"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12 (KJV)
Saturday, December 25, 1920
Jack woke up excited to start the day but didn't even mention Santa or presents. He made it clear he was eager to see his new friends and, of course, their family, which now included the Canfields. Elizabeth smiled as she recalled him going up to Joseph and Minnie last night, asking if he could address them as Aunt Minnie and Uncle Joseph.
It was obvious to all who had been at the party that God had blessed their fellowship with overflowing joy and peace. There was a lightness of spirit in everyone that continued throughout the evening, letting them know that God was in their midst.
As she began to move about, the sunlight glinted off her wedding band, a subtle reminder that it had been real, and she was now Nathan's wife, and Allie was her daughter. There was a sense of rightness to it, as if all was finally right in her world. Where before there was fear and regret in her heart, now there was only love and gratefulness. She giggled as she was overcome with eagerness to see Nathan and jumped out of bed to get dressed and start the day.
As Nathan and Bill, riding Homer, completed a set of rounds, Nathan was dealing with a similar feeling. When he woke up, at first, he thought it had been a dream but then caught a glimpse of the wedding band Elizabeth had placed on his finger, reminding him that he was indeed Elizabeth's husband and Jack's father. He became choked up by the swell of emotion that had overwhelmed him as he recalled Jack asking to call him Dad. Then Elizabeth had made it clear that she considered him a partner in parenting Jack and her consideration of Allie by giving her the option of calling her Beth giving Allie time to think about what she wanted.
"Are you still daydreaming over there?" Bill asked, breaking Nathan out of his thoughts.
Nathan grinned "What do you think?"
"I think you should ride back in the wagon with Elizabeth, and I'll ride Newton. Then you can talk or look at each other as much as you want." Bill muttered as he rolled his eyes.
"You'll get no arguments from me, Bill," Nathan chuckled. "Though I'm pretty sure that you will be sharing the saddle with Jack."
"I'd already planned on it." Bill grinned.
"Bill, I just want you to know that I really…." Nathan said, struggling to find words as he looked at his ring.
"Yeah, I already know. You and Joseph weren't exactly quiet last night and couldn't help overhearing," Bill said gruffly, uncomfortable with the display of emotion. "Don't get all sappy on me. Save it for Elizabeth and the kids. But know I feel the same way about you."
Nathan just chuckled and stayed quiet.
"But I want you to know that you have done more for me than you realize. After losing Jack it was hard to even go into the office. He was like a son to me but then you have become that way too. Besides, I feel like I owe you one after that warm welcome I gave you."
Nathan laughed, "Warm welcome?"
Bill shrugged, then smirked and said. "It wouldn't have happened if you had done the proper thing and introduced yourself when you arrived."
"Oh, so that was my fault you put me in Jail after telling me to leave the law and order to you."
Bill chuckled, "See, even you admit it." Nathan just shook his head and laughed.
"Seriously though, Nathan, you just stay safe and keep my girls and my godson happy, and we can call it even. Oh, and I told Allie to start calling me Uncle Bill."
They arrived back at the Hennings place just as Elizabeth, Faith, and the children got there. The others went inside, allowing Elizabeth and Nathan a moment alone. Pulling her around the side of the house out of view of the others, he pulled her close and captured her lips in a long, deep, searing kiss, leaving them both hanging on to each other as they caught their breath.
"Wow!" Elizabeth said. "Did you miss me? I could get used to those."
"You have no idea how hard it was to do rounds and not just rush over to the cottage as soon as I got up, Lizbeth."
"Oh, how I missed that," Elizabeth said with a sigh.
"Missed what?" Nathan asked.
"You saying my name the way you just did," Elizabeth said. Seeing his confusion, she said, "You haven't called me Lizbeth since I…" He stopped her by placing a finger on her lips, knowing what she would be referring to.
"Then I will make it a point to only call you that," Nathan said, removing his finger. "Lizbeth,"
"I'm also becoming quite partial to Mrs. Grant," Elizabeth added huskily, giving him a sultry look.
"So am I," He grinned. His eyes were ablaze with the fire of the passion that was blazing between them.
He went to close the distance between their lips, but she stopped him. "But only if I'm not in trouble!"
He just chuckled. "What should I call you if you are in trouble?"
"Simple Elizabeth!" she replied with a saucy grin, taking the initiative and capturing his lips with hers.
How long they kissed, they didn't know, but they broke apart as they heard Bill yell out, "If you two are done kissing, the rest of us would like to eat and get on the road."
Chuckling, they kissed quickly and then, holding hands, walked back around the house to see Bill looking at them with a mock scowl on his face and his hands on his hips.
After having a wonderful breakfast that consisted of eggs, pancakes, bacon, and home fries, the urge to head home became stronger.
Allie and Jack played with Abbie, Gracie, and Zachary while the ladies helped with cleanup, and then the men got the wagons ready. Before long, it was time to say goodbye. Elizabeth told Janice that she would contact her friend as soon as she got home about arranging for Janice to do the same correspondence course as Laura to become a teacher.
As they left, it didn't escape Nathan or Joseph's notice that, for the first time, they were leaving Eagle Creek with light, happy hearts full of joy and peace. What made it even better is that though circumstances hadn't changed much for the town, there was a feeling of hope that resonated with everyone as God renewed their strength by revealing through what Hope Valley and Benson Hills had done that He was still with them and would see them through. Their experience in Eagle Creek made a lasting impression on all of them.
As they passed by the Mountie office, Jack saluted the Mountie snowman and his faithful Mountie snow dog. Then, as the café came into view, Jack giggled and pointed over to the snowman he built last night. "Look, Mama, the deer is eating his nose."
Sure enough, as they all looked over, there was a little deer happily snacking on the carrot that served as Jack's snowman's nose, making them chuckle.
"Allie, keep a close eye on Scout," Nathan warned, not wanting to have to deal with running after a dog in the snow. She was currently riding with the Canfields. Wherever Allie or Jack was, that was where Scout could usually be found.
Allie laughed, "Don't worry, Dad, he is passed out after all that bacon and the muffins Aunt Gertie gave him."
Gertie and Harold had insisted all the kids call them Aunt Gertie and Uncle Harold. It was the beginning of a friendship that would last a lifetime.
On the way home, Nathan rode with Elizbeth in the wagon so they could discuss the logistics of blending the household while Bill and Jack rode Newton. Bill also knew that by offering to switch places with Nathan, he wouldn't be subjected to the sappy looks they were giving each other. He also made a mental note after things settled down to arrange for the transfer of his land into their name as his gift to them. He had a feeling they would quickly be outgrowing the rowhouse. Elizabeth had placed Jack's land, now referred to as Thornton Meadows, in trust for their son, which helped them in the fight against Montague when he caused trouble early on. Between the two properties, they would have plenty of room to spread out, especially if Jack remained in Hope Valley. It also would ensure that the stream that flowed through both pieces of land would continue to provide water for the springs.
Bill felt Jack lean against him, and he looked down, smiling at the little boy who meant everything to him.
Jack was already looking up at him with a smile that was so much like his father's. "Uncle Bill?"
"Yes, Jack?"
"Thank you for making my wish come true," Jack said.
"Well, you are welcome, little man."
"I love you, Uncle Bill."
I love you too, Jack." Bill rasped, overcome with love for the little boy looking up at him so trustingly.
They had gone a little way when Bill spotted a deer drinking from a little stream. "Jack, take a look over there," he whispered.
Jack's eyes got big, and he looked where Bill was pointing. As they got closer to the stream, Jack saw the other. "Uncle Bill, there's another one over there."
"Well, so there is." Bill chuckled. "Did I ever tell you the first time your daddy saw a deer?"
Jack shook his head so Bill began talking about how Jack had been convinced it was one of Santa's reindeer and was lost in the woods. That led to other stories for the rest of the ride home. Bill couldn't help thinking how much his buddy Tom would have loved being a grandfather, and then he teared up thinking how great Jack would have been as a father and what a great man his boy was going to be someday.
He had always pictured himself living alone in a hunting cabin somewhere in the woods after he retired from the Mounties. He certainly wouldn't have thought when Jack asked him to come to Coal Valley to face off against Henry that he would fall in love with it and end up staying and making it his home.
God apparently had other plans for him, and he was glad that He had. His life was so much richer and more fulfilled than anything he would have made of it otherwise. After losing Martin, Tom Sr., and then Jack Sr., he couldn't help feeling that God had sent him Jack Jr., Nathan, and Allie, as well as giving him the gift of Elizabeth and Clara as daughters. Seeing all the other happy couples made him think about Madeline and Jamie and wonder how they were doing. Maybe when things settled down, he just might look them up and see.
Thankfully, the day stayed mild, and they easily made it back to Hope Valley by 3:30 pm. Florence and Ned had a banner posted on their railing that said Congratulations, Nathan and Elizabeth. The town had decided to take advantage of the weather, and everyone was gathered around the wishing tree, waiting to welcome them home. A little bonfire was made to help ward off any chill if needed, and Gustav had set up his stand to serve coffee or hot cocoa.
Knowing the travelers would be tired, Richard and Kurt quickly rounded up some men to help take care of the wagons while Mei and Hickam took charge of taking care of Newton. Lee placed their personal items in his car and dropped them off at their rowhouses to save them from having to do it later.
When Florence noticed Elizabeth looking around, she informed her that Rosemary had just gone to feed Goldie a few minutes before they arrived. While they waited, they made a quick trip to the café to freshen up, then rejoined the gathering around the bonfire to warm up, accepting congratulations and explaining how the wedding all came about.
Bill and Joseph snuck over to Gustav's stand for coffee and watched Nathan smile and just stand beside Elizabeth as they were inundated with questions and requests to see their rings. Which, of course, would also prompt Elizabeth to share the story about them. He had already had a few ladies looking over at him misty-eyed.
"I love it when a plan comes together," Bill said as he took a sip of coffee.
"Well, you can never go wrong when you include God in the plan." Joseph chuckled. "Let's not forget Gertie's help, either."
"That's the ONLY way this would have come about," Bill smirked. "Now we need to come up with another plan."
Joseph looked at him, confused. "Plan for what?"
"For a Honeymoon," Bill said matter of factly.
Joseph had just taken a sip of coffee and choked as he swallowed, making him cough. "What?"
Bill continued on, "We need an escape plan so they don't end up stuck at the evening festivities for the whole night. Rosemary was cheated of a wedding so she will have planned something tonight to make up for it. Florence and Molly have already warned me."
After noticing Gustav was alone, they quickly confirmed what was planned, and then Joseph said, "Let's go find Minnie because she is good at planning things like this. We will definitely need a woman to help with this."
Luckily, they didn't have to go far because she was standing with Florence, Molly, and Faith off to the side, which would allow for a private conversation. To Bill and Joseph's relief, the women had already begun planning, and all they had to do was what they were told and when.
Twenty minutes later, Lee and Rosemary returned and, after noticing the others were there as well, asked about how things went in Eagle Creek. One by one they all began to share their wonderful encounters with them. Even little Jack was excited to tell the story of how Mama hit Uncle Bill in the back of the head with a snowball while trying to hit Dad, how Scout pushed Dad down the hill, and how it was the best birthday ever because of all the new friends he made which of course he had to talk about one by one. Rosemary hugged Allie tight and insisted Allie begin calling them Aunt Rosie and Uncle Lee. Lee echoed that request, giving her a hug as well.
"It sounds like you had quite the birthday and Christmas even without presents, Jack," Lee said.
"I did. It's like Dad and Uncle Joseph said: Christmas or Birthday doesn't have to come from a store because Christmas and Birthdays mean more than a present. I had fun just playing with all my new friends and making them happy."
Nathan leaned down and scooped Jack up, hugging him close, full of pride for the little boy, now his son, who he had lost his heart to from the first time he saw him. 'Oh, Jack, what a wonderful young man our son is going to be.' He thought to himself. Opening his eyes, he could see that everyone's eyes were glistening, and the importance of his words hit home with every heart there.
"That's right, Jack. The greatest gifts come from the heart," Elizabeth added. "Whether bought or homemade. Even spending time with someone is a gift."
Their experience in helping Eagle Creek made a lasting impression on everyone present, which was life-changing.
After that, people began meandering around, enjoying the fellowship and giving Elizabeth and Rosemary a chance to catch up finally. Elizabeth, Allie, Jack, and Faith joined her on a nearby bench to hear all about Goldie's reaction to her first Christmas. Then she switched to letting them know about how wonderful the wishing tree exchange went and some of the wonderful exchanges that happened.
As she finished, Sarah and her parents came over, thanking Elizabeth for the beautiful cradle. Sarah was carrying her doll and the little bear that Allie made. Jack bragged about how he and Mountie Nathan, who was now his dad, had made it. Then, of course, Elizabeth also shared it had been a family project because Allie had made the little pillow and the bear. This triggered them to talk, reminiscing over Sarah's crib.
Sarah asked if Jack's wish had come true, and with a big grin on his face, he told her about how Uncle Bill and Uncle Joseph worked together to get Mama to marry his Dad so Allie could be his sister.
Shortly afterward, Merrin and his mama approached to say how much they enjoyed his book. He had the book in his hands and asked Allie to read one of the stories. Settling down on a nearby bench, Merrin snuggled up next to Allie while Jack used his own Chloe and Brownie figurines to act it out for the little boy's amusement. The giggles of the three prompted other kids to listen, and Allie ended up reading all of the stories while his mama stood nearby visiting with Ellen Wiese and Molly while keeping an eye on her other two children, Jere and Emerson.
Elizabeth and Rosemary watched for a few minutes before Elizabeth turned back to Rosemary with a soft smile to continue the conversation. "Sounds like everyone's wishes came true."
Rosemary nodded and then scoffed "Well, not everyone." Prompting a questioning look from Elizabeth.
"Fiona found two ornaments left on the tree. They only had the word hope on them. They were close together, almost next to each other too, which is strange."
About that time, Bill and Nathan approached and heard Rosemary add, "We can't figure it out, although I think it was Bill who did it."
"What is it you think I did?" Bill asked.
Rosemary handed Goldie to Elizabeth, walked over to the ornament box, and pulled out two ornaments. Marching over to Bill, she held the ornaments in question up so they could see. "This!"
"I'm afraid I need a little more information than that," Bill said.
She handed the ornaments over to Bill. "These were left on the tree, and I know that you pulled a similar thing back when Jack came home for Christmas; Abigail told me about that. Though I don't know why you would put two on there since the limit is one wish per person, Bill Avery." She emphasized.
Elizabeth looked over at Bill, "That was you?"
"Yeah, I was desperate since Jack's wish was to spend Christmas with you, and I had no luck getting him more leave time through the regular channels. I figured it was worth a try," Bill said sheepishly. Then he turned the ornaments over to see the writing. "However, in this case, I can tell you that I am not the person you're looking for and can prove it."
"How exactly are you planning to do that?" Rosemary demanded, placing her hands on her hips.
"Well, it doesn't take a Mountie Forensic Specialist to know that this one was written by a feminine hand. Two, this other one is a lot neater but written in a masculine hand. I don't think anyone in town would classify my best handwriting as neat."
Elizabeth and Nathan had managed to see the handwriting in question and looked at each other in shock, immediately recognizing it, before they smiled softly and exchanged a brief kiss.
"But I think I may have an idea of whose they are, and if I'm right, I'm pretty sure their wish was granted." Then, turning to Nathan and Elizabeth, Bill said, "Judging by your reactions, I take it these belong to the two of you?"
Elizabeth and Nathan nodded in response. Then, smiling up at Nathan, Elizabeth said, "Nathan and I can vouch they came true."
"See, mystery solved! It's obvious that when the kid's wishes came true, theirs did as well. I think my job is done here," Bill said with a smug look. Then he handed the ornaments over to the happy couple before strutting over to Gustav's stand for another much-needed cup of coffee.
Then, Rosemary recalled what had taken place without her the day before. "Speaking of the kid's wishes. How dare you get married without me?"
Elizabeth laughed, "I was only doing what you told me to do. After all, you did say I wasn't getting any younger."
The people of Hope Valley witnessed a rare event because Rosemary Coulter was speechless. Nathan and Elizabeth took advantage of it and made their escape.
"Do you think anyone would notice if we disappeared for a bit?" Elizabeth asked, feeling her head swimming from all the noise. Nathan gave her a smoldering look, which ignited a similar feeling in her.
He quickly moved them to a little alcove to give them a semblance of privacy and then huskily whispered, "Does it matter?"
Elizabeth could feel her heart begin to race but unfortunately knew that they would have to wait on honeymooning until later and, with regret, said, "Unfortunately, it does because we have the children to get settled, and Rosemary would probably send out a search party. She can be relentless when she is determined."
Nathan let out a shaky breath as he tried to regain control of his desire.
She gave him a sweet kiss to soothe their mutual frustration. "I promise at the first opportunity I can see we will disappear."
"I'm going to hold you to it, Mrs. Grant." He teased as they left their hiding spot.
"Just be ready for when I give the signal, Constable Grant," Elizabeth replied with a sassy grin.
"That will be easy because I don't plan to leave your side for the rest of the evening." Nathan retorted.
They had just gotten a beverage from Gustav's cart when Lucas and Fiona approached them with smiles.
"Hey, you two. I'm sure you are ready for some peace and quiet," Fiona chuckled. "We don't want to keep you."
"Fiona and I wanted to congratulate you both," Lucas said with a smile. "It's nice to see you two have finally found true happiness,"
"Thank you, Lucas." Elizabeth beamed; she truly had found true happiness with Nathan.
Bill arrived just then, grinning as he looked at Lucas and Fiona. "Well, I hear congratulations are in order for the two of you, Bouchard."
Lucas smiled big as he pulled Fiona closer. "Yes, indeed. Fiona agreed to marry me."
"Congratulations!" Nathan and Elizabeth said at the same time. They were truly happy for the couple. Elizabeth hugged Fiona while Nathan shook Lucas' hand.
"I also wanted to let you know there has been some excellent progress made regarding Eagle Creek's situation. Just before I left the capitol, I received word that they would be the recipients of emergency funding that would allow them to recover from the man-made drought. All Union City Holding contracts made with the town have been held in abeyance pending judicial verdicts and possible restitution to the landowners who were defrauded by the company. Their assets have been frozen until all judicial matters have been resolved. There's even a good chance that if it takes long enough, they will be unable to continue to operate."
"How wonderful!" Nathan said. "Thank you for letting us know. When will they be informed?"
"I'm waiting for the final paperwork to arrive, and then I was thinking that Bill could be the messenger to give them the great news since he has acted as their legal representation. The papers are supposed to arrive by close of business tomorrow by courier so that we can go over them carefully to address any surprises or grey areas." Lucas replied.
"I would be happy to," Bill said. "Just let me know when."
"I will. Well, with that said, I think we have bothered you enough. We will see you at the saloon for dinner." Lucas replied before leading Fiona away.
Bill then turned to them with a wide grin. "Well, you two, you'll be happy to know that we have the next two days all planned out for you. I will have Jack and Allie with me at my house."
"Bill, we can't impose on you like that," Elizabeth protested.
"It's no imposition. I will also be handling Mountie duties for you as well so we don't want to see either one of you until Monday, at which time we will begin moving things around. Before you say no, Nathan, I have already cleared it with Patrick O'Reilly."
"You won't get an argument from me."
"Wait, what about exchanging presents? We haven't had a chance to do that." Elizabeth thought of the presents that hadn't been opened, both for Jack's birthday and Christmas.
"We will be doing that Monday when we gather at your house for breakfast before the moving starts," Bill replied. "Now, the only thing left to do before you can go is to attend the Dinner/Reception that Rosemary arranged for you."
Bill noticed the looks they sent each other. "Don't worry. All you have to do is eat some dinner, cut the cake, maybe dance a couple of songs. Then Lee is going to distract Rosemary while you sneak out with the kids to say goodbye. I'll be right behind you to take them up to my place. It's all arranged to happen quickly, so don't dawdle over dinner. When you two see the cake slices come out, that's your cue. In fact, I would move closer to the door as soon as you cut the cake."
Seeing their relieved faces, Bill continued, "Now, let's get this party started. I'll escort you and the kids home in Lee's car so you can refresh yourselves and change into something a little fancier for this dinner which is honoring you. I'll help Jack change and pack while the rest of you change. Then I'll take the kids to my home and settle them in Jack's room and meet you at the saloon. Don't forget to water your Christmas tree, Nathan. I'll water Elizabeth's. Once I take the children, you two should have a few minutes after you are ready to take a leisurely walk to the saloon. But don't be late!"
Everything went off exactly as Bill had laid out with a military-style precision. Elizabeth noticed that Rosemary kept trying to slow things down, but things remained efficient and carried on. As soon as they cut the cake, Gustav took it back to the kitchen to begin plating it and solicited Rosemary's help.
Nathan and Elizabeth gathered up their children and ushered them outside for a private goodnight. They huddled together by the wishing tree, cuddling with each other, no words needed between them. Though the party was still going on, the little family was ready for some quiet time to relax.
Bill had been standing with Joseph just inside the door to give them a few minutes of privacy and to keep an eye on things, but now, looking at his watch, he decided it was time to make his exit, too. They both stepped outside, silently watching the little family they helped bring together. Bill and Joseph looked at each other with a smug smile and then looked upward, silently acknowledging and giving thanks to the God who makes all things possible and for the gift of friendship that bound them all together in love not only as a town but as family.
A week later Elizabeth was removing the ornaments from her tree so that Nathan could take it out when he came home for lunch. It had started out as a family project, but the kids soon abandoned it to go sledding with the other children. As she edged around the side of the tree she looked up and realized that she had somehow missed the cardinal ornament. She smiled as she recalled Nathan and Jack placing it there not long ago. She strained to reach it, standing on her tiptoes, when she heard a husky voice behind her. "Here, let me help you with that."
Elizabeth smiled and turned as she felt Nathan just behind her like that first Christmas Nathan and Allie were in Hope Valley. But this time, when she turned, their breath commingled as they drew closer until their lips met. She felt his arms wrapped around her snugly, holding her close as he deepened the kiss. She sighed dreamily as he pulled away, knowing that for the rest of their lives, that cardinal would be her favorite ornament.
Allie had painted a picture of evergreen branches, and they glued the four wooden ornaments as if they were hanging from the tree. Then Nathan made a beautiful frame with a metal plate engraved with The Grant Family along with their wedding date attached to the frame. It was mounted above their bed.