A Man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)
Friday, December 24, 1920
Thankfully, the storm had blown itself out sooner than anticipated. By the time the town began to stir, the storm had dissipated. Though the snowfall would prevent any travel back to Hope Valley, it did not impede any plans for fun for Jack's birthday. Bill was the first to reach the Hennings as Nathan wanted to check on Newton and the other horses before stopping by for Elizabeth.
Bill no sooner sat at the table with a cup of coffee than he became the subject of an interrogation by Gertie.
"How come Nathan and Elizabeth aren't together? It's clear enough to all of us that they belong together. It's so precious to watch the four of them acting like a family already. They can't even keep their eyes off each other."
Bill debated for a few seconds about whether to take her into confidence about the goal of bringing the couple together as part of the children's wishes. He had heard snatches of discussions about matchmaking last night, which influenced his decision. "All right, what I'm about to say is not for public discussion. To be honest, after hearing a few of your plans last night, I think we would do better to work together on it anyway."
Gertie nodded her agreement. So, Bill laid out everything about the two kids' wishes and what the ultimate goal was. At the end of the story, Gertie was smiling. "You just leave everything to me, Bill, and tell Joseph to be prepared to perform a wedding." Then, after a few pats on top of his hand, she added. "Me and the gals will hang up our matchmaking if we can't pull this off. The way I see it, they're halfway there already. We just need to prime the pump a little more by turning up the heat. If we play our hand right, we might even be able to catch two pairs of love birds because we are really fond of Dr. Faith, and our boy is head over heels for her."
She took a sip of coffee as she pondered for a bit and then said, "Here's what we are going to do." By the end, Bill's confidence level rose even higher, and he was grinning from ear to ear.
Twenty minutes later, the rest of the group was there. Gertie immediately gave them all the grand tour of the charming farmhouse which Elizabeth fell in love with. The Hennings farmhouse was on the smaller side and had three rooms and a loft. Though Janice had her own room, it was small and only had a twin bed in it. Jack was quite excited about Harry's bedroom in the loft and asked if they could have it in their row house.
After they were back in the kitchen, Gertie immediately shooed everyone but Janice, Minnie, and Elizabeth out of the kitchen to prepare breakfast. After breakfast, they would meet up with the town at the café. From there, they would spend the day having fun while the ladies prepared a light lunch and, later, a Christmas Feast for that evening. Gertie made it very clear that the ladies of Hope Valley would not be allowed to assist as the town wanted to show their love and appreciation for the wonderful gifts by sharing them. Gertie also asked Elizabeth if it would be okay if she baked a birthday cake for Jack. Elizabeth was touched and quickly agreed.
After breakfast, they all bundled up and headed to the café where they would meet up with everyone else. As they walked, Gertie and Harold explained how the day would go and the preparations for Jack's day of Birthday fun.
None of the Hope Valley people were permitted to help with anything that day. So, with the exception of a few men and older women to help in the café, the rest headed over to an area by the church where there was a great hill for sledding as well as a frozen pond. Despite the heavy snowfall, the heavy wind made the pond look windswept and didn't require much shoveling in order to allow it to be skated on. They had even managed to scrounge up ice skates if any of the Hope Valley people wanted to skate. The snow had been wet, so it was great for making snowballs and snowmen. They had even made a wide area for a sled run that, even now, some of the adults were testing out to the delight of the children.
There was even a nice bonfire going with plenty of logs and benches that had been arranged around it for conversation, resting, or just warming up. To make it really convenient, the cafe was close by, so they wouldn't be far when lunch was ready. It could be seen from where they were.
Jack was shaking in excitement as he looked around and couldn't decide what to do first. A few of the older adults sat on benches near the fire so they could view all the activity and stay warm. Before long, there were people skating, sledding down the hill, or just keeping an eye on the kids.
A couple of hours later, more people began sledding. The hill had been used quite a bit already, and the snow was so packed that it had become a very slippery surface due to the amount of use. It was the perfect hill for sledding Elizabeth and Jack decided after going down several times together. Soon, Jack wanted to ride with Allie. This allowed Elizabeth to take a much-needed break. Nathan had happily taken over and helped Jack onto the sled with Allie.
Nathan had just launched Allie and Jack down the hill when Scout, wanting a ride too, jumped, missed the sled, and sent Nathan careening down the hill minus a sled while Scout sat on top of him.
Faith and Elizabeth watched the whole thing and held onto each other, laughing so hard they had tears coming out of their eyes.
Nathan walked up the hill as Scout bounded off, chasing after the children. "I don't see what was so funny," he said as he dusted himself off. His lips twitched as he tried holding back a laugh.
"Maybe it was the angle because from where we were, it was hilarious," Elizabeth teased.
"Oh yeah," Nathan said, a mischievous sparkle in his eye. "You thought it was really funny, huh?"
"Scout, using you like a sled? Oh yeah," Joseph teased with a chuckle. Elizabeth lost control and, by this point, was laughing so hard she was holding her sides.
"You know Scout's like the gift that keeps on giving," Bill added.
"You should send a thank you note." Elizabeth giggled. Nathan just gave a snort and rolled his eyes at that comment.
Something in the way Nathan was suddenly looking at her tipped her off that he was up to something as he got closer. "Why don't we just see If it was the angle."
"Nathan, you wouldn't dare," Elizabeth said as she realized his intent and tried to put Bill between them.
"Don't put me in the middle," Bill said, moving out of the way with a chuckle. Nathan came around behind Bill in direct line of Elizabeth, his hands out like he was going to grab her.
"Come on, Nathan, you really have to admit it was funny, right?" Elizabeth pleaded as she continued to take a step back.
"I don't really have to admit anything, Elizabeth." Nathan chuckled. "I would think, as a teacher, you would understand the need to prove a theory. I'm just thinking that maybe I could see what was so funny if I saw it from your angle. Nathan took a few quick steps and lunged for her, deliberately missing her.
"You know that does sound reasonable, Elizabeth," Joseph teased, earning a glare from her.
"Not to mention his honor is at stake since you did issue a dare," Bill added.
Though the others knew he was really teasing her, she hadn't yet realized it. Nor did she realize, so intent on Nathan's movements, that she had ventured perilously close to the top of the hill herself. She took one more step and began to lose her footing. Realizing what was about to happen, Nathan rushed over to grab her just as she was reaching out for something to hold on to. The end result was her grabbing Nathan, and the two of them sliding down the hill together.
Everyone had stopped and watched and as they reached the bottom of the hill were laughing. As they lay there at the bottom, they looked at each other, and Nathan said, "Your right it was funny."
Elizabeth giggled, looking at him. Suddenly, their eyes locked, and they became aware of Nathan lying partially on top of Elizabeth. For a moment, their lips began to move closer ever so slowly until Jack and Allie came running over to tease them, breaking them apart instantly.
"Mama, that was funny. Can you take me next?" Jack said excitedly as he plopped down next to her.
"Now, see what you started?" Elizabeth mumbled to Nathan in light reprimand. Moving to a sitting position, she said, "I don't plan on going down that way again, Jack." Then, hearing Nathan snort, she added, "But maybe Mountie Nathan would take you, or you can ask Uncle Bill."
Luckily, Nathan was spared from a response as Cooper, Zachary, Abbie, and Gracie came over. Cooper whispered something in Allie's ear, and then, with a big smile, she grabbed Jack's hand and they all ran off.
As they stood up, brushing themselves off, Elizabeth chuckled and said, "I can't believe that you pushed me down the hill, Constable Grant."
"Actually, Mrs. Thornton, I believe if you recall, you stepped back and lost your balance, and then as I gallantly tried to rescue you, you dragged me down with you," Nathan said with a smirk.
"That's not the way I recall it," Elizabeth said as Faith came to stand beside her.
"I'm sure it isn't, but there are several witnesses. Judge Avery and Pastor Canfield being two of them. In fact, they are standing right over there. Shall we go ask them?" Nathan asked, raising a brow and crossing his arms.
Elizabeth looked over towards the bonfire where the two men were standing with Harold and a couple of other men from town. With a sheepish grin, she said, "That won't be necessary."
"Let me know if you change your mind, Lizbeth," Nathan said as he heard Allie call his name. He paused and turned, then, with a wink, said, "For the record, I wasn't really planning to push you down the hill."
Faith stood there trying to hold back a giggle and lost the battle at Elizabeth's expression of shock as they watched him jauntily walk over to Allie.
Suddenly, snowballs began coming from everywhere, and the kids decided to challenge the adults to a snowball fight. Elizabeth saw Allie throw one that hit her dad, making him turn and throw his own at her as she and Faith scrambled to find a place for cover while making ammunition. Soon, they were also deep in the battle themselves. She even managed to get close enough to Jack to hit him with it without hurting him. Then, after seeing Abbie help him make a couple, she and Faith stepped out in the open to allow him to get them in return, delighting him.
She saw that Bill had even joined the fray, standing close to Nathan. Elizabeth had an idea as she realized Nathan was distracted. Stealthily, she bent down, still facing him, and began to make a ball. She knew she would only get one shot, and she was determined.
In the process of rearming himself, Nathan saw Elizabeth moving stealthily out of the corner of his eye. When she bent down and began to make a snowball, he grinned and pretended he didn't see her. As she stood up, the mischievous look on her face and the promise of retribution in her eyes confirmed she was up to no good. It prompted a similar feeling in him. Nathan couldn't remember the last time he had so much fun or seen Elizabeth the way she was today.
Turning, he saw that she was ready to fire and taunted. "Really? I bet you can't even hit the side of a barn."
Though he had startled her, Elizabeth gave a playful cry of outrage before issuing her own taunt as if she knew he was aware. "I wouldn't be too sure about that, Constable," Then, giggling, she tossed it a couple of times in her palm playfully.
"Go ahead, throw it," Nathan laughed, then, with a smirk, said, "I dare you?"
Elizabeth hadn't realized how close he was to Bill, so as she threw the snowball, Nathan ducked, and the snowball hit Bill on the back of the head instead. Bill turned, looking to see who the culprit was. Hoping to point the finger at Nathan, her plan was foiled when her own son ratted her out.
But she still got revenge because what Nathan hadn't been aware of was that she had another snowball hidden in her coat pocket that Faith had slipped her. Before he could react, she let it fly and got him square on the chest.
He looked at her in shock for a minute trying to figure out where she got another snowball from. Elizabeth, quite pleased with herself, put her hands on her hips and said, "What do you think now!"
He grinned at her, but the look in his eyes seemed almost predatory. She watched him stoop and gather some snow, but curiously, he didn't make a ball out of it.
Suddenly, Allie giggled and called out, "Run, Mrs. Thornton."
Without wasting another minute, she took off squealing, giggling, and pleading with him close behind. She could hear him laughing and taunting things like she should just give up now. Dodging in amongst the others helped, but she knew he was closing in. Everyone was laughing and either, like Jack, encouraging Nathan to get her, or encouraging Elizabeth to hurry because he was gaining on her.
Just as it looked like she was going to get caught, they were called to lunch, and, in the rush to get to the café, she slipped into the crowd and avoided Nathan. She had called out to Faith as she passed to grab Jack for her. Elizabeth had begun to relax after removing her coat, and there was no sign of Nathan. When suddenly, she shrieked as she felt icy cold hands on the back of her neck, then a husky voice whispering, "Gotcha!" followed by a quick kiss by her ear. Elizabeth shivered in delight as she felt his warm breath on her cheek. He froze for a moment as if in shock, but before she could react, he had moved away. Breathless and heart racing, she went to turn, but Nathan was already heading over to where Bill was standing with the kids. She saw him pause as if sensing her watching him, turn to look back at her, and wink with a big grin on his face. She couldn't help rolling her eyes and chuckling in response. Looking over, she could see that Bill and the kids were laughing, too.
Shortly afterward, they were all sitting together at their table, and Nathan leaned over and whispered, "Truce?" That same shiver hit her as his cheek brushed hers, and she felt his warm breath on her ear. Her senses reeled as the scent, his scent of cedar and pine, surrounded her.
"Truce," she agreed.
Nathan and Joseph took the kids back out to play while they sat on logs near the bonfire. While they were sitting, the bitter man from the other day approached them.
"Pastor Canfield, may I sit?"
"Sure. Something on your mind?" Joseph asked. Nathan got up to give them privacy, but the man asked him to please stay.
"My name is Lester Jenkins, and I wanted to apologize to you for my words the other day. I already spoke with Harry, but I asked him not to say anything because I wanted to tell you myself."
It's nice to meet you." Joseph replied. "But you don't have to apologize. It's understandable that it would be hard to find joy this time of year with what is going on."
"Thank you for being understanding. I'm not usually so bitter or outspoken; in fact, your response to my words registered, but then, later that night, I dismissed them. You see, I used to attend seminary and was almost finished. In fact, I would conduct services when the pastor was unavailable."
"What changed?" Nathan asked.
"I lost faith in God and became angry at him when prayers went unanswered, people began to suffer, and no one reached out to help. Then, the final straw was when we found out the mayor was involved. We found out just how dire everything had gotten a few days after he and his family absconded in the middle of the night. I and a few others ended up losing our farms, and there was nothing I could do to help because even my prayers weren't being heard. Or so I thought anyway," seeing that Joseph was about to comment.
Lester smiled as he said, "I was so angry at you and your words, but now I see the truth. You're showing up not only proved we aren't forgotten, but we aren't alone. Our prayers may not have been answered when we asked, but they are now. Which I had forgotten that everything happens for a reason and in His timing, which is always the right time."
"I'll say Amen to that."
"Last night's service served as a reminder of the precious gift our Saviour is, and I had forgotten all of that because I was too focused on the town situation. Then, you also took time to bring donations that were needed, like seeds and wonderful handmade gifts and decorations. Not to mention that you gave up time to come and be here and then got stuck here away from your friends and family."
"Well, if you haven't noticed, none of us feel stuck, and we are having a wonderful time."
"I know Jack has even said it's the best birthday ever!" Nathan added, sharing what the boy had declared while at lunch.
"I think there's going to be a lot of people moving slowly tomorrow after all the fun they are having today." Lester chuckled. "Including myself. But it just proves what the Constable said Christmas doesn't come from a store because Christmas means so much more. We don't have store-bought gifts, but this is one of the best Christmas's I can remember."
"What are your plans now?" Joseph asked.
"I plan on working on completing my training as a pastor, and then Harold said they would hire me as the town pastor," Lester shared with a smile.
"Please keep in touch with me, and if there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask."
Lester gave a nod and walked away, leaving Joseph and Nathan in awe of what God had done through them.
A little while later, Elizabeth, Minnie, and Faith wanted to check on the kids and see what the others were up to. They could see Jack working on a snowman with Zachary and Abbie while Cooper, Allie, and Gracie were building another. They could hear Angela playing the piano in the church, entertaining some of the older townspeople seeking a brief respite from the cold. Janice had gone with her and was singing to her accompaniment. Elizabeth had told Minnie and Faith what had happened earlier when Nathan kissed her.
After seeing the others were okay, they spotted Nathan, Harry, and Joseph talking over by the nearby bonfire.
"Elizabeth," Faith said. "Maybe that kiss was his way of testing the waters."
"What do you mean?"
"I think she means that maybe the ball is now in your court, and you should give a response," Minnie said. Faith nodded in agreement. "It's obvious that you want to pursue a relationship with Nathan, and apparently, he feels the same."
"How do I do it? I just can't go over and plant one on him, nor is there any mistletoe around to use as an excuse."
"Why not?" Faith asked with a giggle. "If he kisses you back, then you would know for certain where his heart is."
"Then why don't you go first and kiss Harry?" Elizabeth dared.
Minnie laughed. "As entertaining as that might be, what I suggest is something just as subtle as what he did. Let's go join them, and maybe something will come to you."
As they drew close, Elizabeth suddenly came up with an idea. As they approached, Elizabeth took her hand out of her mitt and gently caressed the nape of Nathan's neck, briefly allowing her fingers to tangle in the soft brown hair as she said, "Hello, Nathan, is this seat taken?"
"Uh, no," he said huskily, looking up at her in surprise. She slid her mitt back on. Then, moving her hand to his shoulder, she used it to help balance as she stepped over the log to sit down right beside him. He looked over at her, giving her a warm smile before closing the little remaining distance between them so they were completely touching and not even a piece of paper could be placed between them.
Minnie and Faith sat down beside Joseph and Harry as well. The look in their eyes let Elizabeth know they hadn't missed what she had done, and they approved. Joseph was excited to tell them about their interaction with Lester Jenkins and how much different he seemed. A short time later, Joseph and Minnie excused themselves and went to check on Angela since she was still at the church as far as they knew.
Nathan was still reeling from Elizabeth's touch, and his heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest. It didn't help that the lavender and lily scent surrounded him, making it hard to pay attention. He didn't know how much more he could take before he broke down and laid all his cards on the table.
As people began to tire out, Gertie and her band of merry matchmakers came up with another idea. She sent Harold and Bill to fetch their sleigh for an impromptu sleigh ride. It would be perfect because it was only wide enough for the couple to sit snuggled together under a blanket. It would be the perfect setup before the dinner and surprise dance they had planned. To aid in their schemes, some of merry band were hanging sprigs of mistletoe all around the area with the help of Joseph.
Harry, Nathan, Faith, and Elizabeth were still sitting by the bonfire talking together when they heard Gertie calling their names. Turning, they looked up and saw her standing with Bill and Harold beside a beautiful sleigh behind Homer. Homer was standing proudly, all decked out for Christmas. Faith and Elizabeth immediately jumped and ran over, exclaiming over Homer and the sleigh.
As Nathan and Harry joined them, Gertie said, "I thought it would be nice if you took Faith on a sleigh ride and that Elizabeth and Nathan joined you. It's such a beautiful day, and there's nothing like a sleigh ride as the sun begins to set."
Before Nathan or Elizabeth could object, she turned to address them and added, "Now, don't you two go worrying about those youngins." Between the three of us, motioning to her, Bill, and Harold, we can keep an eye on them. You just go have fun now. Here's a nice thermos of hot cocoa to enjoy as well." She handed each couple their own with only one cup, requiring Nathan and Elizabeth to share a cup. "Besides, you don't want to disappoint Homer after he got all dressed up, do ya! Just look how excited he is." At the mention of his name, he stamped the ground, making the sleigh bells hung about his neck ring. Then he moved his big head up and down, adding a whinny at the end as if agreeing with her.
That ended any more objections, and the couples headed over to the sleigh. The men helped the ladies in before joining them. The space was tight, and finally, after Elizabeth and Nathan couldn't find a comfortable position, Nathan just put his arm around her and tucked her close, emulating Faith and Harry.
"Is that better?" he whispered in her ear after tucking the blanket around their legs.
"Much better," Elizabeth replied. Their eyes locked for a moment, making them forget others were present.
"Now see, don't you all look cozy together and pretty as a picture," Gertie said, clapping her hands together in glee. "Off you go now, Harry, and be sure to take the long way around."
"All right, Ma," Harry said, chuckling. "Let's go, Homer. You heard Ma. We are taking the long way." With a nod of his head and the jingle of the sleighbells, they were off. Since Homer already knew where he was going, Harry just let him have his head and only kept a light hand on the reigns while his focus stayed on Faith.
As they headed out of sight, Elizabeth giggled and said, "Boy, Rosemary would absolutely love this."
"Oh, I know. I can see her now." Faith chuckled.
"I still can't believe how the two of you started out," Nathan mused. "I don't think that would ever be a possibility for Lucas and me. The most we can do comfortably is friendly acquaintances."
"Trust me, I know how crazy it seems," Elizabeth said. "Our early days were just as you described your relationship with Lucas. But it helped too that she got a taste of her own medicine when Lee and Molly tricked her into thinking they were an item after she turned him down when he wanted to court."
"What?" Faith and Nathan exclaimed at the same time.
"Oh yeah, she was sooo jealous. It didn't take her long to give up on Jack and choose Lee."
"I remember my first time meeting her. I had been summoned from Union City to tend to Lee's foot. At first, she insinuated that, as a nurse, I couldn't take care of Lee's injury. Then she reminded me that Jack had already looked at it and was a trained Mountie. Then, she just kept on and on, and then when she told Lee she had a bell, and he should just ring it if he needed anything. I told her that we should have her leave and see if she could hear it from down the hall. As soon as she left the room, I shut and locked the door." They all laughed, knowing how Rosemary was.
The couples then rode in silence for a while sipping cocoa, just enjoying each other's company and the beautiful scenery. The new fallen snow from the storm had created a Winter Wonderland.
As Faith and Harry began to talk quietly among themselves, Nathan whispered, "I meant to tell you how beautifully you sang last night."
"Thank you," Elizabeth said, looking over at him.
Nathan snuggled her closer, and she gave a contented sigh as she laid her head on his shoulder. Nathan smiled and rested his head against her, content to just hold her and enjoy the moment. Faith and Harry appeared to be feeling the same.
After that, the ride seemed to go too quickly, and Homer was approaching the café where they could see Bill and the kids playing. The jingling of the bells caught Jack's attention, and he stopped to look at the horse. He waited until Homer came to a stop before approaching as he had been taught, but his eagerness to say hello was evident.
He didn't even notice Nathan or Elizabeth and went straight to Homer, who had already bent down and nuzzled Jack's hand. Harry unhitched Homer and, with Elizabeth's permission, placed Jack on top and gently led him around in a wide circle a few times before hitching Homer back up. Jack then wanted to see Newton when Nathan mentioned he needed to check on him. Nathan and Bill offered to drop him off at the cottage when they were done so that the others could go and get ready.
Faith, Elizabeth, and Allie got in the sleigh, and Harry dropped them off at the doctor's residence on the way back home and Homer's stall in the barn. That way, they could change for the evening's festivities.
Newton was happy to see Jack, who told him all about his new horse friend Homer. But before they left Jack made sure Newton knew that although he made a new horse friend, he and Sargent were still his favorite.