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Chapter Forty-nine
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Envisioning the Future
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"I have a proposal for you." Josiah Blake was finishing a quick visit to check up on Nathan, "How about Johanna and the children and I come here on Friday evening. We plan to provide your meal that evening and we can share the meal together. We can find some game to play that won't cause you any pain. I'd feel better about my family coming here than you driving over at night right now. Is that alright with you?" Josiah looked from Nathan to Elizabeth as he sat on the edge of his seat, adding, "We would like to avoid cancelling and are signed up to bring a meal anyway. What do you say?"
"I'm fine with that. There would be eight of us so some of the children would have to sit at the kitchen table or sit on the carpet in here. We could do that and, to be honest, it gives me something special to look forward to. I have memorized every crack and crevice of this room!" Nathan chuckled, "Confinement is hard for this former small town Constable who spent a lot of time outdoors!"
"That is a lovely idea, Josiah. Should I prepare a dessert?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Oh no! A meal is all inclusive, start to finish and baking is one of Johanna and Ellie's favorite things to do! We'll bring everything and promise to clean up afterwards as well. Shall we aim for six o'clock?"
"Sure. Thank you, Josiah. We look forward to it," Nathan extended his hand, "and thanks for checking up on me today and bringing my mail!"
"No problem. Wes can't be your only visitor," Josiah laughed, "no matter how protective the doctor is regarding his patient! Take care Elizabeth and we're continuing to pray for your speedy recovery, Nathan. Till Friday!"
"Thank you, Josiah and see you then." Elizabeth walked to the door then addressed Nathan, "It's a good thing that the Coulter's aren't arriving until Saturday afternoon. I think Hudson and I will meet them at the station and get them set-up at the Hotel."
"Maybe we'll eat dinner there then come over for dessert and the evening on Saturday, okay?" Elizabeth inquired as she closed the door behind their visitor. "I'm also happy we can begin our family nights without delay! Time seems to be flying by!"
"It is! Did you finish addressing the wedding invitations yet? I could probably assist with some if we can make an arrangement for the papers to keep from sliding that is," Nathan offered.
"Almost. I've been fitting them in before and after my visits with you, so I have about a dozen remaining. We want to post them all at the same time since so many townspeople will wonder where their invitation is when their neighbors have received one!"
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When a freshly fallen snow fell overnight and greeted the good folk of Regina on Friday morning, Nathan stood at the window giving thanks that Hudson would drive Elizabeth today and Jake would take Allie to school after clearing the paths. He watched as the wind blew snow off of the handyman's shovel in blustery waves.
The ones who would be at a distinct disadvantage were the movers who were due to arrive at eight o'clock to pack the Collins's belongings and take them to the train station where they would be loaded, bound for Ottawa. Nathan wished he could assist with something instead of just watching from the sidelines, but he was trying to gives thanks in all things, so this was good practice.
"Doesn't it look pretty, Dad? Everything is coated with icing sugar." Allie bounced into the front room and over to hug her father. She was especially happy today because of the dinner guests they expected!
"Last night, when I read a poem in the book that Jared gave me, I had to get out of bed and look out the window to soak in the beauty. I'm so glad we have winter and don't live in Barbados like Naomi! She is learning to appreciate how pretty it is, but I think she'll be glad to return to the warm, sunny island in a few months. Of course she assures us she will miss us and I know I will miss her, but I am thankful to live in Canada!" Allie took a breath and continued, "May I read you the poem, Dad? I think you will like it."
"Sure, Honey." Nathan settled on the sofa with his supporting pillows and what was left of his morning coffee. He had felt well enough to brew his own beverage this morning even though still one-handed, although he got the pan, oats, spices, and applesauce out, he knew he couldn't stir with his arm still in the sling. That stretch remained painful, so Allie would prepare the porridge.
Returning to the front room, Allie sat next to her dad and opened to the bookmarked page.
Nathan chuckled to see numerous bookmarks and ripped pieces of paper marking poems throughout the volume, silently wondering if all the poems were her favorites!
"This is the one. It's called 'Snowlight.' Isn't that a lovely thought?" Adjusting her seat, Allie read aloud,
"A nightlight illumines while the whole world sleeps…
still beneath the brilliant coverlet that softens hard edges,
hiding the path below, yet defining each twig above and muffling night's sounds.
The moonless sky, cold, quiet and clear prompts my silent prayer.
As if on nightwatch, I gaze out the window
looking to the whiteness, to the brightness of the snow-lit night."(*EMH)
Allie and Nathan sat silently considering and picturing the poem's description of a snow-lit night. "Please read it again, Honey?"
After slowly reading it a second time, Allie offered to read another. "I love this one too, although this is more for the daytime. The title is 'Rising Snow.' Don't you love that? You don't think of snow lighting anything and you usually think of snow falling not rising! Look, this poem shows a picture as well as describing it!" Allie held the book so Nathan could read over her shoulder.
"Outside my window
it is cold
and blowing
and snowing,
but today
—the snow is not falling!
Outside my window
the flurries rise
and swirl
and dance
and twirl
and spin
their ballet
against the backdrop of dark trees
—but they are not falling!
Big, fluffy snowflakes
are sailing the currents of the wind,
blowing about
in ever-changing patterns
of up
and out,
back and round,
left and right
—but not down!
Outside my window
today
—the snow is rising!" (*EMH)
"I've often thought of snowflakes dancing, so this is great," Nathan commented. "Again, picturesque too! May I read this book today while you are at school?"
"Of course, Dad. You'll have to tell me what your favorites are." Handing the small volume to her father, Allie stood, "shall I make breakfast now?"
"Yes, Honey. Please and thanks. I made some things ready. I'll sit at the table while you put it all together. I feel like we don't get as much alone time anymore and I miss you, Allie-girl, in spite of all the excitement and joy of our expanded family. When I can drive again, we need to have a Dad-and-Daughter Date!"
"I'd like that, Dad, but I understand all the busyness right now. It's all so exciting and I kind of like all the activity. Of course I LOVE all the people! It will be fun when we can spread out in the main house though. It is so messy right now and I am anxious to see all the separate rooms. May I choose my own room, after you and Miss Bess of course?"
"You may, although I have one in mind for you. You'll have to see if you can guess which one! There is something distinctive about it I think you will love."
"Oh… Tell me, Dad. Don't make be wait! Please?" Allie turned on her charm, pleading eyes and sweet smile included, attempting to convince her father.
"Not a chance. This is my surprise for you. I designed it even though I am not building it, but I want the full affect when you see it. It will be ready in a few weeks, so try to be patient!" Nathan looked at his daughter and chuckled at her scrunched nose. It seems both of his girls had that habit and it was very endearing, although not at all convincing!
Abruptly changing the subject, Allie inquired, "How does your shoulder feel, Dad? Did you sleep okay?"
"I have slept well after the first couple of nights. I am somewhat used to the arrangement of pillows now." Nathan looked down at the steaming bowl of fragrant porridge and thanked Allie for that and the coffee refill. "Shall I pray?" He reached his free hand to hold Allie's and gave thanks, asking for protection, healing, and blessings as well.
"So are you excited to begin our game nights with the Blakes tonight?" Nathan swirled his mug to cool his beverage.
"Oh, I am. Did you notice I cleaned the bathroom last night and put out our best guest towels?"
With a sudden thought, she reminded her father, "Remember those dark blue ones are for the guests not for you to use today. You didn't did you?"
Laughing, Nathan replied, "No, Honey, relax. I remember that lesson from my mother so I wouldn't dare touch the special towels for guests! I guess I just don't rate since I am just your old Dad!"
"I talked to Miss Bess and she is going to get some brand new towels for all of us. She says ours and hers from Hope Valley are showing signs of wear. I like that she wants to make everything nice for us, Dad, you know? It makes me feel special."
"It does, although I hadn't heard about new towels. I guess I just need to keep alert to upcoming changes, eh?"
"I'll help you, Dad. Don't worry."
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Having the same thought as Allie regarding cleaning the bathroom, Elizabeth arrived mid-morning to get the house in order. Jack made a run to hug his Daddy, although was careful to avoid the side where the sling was.
"Hi Daddy! Did you see the snow? I love it but it looks different on the ground."
"Different? How so, Jack?"
"It's on the ground here, but in the city it's on the rooftops."
"Ah ha. It is a different perspective when you see things from up high, isn't it?"
"Lisbeth?" Nathan called as she headed to the kitchen to deposit a basket of lunch supplies and fudge that Hudson had made the previous evening. "Allie cleaned the bathroom and warned me that she put out the guest towels. Later on, will you help me shave and put on my shirt? I'll wear a buttoned shirt and cardigan for our get-together if that's okay? I don't need a tie do I?"
"Oh, Honey! In your own home and for a family get-together, ties are not required. I would love you to wear a waistcoat under your sweater though. Is that okay?" Elizabeth returned to the front room as she tied an apron, repeating, "Is that okay?"
"Sure, for you I'd be glad too. Thank you." Nathan tilted his head for a good morning kiss whispering hoarsely, "Hi!"
She squeezed in between the arm of the sofa and Nathan, taking care not to move his injured arm and offered a second kiss. "When did the movers arrive?"
"About an hour and a half ago. I watched briefly, but it is frustrating so I stopped." Nathan leaned towards his fiancée for another kiss. "How are you this morning?"
"I'm fine, Honey. I finished addressing the envelopes and David will take them to the Post Office when he goes later this morning. It's a heavy box with all that linen paper!" Elizabeth placed her arm around Nathan's shoulder and played with the back of his hair. "With the invitations posted, it is getting closer, sweet husband-to-be!"
"So it is! Allie is keeping the countdown calendar updated and I confess it is wonderful to see the days get crossed off the page. So what are your plans today?"
"I'll do a quick dusting, use the carpet cleaner, and mop so everything is fresh and guest-ready. That was sweet of Allie to take care of the bathroom. Did she mop the floor?"
"I don't know as she did it after I went to bed! If the mop is still damp that will be your answer."
Elizabeth laughed as she stood. "Now that is a typical Mountie thing to say! Look for the evidence. I wouldn't think of that because I would go inspect the floor myself to assess the need!"
Nathan laughed back at her, "I guess the end result is the same although the method is different. Thanks for doing all that. Allie left the saucepan soaking but she did the rest of the dishes. I'll play here with my man, okay Jack? Play or read or sculpt with the Plasticine or color or build with your Lincoln Logs? What would you like to do?"
"Lincoln Logs!" Jack hopped up from the sofa and lifted the box out of the toy basket carrying the box with all his might!
"Here, son," Nathan pointed then cleared his mug and a couple books off of the coffee table to make room. "Why don't you build on the table so I can see? Even if I can't help too much, I want to watch progress!"
Nathan relished Elizabeth's sweet soprano as she worked round the house, able to discern her whereabouts as the melody moved around.
With Jack occupied and not concerned about being watched, Nathan leaned his head back, closed his eyes and listened, an expression of joy and satisfaction on his face. He must have dozed off because he was startled to feel the carpet sweeper hit his foot. "Oh!"
""I'm sorry, Honey. I didn't mean to interrupt your slumber! I do have a question while you are awake though? Shall I change your bedsheets?"
"Sheets? No, Wes changed them when he helped me with a bath. We can wait a few more days. Thanks though. Allie takes care of her own every Saturday, so no need to touch those either. I'm guessing she also cleaned her room. You know, have to make a good first impression on a certain young man!" Nathan grinned as he lifted his feet onto a section of untouched coffee table.
Teasingly, Elizabeth nudged his legs with the carpet cleaner and, with a sidewards glance, grinned.
A short time later, sans apron, Elizabeth reentered the front room, clapping her hands. "Done! Are you ready to dress now, Honey?"
"Yes." Nathan stood and followed Elizabeth into his bedroom, heading to the closet. He moved aside a couple shirts until he found a favorite blue and white-striped shirt. "How about this? I can wear the gray waistcoat with these gray slacks and the cardigan is navy blue. Is that okay? I should probably have asked Allie because she surely has an opinion, especially with the Blake's here! However, if I get your approval, we should be acceptable!"
Nathan lifted the strap of the sling over his head and shrugged out of his sweater, allowing Elizabeth to pull it off his injured arm. He released his suspenders and they fell to drape over his hips, then he turned towards the bathroom inquiring as he went, "Is it okay to do this in here or do you want to use the kitchen?"
"We're engaged, Nathan and I am serving as your nurse right now, so here is fine. I probably won't shave your beard as well as Fiona would, but it will do. I know I have a steady hand, so you are safe. Well, safe as long as you don't distract me with those sparkling blue eyes and dark lashes!"
"Shall I keep my eyes closed? Trouble with that is I would miss the fun of watching you, so that's certainly not my preference!" Nathan chuckled.
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Freshly shaved, Nathan wiped his face with the towel, careful not to use the dark blue ones, and pointed to the Lilac Vegetal.
Elizabeth splashed some into her palm, rubbed her hands together and applied the toner to Nathan's blushing cheeks, patting them tenderly. Everything felt so intimate and loving.
"How's that, my Love?" Elizabeth raised herself on tiptoe and kissed Nathan's lips.
"Mmmm…" Nathan sounded, then whispered, "there are no words."
Back in the bedroom, he held out his arm for his shirt. As Elizabeth adjusted the cotton stretching across his muscular shoulders, she turned him around and began to button his shirt. Nathan watched her face, so intent on her actions, until she began to blush. Glancing up shyly, she whispered, "Do you remember?"
"Oh, do I ever! I wanted to grab you into my arms that morning and was so sorry you backed away. Allie has helped me button up sometimes, but it never felt like this," Nathan confessed as he held the bottom of his shirt taught. Coughing, he asked quietly, "How many more days until March fifth?"
"It's getting closer every day, my dear husband-to-be, and I can't wait."
With his waistcoat offering another opportunity for buttoning-up, Elizabeth then helped Nathan don his cardigan and sling, finishing by wrapping her arms round him in a hug.
Pulling her close, Nathan leaned his face against her hair, relishing her softness and her fragrance. Before returning to the front room and the watchful eyes of a little boy, they shared an intense kiss that took their breath away.
As they glanced at each other, Nathan admitted with a half-smile, "I've been praying for patience and telling the Lord that I need it now! Right now!"
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Adding a soft, matching blue shawl to her outfit, Elizabeth brushed her hair and readjusted her pearl comb, before adding a touch of lipstick and pressing her lips together. Satisfied, she returned to collect Jack and tuck in his shirt and straighten his suspenders. With a quick brush of his blonde waves, she sent Jack back to his building project.
Allie changed into one of her pretty navy blue, paisley-patterned dresses she used to wear on Sundays in Hope Valley and proceeded to set the table with her mother's linens, china, and silverware. "We don't have an arrangement, so I will go out and cut some holly and greens. Be right back," Allie donned her coat, scarf, and gloves and headed outdoors, clippers in hand.
"Can I go out too? With Allie?" Jack piped up expectantly, adding what he was certain would convince his parents, "I can help!"
"Sorry, but not this time. I'm sure you could help, Sweet Boy, but Allie will only be outside for a couple minutes and it is hardly worth getting you dressed for that short period of time. There will be other opportunities. Say, are you warm enough? I brought your navy sweater and you will match Daddy."
Nodding enthusiastically, Jack responded, "I want to match Daddy."
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(*EMH) Original poems, "Snowlight" and "Rising Snow," by E.M. Hunter, published in 'Illuminations' Copyright 2014, out-of-print.
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