If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind "on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. Colossians 3:1-2 (ASV)
Monday, December 20, 1920
Thankfully, though it snowed overnight, it was only light, and Joseph and Nathan would be able to drive to Eagle Creek safely. Joseph noticed that Nathan was unusually quiet and couldn't help wondering if a certain schoolteacher was on his mind. He sure hoped so because Christmas was getting closer, and the kid's wishes weighed heavily on his heart. But even more than that, he truly wanted to see both his friends who had experienced great losses find happiness. Anyone with eyes could see how much the pair loved each other. He had shared his burden with Minnie last night when she had expressed a similar belief. She had become close to Elizabeth during the counseling sessions as he and Nathan had. Since the ladies were going to be having lunch together with Faith and Rosemary, she would see if there was a way she could talk with Elizabeth.
"A penny for your thoughts," Joseph said, breaking the silence.
"I'm not sure that they are worth that much," Nathan said ruefully.
"Why don't you let me be the judge?"
"I don't know where to even begin."
"Does it have anything to do with Elizabeth?"
With a heavy sigh, Nathan replied. "It does. I've been thinking about what you have said all week and then last night."
"And?" Joseph asked, trying to let Nathan lead the conversation.
Nathan kept his eyes straight ahead and nervously rubbed his palms along his jodhpurs. "I guess I'm just having a hard time accepting that Elizabeth feels the same way I do. The more I think about what you have said, plus what Bill and the others have mentioned, too, and well, it makes the longing in my heart even stronger." Nathan ran a hand through his hair just before quickly adding, "I had a dream last night where I saw Elizabeth and the kids, but instead of holding Goldie, it was a baby with dark curly hair."
Joseph smiled. "Sounds like a wonderful dream. What's stopping you from accepting it and making your dream a reality? Do you still doubt what we are saying?"
Nathan didn't say anything as he thought about an answer. Joseph knew that their time to talk was coming to a close as they were only fifteen minutes away from town, but he stayed silent and prayed as he waited.
As Eagle Creek became visible, Joseph figured that he wouldn't get an answer.
However, as they pulled up to the Henning place, Nathan smiled as he said, "No, I have gone back through memories of our interactions and now can see what you were talking about. Last night's comments only cemented that in my mind."
"So, what's keeping you from pursuing it?"
Nathan smirked now, and there was mischief in his eyes as he replied, "Unfortunately, I need to get going on my rounds. But it's some food for thought, right?" Joseph chuckled as Nathan winked and turned toward the barn where Harry was waiting with Homer already saddled. Nathan gave a wave to Harry's father, who was standing on the porch, before riding off. Then Harry motioned to Joseph to come over to the porch as he walked over to join his dad.
Joseph was welcomed into their home, and before he knew it, he had a cup of coffee and a delicious piece of Gertie's applesauce cake in front of him. Harold expressed his gratitude for what they were doing for their town. He was serving as the Mayor Pro Tem since the other mayor left town. He and his wife were among the very first to leave when things got bad. To make it worse, they left in the middle of the night and were suspected of being in cahoots with Union City Holdings.
As Mayor, he had access to all the abandoned buildings in town, which included a café that served as the town Hall, the parsonage, and the doctor's house/office. They came up with a game plan of using the Café for storing and distributing everything in the Town Hall. It was also conveniently located in close proximity to a large pine tree that the town traditionally decorated every year, similar to what Hope Valley did. He and Gertie had also given some more ideas of the pressing needs of some in town that Harry wasn't aware of. Joseph took the opportunity to go over the items they were gathering to ensure that they were on the right track.
After offering the use of any other buildings as required, Joseph and Harry headed into town. Harry had also brought the keys so they could look at the Café to get an idea of how it would be best to set up. Then, once Nathan finished rounds and dropped off Homer, the three of them would return to Hope Valley. Harry was going to be riding back with Nathan and Joseph and returning on the 23rd to help drive the wagons they needed to bring all the donations.
Joseph and Harry began working on the latest to-do list. Joseph had a smile on his face and hope singing in his heart. The conversation with Nathan earlier reared its head again and got him excited and in awe of what God had already accomplished with the seeds they had planted over the past few days. He couldn't wait to get back to Hope Valley and let Bill know the seeds they had sown appeared to already be bearing fruit, at least in Nathan. But he also knew that if Nathan gave Elizabeth the slightest encouragement, she would have a different answer than the last one she gave him when he offered his heart.
MEANWHILE AT ABIGAIL'S CAFE
The last lunch customer had finally left when Elizabeth and Rosemary arrived. Elizabeth had left Jack at the Queen of Hearts with his beloved Allie to work on Christmas decorations. Fiona wanted to do it there so that in the event Mike needed help, she could assist him. Thankfully, Mei was also available, so the two of them were supervising children of various ages in crafting ornaments. Henry had graciously volunteered to watch Goldie in Lee's office so that Lee could also get some work done.
After locking the door and placing the closed sign on the window, Minnie brought out sandwiches and tea for their lunch date. They tried to do it on a regular basis on Saturdays, but it had been a while since they had been able to. With the holidays, though, it was a nice change of pace to do it on a weekday while the children were busy.
"Faith, it's so nice that you were finally able to join us," Minnie said with a smile.
"Thank you, Minnie. It feels nice to be eating somewhere other than my desk. I think we are finally seeing the ebb in the wave of that nasty cold." Faith said with evident relief. "Molly is busy knitting hats and volunteered to watch the office while I'm away, and Mei is helping Fiona."
Elizabeth giggled. "I think between the two of them, they are trying to make enough for the entire town of Eagle Creek."
Faith laughed and nodded. "Based on some things I have heard; I also think there is a little private friendly competition going on to add incentive." The ladies laughed at that.
"Oh, Rosemary and Minnie, I meant to tell you what a wonderful job you did working with the kids on the program," Elizabeth said with a smile. "The service was so lovely, and Joseph's sermon was very moving."
"I was so proud of my sweet Goldie making her acting debut at such a young age. I know I am her mother, but I do know good acting, and I was telling Lee she is natural. I mean, just look at the wonderful way she brought baby Jesus to life. Why, it just gives me goosebumps just recalling it."
Elizabeth smiled. "She did a great job and didn't cry once."
"As if my child would break character." Rosemary interrupted with indignation.
"But I think all of the children did a great job, and I really enjoyed the entire service. I think it was one of Hope Valley's best."
"I would have to agree with you on that, Elizabeth," Faith added.
"Speaking of the service, I couldn't help noticing that Nathan and Jack looked really sweet, all cuddled up together during church yesterday." Rosemary pointed out.
"Jack was between Nathan and Bill, actually." Elizabeth countered, forgetting that Jack had been on Nathan's lap for the sermon and choir song at the end of the service. "Jack is really enjoying working on the cradle with Nathan. I love watching them work on it. The other day, they were painting the pieces, and I think Jack had more on him than the two pieces Nathan had given him to paint. It was really sweet."
Instead of reminding Elizabeth of Jack sitting on Nathan's lap, the scene she had been referring to, Rosemary was captivated by the incredible coincidence of Sarah's wish and that Jack had chosen it out of all of the wishes on the tree. "It's crazy how of all the wishes on the tree, he chose Sarah's, and she wants a cradle for her doll."
"It brought back memories of when Jack and I worked with Robert on a crib for her the first year we started the tradition of the wishing tree," Elizabeth said wistfully as she recalled that memory.
"I don't think I heard about that. It sounds like a wonderful story." Minnie commented. "Do you mind sharing?"
"Not at all," Elizabeth said and then told her about Robert's wish, explaining why he wanted it and what happened just as they finished it. "Sarah was born one year before Jack," Elizabeth said. "It just makes it even more meaningful for us."
"I can see why, Elizabeth," Minnie said with a smile.
"You're helping Allie with her stories, too, right?" Faith asked, thinking she had heard someone mention that.
Elizabeth smiled. "I am and enjoying it. She and I are also working on a quilt, pillow, and a little bear to go with it. Jack gets the benefit of hearing the stories as she finishes them."
"That reminds me, I have been noticing how often we see the four of you together." Rosemary suddenly pointed out, making Elizabeth blush.
Rosemary!" Elizabeth said in warning.
"Elizabeth!" she replied back in the same tone.
Faith piped up, "Actually, I have noticed that too, as have Fiona and Mei. We were just talking about it last night."
Before Elizabeth could respond to that, Rosemary said, "Now I have kept silent since our talk back when you admitted your feelings for Nathan. It's obvious to anyone who sees the two of you that you belong together and love each other. So what are you waiting for? If you want my opinion…."
"I don't."
Rosemary ignored Elizabeth's interruption and kept going. "I would tell him how you feel, then I would drag him in front of Bill or Joseph at the earliest opportunity to perform the wedding ceremony. You're not getting any younger, Elizabeth."
"Rosemary!" Elizabeth exclaimed in exasperation and embarrassment as she rolled her eyes. It reminded her of those early days when Rosemary would talk about imaginary lines on her face or other imperfections.
Faith and Minnie chuckled as they watched. "Even if I did tell him how I feel, there's no indication that he still loves me."
Rosemary got a look of disbelief on her face and waved her arms for emphasis as she said, "No indication that he still loves you? Are you blind?"
Elizabeth opened her mouth to give a retort, but Faith stepped in first. "Actually, Elizabeth, there's something I have wanted to say but wasn't sure how to bring it up," Faith's nervousness was obvious to those present. "I know you are aware that Nathan attempted to move on…"
"I'll say." Rosemary snorted, interrupting her. "I mean, after Faith and Mei and you, of course, it was no wonder he gave up on love."
Faith just nodded before continuing, "I firmly believe that was because there was an obstacle in the way. That obstacle is that he is still in love with you and couldn't move on. He had even wondered what was wrong with him."
"There's nothing wrong with him," Elizabeth defended. "Any woman would be blessed to have his love and spend their life by his side."
Minnie said, "So why not you?"
"That would be my greatest desire, but I threw away his love when I chose to run away from him instead of facing my fear. I have very little hope of him offering his heart to me again."
"So stop being a coward. Simply offer your heart first." Rosemary said. Minnie and Faith smiled and nodded in agreement. "The Elizabeth Thatcher I remember from the early days was never short on courage."
"It's not that simple."
Isn't it," Minnie asked.
"Minnie, you sound just like Abigail Stanton," Elizabeth said with a soft smile. "She would have said the same thing."
"Well, I take that as the highest compliment," Minnie said, reaching over for Elizabeth's hand to give a squeeze. "I know how loved she is in this town and how much she means to you."
Elizabeth leaned over to hug her, "When she left to take care of her mother, I just felt like a big piece was missing. Not having her here was almost as bad as losing Jack because she was the voice of reason. Like you, she knows when to be supportive and when to challenge me. But since you and I have gotten so close, I no longer feel that hole." Minnie didn't say anything but instead pulled her close in a hug, touched by Elizabeth's words. She and Joseph had been blessed to watch Elizabeth's journey through facing her grief and coming out stronger on the other side.
Meanwhile, back in Eagle Creek.
Joseph and Nathan were adding some winter greenery outside the church to make it look a bit more festive when three men stopped to watch as Joseph added wreaths to the door. They stood by with sour looks on their faces, clearly lacking Christmas spirit. It was exactly why he and Nathan wanted to provide a bit of holiday cheer.
"Not sure why you are bothering to put any decorations up. There's not much to celebrate here. No one can even afford to buy presents, thanks to those crooks at Union City Holdings." One of the men said. He was a big, burly man and looked vaguely familiar. The other men just nodded in agreement, not offering anything else to the conversation.
"Well, I think the birth of our Saviour warrants celebrating no matter what is going on in the world. He certainly didn't come from a store and is a gift beyond measure." Joseph said. "Not to mention, just spending time together with loved ones can also be a gift in and of itself. Then there's the gift of friendship. I bet if you really think about it, you'll find gifts in your life that you can't get in a store and are worth everything."
Nathan came to stand beside Joseph and looked at the three men and added "So, using those perfect examples, maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more?"
"I couldn't have said that better myself, Nathan," Joseph said, smiling.
Nathan chuckled. "I think you are rubbing off on me, Joseph."
Joseph chuckled before turning back to the men. "I know it can't fix everything that is happening right now, but it can warm your heart. Just a little food for thought. Merry Christmas."
At first, it looked like their words made no difference, but suddenly, there was a visible softening of the faces of the three men as they realized the truth of what was said. They gave a quick nod before moving on, but it was obvious their minds were still considering what Nathan and Joseph had said. With a final look around after Harry arrived, they got in the truck and headed back to Hope Valley the interaction with the three men weighing heavy on their minds and hearts. It was becoming a regular feeling each time they left Eagle Creek.
When they arrived home, Harry went to find Faith while Nathan and Joseph went in search of Minnie and Elizabeth to get their thoughts. As they walked into the café, Elizabeth was still sitting with Rosemary, sipping their tea while talking with Minnie as she prepared food for the dinner rush.
Grabbing a cup of coffee, the two men joined them and shared about the interaction.
"I wish we could put on a nativity program for them," Minnie said.
"I agree," Elizabeth said sadly.
"Who says you can't?" Rosemary asked.
"What do you mean?" Joseph was intrigued by the possibility and wanted to know what Rosemary meant.
"Well, just do something similar to what we did back when the deliveries didn't come, and we improvised. Those costumes are packed in a trunk along with the backdrop. Lee is always saying I'm a pack rat because I save everything. This is a perfect example of why it's a good habit to have."
"That's a wonderful idea, Rosemary," Elizabeth said, giving her friend a quick hug.
"Where are they being kept?" Minnie asked. "We should probably look at them, and then maybe we can come up with a quick program."
"I believe they are being stored with the other things at the church," Rosemary said. "Why don't we meet at the church after breakfast tomorrow and look at them?"
"That sounds like a great idea; Nathan and I were going to sort through everything and start organizing it for the wagons." Joseph really liked the idea and was happy that it fit in with their previous organizing plans for the trip. Besides, it would bring more of that cheer that he wanted to share with the struggling town.
"Sounds like we have a plan," Nathan said, economical with his words as he often was.
"Well, I'd better get back to Goldie." Rosemary rose and started getting on her coat. It was hard being torn between planning, enjoying time with her friends, and being a mother. But she wouldn't change a moment of this busy season. Being a mother brought her so much joy.
Elizabeth looked at her watch. "Oh, I need to go get the kids and head back to get supper started."
"Where are the kids, anyway," Nathan asked, realizing they weren't there. He automatically reached for Elizabeth's coat and helped her put it on.
"Elizabeth smiled and thanked Nathan for the help before replying. "Fiona gathered all the kids today to work on the ornaments and decorations. She is doing it again tomorrow morning, so they will be occupied while we sort out the costumes and donations."
"I'll come with you," Nathan decided, following Elizabeth to the door. Elizabeth's smile was so bright it even reflected in her eyes at his offer. If possible, it got even bigger as He placed his hand on the middle of her back as they walked out the door. The three remaining smiled and looked knowingly at each other as just before the door closed, they heard Elizabeth ask Nathan if he and Allie would like to join her and Jack for supper. There wasn't a doubt in their minds that his answer had been yes.
Tuesday, December 21, 1920
The next morning, Bill, Joseph, Minnie, Elizabeth, and Rosemary headed to the church to get started. Nathan would join them after his morning rounds. Lee knew where he would be if something came up of the Mountie variety.
Nathan had changed out of his uniform at his office since they would be working. After quickly checking in with Lee, Nathan hurried over, eager to see Elizabeth again. His thoughts went back to the previous evening when he and Allie had dinner with the Thorntons. The four of them had a wonderful time even after Bill joined them for dessert. The obstacles that he thought were once unsurmountable seemed to be getting smaller while the confidence of Elizabeth returning his feelings grew as he saw the proof himself in her actions. Bill and Joseph were just walking up the steps with the last of the donations that had been dropped off at the café when he arrived. After grabbing one of the boxes from Joseph, Nathan followed them inside.
Walking into the church, they saw Rosemary and Elizabeth scooting a trunk towards the front pew. Rosemary opened the trunk and began pulling out the items. There were little masks that could be held up for the sheep and other animals in the stable. There were also a few other costume pieces for angels and shepherds.
"Look, here is the backdrop of a night sky that Jack had put on the finishing touches. I remember that he had been so busy working on the home for the Lawson's that he ate his sandwich while adding details to the stars because he felt it was needed."
Elizabeth and Rosemary held it up so the others could see it. It reminded her of another backdrop that Jack had made and the memory of him redrawing her comet on the blackboard before school started one morning. She was caught up in her memories and didn't realize Minnie had asked her a question.
"I'm sorry I got lost in a memory," she said with a smile. "What did you ask?"
"I was going to ask if you are all right, but I can tell by the smile on your face it was a pleasant memory."
Elizabeth nodded in response.
"Let me guess, you were thinking of the other backdrop?" Rosemary asked, chuckling.
"That and the day he judged my drawing of a comet to be lacking and then redrew it. It was right after you came to town claiming to be Jack's fiancé." Elizabeth laughed. "But I'm realizing that instead of making me sad, these memories just make me happy, and though I miss him, I can focus on the good and not the bad. Abigail, Molly, Clara, and Florence once told me that I would get there, but I really didn't think I could." Elizabeth giggled as joy bubbled up at the realization that healing had taken place, igniting hope that maybe she was finally ready to step away from her grief.
Nathan saw the truth of her words reflected in her eyes, and hope bubbled up that she was finally ready to open her heart to love again.
"Those were fun times," Rosemary teased. "Especially when Jack had to force down your Chicken Fried Steak, remember?"
Elizabeth laughed, giving Rosemary a hug. "Poor Jack. He had never been so happy to see Ned or a telegram in his life."
"Abigail had been reluctant to leave you two alone to work the café in case it caught on fire," Bill teased with a chuckle. "Of course, as Rosemary was dragging you away, you looked like you were ready to gnaw your arm off to avoid it too."
"Or maybe there was another reason she didn't want to be alone with you?" Elizabeth teased with a brow raised. Bill chuckled, knowing what she was referring to. There was a very short list of 3 people who could tease Bill about that time, and it was a testament to their relationship that Elizabeth was one of them. Two of them were currently standing in the room, and the other was Clara.
"Well, luckily, you got the hang of it eventually, Elizabeth," Rosemary teased. "Even if it was just before he left for the Northern Territories. Of course, by the time he got back, I'm sure he would have loved anything that you put in front of him."
Elizabeth laughed and rolled her eyes as she approached the trunk to see what else was there and then pulled out the banner Jack had created for his impromptu Mountie Ball.
"You looked so beautiful in that dress, even if it was only for the saloon and an event with only two attendees," Rosemary said softly, placing an arm around her shoulders.
Elizabeth shared with the others what had happened and Jack's surprise. "The only music we had was the music box Jack got from the peddler. But it didn't matter because it was still perfect. Earlier that day, when we had finished everything for the children and the settlers after being up all night, Jack said, "I guess good things really do happen when plans change."
"No truer words were ever spoken," Joseph said with a smile.
Elizabeth was startled at Joseph's words and, with a look of awe, "You know, I recall the peddler saying that exact same thing."
"I have seen it proven many times over, and it never gets old," Minnie added.
"I forgot all about that peddler that showed up. He got me in trouble when Jack found out I sold that horrible broach that Lee got me for our first Christmas, remember?"
"Oh yeah, the big spider one, right?"
"Yes," Rosemary said with a shudder.
"I remember Jack asking him if it had crawled away when he reported it stolen," Bill said. Everyone laughed.
"I had been horrified when I found out Lee reported it stolen and Jack arrested the peddler. Of course, when Jack realized what I had done, he let me have it and told me that I was going to put it back where I found it and on Christmas morning, I was to act surprised and tell Lee that I loved it. Let me just say that pretending to like it was probably the greatest acting of my career."
"I wonder…" Elizabeth said, going over to the second trunk that they had dragged out. As she opened it, she recognized the other backdrop right away. "Rosemary, can you help me with this?"
Walking over, she helped Elizabeth spread it out. As the others gathered around it, she told them the story behind it as well, including the surprise hidden. Going over to her desk to retrieve her magnifying glass, she quickly found the hidden portrait and showed it to everyone. After everyone had seen it, the backdrop was gently folded back up and put away.
"Well, enough of going through memory lane, we have a program to plan," Rosemary said. So, while the men started sorting the items into piles, the ladies began creating a service.
By the time they were finished sorting, the ladies had a plan for the service and shared it with the others.
"We thought, given what happened yesterday, that we could call the service The Greatest Gift," Elizabeth started.
"So we start with a choir piece where all of you can sing It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, and Angela can play the piano," Rosemary was excited to share the plan that they had come up with. "Then we thought Faith could just read from the Bible and act as Narrator while the story is enacted out. Cooper and Allie can be Mary and Joseph again. Of course, it's unfortunate that they won't be able to see Goldie's wonderful performance as Baby Jesus, but I'm sure we can find a doll you can use."
"I thought Angela and Harry's sisters could play angels while Elizabeth volunteered her and Jack as Shepherds," Minnie added.
"Then we can get the kids to sing Away in A Manger," Elizabeth suggested.
"We can have you be the animals and the wisemen. Then, at the end, Joseph, you can say a few words, and then Elizabeth will close by singing, "Oh, Holy Night like she was supposed to for the program here." Minnie concluded. "What do you think?"
"I think it is perfect, my beloved," Joseph said, kissing her hand.
"At least I don't have to dress up in a red suit and beard this time." Bill groused.
"Well, now that you mention it…." Elizabeth teased.
"Don't even think about it," Bill growled playfully.
"Oh, come on, Bill, Lee told me how you forfeited the dart game to see who would have to play Santa," Rosemary said.
Nathan grinned over at Bill and teased, "Who knew that underneath that gruff exterior, Bill Avery was such a big softy!"
"Not me," Joseph teased.
Rosemary walked over and squeezed his cheeks and teased "Everyone knows he is just a big marshmallow on the inside." She gave him a poke in the tummy for emphasis.
Bill rolled his eyes and growled, "Not if they are smart, they don't."
Then, after giving Elizabeth a kiss on her cheek and a mock glare at Rosemary, he took his leave. Just before he walked out the door, he paused and, smirking, said, "While there may be a bit of truth there, only a small percentage of people see that side." Then, with a wink, he was gone.