Chapter One hundred fifteen
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Sunday for Nathan and Allie
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Nathan and Allie shared a French toast and bacon breakfast on Sunday morning while seated at the kitchen table.
As she poured the maple syrup, Allie asked softly. "How did you sleep, Dad?"
"It was hard to calm my thoughts and concerns about forgetting something important, but I finally thought of the hymn I used to sing to you, Honey. Do you remember 'All Praise to Thee, My God This Night?'"
"Maybe?" Offered Allie, listening carefully and knowing that lately she sometimes needed help going to sleep.
Nathan hummed the melody, then quoted the beginning of a verse. "…When in the night I sleepless lie, my soul with heavenly thoughts supply…" (*69) Nathan swigged his hot coffee. "The final verse is the words of the doxology and, although I recall starting to sing that, I don't remember ending it, so God answered my prayer with sleep!"
Observing his daughter's thoughtful expression, Nathan asked. "How about you, Honey? Did you sleep well?"
"Dad, I am too excited to sleep. Maybe I should sing that too? My thoughts are swirling." Allie confessed shyly, letting her gaze return to her plate.
Realizing there was something his daughter wasn't sharing, Nathan asked quietly. "What thoughts are swirling around, Honey? Mrs. Thornton and Jack's arrival?"
"Yes, that, and also…" Allie gulped. "I have a picture I painted for Jared, and I don't know when to give it to him."
"Oh, that's the painting of the stack of books in the sunbeam, right? I remember. Well, I can take his robe from him and send him your way while I hang our robes in the choir room after church. Would that help?"
"I just don't want Sally and Rachel to see me give it to him." Allie blushed.
"Ah ha. How about I keep it in the choir room and give it to him for you?"
"Oh! Would you do that, Dad?" Relieved, Allie let out a breath. "Please?"
"I'd be glad to, but helping St. Nicholas may require payment you know." Nathan chuckled. "Maybe some extra hugs and kisses?"
Allie giggled. "I can pay those hugs and kisses anytime you want them, although you won't need as many anymore since Mrs. Thornton will give you those."
"She will and so will Jack, but, Allie, none of those will ever replace your sweet daughterly hugs, you know. You'll always be my first girl, Honey." Nathan reached across the table with an open hand.
With glistening eyes, Allie placed her hand in her father's and whispered, "Thanks, Dad."
Nathan heard the emotion in her voice so, scraping his chair as he pushed away from the table, he moved to squat next to Allie and hold her in his arms. "You come to me whenever you need a hug, Sweet girl, and if I don't give you enough of them, please remind me? We will all have adjustments to make, but you will always be my girl. My first girl." He hugged her tightly then moved back to search her face, adding, "No one will ever replace you, Allie. Not Jack or any other sisters or brothers you may have in the future. Okay?"
She dipped her head and whispered. "You won't love them more?"
"Oh, Allie-girl. Never!" Nathan stated emphatically. "There is room in our hearts to expand into love for many others, but we don't replace those that were there first. We just add new loves." He patted her back, continuing to hold her.
"You know, Honey, there is something unique. Something that you will always have that none of my other children will ever have? You are my sister's daughter and she was my best friend and the girl I was closer to than any other, until you came along. You are doubly special to me because of my connection to Colleen, and you are both my niece and my daughter."
Barely whispering, Allie responded, tightening her grip. "Thanks, Daddy."
Hearing her say 'Daddy,' Nathan was touched. He squeezed his daughter to himself until she released her hug, then rose to finish his breakfast, now that her tears had subsided.
. .
Seeing Jared Blake as he entered the choir room, Nathan motioned him to his side. Uncovering a wrapped gift from under his suitcoat, Nathan explained. "This is for you from Allie. She didn't want others to know she gave you something. Maybe you can hide it?"
Coloring, Jared took the package. "Thank you so much, Sergeant Grant. I have a little something for her too. Could you keep it in your pocket until you are in the car?"
The men exchanged gifts and each hid them carefully. Nathan chuckled. "Our gifts to each other are our safe delivery of Allie's gifts."
Smiling, Jared responded. "Yes, Sir, that's correct for this year." Just in case Nathan wasn't aware, Jared added. "It's not too personal, Sir. Just something I think she will like."
Chuckling Nathan commented. "I am sure she will. Now if I don't see you later, a very Merry Christmas to you, Jared." He reached out to shake the young man's hand.
"Thank you. You too, Sergeant."
As Nathan made sure the gift for Allie was secure in his overcoat, he patted his robe pocket to be certain the poem was there, and headed to the choir loft, smiling.
During the offertory, Jared and Josiah Blake, father and son, beautifully sang their duet with a guitarist's accompaniment.
'O how joyfully, O how blessedly, Comes the glory of Christmastime.
To a world so lost in sin Christ the savior enters in:
Praise Him all ye Christians, praise Him evermore.
O how joyfully, O how blessedly, Comes the glory of Christmastime.
Jesus, born in lowly stall with His grace redeems us all:
Praise Him all ye Christians, praise Him evermore.
O how joyfully, O how blessedly, Comes the glory of Christmastime.
Hosts of angels from on high. Sing, rejoicing, in the sky:
Praise Him all ye Christians, praise Him evermore. (*70)
Although they had sung before, Reverend Huntley had requested the Grants also sing on this Sunday as originally scheduled so, following the offertory music and the prayer of thanksgiving, Allie met her father to stand in front of the curve of the piano. Nathan placed his hand on his daughter's shoulder and they exchanged smiles. It was clear to the congregation that this father and daughter truly loved each other. The sanctuary stilled.
Listening to the introduction, Nathan nodded at the accompanist and squeezed her shoulder as Allie's clear soprano rang out, reaching to the rafters above. Nathan hummed the first line until he added his tenor harmony and the ancient song resounded in everyone's hearts.
'Of the Father's Love begotten Ere the worlds began to be,
He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He.
Of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see,
Evermore and evermore.'
'O ye heights of heaven adore Him! Angel-hosts His praises sing!
All dominions bow before Him, And extol our God and King;
Let no tongue on earth be silent, Every voice in concert ring,
Evermore and evermore!'
'Christ! To Thee, with God the Father And, Holy Ghost to Thee!
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving, And unwearied praises be,
Honour, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory,
Evermore and evermore!' (*35)
Peter and Carol had taken the front pew so that Allie wouldn't have far to walk to join Nathan on the platform. Therefore, after the duet, they welcomed Allie back to sit between them with Peter's arm around her shoulders and Carol taking her hand. They winked at each other, then turned their attention to Nathan as he stood beside the podium.
"Thank you to the Blakes and the Grants for blessing us with this morning's special music." The Pastor then made his introduction. "At my request, Sergeant Nathan Grant will now share another of his poems. This one is entitled, 'The Star.'" Reverend Huntley stepped aside. "Nathan, please?"
"Known by name and called into being for just this moment in time,
a pulsating point of light proclaims a heavenly announcement.
Piercing the midnight blue sky, this glimpse of glory
travels westward on a path planned long ago, before the stars were born.
A divine message invites all to forsake earthly concerns and,
guided by celestial light, follow an unfamiliar road to behold a miracle.
Mystery of the ages, stars, men and angels cannot comprehend—
creation blessed by the Holy Presence! Why? The bright and Morning Star descend?
Light from above illuminates, radiates triumph below as never before or again,
Creator becomes creation—to live, to die, to rise to prove LOVE beyond any other love.
Ancient and recent, the star-signs shine forth marking place and the history of grace,
welcoming those seeking to worship Emmanuel, the Heavenly One incarnate." (EMH)
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As the benediction ended, the Samuels hurried towards the front of the sanctuary to meet Jane and invite the Collins's to join them for dinner with the Grants. Jon was apologetic. "I am sorry I didn't think to call in advance, Peter, Carol, but we would love for you to dine with us if you are able? We are celebrating an early Christmas with Nathan and Allie, but we would welcome you as well! Will you please come?"
Carol and Peter looked at each other and nodded. "Thank you, Jon. We would be delighted, although we don't have anything to share."
"There is no need. Nathan and Allie have the dessert covered and in our house there is always enough food to share!" Jon laughed. "Would you like to follow us home?"
. .
Once in the car, Nathan emptied his pocket and handed Allie a small wrapped package. "Jared and I exchanged gifts, Honey. This one is for you!"
Taking the gift and blushing, Allie played with the bow. "Thanks, Dad."
"Are you going to wait to open it on Christmas or in privacy at home or..." Nathan inquired as he turned towards the Samuel's house.
"Maybe on Christmas Eve with just us? I don't think I want to open it in front of a crowd." Allie spoke softly.
"That is a lovely idea, Honey. I would love to see what he has chosen for you." Nathan chuckled. "I told him you would like it, so I hope that will be true."
"You did?"
"I did indeed. I have a feeling he could give you a block of wood and you would like it, right?"
Giggling, Allie responded. "You may be right, but fortunately this feels like a book..."
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Nathan carried one pie along with a basket of gifts, while Allie carried the second pie and they entered the Samuels home, aware of wonderful fragrances wafting out from the kitchen. "Something smells delicious in here!" Nathan commented with a grin.
"Roast beef today. We are celebrating and the girls have helped Jane prepare an early Christmas feast! Here, let me take those pies so you can shed your coats." Jon winked at Allie. "Don't want anything to happen to these, eh?"
"Hi Allie! I missed sitting with you in church, but your song was beautiful!" Sally enthused hugging her friend.
"It really was, Allie." Rachel was the next in line to hug her while Joshua held back awkwardly until Allie opened her arms to him. At twelve his hugs were reserved for his family, but Allie counted as a sort-of-sister now!
"Thank you all." Allie responded. "I love singing with Dad." With a meaningful look the three girls headed towards the girl's bedroom to discuss how well Jared sang with his father. Although Rachel had set her sights on Jared Blake before Allie's arrival, she soon saw his interest in Allie Grant and turned her attention to one of the pastor's sons. Sally had two young men who either mercilessly teased her or competed for her attention, so the girls always had plenty to talk and giggle about!
"How are you, Joshua? Ready for Christmas?" Nathan placed his arm around the young man as Nathan carried the basket of gifts into the living room to meet Peter and Carol.
Joshua rolled his eyes at the ceiling as he answered. "My sisters are making me crazy! My gifts are ready and wrapped and Dad helped me hide them in my closet, but they are always giggling and closing their door and telling me to stay out because Christmas is coming. I think it is an excuse." Joshua huffed. "They probably don't even have anything for me."
"Oh?" Nathan patted his back. "Don't be too sure. When I was younger I was convinced my sister didn't have anything for me one year! Then, on Christmas morning, I found she had saved up money from doing extra chores and selling a picture to a ranch hand. She bought me a fishing pole and I still have it to this day! So… you wait and see, eh?"
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Sunday dinner was a happy affair and Commissioner Collins shared some fun stories at Joshua's request while Carol discussed recipes and holiday decorating ideas with the ladies.
"Did Allie tell you what she and her father did yesterday afternoon? It's a birthday secret but none of you will see young Jack beforehand so she can share." Carol nodded to Allie. "Tell them, Sweetheart."
"I guess you are right. The Evening service is after our birthday party." Allie grinned, proud to share the surprise for the birthday boy. "Jack loves trains, so Gramma Carol made sheets of gingerbread and Dad and I cut out the pieces to make a train engine for the top of his cake. He is going to dance with happiness when he sees that! Jack's going to be five, so we decided on a train theme for his party."
"Wow, Allie! That sounds so great." Sally enthused, knowing how excited Allie was to see this little boy again.
"Such a unique idea, Sweetheart." Jane encouraged Allie. "Was that your idea?"
Blushing Allie admitted, "The train theme and idea for the top of his cake was mine, but Dad thought of the gingerbread part. He is really good at making things, so it is really cute."
"It is a special gift for that little boy and I can't wait for him to see it." Carol laughed. "Of course, I can't wait to see him! This is going to be such a special Christmas with a little one around the house. Tomorrow can't come soon enough for all of us!"
After enjoying the pies and some conversation around the Christmas tree in the parlor, Peter and Carol excused themselves, thanking the Samuels profusely for including them in their Sunday celebration.
"We will head home and take a nap, I think. We need to get rested up for a very exciting week ahead." Peter explained. "Thank you for today and I imagine we will be seeing you at some point over the holidays. We seem to be attending Knox more frequently than our own church!"
Leaning down to Joshua, Peter tousled his hair and commented, "You take care, young man, and stick close to your Dad, eh? He's a good man and a good Mountie too! Maybe someday you will join up."
. .
Even before the Collins's had closed the front door, Joshua spoke up. "I like the Commiss'ner. Do you have stories like he does, Uncle Nathan?"
"Well, he has been a Mountie for more years than I have, but all of us have stories. Sometimes we don't share them in front of the ladies or our families though." Nathan was trying to be diplomatic and avoid certain subjects.
"Maybe we need to talk then!" Joshua concluded. "Without all the girls around!"
"We'll see." Nathan turned to Jon as he returned to take his chair. "We have a couple things for you folks. Is this a good time to share?"
"You didn't have to get anything for us, Nathan. But now is fine." Jon nodded at Rachel. "Would you do the honors Sweetheart?"
After depositing a few presents in front of Nathan and Allie, Rachel returned to her seat as Nathan laughed. "We didn't have to get you anything, eh? Did you just say that?"
Grinning, Allie unpacked the Grant's basket and distributed certain gifts to each of the Samuels before taking a seat on the floor with Sally and Rachel. "Open them!" Allie excitedly pointed to the gifts she had given the girls.
"Oh Allie! Did you paint this?" Sally stared at the small oil painting of sprigs of forget-me-knots. "My favorite flowers! Thank you!" Sally hugged Allie.
"And a daisy for me! How did you know, Allie?" Rachel exclaimed.
"Sally told me, but I had to be careful when I asked so I didn't give her any hints about why I was asking!" Allie giggled, delighted her friends liked their gifts.
"Well, it's perfect. Thank you, Allie." Rachel pointed to the good-sized box in front of Allie. "Now, open yours."
Unfolding the tissue paper Allie revealed an embroidered pillow. A wreath of various flowers formed a circle on the front of a square, white pillow. "Wow. Who made this? It's beautiful. I love it." Allie held up the pillow for her father to see.
"We all did. I mean Mom and Rachel and me," Explained Sally. "We took turns so some flowers I did, some Rachel and some Mom. You really like it? We thought you could put it on your bed."
"Like it? I love it! Thank you so much. This means so much to me." Allie hugged her friends and rose to hug her Aunt Jane.
Uncle Jon chuckled. "It's from me too, Allie. I had to stop at the store on my way home to purchase more embroidery floss." He winked. "More than once… That's my contribution! "
"Oh, Uncle Jon. Thank you too!" Allie hugged him then turned to Joshua. "That's for you, Josh. Open it." She pointed to a package the same size and shape as that of his sisters.
"Allie! Did you paint this for me?" Joshua admired the painting of the letter 'J' formed with dominoes. "This is great!"
"I decided to do that because we always play the game and you are very competitive! I thought it would remind you of our championships." Allie laughed as she turned to her father.
"Dad, will you open yours?" Allie watched.
"Well!" Nathan removed the patterned paper and held up a box of Dominoes as everyone laughed. "Allie, we can practice at home now! Thank you all."
"There's more, Uncle Nathan. That was from Mom and Dad. This one is from us." Sally made a motion to include all the children. "We made it especially for you."
"Fudge and cookies! How did you know I love these?" Nathan winked at the girls and then looked at Joshua. "You helped too? Let me guess. You taste-tested, right?"
Coloring slightly, Joshua responded. "I did. But I also helped stir and helped with the dishes."
"And that is a mighty fine contribution. I will have to hide these so all the family coming tomorrow doesn't eat them up! Maybe I will take them to work. Sound like a good idea?" Nathan popped a piece of fudge in his mouth and promptly made dramatic noises and motions of enjoyment. He motioned to share the box with everyone, although they declined. "Sooooo delicious! Thank you all! Now, Jane and Jon that is a combined gift from me."
Unwrapping the present, Jane held up an intricately carved angel ornament and gasped. "Where did you ever find this, Nathan. It is gorgeous." Jane twirled it and looked at Jon, smiling. "This will be front and center on our tree!" As Jane rose to hang it, Allie spoke up.
"Dad didn't buy that, he made it." Allie glanced at her father.
Stopping mid-step, Jane looked at a blushing Nathan. "You made this? You carved it, Nathan? I didn't know…." Jane couldn't continue.
"I did. I've carved things as a hobby for years. It's nothing." Nathan explained. "Just something for your tree."
"Nathan Grant!" Jane had recovered her voice. "This is not 'nothing.' This is a detailed, intricate, beautiful angel and we will cherish it. I may find someplace to hang it even after we take down our tree. Thank you so much." Jane went to stand in front of Nathan and motioned for him to stand. After giving him a warm hug, Jane stepped aside for Jon to do the same.
"It really is stunning, Nathan. Thank you." Jon added.
"You are welcome." He lifted three small packages from the basket and, noting the tags, distributed them to the three Samuels children.
All three children unwrapped packages containing simple carved paperweights of different birds. Josh was the first to speak. "Did you make us these too?"
"I did. Just a little paperweight for your desks or your bookcase." Nathan made a hand motion as if it was nothing, but was soon engulfed as three children immediately climbed over him to give him hugs along with their verbal thank you.
"My, my! I am basking in all this love!" Nathan lifted an envelope and handed it to Jon. "This is from both Allie and me, with our thanks. Merry Christmas!"
Jon opened the envelope and showed the card to his wife. "Nathan, this is too much!" He grinned at Nathan, remembering their conversation. "A gift certificate for two for dinner at the Crown Restaurant! What a treat." Jon stood again and extended his hand. "Thank you so much."
Wiping tears from her eyes, Jane looked at Nathan. "We have never dined there Nathan, so this is very special. Thank you so, you dear man."
"You two deserve it, although it hardly matches the many dinners you have so generously shared with Allie and me. Not to mention our family and friends!" Nathan smiled.
"That's just being hospitable, Nathan. We have to eat too!" Jon chuckled. "But thank you."
"Oh! We forgot my gift for Aunt Jane and Uncle Jon." Allie returned to the basket and then handed a gift to the Samuels. "This is for both of you too."
Opening another of Allie's paintings, Jane and John admired the Cardinal in his ruby red plumage. Jane spoke first. "This is stunning, Allie. You are so talented. You both are so talented! Music, carving, painting, poetry. I am so impressed and so grateful."
"I think we should hang that between the kitchen windows so we can enjoy it throughout the day." Jon suggested. "Thank you, Sweetheart, for sharing your talent with us."
"There is one more gift to thank you for all your hospitality, Jane, Jon, and because we have grown to appreciate you so much." Nathan lifted a wrapped package and handed it to them before taking his seat again.
"How lovely. A devotional and a book of poetry. Wait, Grant is the author." Jane questioned. "Is this a relative?"
Allie giggled. "A relative of mine, but not of Dad's." Seeing everyone's confusion, she continued. "Dad wrote those."
"Nathan! Are the poems you've been reading in church from these?" Jane hugged the book to herself.
Nodding, Nathan admitted his poems were included in that volume.
"I cannot believe the beautiful gifts you have given us, Nathan. It is all too much, but I will not decline a thing!" Jane enthused as Jon nodded with glistening eyes.
"What a blessing you are to us, Nathan, Allie…" Admitted Jon. "I am so grateful you came to Regina!"
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(*69) "All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night," Selected phrases, by Bishop Thomas Ken, 1637-1711, Public Domain
(*70) "O How Joyfully" by Johannes Falk, 1816, Public Domain
A.N. Recommend online version with beautiful guitar accompaniment: O How Joyfully - The Newman Singers.
(*35) Corde Natus Ex Parentis, Cathmerinon by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-405). Translated to English, "Of the Father's Love Begotten" by John Mason Neale, 1854 and Sir Henry Williams Baker, 1859. Verses 1, 4 and 5.
A.N. Although you will have to imagine the harmony, recommended online version is: Of the Father's Love Begotten - Tobe Moore For a choral version: Of the Father's Love Begotten, St Martin's Chamber Choir olsonjk2
(EMH) "The Star" Poem by E.M. Hunter, Self-published in Illuminations, Copyright 2014. (Out-of-print.)