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Chapter One-hundred Thirty-one
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Of Great Joy!
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As the newest arrivals entered the dining room they caught a few adjustments in the works as four chairs from the apartment were squeezed around the table.
"We have more family to include!" Nathan announced loudly. "Everyone, let me introduce Jake and Irma Cook to those who don't know them. And, this is my officemate from Depot, Sergeant Doctor Wes Murphy and the woman he is newly courting, Miss Ardis Ross!"
Squeals resounded from Elizabeth, Allie and Claire, while others introduced themselves and helped them find their seats.
"Oh, Ardis!" Claire cried huskily as she came around the table to envelope her housemate and dear friend in a warm hug, "This is welcome and wonderful news!"
As everyone settled down, Peter formally welcomed the newcomers and thanked them for sharing their day with the family. "Congratulations to you, Wes and Ardis. You have just arrived so you don't know yet, but more congratulatory wishes are due around this table. Nathan?"
Grinning, Nathan shared, "Elizabeth and I are engaged!" He excitedly added, "And to be married on March fifth!"
Ardis squealed as Wes guffawed. "God bless you! Nathan, you did it!"
Elizabeth raised her hand for Ardis and Irma to see her sparkling ring, prompting Wes to add a comment.
"Excellent taste, Nathan, in both a ring and a lovely lady!" Wes looked around the table. "What a day, eh?"
"That is stunning, Honey." Irma exclaimed. "I'll admire it close-up later."
"I will too, but it is beautiful, Elizabeth!" Ardis smiled warmly, then winked at Allie.
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During a brief lull in the conversation as everyone enjoyed their many samplings of delectable desserts, Jack spoke up. "There are two tens of people here!"
Nathan glanced at Jack as the realization hit him. "Jack! You are right! Ten plus ten! There are twenty people here right now!" He grinned at Elizabeth. That's a lot…"
Looking up at his daddy proudly, Jack agreed. "It's a big family!"
Elizabeth burst out laughing and then had to explain Nathan's comment from long ago. "He couldn't conceive of twenty people in the house for Christmas and said, 'That's a lot!'"
Shrugging, Nathan chuckled. "Twenty doesn't seem that many now since I know all of you!"
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Clean up took an hour as various people circulated into the kitchen to help and then were dismissed as others took their turns. Laughter, teasing and happy conversations filled the kitchen, dining room and living room.
Knowing that the electric train was too noisy for the evening, Julie had wisely set-up Jack's Plasticine on a small cloth covering the coffee table, and sat beside him to sculpt some characters. They decided to make some ladies and children for the train set as they were underrepresented and required for some of Jack's stories.
After his turn in the kitchen, Zach sat at the piano and began to quietly play some Christmas carols and a couple Classical pieces and hymns he knew from memory.
Joining him on the piano bench, Allie opened her new book of International Carols and together she and her uncle sang a mini-concert as the family reconvened in the living room.
"Nathan? Will you get your guitar and join us?" Zach inquired.
"Of course. Back in a few."
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Gathered around the lit Christmas tree and with the orange glow and warmth of a fire burning in the fireplace, the extended and expanded family sang together. With quite a few choir members represented, there were a few special choral selections repeated from the past few weeks, including a couple songs from Allie's concert as well as Sunday services.
Eventually, since they were well-fed and comfortable with each other now, subdued conversations began as the family shared their joy and listened to Zach and Nathan play quietly.
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Nathan and Elizabeth waved for Allie to join them as they slipped into the hallway to make a call. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Allie and Nathan, while he placed the call.
"Merry Christmas, Brookfield Hotel. How may I help you?" A voice came over the phone line.
"Hello! This is Sergeant Nathan Grant and I am calling to speak to two guests at the Walsh-Kinslow wedding. Could you please bring Lee and Rosemary Coulter to the telephone?"
"Excuse me? Both of them, Sergeant?"
"Yes, please. And if the Bride and Groom are nearby, I have a quick message for them as well! Thank you. I will hold."
Nathan grinned at Elizabeth, who tilted her face to his adoringly. Chuckling, he commented. "Maybe my title will actually serve a purpose for this!"
He tipped the receiver so both Elizabeth and Allie could hear the hubbub in the background. After some moments they could hear voices approaching, "Excuse me, who did you say wanted to speak to us? I mean it is our wedding!"
Gabriel's voice answered, tempered with annoyance, "Hello, Gabriel Kinslow here?"
"Merry Christmas and happy wedding to you, Gabe and Lillian!" They chimed together. "It's Nathan and Elizabeth and Allie!"
"Oh brother! You had me for a minute there! I was beginning to have steam escape with the gall of someone calling me tonight!" Gabriel laughed. "Thanks for your well-wishes. I wish you were here, but in spite of your absence it is the happiest day of my life. Here, Lillian, it's Nathan, Elizabeth and Allie!"
"Hello, you dears! Merry Christmas to you and I also wish you were here." Lillian's smile could be heard through the telephone line. "But, we will have to plan a get together in the New Year!"
"Merry Christmas, Lillian. I hope you get a lot of pictures because I know you are a most beautiful bride!" Elizabeth enthused. "I can't wait to see them. Is your wedding all you dreamed it would be?"
Laughing, Lillian and Gabriel both answered. "It's more!"
"We won't keep you, but we have some news." Nathan paused for effect. "We are engaged!"
"Whoohoo!" Gabriel shouted into the telephone! "Congratulations! He finally got around to asking, eh, Elizabeth? And she said 'Yes' brother? I didn't think this day could get any better, but it has! I am thrilled for you both."
"Such wonderful news, you two! Now we really must get together! When did this happen and do you have a date? We must be there for your day!" Lillian was smiling and crying all at once.
Elizabeth answered, "Nathan asked me this morning after all the other gifts were opened. I will tell you sometime, but it was beautifully romantic and the whole family was witness to the moment! It was unforgettable!"
"That it was! We are hoping for a March fifth wedding. We don't want to keep you from your guests and celebration, just wanted to add more joy to your day and send our love to you as well! Allie? You want to say something?"
"Just that I used to wish I could be there at your wedding, but after today, I am so glad I've been right here. Still, I love you and can't wait to see you and pictures too! Merry Christmas!"
"Oh, Allie-girl! I totally understand. If only we could be two places at once, eh? I don't even have to ask because I believe you are elated with your Dad's and Mrs. Thornton's engagement. I bet Jack is excited too?"
"Oh, he is. We all are. Uncle Gabe? There are twenty of us here tonight! I finally have the big family I dreamed about!"
"Twenty, eh? Is your Dad okay?" Gabriel paused. "Never mind, I can hear his laughter. Merry Christmas to you, young lady, and write and tell me everything, okay?"
"I will. Happy wedding and honeymoon too!"
Nathan got back on the line. "That wish is from Elizabeth and me too, brother! God's blessings!"
"The same to you all! We better get back to our guests or they'll think we have escaped!"
Chuckling, Nathan quipped. "And no Mountie to search for the missing persons! Hey, we asked the clerk to speak to the Coulters as well, are they nearby?"
"They probably have guessed your news as we have not been quiet, but yes, they are here. Thanks for calling and all God's blessings. We'll be in touch when we get back from our honeymoon. Hugs to Allie, please? Oh, and now to Jack too! Whoohoo!"
"Hello? Is this Nathan and Elizabeth? Do you have news?" Rosemary motioned for Lee to get closer. "Lee and I are both here."
"We are engaged!" Nathan and Elizabeth said in unison and immediately dissolved into laughter.
"Just this morning and we wanted you all to know right away!" Elizabeth added.
"Oh! Lee! They're engaged! Nathan and Elizabeth…" Joyful tears poured from Rosemary while a gleeful laugh burst from Lee.
"Yes! You did it, brother! Oh, I am so happy for you! Rosie is sobbing happy tears! Oh, I bet Allie is elated… and does Jack understand what this means now? Oh, this is joy uncontainable. I wish we were there too!" Lee slapped his leg. "What a day!"
Having recovered her voice, Rosie began her questions, "Where did he propose? Do you have a ring? What has your family said when you called them? Have you set a…"
"The entire family is here, Rosie! We've been all together yesterday and today! Nathan's parents and his brother, Mother and Father, Julie, Peter and Carol, Bill and Hudson, Claire and Dan, the Cooks, everyone is here. Peter even called two of Nathan's dear friends, one from Depot and one from choir and they came too! Oh, and two of those here are Allie's teachers from the Academy. We are one big, happy family! Actually, there are twenty of us celebrating and it has been a chaotic, yet beautiful, feast!"
Laughing, Nathan spoke up, "The significance of that number is that Elizabeth told me her family sometimes had twenty for Christmas dinner and I was horrified, exclaiming that was a LOT! Well it is a lot, but it is wonderful! We don't want to steal you away from the celebrations there, but we wanted to share our joyous news! Allie is here to say hello as well. Merry Christmas and you will have to come visit us soon!"
"Oh, we are already talking about it, but now we will get serious! Allie? Allie?"
"Merry Christmas, Aunt Rosie and Uncle Lee! Isn't this the best Christmas ever? Well, at least for me! I hope you and Patrick are enjoying all the celebrations?"
"We are, Sweetheart. We just wish we could all be together!" Rosemary pouted briefly.
"Oh, Allie! What an exciting day, eh? You should see the expression on Aunt Rosie's face. She looks as though she's going to cry again!" Lee commented, chuckling.
"Lee Coulter! Of course I am crying… I am so happy…"
"Thank you for all your gifts. We all love them and I'll write and tell you everything soon! We love you too!" Allie smiled and pushed the receiver back to Elizabeth as Rosemary continued.
"You are welcome and thank you for yours too. I am too wound up to remember what they are right now, though!" Rosemary giggled. "Now, congratulations, dear friends and much, much love to you all! "
"Give a big hug to Allie and Jack from both of us, please?" Lee requested.
"Elizabeth?" Rosemary pulled the receiver back. "You will have to call and tell me everything! I mean everything! Merry Christmas to you both and give our love to Jack and Bill. Oh, to the whole family! Why not?! We love you!"
"Love you too. Good night!" Elizabeth added, squeezing Nathan and Allie close.
"Good Bye!" Nathan added and the line disconnected.
Nathan kissed Elizabeth briefly, too excited to concentrate in the moment, and they shared a hug with Allie. "Well! Do you think they were all happy and surprised?"
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Zach approached Nathan as he re-entered the living room. "I hate to say it, but I think it is time for me to return to Depot. Maybe even past time?"
"Surprise, Zach! Tim told me that you could stay overnight and return to Depot for Chapel in the morning. How about that, eh?"
"I can stay? Here? I didn't bring anything…"
"You forget I am your brother and I have plenty of clothes for you to borrow. Bill has two single beds in his room and offered one to you, I brought up pajamas and a clean shirt for tomorrow and they are in the room. I think you got a new toothbrush in your stocking, so you are all set!"
Reaching to hug his big brother, Zach spoke huskily. "Thank you, Nathan. You are…" Zach paused.
"I am?" Nathan queried with a smirk.
"You are my favorite brother!" Zach grinned and the brothers shoved each other, much to the amusement of Archie and Ruth who observed from across the living room.
"I better be your favorite…" Nathan chuckled. "I'm the only one, right?"
"Well now, I don't know, there are a lot of brothers-in-red at Depot…"
Nathan tousled Zach's hair as he ducked out of the way just as Jack reached up to him. "Daddy?"
Scooping Jack into his arms, Nathan twirled around, making Jack throw his head back and laugh. Stopping as she was crossing the room, Elizabeth turned and, teary-eyed, watched them together.
Carol got up and met Elizabeth in the middle of the room, placing her hand on Elizabeth's arm. "What is it, Sweetheart? Are you okay?"
Nodding, Elizabeth wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. "I am remembering when Nathan offered to hold Jack as a baby and made him giggle. Right now it's a little boy version of that." Elizabeth smiled nostalgically. "It was the first time I saw Nathan really interact with Jack. The baby had been so fussy the day of his Christening and would not let me put him down. When Nathan heard me say that, he offered to hold Jack for a while and Jack's response was joy and giggles. It was so sweet…"
"That's a lovely memory, Elizabeth. You should write that down so you can tell the story to Jack in the future." Observing Nathan's interaction, Carol added, "Nathan will be a wonderful father to all your children, won't he?"
"He is already and surely will be. Oh, Carol, I am so happy. I love him so much…"
"I can tell. Listen, Sweetheart, should we get some family photographs before it gets too late? You have plenty of photographers here to capture any number of family arrangements!" Carol winked at Elizabeth.
"Oh, thank you, Carol! I haven't even thought of photos! Yes, I'll get Nathan to help corral this group!" Laughing, she added, "Just like he did this morning with his Mountie leader voice!"
Moments later, a loud voice was heard. "Attention please? Thank you." Nathan grinned. "I have been tasked with the job of getting family photographs to mark this momentous Christmas! We have three cameras so once Elizabeth and I get a group arranged, we need someone to please take some pictures? Ah Wes, thank you. Hudson? Bill? Great. We can all share copies when they are developed."
Elizabeth laughed and gave a quizzical glance. "So that's how it is? You are asked to do something and suddenly I am involved?"
"Oh, you haven't seen anything yet! Just wait." Nathan hurried over to Julie and Ardis. "May I request your assistance since you are the artists in the family? If Elizabeth and I get a group together, can you arrange an attractive photo?"
"Of course, Nathan. Point us in the right direction." Julie offered.
Moving to Wes, Hudson and Bill, Nathan thanked them and handed them each a camera. "Great. We now have the photographers." Satisfied, Nathan returned to Elizabeth. "We are all set. The team is ready!"
It wasn't until half way through the picture-taking that Elizabeth realized what Nathan had arranged. Sidling up to him, she whispered in his ear. "I see what you've done, Sergeant Grant. Assembling your team? Does anyone know you have abdicated our responsibility?" She tried to frown. "Well?"
Chuckling, Nathan wiggled his eyebrows at Elizabeth and nudged her into a family group with the children, both sets of grandparents and himself. Under his breath he commented. "I don't know what you are referring to, Ma'am. I'm doing my part, plus using people's strengths is just good leadership!" Standing behind her, Nathan wrapped his hands around her waist, but quickly stole a kiss on her neck. It turned out to be a lovely photograph as it caught Nathan's look of adoration and Elizabeth's delighted smile!
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The telephone rang and Peter hurried across the front room to answer it, excusing himself to avoid ruining a photo. He answered jovially, "Merry Christmas! Collins residence."
"Peter! Merry Christmas to you. Tim here. Say, I just tried to call Nathan at his place, is he there with you?"
"Hello, Tim! Yes." Peter grinned and chuckled. "Everyone is here with us. Twenty people to be exact. It has been a marvelous day. Shall I get Nathan?"
"If everyone is there, does that include Cadet Grant?"
"It does. Is everything alright?" Peter questioned.
"Oh yes." The superintendent laughed. "I confess I haven't thought too far in advance as we have visiting family here, but a quick visit to Depot today prompted a thought. May I please speak to our Cadet?"
"Of course. Wait a moment, Tim."
Coming around the living room doorway, Peter waved to Zach as the grouping of all the Grants with Elizabeth and Jack had just completed their portrait. He motioned for Zach to come.
"Zach, Superintendent Stewart is on the telephone asking to speak to you." Responding to the look of concern that crossed the young man's face, Peter added, "I think it might be good news, Son." He patted Zach's shoulder and left to give him privacy.
"Hello, Cadet Zachary Grant here."
"Cadet Grant! Superintendent Stewart here. I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with your family?"
"Oh, yes, Sir. Thank you for the privilege of so many hours together." Zach inhaled quickly. "Have you reconsidered? Should I return to Depot now?"
Laughing, Tim reassured Zach. "No, no. I have reconsidered, but I want to offer you an extension, if the family will have you, that is! I had to stop at Depot earlier and everyone is very relaxed, playing chess and games and I realize there is no reason to make you return for that. I imagine your brother informed you that you could stay until tomorrow, but would you like to stay until after dinner tomorrow evening? You can attend church with everyone there and enjoy afternoon family time."
"Oh, Sir! That would be wonderful. Thank you again for this. I am aware that this was not planned, but I appreciate all the time I can be with my parents and Nathan. It has been exciting and this will be, well… I don't have words to express it, but I am grateful, Sir."
"Good. Enjoy tomorrow and Merry Christmas, Cadet Grant. Good night."
"A very Merry Christmas to you too, Superintendent! Good night." Zach looked at the receiver in his hand before placing it in the rest. He could not contain his grin.
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Peter stood at the doorway waiting for Zach to return and seeing his smile, Peter announced, "I believe Zachary has some news?" Everyone turned to watch Zach.
"The Superintendent has offered for me to stay until after supper tomorrow evening!" Zach stopped. "Is that okay?"
Applause filled the room, along with applause and shouts of "Yes!" "Wonderful!" "Of course!" "Oh good!" "More music!" And from the children, enthusiastic cries of, "YAY!"
When the room quieted, Archie stood and spoke up. "If our portraits are completed, may I ask you to play a particular Christmas Carol, Son? I haven't heard it this year and it is one I love. 'In the Bleak Midwinter.' Do you know that one?"
"I do, but lets find it in your song book, Allie? Jack, you want to come help us sing?" Zach moved the piano bench and, seating himself, set Jack on his lap, while Allie sat beside him. Reaching his hands around the little boy, Zach played an introduction as he asked Jack to answer the shepherd question. "What would a shepherd bring to the Baby Jesus?"
"A sheep!"
"Right! Or a baby sheep maybe?" Zach questioned further.
"A lamb!" Jack declared excitedly.
"Right, you can sing that part. Allie do you know this?"
"Oh yes."
"Why don't you sing a solo and Jack can add his part?" Nodding, Zach asked. "Ready?"
"In the bleak mid-winter, frosty wind made moan;
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter long ago."
"Our God, heaven cannot hold Him nor earth sustain,
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter a stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty — Jesus Christ."
"What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd," Zach nudged Jack who sang with gusto. "I would bring a lamb:
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what can I give Him? Give Him my heart." (*83)
"Thank you! Just beautiful…" With watery eyes, Archie exclaimed as he began to clap.
After the applause quieted, Nathan had a suggestion. "Before it is bedtime for tired little ones who awakened early this morning, how about we take turns around the room and everyone share something we are grateful for or that we could give to Baby Jesus. It can be one word or a brief thought. Elizabeth, will you begin?"
"I'm grateful for God's healing and for the love, patience, and prayers of others that brought me to this day, this joy. Allie? What would you say?
"I would sing. Or draw a picture." Allie corrected herself. "No, I would give Jesus a song from my heart. Dad?"
"Gratitude for love, God's love." Nathan paused briefly. "God demonstrated His love to us when he sent Jesus. …And the love of my fiancé, our family and those dear to us. Bill?"
"Friendships that have grown to become family. How about you, Archie?"
"Forgiveness. God's and my family's" Archie looked at his wife. "Ruth?"
"I'm grateful for God's faithfulness and His mercies that are new every morning. Carol?"
"Laughter, to express my joy! Laughter and praise. Peter?"
"Does it sound odd to say astonishment? Awe? Amazement at what God has done? And you, Grace?"
"I would give the Baby Jesus, a poem. Not one I would write, but one that Nathan has written. William, Sweetheart?"
Chuckling low, William responded. "I should answer the same, as a poem was extremely significant to me this year. Wes?"
"I can say this a couple ways. I'm grateful for God's Providence. Those little, seemingly inconsequential happenings that turn out to be a huge part of God's plan. Nathan assigned as my officemate, Allie singing in a concert, my attending and meeting Ardis. There are more, but those are most important to me today. How about you, Ardis?"
Blushing, Ardis responded. "I would give Jesus my words, to thank him for language and the ability to express our feelings in words." Ardis glanced at Wes before looking around the room, "Julie?"
"I'm grateful for creativity and beauty. Ah, Hudson?"
"Even from the stable God knew we would be here today, so I would be grateful for God's plan. Who else? Oh, Jake?"
"Irma, you first?"
"When God sent His Son, He became our provision, so I would give thanks for Jesus, Himself." She patted her husband's shoulder. "Jake?".
"What you just said, reminds me of one of the names of Jesus, Emmanuel. So I am thankful God is with us. Anyone we've missed?" Seeing Zach raise his hand, Jake addressed him, "Zachary?"
Clearing his throat, Zach shared. "This may surprise you, because I agree with everyone's offerings, but tonight I am grateful for my Drill Sergeant." Seeing the confused expressions he expected, Zach continued. "You see, because of his calling out 'Grant' I found my brother and all of you, my family, so I would offer grateful praise."
As murmurs spread around the room, Zach squeezed Jack and spoke up again, pointing to a little fella on his lap. "We have someone else who needs to share. Jack, what would you give to Baby Jesus?"
Looking up into his uncle's face, then turning to first look at Allie then his Mommy and Daddy, Jack declared, decisively, "I would… give thanks."
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(*83) 'In the Bleak Midwinter,' Verses 1, 2, & 5, By Christina Rossetti, 1906, Public Domain.
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