A/N: My apologies for the delay in getting this out. I got distracted by a few other projects and totally forgot to write a chapter for this week until Wednesday night rolled around. It felt a little strange writing the bulk of this Christmastime chapter on Good Friday, but I hope you enjoy it! :) And to all those who celebrate, I wish you a very blessed Easter season.

December 1920

The next few months were blessedly uneventful. Elizabeth kept a watchful eye on her husband, but he seemed to be completely healed from his injuries at the hands of Jeffrey Mueller. Word had reached them a month after the incident that the man had hung for his crimes. Elizabeth was not an advocate of capital punishment, but she couldn't deny that she felt a rush of relief when they heard that he was no longer a threat.

From the middle of December on, life became very busy in the Grant household. Preparations were in full swing for Jack's fifth birthday and Christmas. Allie was in rehearsal for the school concert Katie was putting on for the community. Jack and Aurora were involved in the church Nativity play that Rosemary had organized. The plan for Christmas Eve was to attend the afternoon church service, followed by the play and concert, and then they would get together with their friends for Jack's birthday dinner. Christmas Day would be spent with just the five of them. Nathan and Allie would go on their annual father-daughter fishing trip after breakfast and presents, while Elizabeth spent time with Jack and Aurora. Christmas dinner would be whatever her husband and daughter caught, along with spiced roasted potatoes and a salad of winter greens. Everything was coming together, but there was still a lot to do.

A week before Christmas, Elizabeth sat in the living room and wrapped presents for Nathan and the children. He had taken all three of them to find a tree, while Elizabeth opted to stay at home and get some things done. It was rare she had time to herself these days, and she silently blessed Nathan for allowing her some quiet. Once the gifts were wrapped, she got the Christmas decorations from the attic, then made a cup of tea and sat on the window seat in the living room, watching the snow falling gently from the sky. When her family got home, they were going to decorate the tree together. Elizabeth had placed a special ornament on top of one of the boxes. She smiled as she looked at it now. She had a plan for the small object.

Before she knew it, her family came home with a tree taller than Nathan. There was lots of excited chatter from the children as they set it up. Millie barked as she ran from child to child, having gone on the tree hunting excursion with them. Jack and Allie talked at a rapid-fire pace about their past Christmases, while nineteen-month-old Aurora looked between her brother and sister with wide eyes. She was too young to remember her first Christmas, but Elizabeth hoped her youngest began building memories with this one.

"Who wants some hot cocoa while we decorate the tree?" Elizabeth asked, breaking into the cacophony of noise.

"Me!" shouted all three of her children. Nathan grinned and added his voice to the agreement. Chuckling, Elizabeth headed to the kitchen. Within ten minutes, she had five steaming mugs of chocolate ready for her family. Aurora's was in a sippy cup, while the others were in proper mugs. She placed everything on a tray and brought it into the living room. Allie and Jack had opened the boxes of decorations and were beginning to sort them on the coffee table and the floor. Elizabeth put the tray on the table, then gasped when she felt Nathan's arm slide across her stomach and pull her against his chest.

"I think we have a tradition to complete, Mrs. Grant," he said, his voice soft in her ear. His day's growth of facial hair tickled as it brushed against her neck. He dangled something in front of her face. Elizabeth grinned as she took in the small cardinal ornament she had put out especially for them.

"I do believe you're right," she said, injecting a playful flirtiness into her voice.

Allie groaned from her spot on the floor. "Do we have to continue that particular tradition?" she asked, all but rolling her eyes in exasperation.

"We certainly do," Nathan replied, shooting his daughter a wink and leading his wife over to the tree. He handed her the ornament and grinned. Elizabeth felt warmth spread over her as memories flooded her. The first time they'd hung the ornament, she hadn't been ready for any kind of relationship, but that hadn't stopped the storm of attraction she felt as she'd looked into Nathan's eyes, so close to her own. Two Christmases later they had been newly married and unsure of their standing, but they had nearly kissed for the first time when they once more found themselves in close proximity while hanging the ornament. Last Christmas, Nathan had taken her into his arms and kissed her soundly after placing the cardinal on the topmost branch. Now, they were ready to repeat their traditional hanging of the cardinal.

Elizabeth reached up as high as she could, but once again, the tree was too tall for her to place the cardinal at the top. She felt her husband's body press into hers lightly as he reached for it as well, lifting it the few inches necessary to hang it on a branch. Elizabeth turned into his arms, sliding her hands over his waist and onto his back. Nathan smiled down at her before leaning forward to press his lips firmly yet tenderly over hers.

Allie made a gagging noise. "Oh, yuck!"

Aurora giggled and copied her big sister. "Yucky!"

Nathan and Elizabeth simply laughed, sharing another sweet kiss before facing their children. "I'm going to remember that when you get married," Nathan playfully threatened, ruffling Allie's hair.

"Can I have a kiss?" Jack asked, looking up at Elizabeth.

"Of course, sweet boy," she said, leaning down to plant a gentle kiss on his cheek. Aurora reached out for a kiss of her own. Elizabeth happily obliged, then looked at Allie. The teenager sighed, but she presented her cheek to Elizabeth, unable to hide the half-smile forming on her lips. Even the dog wanted in on the affection, planting her paws on Elizabeth's leg and looking up at her with large puppy eyes. Elizabeth chuckled, bending down to pet their sweet Millie.

After all three children had been kissed and snuggled, they turned their attention to decorating the tree and the house. It was a delightful afternoon filled with laughter. Elizabeth loved these moments with her family. They were building memories, and she couldn't be happier.

On Christmas Eve, Bill came over to spend time with the Grant kids. He had formed a special bond with every one of them. Though they called him Uncle Bill, Nathan felt the older man was more like a grandfather figure. He was a constant fixture in their lives, often taking them out one on one for some quality time together. The man might present a gruff front, but he was soft as a marshmallow when it came to "his kids".

Jack in particular was excited to see him that day. "Uncle Bill!" he exclaimed, running up and jumping into Bill's arms. "It's my birthday!"

Bill feigned surprise. "Is it really? Happy birthday! How old are you today?"

"I'm five!" Jack said proudly, holding up five fingers.

"Five?" Bill gasped, eyes wide. "Why, you're practically a young man now!"

Nathan heard Elizabeth groan behind him. "Don't remind me," she said. "He's growing up so fast."

"And Aurora is going to be two in May," Bill said, shaking his head. "Time just flies." He placed Jack on the ground, then raised a brow at the adults. "I don't suppose the two of you are planning on having another little one any time soon?"

Nathan caught a flash of pain in Elizabeth's eyes, but she quickly masked it. "Maybe," she said brightly. Turning, she headed for the kitchen. "Can I get you something to drink, Bill?" she called over her shoulder.

"Water would be fine," he replied, his attention soon diverted by Aurora, who was clinging to his pant leg and demanding to be held. He willingly did so.

"I'll be back in a moment," Nathan said. Bill nodded, absorbed in his young charge. Nathan followed Elizabeth into the kitchen, concerned by the look he had seen in her eyes. "Elizabeth? Are you alright?"

She sighed, then nodded. "I'm fine. Sort of."

Nathan raised a brow, waiting for her to continue. She bit her lip before speaking again. "Do you remember how I missed my cycle last month?"

"Yes," Nathan replied. Hope had sprung up that they were finally going to have a baby together, but he felt a sense of dread as Elizabeth sadly shook her head.

"My period started this morning. I'm not pregnant." She looked down. "Maybe I was and then miscarried, or maybe it was just a fluke last month. I don't know." She sighed again. "I want to be pregnant, Nathan. Bill's comment stung a bit. I know he didn't mean anything by it, but it still hurt."

He went to Elizabeth and pulled her gently into his arms. "I know, sweetheart," he murmured. "I want that too. But maybe we just need to give it some more time."

She nodded against his chest, letting out a long breath. "You're right." He could feel a smile form on her lips as she rested against him. "I'll try to be patient."

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I'm sure it'll happen for us soon." Releasing her, he grabbed a glass and pumped some water into it. "We have time, sweetheart."

Elizabeth inhaled deeply. "We do," she said softly. She smiled at him, resting a hand on his arm. "Thank you, Nathan."

He nodded, then paused. "Do you want me to talk to Bill?"

She shook her head quickly. "No, please don't say anything. I think I'm just overly sensitive today because of the disappointment that I'm not having a baby." Her smile grew. "Today is about our little boy and Christmas Eve and enjoying time with family and friends."

Nathan studied her. "Are you sure you're alright?"

She nodded, her face softening. She reached up, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. "Yes, Nathan. I'm fine." Her hand rested on his cheek. "But thank you for checking, love."

The rest of the day flew by in a blur of happy activity. Nathan watched his wife carefully at first, but she was genuinely enjoying the day. He felt a rush of relief. Seeing her happy made it easier for him to enjoy the festivities as well.

They spent several hours with Bill, who lavished attention on the birthday boy. When it was time for Christmas Eve services, the entire family dressed up in various shades of red and green and white. Jack wore a dark green miniature suit with a red bow tie that Rosemary had made him, and he proudly showed off the ensemble to his parents.

"Look!" he said, turning in a slow circle. "I'm a big boy!"

Tears sparkled in Elizabeth's eyes. Even Nathan felt a lump in his throat as he watched his son parade before them happily. "Yes, you are, Jack," he said.

Elizabeth sighed. "My sweet boy." She picked him up and held him close. Jack tolerated it for a few moments before wiggling. "Put me down, Mama! I want to go show Allie and Aurora my suit!"

She obliged him. Nathan slipped an arm around her, chuckling lightly. "That boy is getting an independent streak."

"Tell me about it," Elizabeth muttered, shaking her head. Even so, a smile pulled at her lips. "He's a wonderful child." She glanced up at him, her teeth tugging at her lower lip. "Can we bring Sergeant to the church?"

Knowing immediately why she was asking, Nathan nodded. "Of course, sweetheart." He cupped her cheek gently. "Take all the time you need."

She gazed up at him with love shining in her eyes. "Thank you."

He nodded, simply holding her close before their children came dashing into the room, ready to head to the church.

Joseph gave a beautiful Christmas sermon that brought tears to Elizabeth's eyes. She discreetly wiped them away, then smiled widely and laughed as Jack and Aurora stole the show in the Nativity play. Jack played the role of St. Joseph, while Aurora was a little lamb. Rosemary directed the whole thing perfectly, with only a few stray lines occurring during the entire play. One came from her own daughter, when Reagan, in the role of Mary, looked at Rosemary and tilted her head.

"I forgot my line," she announced, prompting chuckles from the congregation. Rosemary quickly regained control and whispered the line to the girl, who then executed it perfectly. After the play, Allie joined her classmates at the front of the room to begin the concert that featured traditional Christmas hymns. Angela accompanied them on the piano. It was a beautiful half hour of songs that reminded them all of the reason they were celebrating this holiday.

When the concert was over, people began filing out of the church. As the Grant family made their way out, Elizabeth took Jack's hand. She looked at Nathan as they came to a stop beside Sergeant. "We'll be back soon," she promised quietly.

Nathan shook his head. "Take as much time as you need," he said, helping her onto the horse before lifting Jack into the saddle in front of her. "I'll take care of the girls." He smiled. "Rosemary said she has dinner and dessert covered."

Elizabeth chuckled. "I'm very grateful for that." She smiled at him tenderly. "I love you, Nathan."

"I know," he replied, giving her a gentle smile. He squeezed her hand, then stepped back. "See you when you get back."

She nodded, then nudged Sergeant into a walk. Jack was quiet in front of her. He leaned against her chest as she prodded their horse into a trot. Before long, they reached their destination.

Jack continued to be quiet as he walked hand in hand with his mother through the silent graveyard. It was as if he sensed the solemnity of the moment. When they reached Jack Sr.'s headstone, her son finally spoke.

"Hi, Papa," he said. He took a piece of paper from his pocket, letting go of Elizabeth's hand to place it on his father's grave. Kneeling down, Jack unfolded the paper and put it in front of the headstone. It showed a small boy and a woman smiling in a bath of sunshine, with a Mountie watching from the sky. A lump formed in Elizabeth's throat. Clearly her son had inherited her first husband's talent for art. Though their son looked like her, he had several of his father's traits.

"I'm five today," Jack said, looking at the headstone. "Mama says that's a big birthday. Daddy says I'm growing up. Allie says I'm annoying, but sometimes I think she's annoying."

Elizabeth bit back a laugh. Allie loved Jack, but it was sometimes obvious her teenage daughter was annoyed with everyone and everything, including her beloved brother.

"Aurora is getting into everything," Jack continued. "Mama said I did the same thing at her age. I guess toddlers are just crazy. But she's a good sister." He puffed out his chest. "She likes me to read to her sometimes."

Elizabeth smiled as Jack went on about his family. She stood quietly, letting her son have this time with his father. When he was finished speaking, Jack took a stone and put it over the drawing to keep it from blowing away. "Bye, Papa," he said. "We need to go to Auntie Rosie's now for dinner. She made me a cake!" He waved at the stone, then turned and grasped Elizabeth's hand. "Come on, Mama."

She held up her free hand. "Just a moment, honey," she said softly. "I have something to say to your Papa."

"Okay," he replied.

Elizabeth looked up at the sky, smiling as a gentle breeze caressed her face. "You would be so proud of our son, Jack," she said quietly. "He's turning into his own person, and I can see a lot of you in him." She closed her eyes, the smile growing. "Thank you for watching over us."

Opening her eyes, she looked at the heavens for another moment before turning her attention to her son. "Ready?"

He nodded. "Ready!"

Together, mother and son made their way back to Sergeant, while a sudden ray of sunshine bathed them in its soft light, following them out of the graveyard.

Jack's birthday celebration was loud and happy. The little community that had been created with their neighbors building homes around Nathan and Elizabeth's house was on full display. The Coulters, Shepherds, Canfields, and Bill were all present, celebrating Jack together.

Elizabeth's heart was full. She loved the feeling of togetherness. There were many people gathered in the Coulters' home, but she wouldn't have it any other way. Nathan seemed a tad stressed at the number of people present, but she knew he bore it because he loved his son and their friends.

Dinner was delicious. Rosemary made Jack's favorite – chicken stew with fluffy rolls and a side of roasted winter vegetables. Elizabeth was still amazed at how much her son loved roasted vegetables. She couldn't get Aurora to eat them at all, and Allie was picky about them. Jack ate them with gusto.

For dessert, they had chocolate cake, light on the frosting because Jack didn't care for the overly sweet coating. Everyone sang happy birthday, and the little boy clapped his hands with delight when they had finished. "Thank you!" he said loudly, right before he blew out the five candles.

After dessert, everyone gathered in the living room to present Jack with birthday gifts. Elizabeth rested comfortably against Nathan as their son opened each gift, exclaiming with excitement over all of them.

"He's a good boy, Elizabeth," Nathan said, his words low so only she could hear them. "You've done such a good job raising him."

She glanced up at him, brows raised. "You've had quite an influence in his life over the past two years, you know," she said.

He smiled. "That has been my pleasure. But you did it all by yourself for almost three years. That was not an easy task."

"No, it wasn't," Elizabeth admitted. "But there were things I couldn't give him. He needed a father. You provide an excellent example every day of what it means to be a good man, what it means to be virtuous and upright. You love my son unconditionally, and you consider him to be yours even though another man gave him life." She smiled, squeezing his hand. "He is so blessed to have you as his daddy."

Nathan swallowed, his eyes getting suspiciously moist. "That means the world to me that you think so," he said, his voice raspy.

Elizabeth kissed his cheek in response, then nestled against him once more. They watched as their son opened his gift from Bill, his eyes widening in delight when he saw what it was. "A saddle!" He launched himself at Bill, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Bill's eyes grew teary as he hugged his godson. "You're welcome, Jack."

Elizabeth let out a sigh of contentment. Christmastime was always special, but she was thankful for the added layer of joy that had been given to her after the birth of her son. As he continued to open his presents and thank the givers, she smiled.

These were the moments that made life beautiful.