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Chapter One Hundred Thirty-two
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Sunday and Boxing Day
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"Happy Boxing Day, or Second Christmas Day or, Saint Stephen's Day! Oh, and Happy Sunday!" Nathan followed Allie and entered the kitchen at the main house, basket in hand and giving joyful greetings to everyone present.
"Well, someone is a happy chap today, eh? Memories of yesterday or anticipation for tomorrows?" Bill asked as he scrambled the eggs, giving Nathan a raised eyebrow.
"Good one, Bill! Both, of course." Nathan inquired noticing Elizabeth was not in the kitchen. "Where's my fiancée?"
"She is setting the table with Jack. Good morning, Nathan, Allie-Sweetheart. Did you sleep well?" Gramma Carol came over to hug Allie, before unpacking the basket Nathan brought.
"I did, Gramma. I don't think I moved my position all night!" Giggling Allie added, "Dad said he didn't either!"
"Well, since a certain young lady awakened me much too early yesterday morning, I collapsed into bed and was asleep before I could even begin a prayer!" Nathan began walking towards the dining room. "How about all of you?"
"Hello, Honey. Honeys!" Ruth came to hug her son and granddaughter. "What a day we had, eh?"
"The best!" Allie hugged her grandmother. "Do you need help?"
"Why don't you see if Miss Bess needs assistance? We have plenty of cooks in the kitchen!" Ruth suggested after giving Allie another hug.
. .
Nathan disappeared to find Elizabeth and was just giving her a kiss when Allie entered.
"Ahem!" Allie cleared her throat saying with exaggerated emphasis, "Hello, brother Jack. How are you this morning?"
Undeterred, Nathan and Elizabeth whispered loving endearments and embraced as they turned to their children.
"I'm good. Mommy and Daddy are too. Really good!" He pointed to his very happy parents. "Look!"
Grinning, Allie went to hug and tickle Jack. "Yes! Everyone is good today!"
"Nathan? You want to call your father, Zach and Peter? I believe they are in the study." Ruth requested as she set a bowl of cut fruit on the dining table.
. .
"Mmmmm! A Dutch Pancake! Dessert for breakfast!" Nathan rubbed his hands together, which got Jack giggling and imitating him.
"Dad!" Allie exclaimed with sudden understanding. "Is that why you love Dutch Pancakes? Because they are like dessert?"
"Of course! You didn't realize that, Allie-girl? They are one of the best breakfasts ever!" Nathan grinned at his daughter, then at Elizabeth. "Do you know how to make them?"
"I never have, but I guess I will have to learn now, right?"
"I'll be glad to instruct you, Mrs. Teacher! I am good at giving lessons!" Nathan winked.
"Okay, everyone!" Peter chuckled. "Shall we join hands and I will pray?"
. .
Wishing he could be seated with Elizabeth and the family, Nathan beamed down on them from the choir loft at Knox Presbyterian Church. Allie sat between her Uncle Bill and Uncle Zach, who had a contented little boy on his lap. Beside Zach sat his father and Ruth, next to Wes. On the row behind them Elizabeth was directly in Nathan's view, flanked by her sister, mother, father and Hudson. What surprised Nathan was that seated in the row behind them and next to Carol and Peter were Superintendent Tim Stewart and his wife, Sylvia! On the row behind them sat Jon Samuels and his three children, along with Ellie, Johanna and Jared Blake.
Encompassed in that section of the sanctuary were the people who meant the most to Nathan here in Regina, with the exception of Jane and Ardis who were in the choir with him. Lifting a quick prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord, Nathan was also glad that they were on the same side as he was so he could get to them quickly and share Elizabeth's and his announcement!
As he observed his brother between Allie and his dad, he watched Jack, leaning back and looking up at Zachary, clearly enamored with his uncle-to-be! 'Thank you, Lord, for placing the solitary in families.' (*84)
The service began with a hymn using a melody adapted by J.S. Bach, 'Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light.'
"Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light, and usher in the morning;
O shepherds, shrink not with afright, but hear the angel's warning.
This Child, now weak in infancy, our confidence and joy shall be,
The power of Satan breaking, our peace eternal making.
All blessing, thanks and praise to Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, be given;
Thou hast our brother deigned to be, our foes in sunder riven.
O grant us through our day of grace with constant praise to seek Thy face.
Grant us ere long in glory with praises to adore thee. Amen." (*85)
After a few Scripture readings, the choir sang the offertory selection, 'Creator of the Stars at Night,' a cappella. A female soloist began, before adding more sopranos. The men sang a middle verse, then droned a tone while the women sang two additional verses, until, finally, the entire choir sing together with some background droned notes that resolved at the end. It was a beautiful plainsong.
"Creator of the stars of night, thy people's everlasting light,
Jesu, Redeemer, save us all, and hear Thy servants when they call.
Thou, grieving that the ancient curse should doom to death a universe,
hast found the medicine, full of grace, to save and heal a ruined race.
Thou cam'st, the Bridegroom of the bride, as drew the world to evening-tide;
proceeding from a virgin shrine, the spotless victim all divine.
At whose dread name, majestic now, all knees must bend, all hearts must bow;
and things celestial Thee shall own, and things terrestrial, Lord alone.
O Thou whose coming is with dread to judge and doom the quick and dead,
preserve us, while we dwell below, from every insult of the foe.
To God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, Three in One,
laud, honor, might, and glory be from age to age eternally." (*86)
Walking towards the pulpit, Nathan stood beside and behind Reverend Huntley as he introduced one of Sergeant Grant's poems that was a favorite, 'Star Song.'
"Far away,
in the yesterdays of deep space
beyond the highest heights of heaven,
songs of planet, particle, star and galaxy
resonate in celestial harmony—
waves carried by the billowing winds of Holy breath.
Spinning, swirling, sailing earthward
through the distant indigo
of the forever-was of eternities past,
travels one melodic solo.
The High-and-Holy and His angelic ones
—tuned to star-symphonies
no earthly ear has heard and known for certain—
focus upon the darkening side of a tiny, spinning sphere
where lies Bethlehem, too bound by busyness to be aware.
Silently, God waits.
Angelic hosts anticipate their cue. One sound alone
will pierce space, time and matter; past, present and future;
heaven and earth.
Wait. Be still. Listen…
the Holy Son gasps a baby's first breath!
Light splits the night
and the angel-chorus joins the star-song of glory!
Sing!
Glory to the holy One!" (EMH)
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Hoping to escape comments from the congregation at the end of the service, Nathan immediately signaled Josiah Blake to join him with the family as he had some news to share.
"Right behind you, Nathan!" Josiah caught his wife's glance, shrugged and grinned.
Standing next to Elizabeth's row, Nathan motioned for her to step beside him. "Friends? Excuse me?" Placing his arm around Elizabeth's shoulders and seeing the rows of faces turn towards him, Nathan announced. "As of yesterday Elizabeth and I are engaged! We plan to marry…" He words were soon drowned out by joyful exclamations from those friends that didn't know.
Elizabeth held up her ring, turning to display it to occupants of the friends' rows. As hugs and heartfelt congratulations circulated, Jon Samuels waved his wife Jane from the choir and quickly informed her.
"Nathan! Elizabeth! How wonderful!" Jane hurried to the beaming couple, followed by her husband and two teenage girls anxious to see the diamonds. "When did this happen?"
Meanwhile, Ellie Blake reached over the pew and hugged Allie. "How exciting! Do you know how your dad proposed?"
"I was there! We all were! As we finished unwrapping our gifts, Dad gave Miss Bess a jewelry box he had carved and a note inside that he recited and asked her. It was so romantic! Everyone was crying, including me! I'm so excited. I'm going to have a Mom and a little brother!" Allie looked from Ellie to Jared, beaming.
Laughing, Jared commented, "Well, I am not sure if the little brother part will always be something to be happy about! Just ask Ellie!" He elbowed his sister. "But truly, congratulations to you and I am happy for anything that makes you happy, Allie."
Blushing a pretty pink, Allie responded softly. "Thank you."
Soon, Sally and Rachel were hugging Allie excitedly and peppering her with questions. "When are they getting married? Will you be in the wedding? Will you carry flowers? What color will you wear? Can we come?"
Allie giggled. "I only know the answer to one of those questions at the moment. March fifth! Oh and they want to have the wedding in the Chapel at Depot!"
"Oh! How romantic!" Sally enthused. Ellie Blake joined the girls as they moved away to giggle together.
Seeing a young man standing alone, Zachary approached him. "You seem a bit out of your element! Jared, right?"
"Yes, Zachary. I don't know how they do it, but they can turn anything into a giggle-fest!" In spite of his comment, Jared looked longingly at Allie Grant.
"I am a single child, so it is an eye-opening experience to interact with Allie. We are only five years apart, so although I'm her uncle, I wonder if this is what having a sister would be like." Observing Jared's preoccupation, he asked about Jared's class status and interests. "Ah! Your mother told me you worked with books!"
"She did?"
"I met your parents at Allie's concert and your mother said she hoped we could talk about my Mountie training. Is that something you are interested in?" Zach queried.
"See, that's the trouble. I'm not. Mom wants me to follow Dad's footsteps, but I have other aspirations. I even think they are changing now… I don't know my future direction, but I do know I won't be applying to the Academy."
"By the way you are watching my niece, do I sense you also know something else about your future?"
With his face warming, Jared ducked his head and whispered. "Is it that obvious?"
"Probably not to everyone, but I am only recently twenty-one, so I get it!" Zach placed his hand on Jared's shoulder and bent his head. "Your secret is safe with me."
Huddled around Nathan and Elizabeth, the Samuels, Blakes and Stewarts had learned that the proposal had been in front of the entire family and the wedding was tentatively scheduled for March.
"I don't know the protocol for this as we have been too busy with holiday activities, but we hope to have the wedding in the Chapel at Depot." Nathan glanced at his colleagues. "So, if any of you can assist me with arranging that, please let me know!"
Laughing, Josiah spoke up. "I am sure that Johanna can help you with that! She planned our wedding there!"
"Oh, really? Could we get together and talk, Johanna?" Elizabeth questioned hopefully.
"Yes, we will. And if you are interested I'll help you plan the entire event as I have done that with a few fellow Mountie wives. Only if you want, Elizabeth, but it could be fun and beautiful. You already make a stunning couple, so I can just imagine with the uniforms and flowers and…"
"She is off and running!" Josiah chuckled. "Watch out, Nathan, and stick up for yourself. It is your wedding too!" Josiah smirked good-naturedly at his wife.
"I get the feeling I will be taking directions from many womenfolk on this event, my bride-to-be, my mother, her mother, Carol, and, of course, Allie… The list goes on! Do I just need to show up showered, dressed and pressed?"
Laughter ensued and Ellwood Huntley came to join the group, quickly brought up to date on the latest.
Before everyone departed, invitations had been extended to all the couples and families to an Engagement Party Open House at the Collins's home on New Year's Day between three and seven o'clock.
Seeing a wistful expression cross Cadet Grant's face, Superintendent Stewart pulled him aside as everyone was donning their coats to depart the church. In a low voice, Tim apologized. "I am so sorry I haven't thought this through in advance, Cadet Grant, but I will gladly offer you one more holiday with your family if you are interested." Seeing Zach's eyes light up, Tim continued. "How about New Year's Day after morning tasks are completed, and be back by twenty hundred hours?"
"Yes, Sir. That would be wonderful." Zach's happiness was visible. "I cannot thank you enough for all the privileges you have given me. Amazingly, none of my Troop members have questioned me or teased me about my absences. I don't know why, but I am grateful!"
Tim chuckled. "That's because a few others have had a privilege extended to them. They wouldn't dare tell, plus I think they are aware of Nathan being your brother by now. They wouldn't want to cross him! He is well-respected you know. Now, you enjoy the rest of today, Son, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!" The Superintendent extended his hand to which Zachary Grant warmly responded.
Zach didn't know what lay ahead, but he was so amazed at how God had led him up to this point, he could hardly believe God didn't have a plan for his future!
. .
With all the family visiting, the Samuels had agreed to wait for a week before resuming their Sunday dinners, so many congratulatory hugs were exchanged and the girls were promised a get-together mid-week.
Nathan glanced at Elizabeth as he put the car in reverse. "I think it is officially official, Honey. No backing out now!" He chuckled at Elizabeth's look of surprise.
"Nathan Grant! After how long we have waited for this, there is no way I am backing out now or anytime!"
"Whew! Just making sure. How about the offer to help with the wedding, eh? Maybe Johanna is Regina's Rosemary?" Nathan chuckled, as did Bill. "Not in personality. There is only one Rosemary! But how nice to have someone who had her own wedding there!"
"Who is Rosemary?" Zach inquired from the back seat. "I don't remember meeting anyone named Rosemary. Should I?"
Jack giggled and explained, "Aunt Rosie doesn't live here. She lives in Hope Valley with Uncle Lee and Patrick."
Confused Zach asked, "So how are these two people related to you?"
"They are honorary aunt and uncle to us, not real like you, Uncle Zach…and you Uncle Bill. You're adopted. We just don't have a paper." Abruptly, Allie questioned. "Can you make a paper for yourself, Uncle Bill, so we can adopt you?" Allie leaned forward, placing her hand on Bill's shoulder.
A quick glance at Nathan showed that Bill was moved and unable to respond immediately, so Nathan returned to the subject of the Coulters. "Elizabeth and Rosemary are best friends and were next door neighbors. Lee has been a good friend of mine and Allie has stayed with them sometimes when I was called out of town." Nathan laughed. "As any of us will confirm, you will never forget once you have met Rosemary Coulter. She is, what, Bill? A spitfire?"
"Oh, that and more!" Finding his voice, Bill agreed.
"What they mean, Zach, is that Rosemary is a former actress and very dramatic." Elizabeth explained admiringly. "However, she has been the go-to person in town for event-planning, weddings, dinners, festivals, and she is the one with both the ideas and the abilities! I know that I'm a bit overwhelmed with planning a wedding without her so, Nathan, you and I need to have a good long talk and begin our lists so I even know what to plan!" Elizabeth patted Nathan's shoulder before turning to address Allie. "You are miles away, Allie. Everything okay?"
"Oh yes. You just said overwhelmed and I think I am too! So many things to think about, so many gifts received, all the wedding things to come, thank-you notes to write, time to spend with Grandma and Grandpa before they leave, the move, just everything…"
"Honey? We will all take one day at a time, plus we have each other. No one is facing all of these changes alone, so we will have to help each other remember and adjust, okay? Come to me, Allie, if you have questions or concerns, please?" Elizabeth requested. "This is new to all of us, but I believe we will grow closer together through it all. For now, we have to help with dinner and decide what we are doing this afternoon, right?"
"Leftovers are on the menu, so that will be easy and we certainly have plenty of those!" Bill added.
"Did I see a game of Dominoes around, Allie? Maybe you and I can challenge your grandparents to a game?" Suggested Zach. "Plus, I need time to play with you and your electric train, Buddy!" Zach rubbed the young boy's back and received a contented smile.
"Here we are!" Nathan pulled on the brake and turned off the vehicle.
As everyone tumbled out to meet the Thatchers who were close behind, Bill motioned for Allie to step aside. "Honey? I couldn't answer your question. You know about the papers?" Bill's eyes glistened again. "It isn't really something that adults do, but you are so thoughtful, Allie, and I already know we are family, so we don't need a paper." Bill accepted Allie's hug. "Thank you anyway." He kissed the top of her head.
"Well, you are real to me Uncle Bill and I love you, paper or not!" Allie looked up into the older man's face, already formulating a plan.
"And I love you too." Bill responded gratefully.
. .
A re-do of their Christmas Day meal was almost better than the first time as the flavors had time to meld together. Ruth surprised everyone and opened a tin of buttery shortbread she had made and brought from Calgary, so added to the many cookies and a Vanilla custard that Carol had made earlier before church, the family was well fed with a Sunday dinner feast.
"I don't know about you, but I could enjoy this meal all over again tomorrow!" William chuckled as he patted his stomach.
"I'd be right beside you, William!" Archie laughed easily.
"Maybe we menfolk need to meet for a mid-night snack," Bill interjected, "…While the ladies get their beauty rest?"
"You do and you have me to answer to Bill Avery! What is left is for hot turkey sandwiches tomorrow, so you raid the icebox tonight, you go hungry tomorrow!" Carol frowned briefly before breaking out in laughter.
"She may be laughing, gentlemen, but I wouldn't chance it. I did once and had to eat at Headquarters the following day!" Peter grinned.
"Don't tell half the story, Peter Collins. You left the meat on the counter and it had to be thrown out the next morning. We both suffered for your thievery!"
"Oh! My reputation is ruined!" Peter retorted.
"Maybe we all have a similar tale? Mine wasn't a sandwich though!" William chuckled and looked between Hudson and Grace. "Unbeknownst to me, a delicious cake was meant for guests expected to discuss the hospital charity ball the following afternoon. There was no sign indicating it was off-limits and I enjoyed a hefty piece after working late and before heading to bed. I understand that Hudson had to make a hurried trip to a bakery to acquire a replacement treat! At least that's what I learned when I arrived to a chilly reception after work the next evening." William winked at Hudson and continued. "The pieces that Hudson and I shared in my office later that night made it worth it though!"
"William Thatcher! We blamed the girls and their Nanny for those missing pieces! You men never even spoke a word about it!" Grace huffed.
"Was it at least a good kind of cake?" Allie questioned.
"Oh, was it ever. Chocolate with chocolate frosting!"
"That's my favorite cake!" Jack announced.
"And if you, Son, had been there we would all have had a piece! That is if sworn to secrecy and your Mountie Daddy wasn't around to investigate." William winked at Nathan.
"Do you have any stories to tell, Nathan, or should we ask your mother?" William asked.
"My sins were stealing cookies from the cookie jar and sneaking them into my bedroom in my socks!" With a crooked smile and twinkling eyes, Nathan looked at his mother. "I don't think you ever knew though, right Mom?"
"Son, what do you think I was thinking when I washed those socks." Ruth exclaimed, 'I knew those crumbs were not dirt from the garden!"
"You would think that we women are incapable of figuring out these transgressions!" Elizabeth protested. "I was a schoolteacher, remember. I saw my share of suspicious activities and discovered the culprits too! Mounties aren't the only ones with investigative skills! Mothers can often match a Mountie, I'm sure!"
"O, Bill! Peter! Maybe Mothers are an untapped resource for future investigations!" Nathan laughed before turning to Elizabeth. "Does that mean no midnight snacks for me? Not sure I like this scenario!"
"Invite me to join you and there will be no repercussions!" Elizabeth quipped.
. .
While the electric train was entertaining Jack and some of the men, others conversed around games of Dominoes or Parcheesi with Allie and Julie. The home hummed with chatter and laughter while soup simmered on the burner, sending a delicious aroma throughout the place.
Carol, Grace, Ruth and Elizabeth gathered in the kitchen to prepare cartons of food items to take to Depot the following morning. It was an annual community service project and the Cadets would be distributing the food items to those in need. They packed canned goods, oats, flour, sugar, coffee, and crackers along with potatoes, squash and apples. Matches and candles were added, and Elizabeth thought she would make a suggestion for other contributions. After announcing her idea, she collected soap and shampoos and candy treats from the rest of the family. As nice as the stocking gifts had been, their need was less than that of the poor, so everyone contributed something.
When Grace learned about the need, she insisted that she and William include an envelope of cash for the purchase of meats and dairy products.
Thus, although safe, warm, well-fed and happy together in their home, the Collins-Grant-Thornton-Thatcher-Avery-Hudson extended family offered hope and shared practical love to those in need this Boxing Day.
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(*84) Referring to Psalms 68: 6a, King James Version, Public Domain
(*85) 'Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light,' Johann Rist, (1607-1667), Translated by J. Troutbeck, (1832-1899), Music adapted by J. S, Bach. Verses 1 & 3. Public Domain
(*86) Creator Alme Siderum 7th Century, 'Creator of the Stars at Night,' Translated by John Mason Neale (1818-1866), Plainsong. Public Domain.
(EMH) 'Star Song' Original Poem By E.M. Hunter, Self-published in 'Illuminations', Out-of-print, Copyright 2014.
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