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Chapter One hundred Thirty-seven
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New Year's Eve!
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Although preparations were concentrated on the Engagement Open House Celebration on January first, there was another holiday to celebrate before that!
Ruth had offered to take care of the New Year's Eve Supper, using the stove in the apartment to prepare some traditional Scottish and Irish fare. While corned beef simmered on the stovetop, Ruth and Allie prepared cabbage, potatoes, and carrots to add to the pot later, while baking Irish Soda Bread, along with Scottish Oatcakes to enjoy as a snack with cheese later in the evening. As a surprise, Ruth had brought a tin of her famous homemade Dundee Cake for the evening's dessert because it was another Grant family tradition.
Knowing there would be little time for regular meals on the day of the party, Ruth also made a large pot of Scotch Broth. She kept most of the barley separate until right before the soup would be served, assuring it was actually a soup and not a thick, barley porridge!
Jake and Archie collected the floral arrangements from downtown, filling the floor and back seat of the vehicle with fragrant bouquets of white roses, white amaryllis blossoms, feathery evergreens, white gypsophila and stems of white snowberries. Elizabeth and Julie instructed Nathan on where to place each arrangement and the rooms looked beautifully, yet simply, decorated. Wristlet corsages in white for Elizabeth and Allie, and boutonnieres for Nathan and Jack were carefully stored in the apartment icebox, a surprise from Nathan to his family.
Dozens of tiny round cream puffs were baked and cooled, while a few baked chickens were cooled and deboned so the meat could be shredded in readiness for the chicken salad filling in the morning.
The family ate dinner in the dining room, joined by the Collins's before they dressed for the Chateaux Qu'Appelle Gala. Peter rolled a glass topped tea cart from their bedroom into an empty corner of the dining room in preparation for trays of food to replenish the buffet, then disappeared into the back bedroom with Carol to dress in their formal attire.
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Practicing her piano lessons, Allie felt a little man approach her from behind. Grasping her pony tail, Jack held it and brushed its softness back and forth across his face. Nathan was grateful he got a candid photograph even though he expected this gesture was to be repeated often.
Suddenly footsteps sounded in the hallway and Allie quickly played a few chords that her father had often played when near a piano. The notes served as an announcement that the Collins's had donned their finery and were ready to depart, so Carol gave a deep curtsey, placing her white gloved hand on her neck. Peter bowed and proudly took his wife's hand to kiss her as applause resounded.
"I am torn, as a large part of me would like to remain home with all of you, but I will also enjoy showing off my lovely wife, so…?" Peter shrugged his shoulders and lifted his hands.
"Go make the Mounties proud, Peter! Carol, you look beautiful!" Chuckling, Nathan spoke in low tones, "Make sure he graces you with a dance since I won't be there, okay?"
"I will miss you, Nathan!" Glancing around the room, Carol chuckled and continued. "Now I don't know who will be up when we return, nor how late we will stay, but don't wait up for us, okay? Tonight may be a special event, but in my mind, tomorrow is even more memorable, so please get your sleep!"
Carol reached back to don her coat as Peter assisted her. "Happy New Year, Everyone, and we love you all!"
"A very happy New Year to you as well." Elizabeth chimed in.
Allie and Jack hurried over to give hugs and kisses, as Peter agreed. "We do love you and wish you joy and many blessings in this New Year!"
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"Jack? How about bringing a few books to me and I will read to you out here." Nathan glanced at Elizabeth as he noticed her raising her hand.
"I think you should change into your pajamas and get ready for bed first, okay Sweet Boy? Then you can snuggle up with Daddy for some stories." Elizabeth suggested, even as Nathan, seeing her motherly wisdom, immediately stood to take Jack's hand and lead him towards his bedroom.
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Once settled on his Daddy Nathan's lap and next to a stack of books on the living room sofa, Jack chose a new book he had received at Christmas which happened to be the thickest book there, 'A Child's Garden of Verses.' (*87)
"Oh, this one, eh? Do you want to flip through and show me your favorites?" Nathan started to thumb the pages.
"No!" Jack placed his hand on Nathan's. "You have to start in the beginning!"
Trying to keep from smiling, Nathan spoke quietly. "Jack? This is a book of poems that tell short stories, so we don't have to always begin in the beginning with this one." Suddenly realizing what Jack might be thinking, Nathan added, "We also cannot read the entire volume at one time, you understand? We can't read until 'The End' like you do on some books."
Looking up with a creased brow, Jack expressed his displeasure. "No, Daddy. We always read to the end. Always." Pulling back Nathan's hand, Jack opened to the title page, stating emphatically, "Start here!"
With a quick glance at Elizabeth, who was biting her lip, Nathan raised an eyebrow.
Elizabeth stood, winked and whispered, "I'll prepare some Milk'n'Honey as a special treat! You can start, Honey," She reached over and tapped her finger on the open page, adding, "Right there!"
Chuckling, Nathan scrunched his nose at her then began. "Oh look at this picture. Do you think that is the sun or the moon?"
"The moon." Jack proudly declared. "The sun has lines coming from it, right?"
"In a lot of picture books it does..." Allie agreed as she snuggled close to her father's side.
"Okay, shall we turn the page," Queried Nathan. "Here is the first poem."
After reading a few of the poems, Nathan was ready to turn to the next one when Allie stopped him.
"Wait, Dad. I like these illustrations. There is so much to see. Do you see the fairy, Jack?"
Examining the picture closely, Jack happily pointed to the fairy peeking out from behind the bed. "I see it! I see it!"
At that moment Elizabeth entered with a tray. "Oh, look! Mommy made a special treat for you!" Nathan grinned. "For you both!"
Glancing over at the children, Archie and Hudson paused their chess game, William looked up from his newspaper, Grace stopped her embroidery and Ruth her knitting, while Julie placed a marker in her book.
"Would any of you adults like a sleeping potion tonight or are you planning to stay up to see in the New Year?" Elizabeth stood, a now empty tray in hand.
"I wouldn't dare, Bessie. I confess, I am yawning behind this paper, so I don't think I will make it very late. How about you, ladies?" William inquired. "How soon do you want to depart for the Hotel?"
"With a full day ahead of us, I wouldn't mind, leaving now. We will be over here early to help. Julie, Sweetheart?" Grace asked, "How about you?"
"I would like to call Brad, so anytime is fine with me. Do you mind if we leave early, Elizabeth?"
"Not at all. Better to get home before those who may have imbibed, anyway. Sleep well!" Elizabeth responded as she moved to hug her father, Julie and Hudson.
Not wanting the children to be disturbed, the Thatchers bent over the young ones to kiss their foreheads and wish them a Happy New Year and a good night's sleep.
Tenderly patting Nathan's face, Grace whispered. "Happy New Year, Son. This past one has given us such joy in these past weeks, but we have so much more we are looking forward to in 1921! Sleep well, Nathan."
Turning to her daughter, Grace opened her arms wide. "God bless you, Sweetheart. Sweet dreams and, tomorrow, let the celebrations begin!"
After the farewells were voiced, Archie sat in a comfortable arm chair to listen to the poetry while Ruth returned to her knitting.
It wasn't long before the milk was finished and soon after that, Jack's head hit his chest and a whiffling snore escaped.
Nathan lifted Jack into his arms, carried him to each of his parents for a goodnight pat and settled him into his cot in the bedroom. After kisses, Nathan and Elizabeth stood to watch his sleeping form and whispered their evening prayers for their little boy.
Upon returning to the living room, Archie spoke softly. "Your mother is going to bed, but I will sleep out here until Bill or the Collins's or you return, Elizabeth, so you three can head down to the Cottage. No hurry if you want to stay up to see in the New Year! I was young once, so I remember! Just let us have hugs before you go, okay?"
"Are you sure, Dad?"
"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't sure. Now you all have a sweet night of rest and I'll see you next year!" Archie chuckled low, giving each one hugs and kisses before releasing them to Ruth.
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"May I try to stay up, Dad? I'll get ready for bed and then see how long I last." Allie let a yawn escape, covering her mouth and grinning, "…Maybe not very long!"
"Shall we pray now, Honey?" Nathan extended his arm for Allie to join Elizabeth and him on the Cottage sofa.
Settled between her Dad and mother-to-be, Allie closed her eyes as Nathan prayed.
"Tonight is the last night of a long journey for all of us, dear Lord. Tomorrow will be a new day, a new year and a new life as we draw closer to officially becoming a family. Thank you for bringing us to this moment, for guiding and protecting us, for Your healing and for growing our love for each other."
"I pray for sweet Allie, thanking You for her and for all the ways she has grown and matured this year, for all the gifts and abilities she has shown us all, for her many friends, old and new, for all the family she, and we, now share. Thank you for the blessing Allie is to me, and…"
Elizabeth interrupted, "…And to me!" She squeezed Allie's hand as her tears formed.
"Yes, a blessing to us all! Thank you." Nathan continued.
"Please, guide our Allie-girl in this new year? Guide her in her friendships, her studies, her thoughts and plans and dreams for the wonderful future that You have for her."
"Help her as we all settle into our new family and our new home. Help us to endeavor to understand each other, to forgive, to be patient and always think the best, to show kindness and grow in love and live in peace. We have so many adjustments ahead of us, but we trust You to show us the way through them all. Thank You!"
"In closing, we commit all of our tomorrows to you, Lord. Amen."
"Amen." Elizabeth and Allie added in unison.
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Settled back in front of the roaring fire, the Christmas tree lights sparkling and only one oil lamp lit on the dining room table, Nathan poured the tea for Elizabeth and himself, then handed her a napkin and the plate of treats.
"I love the tradition of oatcakes for New Year's, although we really could have them any day of the year. They are not difficult to make, but I rarely think of them apart from today! Do you like them?"
"They are delicious! I want to enjoy my cheeses separately though as I like the oatcakes too much to ruin them with cheese." Elizabeth giggled. "Sorry, that's not very traditional!"
"That's okay. I get it! I think Mom made enough of them for the entire family though, so we'll have plenty to go with the Scotch Broth she prepared for lunch! I am being so spoiled with all my favorite things! How will I ever get used to porridge, a melted cheese sandwich or meatloaf going forward? And that's not even mentioning the cookies and desserts!" Nathan chuckled, then sipped his tea.
"I'll try to treat you once in a while, Honey. Don't worry!"
"Actually I am not worried at all, especially because we have so much for which we are looking forward. Marriage, Elizabeth! Marriage!" Nathan shook his head. "I can hardly believe this is ahead for us."
"I know. These past weeks have been a whirlwind of activities, but every once in a while, the realization strikes me. We are getting married, Honey!" She giggled with joy.
Growing pensive, Nathan was quiet as he studied the flames, his arm over Elizabeth's shoulders. Finally he broke the silence. "Are there things you want to say as we mark the end of this year, Lisbeth? Or as we enter the next one?"
After some thoughtful silence, she responded, "I guess I want to mark this year as the last of our past. In spite of the joys, there are so many sorrows, and even regrets when I look back, I want to put it all behind us. As you prayed for Allie, tomorrow is our brand new day and our future, Nathan."
"Maybe I should have gotten you a charm for 1921 instead of 1920?" Nathan pulled her close as he continued. "I don't see it that way though. I see this as an amazing year, a milestone year. God healed and protected, led and provided, opened doors and brought unexpected blessings…and that's not even mentioning you!"
"God extended our family, Allie's and mine, through deeper relationships with Bill, Joseph, Lee and Rosemary. Here in Regina, God expanded our family, yours and ours, with the Collins's, revealed how much we had been loved and prayed for, for all those years. He gave us Zachary! He brought Allie and me here to the Academies and new opportunities at church, plus an entire community of new friends. Then there is you, Lisbeth. God has brought us together… miraculously really!"
Nathan noticed Elizabeth's tears overflow and continued softly. "I'm not finished, Honey. We revisited our past, but God turned it into good for all of us. We grew to communicate, to trust, to open our hearts to each other. We've navigated obstacles and challenges and come out stronger for it. We've courted and kissed and exchanged vows, made promises and become engaged… We are planning for our next steps, our wedding, our new home, our life together… and 1921 hasn't even begun, Honey!"
Nathan glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece. "We still have an hour left in this year. Shall we write down some goals, or hopes or dreams for the coming year? God says he'll bless us with more that we can dream or imagine, but it might be good to look back next New Year's Eve and look at all God has done, eh?"
Elizabeth looked up at this amazing man who was God's gift to her. "I guess we can do that, but Nathan, I don't mean to sound pessimistic. There are precious and amazing things God has done. I know that. I just see so many contrasts you know? Ups and downs and how deceived and foolish I was. How unkind and cruel I was too. Only Gods mercy rescued me from this past year."
"Only God's mercy gets any of us through our days, Honey. And going forward we have each other, we are making our journey together with the Lord, making new memories, reaching new milestones, becoming one…"
Nathan lifted Elizabeth's chin and slowly moved to capture her lips with his own. Their kiss was soft and tender, and although their kisses were extended, they pulled back before the passionate longing overcame them. Getting lost in each other's gaze, Nathan wordlessly stroked her soft cheek.
Leaning forward to lift his new journal from the coffee table, Nathan whispered, "Let's begin that list."
He opened to the first page and, uncapping his pen, he wrote. 'Prayers, thanksgivings, hopes and dreams for our new year.'
"I'll start." He put the pen to his chin as he contemplated how to best express this thought, then began to write.
"My first prayer, thanksgiving, hope and dream is the same, that we would follow God and stay close to him, together. That our love would continue to grow and deepen and be fruitful and…"
Causing him to hesitate, Elizabeth placed her hand on his arm and smiled as she questioned, "Fruitful? As in 'be fruitful and multiply?'" (*88)
Blushing with understanding, Nathan confessed, "Well, I was thinking 'fruitful' like exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, you know… love, joy peace, gentleness, patience, you know… But, we can certainly add the other hope and prayer to be 'fruitful and multiply.'" Nathan wrote the next line then shyly looked at Elizabeth.
"You are so adorable, Honey. I like both hopes for multiplication and when the pastor prays that verse at our wedding, I will be saying 'Amen,' you know! I hope we begin our together family this coming year."
Elizabeth threaded her hand through his arm and leaned against his shoulder. Nathan kissed the top of her head then wrote, 'Hope we begin our together family,' Adding, 'Amen!'
He whispered, "I will gratefully accept those little gifts from God!" (*89)
In his handsome and even script, Nathan penned more of his thoughts. "I hope that Elizabeth finds her place here in Regina. Not just within our marriage, but with new and deep friendships, local friendships, in the church, with other young mothers, and has success in her writing. I hope she completes some stories and that God will open up publishing opportunities. I hope she'll play the piano and maybe teach Allie and others?"
"I ask You, Lord, to bless this year for her and for Jack as he has his Mommy close at hand. I hope she'll soon feel that the main house is her home and will make it a place of beauty and joy, both for her and all of us.'
Elizabeth verbalized some hopes which Nathan transcribed. 'I hope and pray God will lead Nathan in the next steps of his promotion and recognition at the Academy. I hope he'll remain close to home and not have to travel too. Grow his friendships there and at church. Bless his participation in choir and increase the exposure for his wonderful poetry. And that's another thing, with all the changes and new things in our lives, I hope Nathan finds time to continue to write.'
"I can add 'Amen' to all of that too!" Nathan wrote 'Amen.'
"I hope the children adjust well to our joined family, to us as parents and to each other as siblings. There is a wide age gap, so God help us to help them with that!" Elizabeth paused. "I hope they accept correction from both of us and no walls are erected that will divide Nathan and me. We need God's wisdom in that."
"We do indeed. Thank you, by the way, for the Milk'n'Honey solution to Jack's insistence that we read to the end! I knew he wouldn't make it, but, that sweetened the process! We do make a good team, Elizabeth! I should write that down." 'God, please help us continue to find ways to support each other in our parenting journey and work together as a team!'
"This is terribly practical, but may our wedding be beautiful and special and meaningful to us and all our guests. Protect each traveler and may each one have a lovely time of family and fellowship as they support us by their presence. Help Mother and Ruth and Johanna and Carol and me with all the details. Oh! And may the house renovations be accomplished speedily so we can be moved in before the wedding!"
"Amen to that prayer. Help us with all the moves, and help Peter and Carol as they make such a major life change by relocating to Ottawa. May we come alongside to assist them!" Nathan added, then realized another concern. "And Your will be done in Zach's life too, his future assignment, times spent with his friends and our family, finding his place in this world. He is so young, but we entrust him into God's loving care."
"Do you know the hymn, "Great God. We Sing That Mighty Hand?" Nathan stood to retrieve a hymnbook from the bookcase and flipped through the pages.
"Hum the tune, Honey? I probably know it, but just in case."
Nathan quietly hummed through the first verse. "Got it?"
As Elizabeth nodded, Nathan hummed an introduction and paused. Together they sang quietly:
"Great God, we sing that mighty hand By which supported, still we stand;
The opening year Thy mercy shows, That mercy crowns it till its close.
By day, by night, at home, abroad, Still are we guarded by our God,
By His incessant bounty fed, By His unerring counsel led.
With grateful hearts, the past we own; The future, all to us unknown,
We to Thy guardian care commit, And peaceful leave before Thy feet.
In scenes exalted or depressed, Thou art our joy, and Thou our rest;
Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise, Adored through all our changing days." (*90)
As they whispered their 'Amen,' they heard a soft tap against the windowpane in the front door. With eyebrows creased Nathan stood and, approaching, saw it was Bill.
"Well, good evening, Bill! Is everything alright?" Nathan glanced at the clock, continuing. "It isn't quite midnight yet!"
"Oh, I know. Adeli and I decided to call it a night early, but I got distracted on my way home and since I saw your lights still on, I came to let you know. Grab your coats and scarves and come follow me!" Bill motioned outside.
Stepping into the cold as they donned their gloves, Nathan pulled the door closed quietly.
Following Bill out onto the lawn, Bill directed their gaze to the north.
Colorful ribbons of light danced across the starlit sky in shades of green and magenta, purples, reds and even blue.
"Oh!" Elizabeth gasped as she clapped her gloved hands together.
"Wow!" Whispered Nathan. "Beautiful is not even the best word to describe this glorious display!"
"I thought it would be a benediction on the old and a welcome into the New Year for you two. Happiest of New Years!" Bill patted Nathan's back and quickly hugged Elizabeth. "I will see you in the morning…"
Still star-struck, Nathan could only respond, "Thank you! You too, Bill!"
"Good night, Bill!" Elizabeth moved closer to Nathan.
Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her against his chest and they stood silently admiring the swirling display. They pointed to favorite colors, hues of the spectrum, ribbons and explosions of light, much as you would fireworks, only these were silent and infinitely more extravagant.
"Should we awaken Allie? She would love this." Elizabeth suggested.
"Yes, I was afraid to suggest it! I'll be right back."
"I'll come too and make sure she is well-wrapped!"
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They tiptoed into the house and down the hallway. Although Allie's bedside table lamp was still lit, she was sleeping and it took a few moments to arouse her.
"Allie-girl... Honey? Wake up! The Aurora Borealis is on full display. Let's grab your robe and extra socks, your boots and coat and all. I'll carry you out to see it! Come on!" Nathan motioned to her excitedly.
Elizabeth helped a still dazed Allie with her coat buttons, wrapped a scarf tightly around her neck and pulled her cloche hat down around her face while Nathan got her boots on. Grabbing the woolen blanket from the desk chair, Nathan wrapped Allie in it and lifted her into his arms.
"Oh! Oh!" Immediately wide awake, Allie began to cry, overwhelmed by the Northern Lights. She wiggled in her father's arms. "You can let me down, Dad!"
"Okay, but keep the blanket pulled tight." Nathan pulled Allie in front of him and, with his other arm, wrapped Elizabeth around her shoulders. They huddled together, shivering with the delight of this spectacle.
"Happy New Year's, my loves!" Elizabeth whispered as she momentarily tilted her face to Nathan's.
He bent to kiss her, knowing it was close to the midnight hour. Faint church bells floated over the breeze confirming the moment.
"Happy New Year, my dearest Lisbeth…" He kissed her again. "I love you."
"And I love you, Honey." She gave him a quick kiss before addressing Allie. "Happy New Year, Sweet Allie! I love you too!"
Making a quick turn in her parents' arms, Allie opened the blanket enough to hug them and say, "This will be the happiest New Year we've ever had. I love you both!"
Nathan chuckled, whispering as he turned her around to look at the lights, "I love you more! And, today is a brand new day…"
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(*87) "A Child's Garden of Verses," Robert Louis Stevenson, Copyright 1885. Version with beautiful and distinctive illustrations by Myrtle Sheldon published in 1916, M.A. Donohue & Co., Chicago. Public Domain.
(*88) Genesis 1: 28a, King James Version, Public Domain.
(*89) Paraphrase of Psalm 127, beginning of verse 3.
(*90) "Great God, We Sing That Mighty Hand," Text by: Philip Doddridge 1702-1751, Tune: 'Wareham' by: William Knapp 1738. Public Domain. For online listening I recommend the version by a male soloist with guitar: Great God, We Sing That Mighty Hand (Wareham) Andrew Remillard
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