes individually and that is fine. I would be embarrassed with any more, especially right before Christmas when everyone is so busy." Elizabeth patted Rosemary's arm. "Really, please don't plan anything? Rosie? Please?"

The two Thatcher sisters had no sooner shut the door when Rosemary Coulter had made a decision and begun to plan.

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