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Chapter One hundred and twelve

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Getting Closer

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Early Thursday morning, Elizabeth sat at her desk, sipping a cup of coffee while writing in her journal. 'Yesterday, we all went to say goodbye to Jack's grave. I thought I would be an emotional mess, but Nathan and my parents must have been praying for me. No tears fell, although I felt sorrowful that Jack's life ended at such a young age and my eyes were misty.'

'Jack was sweet as he touched his father's gravestone and 'helped' me place the evergreen wreath against it. Even as write that word, I am thinking. Evergreen is only green until it is separated from its tree. After a while it dries and turns brown and must be replaced, in this case with spring blossoms. I won't be here to do that, but whenever I do return, I will place flowers of remembrance on Jack's grave.'

'Father led us in a touching prayer of thanksgiving and farewell to Jack and afterwards we sang the doxology and blew kisses to the grave before we turned and departed. I am not just saying this, but truly I am fine and another step closer to being with Nathan.'

'I visited the church alone and sat remembering so many highlights of my life in that space, both sweet and difficult. I allowed myself to indulge in some reminiscences, times with Jack, our wedding, teaching school, Nathan striding in with an apple, Jack's Christening, school programs and the holidays, and that Saturday in September when I learned Nathan was leaving and my world fell apart. I collapsed realizing I had lost Nathan. Thank you, Lord, for that day for it was the end of my old life and the beginning of a beautiful story you are in the midst of writing.'

Elizabeth paused before her thoughts took a different direction. 'I distributed the earrings to my final two friends, Katy after school yesterday and Cat while working in the library. Cat informed me of my father's offer for her to get training to better take care of the library and she is so excited to do so. I have to ask Father about that, as I know nothing!'

'I received a call from Charlotte this evening in response to my letter. She sounds well, although regrets not visiting. I guess my mother sent a note to her informing her of my recovery! I had not written about that to her, but she knew. Charlotte was happy for the upcoming changes in my life and wishes me all the best with Nathan. She was surprised I was courting another Mountie, but interested in Nathan's position at Depot. She made no promises, but said she might make a visit to Regina to meet everyone and check on her grandson.'

'Honestly, I hardly think of Charlotte in that grandmotherly role as she has only sent small gifts to Jack on his birthday each year. I really don't think she thinks of herself as a grandmother either. I was glad to be able to tell her that my family and I had visited her son's grave, left a wreath and prayed together. She listened but quickly changed the subject, saying that Tom is courting someone and happily working in Vancouver.'

'Charlotte is very much her own person, so I never know what to expect with her. I am thankful she called though and I promised to send her our new addresses.'

'Julie is over the moon about her Dr. Brad! He will share lunch with our family today, so we can all get to know him a bit before we depart. The timing isn't the best, but at least they have met and will be able to see each other back in Hamilton. He seems very personable and kind, plus we know from his brother, Ben, that Brad is an admired and gifted surgeon.'

'From what Julie has shared, usually late into the night, Brad is very interested in her work as an art teacher. That is a huge blessing and so different from the Hamilton young men we knew growing up! They were full of their career aspirations and totally uninterested in that of the ladies. I am so grateful for Nathan. He has encouraged me in my writing pursuits and I know he will support any future directions my life takes. For now though, I long to be his devoted wife and mother to our children. I never thought I would desire that vocation, but I do and just the thought of that brings me joy!'

'So for today, I hope to complete the remaining few items on my list beginning with breakfast with Rosemary! We agreed to have Laura watch Jack and Patrick at the Coulter's this morning for a final play time. I plan to pack the remaining items in preparation for the movers to collect our belongings tomorrow, I will take a few items of furniture to Regina and the movers will trade some of Father's new furniture for my older items that are now promised to others. I am grateful that, since Ben will be moving in to this home, he has been willing to oversee a lot of that transition so we don't have to. You accumulate so much over the years that only by moving do you realize how much you have. I have a lot more than I thought!'

'I will bundle up and take Sergeant for a final ride in Hope Valley. I know it is winter and the ground is hard, but I want to take one final visit to Jack's land. Father has mentioned his willingness to build a vacation home on the property and before I leave Hope Valley I want some time to consider that possibility and to look at the land with that in mind. Lord, please guide me?'

'Tonight, Father has asked us to wear Sunday clothes and he is taking us to dinner in town. I think he has included the Coulters, so that will be a lovely time together. Then later tonight I will talk to Nathan when he returns home from choir practice. I can't wait!'

A glance at her wristwatch told Elizabeth it was time to rouse Jack and get them both dressed for the day. One day closer to seeing her Nathan!

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While Elizabeth and Jack shared breakfast with Rosemary, Hudson had a plan. Jack had been asking for a Christmas tree for the past few weeks, but even more frequently when he returned from town having seen the Wishing Tree! In a conversation with Rosemary a few days ago, Hudson had learned the history of the small saplings in the backyard of the row house the Thatcher's had rented. So Hudson had purchased three clay pots from Ned and borrowed a shovel from Lee.

Even knowing it might take some effort to dislodge the frozen ground, Hudson was still determined to dig up at least one of the evergreens to surprise Jack with a tiny tree on the train. Also, Hudson was hoping at least one of the trees could be given back to the Grants as a Christmas gift to plant on their new property. It took a while, but Hudson was successful and had potted the three largest saplings, each a different height, and added a red ribbon bow tied to the top. Another trip to the Mercantile allowed Hudson to find three small star ornaments and those he tied to the top of each tree. As he carefully placed each pot in an open carton, Hudson chuckled with excitement, hoping his idea would provide a little touch of Christmas and be a blessing to everyone.

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Nathan polished the wooden box once again in the early morning light shining into the Cottage. The winter solstice was almost upon them, when every day the sun rose slightly earlier and set a little later. Being a lover of sunlight, Nathan was grateful the solstice was drawing near! Maybe next year he could better enjoy the dark mornings with his wife by his side. Chuckling softly, Nathan realized that might be worse. How could he ever want to get up in the morning if he was snuggled in a warm bed with the love of his life?

He turned the dining room light on and held both sections of the box in his hands to better compare the top and bottom pieces. Satisfied, he began to wax the inside of the top cover, careful to only polish lightly over the message he had written in script, 'To Elizabeth, the love of my life. Always yours, Nathan.'

As he worked Nathan prayed his morning prayers, offering many thanksgivings and making a few requests, then he began to quietly sing 'The Echo Carol" which Allie and he had been rehearsing for the Christmas Eve service.

Hearing Allie moving about her bedroom, Nathan pushed aside his project and rose to make breakfast.

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"What would you like to bring to the Samuels for Sunday dinner, Allie? Any special desserts you have in mind?" Nathan served the two plates of eggs and bacon, setting them on the table with the scones and jam. "Remember this will be our Christmas celebration with them."

"I've been thinking. Should we bring a pumpkin pie and an apple pie? Would two pies be enough?" Allie placed her glass of milk on the table and took her seat. "They are pretty generous with us, so why don't we make three pies? Maybe we could also make one for Monday night when everyone arrives?" Allie reached her hand across the table.

Nathan gave thanks for the food and released Allie's hand. "I think two pies will be sufficient for the Samuels, but for Monday we will need more dessert, Allie…"

Allie gave her father a raised eyebrow. "Oh?"

Chuckling, Nathan responded. "By my count there will be eleven of us for dinner! We would need at least two pies, yet I am wondering if it would be easier to make a large cake or bake some brownies? Those we could make together on Saturday afternoon. On Friday we need to make some plans with Gramma Carol so we can purchase the groceries!"

Sipping his second cup of coffee, Nathan continued. "We will definitely need to use the main house, however I do not want Gramma Carol to have to cook everything, so we need to figure out what we will contribute. I can prepare something while you are in Youth Group. We can figure out the middle of the week when we are all together because I am certain Uncle Bill will want to share in the cooking. You may want to assist too, right?" Nathan pushed his chair back from the table. "Excuse me a moment, Allie."

Returning momentarily, Nathan sat and began to add to his list those questions and decisions they needed to discuss with the Collins's. Looking up at Allie, Nathan queried, "Are there any items you want me to add to our list, Honey?"

"I don't know if it is for that list, but you said you wanted to talk about my ideas for Jack's birthday party. I've been thinking. Do you want to hear about it now?"

Resting his pencil on the table, Nathan went back to his breakfast. "Yes, please! Tell me your thoughts?"

"Well, I loved what you and Uncle Bill did for my birthday dinner, so I think we should decorate like that, but maybe with green? There are Christmas decorations around, so green wouldn't clash, or maybe we could use red balloons instead? I think I like red even better." Allie was growing more excited by the minute.

'Jack is so little though, I was thinking we should have a theme and I was thinking about how he loves his trains. Plus, you said Mrs. Thornton gave him your locomotive ornament and he carries that around a lot. Maybe I could make a banner with train tracks and a couple train cars that each say a word? Maybe 'Happy' on one and 'Birthday' and 'Jack!' I don't know if Mrs. Thornton or Uncle Bill or Gramma could make a train decoration for his cake, but wouldn't that be fun? I could ask Mrs. Evans for some ideas today!" Obviously Allie had given this some thought and her father was impressed. "I wonder if we could make a small engine with cake and make train tracks on top of the cake?"

"You have wonderful ideas, Honey. Shall I ask Mrs. Thornton about these tonight? Or maybe you want to talk to her for a few moments before you go to bed?" Lifting his pencil again, Nathan made notes, 'Red balloons, banner paper, red ribbons…'

"Could I do that? Then we can plan better." Allie finished her breakfast and commented. "This will be such fun! Thanks, Dad!"

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Jack was dressed in Sunday trousers, white shirt and a little boy's waistcoat yet, although he had no problem wearing his overcoat, he balked at wearing a hat tonight. He also was stubbornly insisting on bringing his Locomotive ornament with him and Elizabeth was trying to diplomatically discourage that. "Jack, I don't want you to lose that at the restaurant. It is too important to you and it would be best to keep it safe at home, okay?" While he had his back turned she had placed it on top of a bookcase, but Jack appeared to be working up to a meltdown as she tried the hat again.

Julie opened the door to welcome Brad just as an adamant little boy refused the hat again. Seeing the struggle, Brad entered and scooped Jack into his arms. "Hey, Buddy! Where is your hat? I have mine on. Don't you need one too?"

Taken aback and side-tracked, Jack giggled as Brad went to nuzzle Jack's neck and made an engine noise. As Elizabeth handed it to Brad, he placed it on Jack's head without protest.

"See? We both have hats! Now you need mittens and you'll be just like me!" Brad wiggled his gloved hand. "How about we have Aunt Julie help you with those mittens, eh?"

As Julie assisted with the mittens, Elizabeth buttoned her overcoat and mouthed the words to Brad. 'Thank you!'

Crisis averted, they departed, leaving Jack's train safely at home.

Before Elizabeth slipped into the back seat beside her son, she whispered to Brad. "You came at just the right time! I can't wait to have Nathan's help with some of these challenges. Lately, he seems to be growing up and asserting his independence from Mommy!"

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William was waiting inside the doors of Hickam's Restaurant when Elizabeth and Jack arrived, followed by Brad and Julie. "Well, hello there, everyone! May I take your coats now? We are eating in the private room so we can leave our outerwear here."

Douglas Hickam was standing nearby ready to collect the garments so that William could hold Jack and lead the party inside.

At the double doors Elizabeth didn't have time to process the volume of conversations coming from the inner room, nor did she notice the crowd of people hazily visible through the curtains until the doors swung open. "Surprise!"

Truly shocked, Elizabeth stood open-mouthed and grabbed her father's arm. "Father, did you plan this?"

"Oh, no. Not me." William held up his hand. "I was just the excuse to get you here in nice clothes! This is Rosemary's doing! Go in, Bessie."

Rosemary reached to draw Elizabeth into the room, taking her hand and holding it at her elbow as Lee came to take Jack's hand and lead him to the head table. "Tonight is a farewell party for you, even though you said you didn't want one." Rosemary laughed, patting Elizabeth's hand. "Sometimes a friend must override a request!"

"Oh, look who is here! Did you invite 'everyone?'" Elizabeth scanned the smiling faces as she walked by. She saw Laura seated with Constable Paul, Katie and Mike, Cat Montgomery, Molly and Ian, the new schoolteacher. "My goodness!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she allowed Rosemary to seat her beside Jack.

Seated, Elizabeth noted that Patrick was next to Jack with Lee on the other side, ready to keep a watchful eye on the two boys, yet able to converse with Bill who sat at the end. Rosemary took her place, but remained standing between Elizabeth and Abigail who sat next to Henry.

Giving a small wave to her parents she saw they were seated with Joseph, Minnie, and Florence, gratefully noting that Ned was next to Hudson knowing they had become friends over many shopping excursions at the Mercantile. David, William's assistant, had joined them.

The final table consisted of young couples seated with Julie and Brad, Faith and Ben. Elizabeth smiled to herself as she noticed Fiona and Kevin seated together, along with Clara and Jesse.

"Excuse me please?" Rosemary tried again. "Excuse me."

From the other end of the table, Bill tapped his glass with a spoon which quieted the room.

"Thank you, Bill. I have to remember that!" Turning to the faces before her, Rosemary continued. " Welcome to you all and thank you for sharing this special meal together as we say farewell to Elizabeth and young Jack and wish them well in their new life in Regina! We never were able to show Nathan and Allie a proper goodbye, but I could not let Elizabeth depart without some event. We will have some speeches before dessert but, Joseph, would you please give thanks for our meal tonight?"

Standing, Joseph gave thanks for the food and the gathering then prayed for Elizabeth, Jack, the Thatcher's and Hudson as they all relocated to join Nathan and Allie. "We are grateful for each of these dear people and rejoice for the times we have shared together. Thank you for bringing them into our lives and we even dare to ask that we may meet again! Till then, keep each one in the hollow of your hand as they travel and settle in their new home. We pray a special prayer of thanks and blessing on dear Nathan and Allie whom we already miss. Now bless the hands that have prepared this meal for us and we pray this in Your Great and Holy Name, Amen."

"Amen," Resounded throughout the room and soon conversations began as the meal was served.

The fact that he was in front of so many people made Jack quiet and well-behaved. He tugged at his mother's arm to help cut his meat, but otherwise Jack talked with Patrick. As they ate, the two boys discussed the merits of horses, cars and trains with Jack making sure that Patrick knew that Jack was going on a train on Saturday!

Having recovered from the shock of the party, Elizabeth leaned to speak to Rosemary. "Thank you, Rosie. I don't know how you did this in such a short period of time, nor who helped you, but this party is very sweet."

Laughing, Rosemary responded. "Well, everyone I told was responsible to tell someone else! Thankfully this room was available and Dorothy Hickam was able to plan a delicious holiday-like menu. The decorations were already here so that was easy and Abigail, Minnie and Clara took care of the desserts. So, really I just started the ball rolling!"

Elizabeth caught Abigail's attention. "Thank you for your part in this evening, Abigail. I am sorry to have caused this to happen at such a busy time of year for you and everyone, but I just want to celebrate Jack's birthday with Nathan and Allie as we begin this new season of our lives together." She looked back at Rosemary. "I am sorry our traditions will change, but we have wonderful memories of our times together." Elizabeth laughed softly. "I owe Jack's safe arrival to the two of you, so that is a story none of us will ever forget!"

"I know!" Abigail smiled as she remembered. "God was with us, but in the moment I was too panicked to really think about it. Jack was determined to arrive and we just had to be as ready as we could be!"

"It was a first for me, that's for sure!" Rosemary interjected. "I'm just grateful I wasn't alone with you, Elizabeth, and that we found the cabin. I mean what would we have done?" Rosemary had a horrified look on her face.

Abigail patted her arm. "Now, Rosemary, don't even think about that! We found the cabin and Elizabeth safely delivered her baby boy. And on Christmas Eve too! What an incredible gift to us all that year and ever since. I can't believe it was almost five years ago!"

Noticing that most of the guests had finished their entrée, Rosemary stood, this time clinking her glass to gain everyone's attention. "Wasn't that a delicious meal? Thank you so much!" Catching the Hickam's glances, Rosemary motioned to them and began a round of applause. As the room quieted again, Rosemary continued. "I have invited a few significant people from Elizabeth's early years in Hope Valley to share a few moments. Maybe there are those present to whom these stories are new? May I invite you, Florence, to stand in your place and share first?"

Florence shared about Elizabeth's arrival and her own concern and disapproval that this young, well-dressed woman from a big city wouldn't know how to teach their children in a coal-mining town. "I was ready to put her on the next stagecoach out of town, but how thankful I am that kinder hearts prevailed and Elizabeth stayed! Mind you, the teacher's house burned on her first night, but she soon won our hearts and that of our children. Teaching in a saloon, which is what this building was back then, was a challenge most would have run from, but Elizabeth persevered and even helped us clear out the mine to allow us to keep our homes and get paid the proper compensation from the mining company! So, Elizabeth, I want to thank you for your willingness to become a part of Coal Valley, for sharing your teaching skills and for your many years of friendship. You already know I will miss you, dear." Florence nodded and sat down as she wiped her tears.

Abigail stood. "Having lost all of her belongings when the stagecoach was robbed and the teacher's home burned, this forlorn-looking young woman, gathered her strength to go to work the next day, in borrowed clothing, and from that day on Elizabeth Thatcher made a difference in Hope Valley."

"It was my privilege to share my home with Elizabeth and help her get established while helping her learn some essential skills necessary to live on the frontier. We had some fun with cooking lessons and learning how to sew and lengthen my skirts, but throughout those challenges we forged a friendship for which I have always been grateful! Some of us remember those early days when Constable Jack Thornton began to take notice of Elizabeth. Over many years we watched their friendship become love and move into marriage."

Continuing, Abigail looked at the guests. "So many changes happened over those years as the town's name changed to Hope Valley and those of us who were widows found our places once again, some working in jobs, some caring for their families, all of us learning to grieve but support each other and make a life together. When Jack died, we rallied around Elizabeth because we understood as no other town would have, but when she found out she was expecting she became a sister to us all. Five years ago we rejoiced with the birth of baby Jack and we became family in an even more meaningful way."

"Although I met Nathan Grant before I departed to care for my mother, I regret I never got to know him beyond my wonderful first impression his first day in uniform! I do know him by reputation and know Hope Valley was blessed to have his service over recent years, so I am filled with joy that he and Elizabeth are finding their way together." Abigail held the gaze of her friend. "Through it all, God has been very good to us and I pray God's very best for you, Elizabeth, Nathan, Jack and Allie. Godspeed, my friend."

After Bill shared about Jack being like a son to him, Elizabeth feeling like a daughter and Baby Jack becoming his godson, Bill shared how close he had become to Nathan and Allie, now considering them his family. He spoke of how God had worked a miracle in bringing Elizabeth and Nathan together and how thankful he was for the future he envisioned for them.

Lee stood next to share, from the perspective of the school board president, how wonderfully Elizabeth had taught over the years, emphasizing how the parents trusted their children into her care and were grateful for all they had learned.

Rosemary followed Lee to share about the early challenge of her arrival in Hope Valley and both she and Elizabeth interested in Jack Thornton, that was until a man on a motorcycle rode into town and swept her off her feet! Thanking Elizabeth for her faithful friendship ever since that antagonistic beginning, Rosemary leaned under the table to pick up a wrapped gift before she announced. "This gift is a small token of our gratitude for you, Elizabeth, for there is no way we could find an adequate expression of our appreciation. Still we wanted you to have something by which you will remember us all." Presenting the gift to Elizabeth, Rosemary added. "This is for you from all of us present this evening, given with our love. Don't forget us now, okay?" Rosemary spoke quietly, "Please open it so everyone can see?"

With shining eyes, Elizabeth unwrapped the gift to find a beautiful set of two different sized silver serving plates. A cut-out ivy pattern encircled them both, with a second inner row of cutouts on the larger dish. An engraved, swirled pattern filled the center of both plates. "Oh, these are lovely. Thank you so much. I will treasure these always and remember you every time I see them. This is a lovely remembrance." Elizabeth stood. "I thank God for each of you, for you have played special parts in my life in Hope Valley. Always know that leaving is difficult even though I am overjoyed at what the future holds. You will always remain dear to my heart. Thank you for this and for tonight as well."

A round of applause rose until Rosemary stood with another gift in hand. She walked to the other side of Elizabeth and handed it to Jack. "Jack, this is for you to keep. We want you to remember Hope Valley so we have created a small book of pictures and included a couple pages of memories that some of us have written about you, your Mommy and your Daddy Jack. We also included a photo of your Daddy Nathan and Allie because they have been a part of your life here as well. We want you to know you are dearly loved, Jack." Rosemary could no longer contain her emotions and tears overflowed as she watched Jack rip open the package.

"Oh, look, Mommy! It's the town and look, the jail and the Mercantile and the church and… " Jack stopped as he looked up at his Aunt Rosemary then to his mother.

Elizabeth was nodding, hoping Jack would say thank you. He did and there wasn't a dry eye in the room when that little blonde boy looked out at all these people he knew. "This is nice. Thank you." Suddenly realizing everyone was looking at him, Jack ducked his head towards his mother.

Wrapping her arm around her son, Elizabeth added, "Yes, thank you from the bottom of our hearts." She could say no more as her voice caught, overwhelmed with gratitude.

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