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Chapter One hundred twenty-one
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Gift Exchange
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On Wednesday morning, Nathan arrived at his office earlier than his office-mate. Setting a mug of coffee, a small package and an envelope on Wes's desk, Nathan got to work, outlining an idea that had come to him as he awakened this morning. He was amazed anything could interrupt his all-consuming thoughts of Elizabeth's presence and the depth of relationship they, the children, Zach, Bill and the Collins's shared. Yet, as a result of last night's discussion, Nathan wanted to include a story in the manual he was rewriting and he needed to record it since he would be out of the office for so many of the coming days. He would write about a Mountie's compassion and assistance for a family whose husband and father he had arrested. No one would know the source of the story, but the example of a Mountie 'Maintaining the Right' would be beautifully highlighted.
"Good morning, my brother!" Wes entered with his jovial greeting. "How are you? Is all your shopping done for the weekend?" As he hung his coat, Wes retrieved an envelope from his pocket and turned to his desk. "Oh! What's this?"
Capping his pen and putting it aside, Nathan leaned back in his chair, giving Wes his crooked smile. "It's coffee. Good morning!"
Laughing, Wes tapped the coaster covering the mug of steaming brew Nathan had placed on his desk. "Thank you. I am awake enough to know what this is, Nathan! But what are these?" He sat, took a sip of the steaming coffee and lifted one of the two wrapped packages, examining it in his hand.
"Oh, those. Looks like gifts to me! Since Christmas is approaching I would deduct they are Christmas gifts. You need to sharpen those Mountie skills, Buddy. Even I can guess that!" Nathan chuckled as he teased then watched his friend.
"Then must I wait for Christmas to find out or may I open them now?" Wes grinned like a child who could hardly wait.
"Well now, that depends. Will you have anything under the tree on Christmas morning? Is Ardis coming over?"
"We'll be going to church together then enjoying the rest of the day with my mother. Mom and Ardis have planned a feast!" Wes placed the package back on his desk and leaned back. "Thank you for introducing us, Nathan. My thoughts are consumed with that beautiful woman. I've never met anyone like her. She's so…" His eyes glazing over, he absentmindedly gazed out the window.
"Ah ha. I thought you two might be a match! If this works out, this will be my first successful matchmaking effort!" Chuckling low, Nathan added. "Of course all I had to do was make sure you came to Allie's concert. I guess you did the rest!"
"Did I? I don't even remember. All I know is that there was beautiful music, the heady fragrance of roses and a pair of beautiful blue eyes that seemed to be paying attention to me! It was intoxicating!" Wes chuckled. "At least I assume that's what it might feel like to be under the influence. I've never experienced strong drink or love before, but, you know the great poets equate the two."
Laughing, Nathan commented, "Well you certainly haven't lost your eloquence. Save some of that for love letters, my friend!"
"Ah, the voice of experience!" Wes sipped his coffee while observing his happy office-mate. "How is it to have Elizabeth back in town?"
Nathan blushed. "It is beyond wonderful! I love her so much…" It was Nathan's turn to stare unseeing out the window.
Wes's laughter broke the spell. "We are a case of distracted Mounties, but it needs to stay our secret or our jobs might be in jeopardy! Thank you for these, Nathan. I will wait to open them on the big day." Wes stood and placed the gifts in his briefcase, then walked around the desk and handed an envelope to Nathan. "This is for you and Elizabeth and Allie. Not sure if her son is old enough, but I will add to it if you think he is. Just let me know!"
"Oh? Well, thank you so much, Wes. Much appreciated. Elizabeth and the children and I plan to open a few gifts early on Christmas morning, before we join the family at the main house. I think that will be chaos!" Nathan laughed. "I never thought I would enjoy such a crowd, but, you know? I can't wait!"
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While Jack played quietly with his Plasticine (*71) on the kitchen table, Carol and Bill baked pies for the coming evening's meal as well as a batch of gingerbread cookies.
Grateful for some time alone, Elizabeth sat at the desk in her room, paper, scissors and glue spread before her. Creating a card, she cut and folded two identical cards. On the outside of one, she centered the small, flat stone she had kept from the pond in Hope Valley. Opening her journal she began to copy her thoughts from that final day when she had observed Jack throwing stones and the ripples surrounding them. She began writing around and close to the stone, then wrote in ever-widening circles around the center, turning the paper as she penned her words. She ended with a tiny heart which she colored red. Carefully Elizabeth glued the stone to the center and set that part aside.
On the inside left of the second card, Elizabeth wrote her memory of an encounter with Nathan.
'Do you remember, dear Nathan, that you asked me a question when we met beside the pond long ago? We were discussing my writing and you asked,
"What is in your heart?"'
'Do you realize I never answered your question? I recall that I was surprised by your inquiry and turned to watch Jack throw his stones in the water yet, at that moment, my mind began to swirl with ideas that you inspired. Still, I never answered you, or thanked you.'
'As you turned to depart you said, "Let me know when you figure it out?" I watched you mount Newton, wave at Jack and ride away.
I never let you know that I figured it out.'
On the inside right page, Elizabeth answered the questions Nathan had posed then, with a narrow red ribbon, she tied the two cards together along the spine. She didn't have an envelope to match, so she wrapped a larger page around her creation and tucked it into her basket to give to Nathan later.
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On his way back from the mess after lunch, Nathan stopped in to see his Commanding Officer, Tim, to wish him a Blessed Christmas, and give him an envelope.
"Thank you so much, Nathan. I apologize that my wife and I made a decision some years ago that we would not distribute Christmas cards to all the Depot employees. It got to be too much and we always felt we may have missed someone so that concern hung over us for the entire season. I do appreciate you, Nathan, even though I don't have a card to give you."
"No problem at all, Tim. I didn't exchange cards except with a few men with whom I have become close." Pointing to the envelope, Nathan explained. "That is actually less a Christmas card and more a thank you."
"A thank you? Now I am intrigued. May I?" Tim retrieved his letter opener from his drawer and held it against the envelope, waiting.
"Well…" Nathan colored slightly, but figured he wanted Tim to know his appreciation so nodded his agreement.
As the card opened, a gift certificate fell onto Tim's desk. "Nathan! What have you done? This is too much. Dinner at The Crown? That is more than generous!"
"Hardly enough actually. Your generosity and concern for me, Zachary and for my family has impacted all of us in ways you cannot imagine! We are blessed by your attentive permissions that have given us some unforgettable times together. 'Thank you' is hardly enough to say, so I hope you can enjoy a special dinner out with your wife." Nathan smiled. "Please accept this with the gratitude of my entire family."
Tim, folded the card to read Nathan's sentiments later, but stood and circled around his desk. Standing in front of Nathan, the Chief Superintendent motioned for Nathan to stand, extended his hand and then hugged Nathan briefly. "You are one of a kind, Nathan Grant. I am grateful to count you as a friend and I wish you all the joy I can wish for you this Christmas. Thank you for the certificate. Although you didn't need to give me anything, we will enjoy the treat! Once your life settles down a bit, you must bring Elizabeth and join us for dinner at our home." Tim patted Nathan's shoulder as he turned to go back to his side of the desk. "Thank you, Nathan, and a very blessed Christmas to you and the family!"
"Thank you, Tim. Enjoy the rest of your day! 'Till next week." Nathan saluted and headed back to his office.
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Arriving in time to visit the Home Economics classroom before the morning assembly, Allie was happy to see Mrs. Evans.
"Hello, Allie! Are you ready for Christmas?"
"Almost! I have a few more items to distribute and then I'm done!" Handing a thick yet medium-sized envelope to her teacher, Allie smiled. "This is a little something I made for you, to wish you a Merry Christmas, Mrs. Evans. Thank you for all the lessons and fun this first semester. This is one of my favorite classes!"
"Oh, my! You didn't have to get anything for me, but thank you for doing so. I will save it to open at home, okay?" Mrs. Evans reached around Allie's shoulders, giving her a side hug. "A very Merry Christmas to you, dear girl. I guess I will see you next year, eh?"
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After the morning assembly at St. Anne's Academy for Girls, Allie and her friends had melodies and harmonies of Christmas ringing in their minds. It had been fun to give a mini-concert for the school, but even more fun to gather in their homerooms for parties. Miss Claire Collins had decorated the room with red and green paper garlands and some of the girls had made crepe paper flowers which decorated the chalkboard and window sashes. Not letting the girls bother their families to provide cookies, Claire had corralled her flat-mates, Ardis and Rachel, to help her bake a few cookie recipes to share.
Claire Collins also prepared a small paper sack of candies and peppermints to give each of her students. The note tags shared something that Claire had observed about each of her students and the encouragement meant a lot to every young lady! Allie's tag read,
'Allie Grant,
You are a joy! You are sweet and smart, friendly and fun, and extremely conscientious.
It is a blessing to have you in class.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Miss Collins.'
As the class prepared to depart, Allie had slipped wrapped gifts to Naomi and Katie, explaining that Sally had received hers on Sunday. The girls wanted to open them right away, but Allie asked them not to because she didn't have something for everyone else. After many hugs and Christmas greetings to her close friends, Allie waved goodbye and returned to her homeroom.
Knocking on the door Allie turned her attention to her teacher who was erasing the chalkboard greeting. "Miss Collins? This is for you, but could you please give these to Miss Ross and Miss Bell? I don't want everyone to see these, because I didn't make one for everyone."
"I would be glad to, Allie. Thank you so much." Claire inspected the envelope and held Allie's gaze a moment. "May I open this now?"
"If you wish." Allie blushed as she watched Miss Collin's reaction. Inside was a mini drawing of a bright red, but beautifully shaded, apple with a bright green leaf next to the top stem. Allie had mounted the little drawing by poking a hole in the top of the paper and backing and tying them together with a ribbon. If you want to you can use that as a bookmark." Allie explained. "I made one for Miss Ross and Miss Bell too."
"This is so lovely, Allie. I will keep it in the book I read before I turn out the light each night!" Claire Collins thought of how perfect her encouragement had been for Allie Grant. "Thank you for my 'apple-for-the-teacher!'"
"You're welcome. I am so glad I am in your class. Have a Merry Christmas, Miss Collins!" With a wave and a smile, Allie hurried into the hall.
"Allie! Allie! Wait!" Ellie Blake was waving her arms wildly trying to get Allie's attention.
Seeing her friend, Allie took a deep breath of relief. When they met, the girls moved to the side of the hallway. "Hi, Ellie! I was just heading outside to look for you!" Reaching into her book tote Allie removed a wrapped gift and handed it to her friend. "Merry Christmas!"
"Really?" Ellie accepted the gift as she caught her breath. "Thank you. I shouldn't have waited until the last day before vacation, but I kept thinking I could always find you at church on Friday evening! I brought it today though, in hopes I would see you. Here, my friend!" Ellie Blake handed a small wrapped box to Allie. "Take this home to open it, okay? It is just something I saw and thought you might like. Merry Christmas, Allie!"
"Oh, thank you so much, Ellie! You may open mine when you get home or wait until the holiday, whichever you prefer."
Turning to walk out together, the girls exchanged plans for their afternoon activities and their growing excitement for the upcoming days before hugging goodbye.
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Perusing his list, Nathan checked off whatever items he could. 'Gifts to Wes and Tim. A Christmas arrangement ordered and delivered to the Thatcher's new apartment at the Hotel. An arrangement delivered last weekend to Lee and Rosemary in Hope Valley.' In their Christmas card, Rosemary had shared they would be hosting the Marshall brothers along with Faith, Fiona and Kevin for an early Christmas dinner on Sunday. These were friends with whom they wanted to celebrate since they were all far from their families. The Coulters would be travelling to Brookfield for the Walsh-Kinslow wedding on Christmas Day, then stay over and return home on Boxing Day. This would allow Patrick to see Miss Lillian get married, and hopefully see some of his friends who used to live in the orphanage.
Noting he had one more gift to deliver at Depot, Nathan took the small package to Josiah Blake's office and knocked.
"Merry Christmas, Josiah. This is just a small remembrance for your family tree. I am enjoying singing beside you and appreciate your friendship. I was talking with Elizabeth and once we settle-in we want to invite you and your family to my home for a meal. It is a small place, but we will be cozy and enjoy fellowship together. Allie may even talk us into singing together, so be prepared!"
"I guess if this is for the family, then I must be patient and not open it now, eh? I have to confess my children exhibit more patience than I do regarding gifts!" Josiah laughed. "An evening together sounds delightful and I do believe our children will welcome a get-together as well." Josiah grinned.
"Elizabeth suggested that you and Johanna meet with us to discuss an idea she has for our young people. Maybe we can meet for lunch some day? We have a lot of family events for the foreseeable future, so we'll be in touch."
After learning about the Blake's Christmas plans, Nathan and Josiah parted with promises to see each other at the Christmas Eve service and Nathan crossed off another item on his list. Next item was to call his mother.
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"Hello? Ruth Grant here."
"Hello, Mom! How are you?"
"Fine, Nathan. Is everything alright?" Ruth questioned. "I wasn't expecting you to call until Saturday."
"Well, I didn't want to leave a call until that busy day! I only hope we'll have the time and privacy to call, although I will try. Elizabeth and her family arrived safely and the Thatcher's are ensconced in the Hotel with Bill in the main house with Elizabeth and Jack." Nathan explained.
"Oh, good." Ruth sat at the telephone table. "How did it go with seeing Jack after so many months?"
"That little fella is pure joy to me, Mom." Nathan laughed. "At least until I have to correct or discipline him. So far, so good. It will be an exciting holiday with him around since it has been so long since Allie was that age. I just wish you and Dad could be here too, Mom. That would make our celebration complete!"
"Wouldn't it? Did you get the package with Jack's birthday gift? Don't forget to give it to him with all the excitement." Ruth admonished. "What is the schedule for all the celebrations?"
Nathan proceeded to inform his mother of the meals and plans. "Maybe that will help you know when to call us if you don't hear from me? I do intend to try to call. Will you attend the morning service on Christmas Day?"
"We are considering it right now, although you know how much I enjoy the candlelight service on Christmas Eve. We may opt for that one instead." Trying not to hurry her son, Ruth didn't ask any more probing questions which Nathan thought was odd.
When the line was silent, Nathan explained he had a couple more things to finish before he departed for the holidays. "Allie, Elizabeth and Bill are baking up a storm, so I can't wait to get home and help! You know as I have always done? Taste-testing?" Nathan chuckled. "I just wanted to check-in and tell you I love you. Please tell Dad the same? We'll talk on the weekend!"
Ruth smiled to herself as she thought of the upcoming surprise. "Sounds good, Honey. Early Happy Christmas to you and Allie. Give her a hug for me and enjoy her hug as for yourself! I love you too, Nathan. Good bye."
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Responding to the knock on his office door, Nathan called. "Come in!"
In walked Jon Samuels grinning and holding a tin with a bow on top. "Hey, Nathan. I come bearing a gift! Well a tin that contains gifts. The girls have been busy and they know how many will be celebrating with you this week, so they decided you needed a box of goodies to share!" Jon handed the tin to Nathan after saluting.
Nathan motioned for Jon to sit as he returned to his office chair. "So you are the delivery service today, eh? May I peek?"
Laughing Jon said, "If you dare. I was under strict instructions to tell you these are for the entire family! Are there any of yours left from Sunday?"
Nathan chuckled and opened his drawer. "I have exhibited immense restraint I'll have you know. There are a couple of pieces left!" Nathan opened the gift box of fudge, cookies and brownies. Well actually all that was left was fudge, and not a lot of that! "I shared a piece with Allie and then a couple with Wes when I brought this in on Monday. Since then, well, I had a cookie morning and afternoon snack, and a brownie dessert for lunch. I'm pretty proud of myself for my self-control!" Nathan grinned as he re-covered the gift box and pried open the new tin. "Ohhh… these look delicious!" Making believe he would help himself, Nathan gave a side-wards glance and raised eyebrow to Jon.
"You do that and you will have Jane and the girls to answer to! I wouldn't recommend that if I was you!" Jon laughed, leaning back in the chair. "So are you all ready to head home? I think the girls were going to party today, so maybe neither of you will want dinner tonight, eh?"
"Not likely. The holidays only come once a year and with Bill, Elizabeth and Carol in charge of the meals, who can resist?" Nathan nodded. "This will be the biggest celebration I have ever enjoyed! Except of course for the one Allie always reminds me about, a bunch of men in red suits listening to boring speeches at one of the forts! She will never let me live that one down, poor girl. I wasn't very good at making our Christmases special in the beginning. My reputation may change this year though." Nathan tapped the closed tin of fudge and homemade caramels. "Please thank the ladies for these and thank you for the delivery. I will assure Jane that they arrived intact and none went missing!"
Jon stood to go, laughing. "Promise? Mountie honor?" He grinned at Nathan. "See you on Friday evening!"
"Right. 'Till then, Jon!"
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While Jack slumbered in Nathan's bedroom after listening to Allie and Nathan read a couple of books, Allie headed to her room to give her Dad and Mrs. Thornton some privacy. Never afraid of alone time, Allie relished hours to read her books, draw or paint. Tonight, she was glad to retreat into her bedroom with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate! With her gifts delivered and school out for vacation, Allie could relax.
Cups of steaming chocolate in hand, Nathan and Elizabeth sat side-by-side to discuss their days and plans for tomorrow. Reaching from behind a sofa pillow, Elizabeth handed a card to Nathan.
Surprised, Nathan unfolded the outer page and looked at the back, finding Elizabeth's initials and a tiny heart. Setting down his mug, Nathan began to read from the center words, closest to the flat pebble, turning the card in his hands as he read.
'As I sat beside the Pond, memories flooded my mind. Jack was throwing his collection of pebbles and rocks into the water as I watched. From where his rock broke the surface, I saw ever-widening circles spread out. Pondering those ripples, I considered how many people and things are affected by that one sinking stone, an ever increasing result of the actions of one little person. Remembering what had transpired since my arrival in Hope Valley, I recalled the moments when you and then Allie entered my life. The waves from those first encounters will always encircle my heart.'
Thoughtfully, Nathan looked into the low flames as his finger gently stroked the smooth, flat pebble. Smiling his crooked smile, he looked at Elizabeth gazing at him, yet remained silent and opened the card reading on the left side, the questions he had asked so long ago.
On the right side of the card, Elizabeth had written:
'My answer? You are. You are in my heart, Nathan.
It took a long time for me to realize this and to reveal it, but I finally figured it out.
You are my inspiration. Yours is the love that fills my heart, now and always.
I am yours forever,
Elizabeth'
Nathan's blue eyes sparkled with tears as he turned back to face Elizabeth. His Elizabeth. "Thank you for remembering, my Love. This is a beautiful confession which I will always cherish." Carefully placing the card on the coffee table before them, Nathan caressed Elizabeth's cheek then lifted her chin and met her lips with his own.
"You are welcome, my dearest Nathan." Moving forward she savored the gentle touch of his lips once again before whispering. "You are my gift from God and I am thankful every day."
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(*71) Please see Chapter 116.