. .

Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-four

. .

Making Memories and Plans

. .

Although invited to meet the Thatchers and the young people at the King's Restaurant, the Collins's, senior Grants, and Bill opted to remain at the main house and continue baking. Bill had called out to Peter to tell William and Nathan, "We are saving the dishes for them upon their return!"

After a delicious early lunch, everyone returned to the main house, stomping their boots outside and piling coats and scarves on the coat-tree and hooks inside.

"Something smells wonderful!" Nathan entered the kitchen to greet his parents and saw a huge bowl of nuts. "Oh! Are these for the weekend? Is this our afternoon assignment?"

Laughing, Bill admonished. "You are in charge of dishes first, then your assignment is cracking the nuts!"

"Okay. Here we are." Nathan started to roll up his sleeve as he headed to the sink only to find there was only one bowl and spoon soaking. "Wait. Where is everything?"

"Just jesting, Son. Archie and Peter have been diligently keeping up with it all! How was the Hotel?"

"Stunning, Bill. Stunning and incredible." Nathan shook his head. "You all won't believe it when you see it! And William has offered to host our wedding reception in the Ballroom. I'm still in shock, but I'm thinking about it!"

"Really, Honey? What a treat! I'm guessing I've never seen the kind of opulence that Carol was describing. Beautiful, eh?"

"Beyond beautiful, Mom. Beyond…"

"Daddy, can we make our snowman now?" Jack pleaded. "Please?"

Looking to Elizabeth who nodded, Nathan agreed. "Now would be a good time, Jack. We just had a big lunch and we need to make room for dinner later! Allie? Do you want to change or wear your old coat?"

"I think so, Dad. Are you going to change too?"

"Probably should, to keep my good coat good! Lisbeth, shall we meet Jack up here in ten minutes or so? You are welcome to join us too, you know. Actually, anyone can join the fun. No guarantee you'll remain dry though, since it is still snowing!"

. .

When mittens and hats were thoroughly wet, Nathan, Elizabeth, the children, Julie, Archie and William admired their creations and reentered the house, ready for the hot chocolate that Hudson was stirring.

"Dear Ones, those are impressive statues out there." Grace stood beside the back window as she dried a china platter. "The one you ladies made is quite refined! It looks like a lace shawl around the snow-lady's shoulders and does she have the curls!"

Giggling Allie admitted, "After seeing that Ballroom we got carried away and a plain snow-lady wouldn't do! Yes, that is supposed to be lace and a pearl necklace too!"

"I should take a photo of that!" Nathan exclaimed. "Wait, Allie? Jack? Don't take off your clothes yet. We want to record this memory!"

While Hudson hurried to retrieve the camera from the living room and Bill stirred the beverage, Grace asked Jack about what he had made.

"That's a Mountie horse. I made him lying down because he is tired. Did you see his ears and eyes and nose? I made those!"

"So you did, Sweetheart!" Elizabeth tightened the scarf around Jack once again and kissed his nose. "Nathan, will you pose Jack sitting on his horse?"

. .

Once the children returned inside, the family gathered around the dining table to enjoy their hot chocolate and begin cracking nuts at one end of the table, while Allie and Julie decorated the tiny heart-shaped gingerbread cookies that Carol and Ruth had made earlier. Flooding the tops with white, they dropped tiny red dots into the wet icing, dragging a toothpick through the dots to form delicate patterns.

The company was jovial and Allie proceeded to describe every detail she could remember for those that had remained at home.

Eventually, two large bowls filled with walnuts, pecans, and almonds were set aside and racks of decorated cookies were set on the kitchen table to dry. It was time for warm, satisfying turkey noodle soup and crackers.

"As much as I enjoy the holiday meal with roasted turkey, I confess turkey soup is so satisfying, especially on a cold day. Thank you for preparing this and for all the baking. With Nathan returning to work tomorrow, I promise to contribute to the preparations!" Elizabeth exchanged a look with Nathan. "It is really sweet of you, Carol and Peter, to allow us this engagement party on New Year's Day."

"Sweet it is!" Nathan chuckled and glanced for Allie's reaction. "Seriously. We owe you our gratitude for an incredible weekend and for the upcoming holiday as well. We will endeavor to keep the place clean and straightened throughout and everyone can collapse on Sunday afternoon!"

"Dad? Should I write a thank you note for Uncle Wes and Uncle Jon? You will probably see them tomorrow." Allie inquired. "Oh! Uncle Zach too!"

"There is no hurry, Honey, but if you have them ready, I will gladly deliver them." Nathan loved that he no longer had to remind Allie of proper etiquette. She more often helped him remember nowadays.

"Arch? We should probably write to Zachary early in the week since it will be so busy and crowded at the open house next Sunday." Ruth nodded at her husband then turned to her son. "Nathan? Will you stop in here before you leave in the morning? We may have mail to add."

"Of course. By the way, I noticed Jake shoveled the path when he came to care for the horses, would you please make sure he and Irma know they are invited to the party? Elizabeth? We should probably formalize a list, so we don't leave anyone out. Bill? Any word from Adeli yet?"

"She's back. She called while you were building your snow sculptures and I'll meet her for dinner tomorrow evening. Will you need your car?"

"I doubt it, Bill. Peter, may I hitch a ride home with you after work? Actually may I ride with you both ways?"

"You may, Nathan. No problem." Peter welcomed the company. "Who is cooking tomorrow evening?"

"That would be me. I hope everyone likes meatloaf? It's not as fancy as our recent meals but it is tasty. Maybe you can help me, Allie-girl, and we can create a nice dessert too?" Elizabeth caught Allie's eye, but saw Bill's disappointed expression as well. "Don't worry, Bill, we will save a piece of 'whatever we make' for you!"

Carol laughed. "We haven't even left the table after this meal and we are already planning tomorrow's?"

"First, though, what's for dessert now?" Nathan grinned as he inquired. He wiggled his eyebrows. "Cookies?"

Jack tried to imitate Nathan, but ended up rapidly closing and opening his eyes, eyebrows remaining still.

A few family members nodded at his antics, smiling while Carol answered the dessert question.

"We will finish the cookies we baked for Christmas and save today's creations for the upcoming party." Carol explained.

"You stay seated, Carol. Let me get the tins." Archie offered with a wide grin. "I know which ones are which!"

"I'm sure you do, Arch!" Ruth gave him a raised eyebrow which he promptly ignored.

. .

With the last dish dried and returned to the cupboard, Nathan rolled down his shirtsleeves and kissed Elizabeth's cheek. "What do you say, we head to the Cottage and make some plans and lists, eh?"

"We are heading back home ourselves before it is too late. Thank you for a wonderful dinner and day!" William explained. "We'll return to help with more preparations tomorrow and maybe, Allie, you can show me the recipe for 'Spiced Nuts?'"

"That sounds good, Grandad." Agreeing, Allie added. "Thanks for the tour and for lunch at the restaurant too!"

"Why don't you two and Allie go back to the Cottage and I can take care of Jack and get him to bed." Bill offered. "He may be worn out after such a long, full day!"

"I'll keep you company, Bill." Archie offered. "Maybe we can start a game of chess once he is settled down?"

"Good night, Jack. We'll see you tomorrow! Have fun with Grandpa and Uncle Bill, okay?" Elizabeth knelt to hug her boy. "I love you."

"Love you too, Mommy. And you, Daddy, and you, Allie! Lots of people to love now!" Jack commented.

Good byes and hugs circulated, along with thanks and promises to see each other tomorrow. The main house quieted.

"I will write that thank you note, Arch, if you fellas take care of Jack. Actually, I may try to write a few notes!"

"If you need stationery, Ruth, there is some in the desk. I may just retreat to our room and do the same." Carol stood and hugged goodnight to Ruth and Jack.

"I have some planning to do in the study, Sweetheart, so I will be in later." Peter explained and suddenly Bill, Archie and Jack were left to play trains and read books together.

. .

"This has been a whirlwind weekend, hasn't it?" Nathan stretched his stocking feet towards the Cottage's fire as he sipped his tea.

Curled up next to him on the sofa, Elizabeth agreed.

Allie sat beside the fireplace across from them, having joined them for tea before she retreated to write thank you notes. "May I read you that poem about snow from Jared's gift book?"

"Oh! Sure, Honey. I forgot all about it!" Nathan smiled and exchanged knowing looks with Elizabeth.

"Okay, 'Snowflakes on Wool.'" Allie began.

"Flurries fall,
dance, swirl and twirl,
float and flurry down
past my window.
Hidden against a white sky
they play their bright ballet
of ever-changing patterns
against the backdrop
of the forest's dark firs.

Some fall gently,
floating down in a distant curtain,
while others race across the lawn like children,
and swirling together, encircle a tree.
Some flakes bounce around,
close to the window-glass through which I stare.
I can almost see their points and patterns
above the lacy, ice-feathers on the pane.

Braving the bitter cold, I step outside
holding out my hands to catch snowflakes
on my dark blue sleeve.
I hurriedly admire their delicate designs
before they melt to droplets
with the warmth of my breath.
I need the dark behind the light
to see the artistry of a snow crystal.

Isn't life that way?
Knowing dark sorrow
allows me to fully appreciate life's joy.
I cannot imagine light without darkness,
highlight without shadow,
understanding without ignorance,
or good without the comparison to evil.

But today, I will trust my considerations
to the God of Heaven
and enjoy the beauty of His creation
in the crystal stars on my woolen sleeve." (*EMH)

"I can picture what she describes and they are very thought-provoking insights, Honey. Thanks for sharing and I do think I will want to read that someday." Nathan concluded.

"I may too, Allie." Elizabeth agreed. "I like the imagery of needing opposites to see clearly. Especially for me, the idea of needing dark sorrow to fully appreciate joy. I've lived that in recent months." Her cheeks tinted pink, she continued. "I guess we all have..."

"Yet, what joy we have now!" Nathan agreed.

"That is a thoughtful gift that Jared gave you." Elizabeth added. "It makes me like him all the more!"

Blushing and very happy, Allie, stood. "Shall I say goodnight now? I want to work on those thank you notes."

"Good night, Honey. May God bless you and may His angels surround you as you sleep. Remember to pack a tote to bring things up to the main house tomorrow if you plan to bake and cook up there, okay?" Nathan hugged his daughter and kissed the top of her head, which he felt was getting closer every day, she was getting so tall! "I love you, Allie."

"And I love you, Dad. Love you too, Miss Bess, and I'll see you in the morning! We'll have fun!"

"That we will. Sweet dreams!" Elizabeth winked at Allie who blushed again.

. .

Once they were settled back on the sofa, Nathan commented, "I think we need to have that discussion with Josiah and Johanna sooner than I thought. Jared and Allie are quite taken with each other."

"It's very sweet and innocent, Nathan, but, I agree we need to start getting together with the Blakes for some family activities. However, should we get through the weekend first?" Elizabeth chuckled. "Are you ready to prepare a guest list so we'll know who to call tomorrow?"

Nathan shuffled a stack of books on the side table and produced some paper and pencil. "I'm ready. We have everyone who was here on Christmas so that's twenty. At church yesterday we also invited four Blakes, five Samuels, the two Huntleys, and Tim and Sylvia Stewart. Should we invite Rachel Bell? I think it would be nice since she is the choir director. Oh, Adeli Foster is back now and when is your father's assistant returning?"

"Ah, David? I think Father said by Friday."

"What's his name?"

"David Wright. Who else do you want to invite from Depot?"

"The Bests for sure, so that's three people. Should I include George Maxon? The Drill Sergeant? We aren't that close, but he was the one to recognize Zach and to ask me to lead the Funeral exercises. I'm not sure if he is married or not. I can't remember, but I can put him down as two people and include a possible wife. The two instructors with whom I work closely are Keaton Moore and Adam Dunne. Socially though, they are more of acquaintances, not friends yet, so maybe not. Let's see, without them we are already at thirty-nine people!"

"What about the Barrows? Anyone else from church?"

"I'm fine with that, but maybe check with Allie first? I'll add a question mark. We're totaling forty-three people. Can the house handle that many, Lisbeth?"

"Remember this is an open house, so people come and go. At least we hope they do! I have attended an open house or two where people stayed from start to finish! It got crowded." Elizabeth laughed. "Some people even seemed comfortable to stay afterwards too!"

"Really?" Nathan smirked. "And how do you know that?"

Her head tilted back, Elizabeth laughed. "Because I was one of those people!"

"I figured!" Nathan leaned to kiss the tip of her nose. "But what do we do if everyone stays?"

"We are not hosting a sit-down dinner, so everyone will circulate around the living and dining rooms, the study and even gravitate towards the kitchen, although that may be mostly women! We'll manage, Honey, and I know my parents and Carol and Peter are well-versed in party management!" Elizabeth giggled again. "You look horrified!"

Nathan's eyes were wide and his brow furrowed. "Party management? Is that a real thing?"

"I just made that up. Relax, Honey. I just mean they have hosted and attended many events so will know the best way to handle things. Plus, Bill's hosted gatherings at the Café and Hudson has been the butler for my family's parties. We'll just have to circulate and accept everyone's congratulations." Elizabeth patted Nathan's arm.

"You'll stay beside me, right?"

"Nathan Grant! Are you apprehensive?"

"I'm not comfortable, that's for certain. In a classroom or work setting and when I know my subject, I can speak and handle a large group. I don't know if you realize, Lisbeth, but I feel drained after being with crowds. Depleted. Coming home to quiet time with Allie has been my necessary relief. Just like this quiet time with you."

"And yet, you have been wonderful all weekend. You stepped up to host and make sure people were happy. You helped when you saw a need and you conversed with everyone. Next weekend will only add to the family we already know and enjoy. You'll be fine, Honey. You can do this."

Placing the paper and pencil on the coffee table, Nathan wrapped Elizabeth in a hug, then allowed his lips to find hers. After some delightful kisses, he pulled back and drew her to lean against his chest. Huskily he whispered. "Now if I have that to look forward to after a crowded party, I will be fine." He tilted his head to kiss her hair. "Very fine actually…"

Remaining quiet for some time, Nathan knew they needed to get back to planning. "Do you think your father has business associates he'll want to invite?"

Elizabeth paused to think. "If we were in Hamilton, we would have dozens to include, plus Mother's society acquaintances. Thankfully we are new to Regina and I doubt there will be any, especially during a holiday weekend. I will ask though. What about Peter? I mean it is their house!"

"I know. I thought I would ask him and Carol. I'm wondering if we should include some neighbors? I have waved, but not met any of them yet, but since they will become our neighbors we may need to reach out. I think we should try to keep the numbers close to fifty though, just because of the size of the house. I was also thinking we might need to move Jack's train so it doesn't get damaged."

"I like the idea of including the nearby neighbors." Elizabeth knew they needed to discuss something about the wedding before too long. She shifted her position to look at Nathan. "Honey. What about the wedding reception? You don't like the Ballroom?"

"I like it. I'm just not sure I like it for us. It's enormous and we may only have a hundred guests. I wish they had another room that was less like a European palace. You know. More plain. Simpler. Smaller."

"I think they do. I haven't seen it yet, but we can ask to see it next week. What I overheard was that they have large rooms available for business meetings and meals. They built the Hotel to accommodate conferences since there is no facility like that except maybe at Headquarters or Depot?" Elizabeth continued. "I think we need to make a tentative wedding list so we have a number of guests in mind. We know we have fifty already, plus we could number our friends from Hope Valley, then find out who our parents and the Collins's might want to add. I have some cousins in Hamilton, and the Maritimes, so they need to counted, even if they might not attend. How about you?"

"My aunt, and three cousins and their spouses on Mom's side should be invited. Dad hasn't been in touch with his cousins, so I would have to research to find their addresses. Mom might have those though? I don't know if she kept sending greeting cards to them once Dad was incarcerated."

"Okay. That's a conversation we need to have with Mom and Dad, and with my parents. Once we have a number we can figure out the venue."

"Is your heart set on the fancy Ballroom? You know, your little-girl dreams of being a princess?" Nathan chuckled.

"This is my second wedding, Honey, so I gave up those dreams long ago… Actually when I left Hamilton behind! You, my Love, are more important than any old dreams because you are my dream come true."

For a fleeting moment, Nathan recalled a dream he had dreamt months ago before he'd departed Hope Valley…

. .

(*EMH) 'Snowflakes on Wool,' For the purpose of this story, this poem is from the fictional work, 'Finding Beauty.'(See *81) Original Poem by E.M. Hunter.
Copyright 2014.

. .