AN: This story got in my head, and I had to write it out. As I know she will enjoy it, it is a special thankyou to my beta for always having her "red pen" at the ready for the story. She hadn't seen this one ahead of time so if there is comma out of place that is all on me. Merry Christmas TN fans! This story is a re-do of what took place following "the hug". Inspired by the song "Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer" if you know the lyrics you will see elements from those lyrics sprinkled into the story.

Disclaimer: The characters and places of WCTH belong to Hallmark Media. I am only borrowing them for entertainment purposes only.


Elizabeth walked into the mercantile all bundled up for a tree hunt with the Coulters and Jack. Today was the twenty-second and she knew that things couldn't be put off any longer. Though she had been hoping she might have plans finalized for the holidays that might allow for only a small tree in her own home, even two months after the O'Rourke prisoner transfer incident everything was still in turmoil. Nathan had even faced a two-week suspension with pay following the incident. Both Bill and Nathan had said it was customary with a shooting death involved but Elizabeth had thought things would calm down following it. Instead, Nathan seemed to have to make a lot of trips to Union City. It had kept them from really have a chance to talk.

It made her wish that she had never let him go that day in the street.

The fact that she knew what was going on with Nathan and worried about him but barely missed Lucas, Elizabeth knew was very telling. Lucas had disappeared the day after the transfer. With his absence, his buy out of Gowen Petroleum had never been finalized - which meant that Henry still had controlling interest in the company. It had been Nathan who had approached Henry with a possible solution - a possible investor willing to get the company back on its feet. The stipulation was that all business decisions had to be signed off by both Henry and this investor. To everyone's surprise, Hope Valley's former mayor had agreed to the terms. Though Lucas' disappearance was slowing things down some, the oil company was slowly climbing out of the red.

As for the Queen of Hearts, Gustav had taken over managing it. The chef turned manager said that he talked to Lucas a few times a week but that he had been asked to say nothing about the saloon owner's whereabouts.

"Hello, Elizabeth," Ned said as she entered, walking away from where the telephone switchboard was. Behind him, Elizabeth saw Florence partially shielding Allie as she hugged the door. The sight made the school teacher's heart clench - both for Allie's distress and for fear of what could cause it.

"Is Allie okay?" Elizabeth asked quietly.

Ned glanced back at the girl and Florence before focusing on Elizabeth again. "Nathan called. He doesn't know when he's going to get back from Union City. Not what any kid wants to hear a few days before Christmas."

Elizabeth felt a wave of relief flow through her. Nathan was physically alright. Still, her heart hurt for the teen. "I know she's been working the switchboard for you Ned, but can you spare Allie today? Lee is helping get a tree for Jack and me and I would like to invite her along. It isn't the same as having her uncle here, but it might be better than dwelling on the situation while a call came in."

Ned nodded. "If she wants to join you yes. I can handle the store while Florence runs the switchboard. Before you ask her though, was there a reason you came in?"

"Yes. My parents sent a package. I wanted to see if it came in yet?"

"I haven't seen it, but I haven't sorted all the packages yet. I can go look through the unsorted mail for you though," Ned offered.

Elizabeth shook her head. "If you could just keep an eye out for it and let me know when it comes in, please."

Ned nodded. "I will," he said with a smile. "Happy tree hunting."

"Thanks," Elizabeth said. "Jack is probably giving Lee and Rosemary a hard time about going. He's excited for the tree hunt. I'll just go see if Allie wants to join us."

Ned smiled and then turned his attention to Cat who had stepped up to the counter with a basket of groceries.

Elizabeth made her way back toward the switchboard. "Allie," she said softly as she approached to get the girl's attention. She saw the girl wipe her eyes with a handkerchief as she looked up. "Ned said your uncle has been delayed."

"Yes," Allie said. "Sometimes I really hate the Mounties. Uncle Nathan did nothing wrong but it feels like they are treating him that way, just like when he served at Fort Clay."

Elizabeth nodded. Though they may not have had a lot of time to talk, Nathan had finally told her about his suspension at Fort Clay which had opened the instructor position for Jack. When he had apologized, the guilt that Nathan had been carrying around for the last few years became clear. She had simply told him that losing his assignment and Jack choosing to take the assignment, were factors out of his control as she had hugged him again.

Another time that maybe I simply shouldn't have let go, Elizabeth thought even as she spoke to Allie.

"I know that feeling well. Especially after they gave Jack the instructor position at For Clay after he had been granted leave for our honeymoon," Elizabeth confessed.

"We don't even have a tree in our house yet," Allie lamented. "He told me we would go as soon as he got back. What if they keep him for Christmas?"

"I am sure your Uncle will be home to spend Christmas with you," Elizabeth assured her, confident in that assumption. Nathan had passed up a promotion for her sake the year before - surely he wouldn't let the Force make him miss Christmas with his niece. "Though there might not be much time to get ready by the time he gets back. What do you say about coming with the Coulters and myself and picking out your tree? I am sure Mr. Coulter would be happy to set it up and you and your Uncle can decorate when he gets home. Perhaps we can even bake some treats for you two to enjoy."

"Uncle Nathan does have a sweet tooth," Allie admitted a small smile coming to her face. As quick as it appeared it disappeared though. "I'm scheduled to watch the switchboard."

Before Elizabeth could answer, Ned spoke up from behind the school teacher.

"Mrs. Blakely and I can handle things today, Allie," the mercantile owner told her. "You have been putting a lot of hours in lately. You deserve some time to enjoy the holiday festivities."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive," Ned replied.

"Yes, dear," Florence said, from where she had stepped back from Allie after Elisabeth's appearance. "Saving your Uncle from having to cut down and put up your tree is the least we can do for him."

"Thank you!" Allie replied, a genuine smile coming to her face as she got to her feet. She gave Florence a hug and then turned and hugged Ned, taking the mercantile owner by surprise. "Let me get my coat and things. I'll be right back," she told Elizabeth starting to run for the back room.

"Walk when indoors pleased, Allie," Elizabeth called, the schoolteacher in her coming out. Though the girl didn't reply, she did slow her steps down.

"You just made that girl very happy," Ned commented.

Elizabeth smiled. "It isn't easy when your love one is away on Mountie business. I know how she is feeling and so will Rosemary. A Christmas activity is just what we all need to take our mind off of things."

"You're missing Nathan too, aren't you?" Florence asked.

Elizabeth nodded. "I am. I just need to find the right time to tell him exactly how I feel now that I've sorted it out myself. With him away so much these last couple months it hasn't happened."

Florence reached out and rested her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "If it is meant to be, you'll know when the time is right. Just don't hesitate to take it when you see it."

"Jack would approve of Nathan, both for you and for being the father to his son he didn't get a chance to be," Ned added.

Elizabeth felt tears well up in her eyes. They were bittersweet tears, knowing her friends were right but also bringing back the feeling of missing Jack.

"Thank you both," Elizabeth said, reaching up to wipe tears away as Allie came back from getting her winter garments. The fact that the coat was miss-buttoned told the schoolteacher how excited the girl was.

"I'm ready," Allie announced joining them again.

"Not quite," Elizabeth said, reaching out to fix the coat, hoping there would be moments like this in the years to come.


In a private room in the Queen of Hearts, a by-invite-only card game was taking place. Unbeknownst to those just feet away, the owner of the saloon had returned in the early morning hours. After sleeping in, he had a brunch with some friends who had come to Hope Valley and his cousin Mel. The pretty blonde had his friends captivated by her charms, which was just what Lucas was counting on as he wanted to keep the conversation away from himself.

Picking up his heavily spiked egg nog, Lucas took a sip as his friend raised the stakes of the game. His pair of fours hardly warranted a raise but after the last couple of months he'd had, he was still feeling a bit reckless. Even his mother had been surprised that he had managed to get thrown in jail while helping rebuild a school in New Orleans. Perhaps he should have just walked away from the guy who had taunted him, but something about the man had reminded him of a certain Mountie. Punching the guy had felt satisfying, as he knew that not even his parents' money could have gotten him out of trouble if he punched an officer of the law. After bailing him out, and paying the other guy to drop the charges, his mother had told him to go back to Hope Valley where at least there he had managed to stay out of jail.

"I'll see that bet," Lucas said, placing his egg nog down and tossing his chips into the center of the table.

"You're bluffing," Mel replied, as she saw the bet and raised it once again.

"I'm out," George said, collapsing the cards in his hands and placing them face down on the table.

In one smooth move, Lucas picked up the chips to meet his cousin's bet and raising it. He held her gaze, her blue eyes boring into him.

"Am I?" Lucas asked her.

"Yes," Mel said, picking up chips to see his bet. "Let's see the cards."

Feeling deflated, Lucas placed his pair of fours on the table. Smirking, Mel placed her cards down revealing three kings. "I win," she said gleefully pulling the chips in the center of the table toward her. "You are losing your touch, cousin," Mel replied.

"Apparently," Lucas muttered. "It is pretty bad when everything money can buy loses out to a public servant. I suppose those two are engaged by now," he added, looking toward Gustav.

"His chef and cousin, shrugged his shoulder. "If they are, I haven't heard about it. Constable Grant has been out of town quite a bit since you left."

Lucas perked up at that information. "Then perhaps I still have a chance," he said thoughtfully.

"Thought you were swearing off of love, pal?" the fifth member of the card game said. Eddie had been Lucas' best friend since they first met at boarding school many years ago.

"Who said anything about love?" Lucas said. "I simply want to prove that charm and money can win her over."

"Leave the girl alone," Mel said. "If she is half as smart as you have led me to believe she saw through your act the moment you rolled into town."

Lucas picked up his glass and swallowed some more egg nog. "I'll show you all that I haven't lost my touch," he told them, already formulating a plan even as he gathered up the cards to deal the next hand.


Folding the waxed paper over the cookies, Elizabeth then placed the lid on the tin. "Those should tide you and your Uncle over while trimming your tree," she said, looking over at Allie.

After finding the trees, Lee had set the one up in the Grants home and then Elizabeth's tree before going home to trim his own tree with Rosemary. Allie had helped Elizabeth and Jack decorate their tree and then had an early supper with them. Afterwards, the three had started baking different kinds of cookies. Part way through the process, Jack had retreated to the settee where he had fallen asleep.

"If Uncle Nathan gets home before Christmas," Allie said.

"He will," Elizabeth said confidently. "Are you ready to head to the Weiss'?"

Allie nodded as they both looked toward a sleeping Jack. "I can walk by myself," Allie said.

Elizabeth shook her head. "No. It would be different if it was still light out but I can't even stand on the stoop and watch you, especially not with the snow," she said, lamenting waking her son up. He got cranky when woken up, something her mother assured she was picked up from his mother.

"Then I'll ask Mr. Coulter," Allie said, "I always hate being woken up from a nap."

Elizabeth nodded. "Alright," she agreed. "I can keep an eye on you while you walk next door."

Elizabeth helped Allie into her coat, scarf, and hat and then after Allie had donned her mittens, she handed the girl the tin of cookies. Grabbing her heavy shawl from the hook, she wrapped it around her shoulders. Following the girl out the door, Elizabeth pulled the door shut as she stood on the stoop. Allie made her way to the next house. The girl knocked on the door and Elizabeth heard the brief conversation before Lee leaned out of the doorway far enough to give her a wave. Satisfied that Allie was in good hands, Elizabeth went back inside.

Hanging up her shawl, she turned and watched her sleeping son for a few moments. She knew he deserved a father in his life, though Bill and Lee were good role models for him. As flattering as Lucas could be, he wasn't the kind of role model she wanted for her son. That she was sure of, though his compliments and gifts had been flattering. Even she had come to see that Nathan had been right about that aspect of Lucas but she hadn't seen the harm in enjoying his attentions. Julie seemed to enjoy it and besides, it kept her from having to deal with her feelings for Nathan.

But it hasn't been fair to anyone, Elizabeth thought.

A loud knock sounded at the door. She turned quickly, both to keep it from happening again and concern that something was wrong. Allie had known Jack was sleeping. If she had returned because she had forgotten something she would have knocked softer. Grabbing the door knob, she pulled open the door and was met by the smell of alcohol and the sight of Lucas on her doorstep - and despite the cold was wearing only a suit jacket.

"You're back?" Elizabeth said, unable to think of anything else to say in her surprise.

"I am," Lucas said, a smile coming to his face even though there was a slight slur to the words. Not to mention the smell of alcohol got worse. It was clear he had been drinking and all Elizabeth wanted to do was back away. "One of the first things I wanted to do, was come and see you, my dear."

"But not the first thing," Elizabeth countered. "I have a feeling the saloon was your first stop."

"Well, I did need to check on my interests."

"And have a few drinks," Elizabeth countered.

"I may have had one," Lucas replied. Elizabeth just stared at him. "Okay, I had a few. My cousin and a couple of friends came back with me. We were playing poker and drinking. I'm not sure how many I had."

"From the sound of your words and the smell of your breath too many. Go home, Lucas. It is getting late."

"I wanted to talk to you. To tell you how sorry I am for just up and leaving."

"You are under no more obligation to tell me when you leave town or where you are going, than anyone else."

"Well, given the gifts and the overnight to Union City-"

"I went with you as a friend to hear the Virginia Wolf reading," Elizabeth protested, knowing how flimsy it sounded. Separate rooms or not, she had known deep down that it had been a bad choice. Something she never would have done in Hamilton.

Lucas laughed. "You are fooling yourself if you think that is how people saw that excursion."

"I think you should leave, Lucas," Elizabeth said, beginning to shut the door.

Reaching out, Lucas placed the palm of his hand against the door. Drunk or not, he was still strong enough to keep her from closing the door. With his other hand, Lucas cupped her cheek.

"You and I both know that isn't what you want," Lucas slurred, leaning in. The smell of alcohol made her sick to her stomach.

"Lucas, please leave," Elizabeth said, hearing the tremble in her own voice. She knew that if he didn't leave on her own she couldn't make him.

"Is there a problem here?" Lee's voice called out.

Elizabeth felt relief wash over her. She knew she was safe now.

"Not at all. Elizabeth was just inviting me in for a drink," Lucas tried to say calmly, dropping his hand and turning to face Lee as the man walked briskly toward them. As he turned, he lost his balance and stumbled down the steps.

Not waiting to see if Lucas kept his feet or not, Elizabeth shut the door quickly. She latched it, and leaned against it. Looking toward the settee, she was happy to see that Jack was still sleeping.

"That didn't look like a very inviting reaction," Lee said, from outside.

"She is just continuing to play hard to get," Lucas slurred.

"You're drunk. How about you let me drive you home. Perhaps you can talk to Elizabeth when you are sober."

"I am not drunk," Lucas protested.

Elizabeth heard some scuffling sounds outside but she didn't move from her spot to look out a window. She just hoped that Lee didn't get hurt.

"You don't look very steady and I can smell it on your breath. Go sleep it off Lucas."

"I heard Nathan is out of town, so you very well can't get him to make me leave."

"No, but I do know where Bill keeps his spare keys to the jail cell. If you don't leave voluntarily, I will happily escort you to the jail and let Nathan or Bill sort things out when they get back."

"You wouldn't."

"Try me," Lee countered, none of his usual jovial tone in his voice.

Elizabeth held her breath. Would Lucas leave on his own accord or would Lee have to remove him? She didn't hear much of anything from outside until she heard a car drive off.

"He's gone, Elizabeth. Can you open the door?" Lee said from the other side of the door.

Turning, Elizabeth undid the latch and opened the door. "Should he really be driving?"

"No, but I couldn't really stop him. I did offer to drive him home."

Elizabeth nodded.

"Are you okay?" Lee asked.

Elizabeth nodded again. "Yes. He didn't touch me. I'm just a bit shaken."

"Why don't you and Jack come and spend the night with me and Rosie," Lee offered.

Elizabeth nodded quickly. "I'd like that. I just need to pack a few things. Come inside," she said, opening the door further so Lee could step inisde. She was glad the Coulters were her neighbors.


Nathan held the lantern as Newton slowly made his way through the snow piling up on the road. Traveling at night was never the greatest choice, and the snow made it more treacherous, but he had wanted to get home to Allie.

"Sorry, Bill. If I had realized the snow would pick up like this I would have listened to you."

"Well, there is nothing to do but forge on at this point," Bill replied from behind Nathan. "Besides, I know you wanted to get home to that girl of yours."

"I have a feeling I have you to thank for even being able to do so," Nathan said. "Hargraves seemed to make a sudden change in his opinion of the incident and I don't think it was just the Christmas Spirit."

"Well, like Scrooge, perhaps Andrew was just made to see the error of his ways," Bill commented. "And I may know a few secrets that he doesn't want getting out. Just try not to defy him again."

"I will do my best," Nathan replied. "What's this?" he asked noticing movement up ahead.

Watching a form pacing up ahead, Nathan felt frustration building up within him. Though he knew he would assist in any way he could, it was his job after all, it was just another delay in getting back to Allie. He had been hoping to be in Hope Valley by the dawn.

As he got closer, Nathan saw a man, in a red suit trimmed in white fur, pacing in the snow. A sleigh, pulled by what appeared to be three reindeer stood nearby. Beyond the sleigh, a car sat on the side of the road, one wheel clearly stuck in the ditch given the awkward angle the car sat at. The man looked up at their approach.

"Oh, Constable I am so glad to see you! It was an accident! I didn't see him in the snow. I can only think he got out of the car and fell for some reason. The snow was covering him."

Reigning in Newton, Nathan dismounted near the man. "Now take a deep breath, I don't need you hyperventilating on me," he told the man. The man took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Now exactly what happened?"

"I was on my way to Buxton. I am supposed to appear as Santa Claus there tomorrow afternoon. I saw that car there so was slowing down even though I didn't see anyone. The first indication I had that something was wrong was when the sleigh went over something. Some guy was lying in the road, covered by the snow. I checked for a pulse but there wasn't one."

"Where is he?" Nathan asked.

The man led him to a spot near the back of the sleigh. "I turned him over to check for a pulse. He seemed pretty stiff already so I don't know if the cold got to him first or my sleigh going over him did him in. I swear it was an accident though."

"I believe you, sir," Nathan told him, going over to the body in the snow. As the light fell on him, Nathan recognized the man laying in the snow. Taking off a glove, Nathan confirmed what the man had already said, though by the bluish tint to his skin and the vacant eyes, he already knew the man was dead. There was no blood anywhere though the hair looked slightly out of place. With his still gloved hand, Nathan reached out to touch the hair and the toupee fell further out of place, revealing a receding hairline.

"Is he dead?" Bill asked approaching him.

"Yes," Nathan replied. "Giving the stench of alcohol on him, his inappropriate attire for the weather and the lack of visible injury, I would say the cold got to him before Santa here ran him over."

"Well that's a relief, but can you not spread it around that Santa was involved," the man said.

"I'll see what I can do," Nathan told the man, before looking up at Bill.

"We'll have to look for identification," the judge said.

"No need," Nathan replied. "You and I both know him. It is Lucas Bouchard."

"When did he get back in town?" Bill asked surprised.

"Guess that is something we'll need to figure out."

"Am I going to jail?" Santa asked.

"Well, you will need to come to Hope Valley with us, while this is all sorted out," Nathan told him. "But if this was an accident and you are not wanted for anything else, no you won't be going to jail. Can we use your sleigh to transport the body?"

"Yes, of course," the man told him. "Anything you need."

"Bill, can you grab the blanket from my gear? We'll wrap him in that," Nathan requested. When he got no response, Nathan looked at the judge who was staring down at the body.

"He looks better blue," Bill muttered before turning and heading back toward their horses.


Seeing Martin Trundle off in his sleigh, Nathan gave a sigh of relief. Lucas body was on a train out east to his parents, having been identified by both Gustav and another cousin Melanie. Both of his cousins admitted to Lucas having been very drunk when he had stumbled out of the Queen of Hearts the night before, both saying that they had tried to keep him from going anywhere. Given the car in the ditch, Lucas' inebriated state, Mr. Trundle's clean record, and Carson ruling the cause of death as hypothermia and not traumatic injury, Nathan felt confident in ruling the death an accident. Lucas' father had seemed ready to protest that ruling until Nathan mentioned the incident Lee had brought to their attention at Elizabeth's house.

"Your son was offered a ride home but chose to drive off. That is four people who can testify that your son was too drunk to be behind the wheel of a car. Not to mention he was trying to force his way into a widow's home who has a small child."

"Perhaps we keep that part out of anything official and just mention the intoxication," Lucas' father had said.

"I can do that," Nathan told the man.

What Nathan hadn't repeated to Mr. Bouchard was Lee's comment when he found out about the incident.

"I told him to go sleep it off. I didn't mean for him to do so in the road."

Nathan was just glad that he was not the one who would break the news to Elizabeth as Lee said he would take care of that. Now, finally as the sun was setting on the twenty third of December, he could head home to his niece. He had seen Allie briefly that morning when she had stopped by the jail. She had promised to have supper ready for him when he got home.

Reaching his row house, Nathan walked in and was immediately enveloped by his niece's arms. "Please tell me you don't have to leave town again before Christmas," Allie said, the words muffled against his serge.

"Unless some kind of emergency comes up, I will be," Nathan told her. "Dinner smells good."

"I made a stew. Thought it would warm you up and I could keep it simmering as I wasn't sure when you were getting home."

"A very wise choice," Nathan told her as he released her. He looked toward the corner of the room. "We have a tree, I see?"

"The Coulters and Mrs. Thornton helped me pick it out and set it up. Can we decorate it tonight after supper?"

"Most definitely," Nathan told her, not caring that he had been up all night. His niece had waited long enough to decorate the tree this year. "Just let me go change out of my uniform."

"I'll dish up the stew," Allie told him.

Nathan changed and sat down to a supper of venison stew and biscuits with his niece. After supper, he got out the decorations while Allie made hot chocolate and placed the tin of cookies she had baked with Elizabeth the day before. As they decorated and enjoyed the treats, snatches of carols could be heard. They had just finished "Deck the Halls" when there was a knock at the door.

"Oh, I hope that isn't anyone wanting you for Mountie stuff," Allie lamented.

"Me too," Nathan assured her, moving toward the door. Opening it, he found Elizabeth and Jack standing on the steps.

"Hi Na'tan!" Jack said, lifting his arms up toward the Mountie.

"Hello, Jack," Nathan replied, obliging the lad and picking him up. He looked from him to the boy's mother. "Is everything alright?"

Elizabeth nodded. "I actually stopped by to ask you that. I heard you've had quite an eventful night on top of what was already going on."

Nathan nodded. "It is handled and I am home with Allie decorating our tree. Things are fine."

"Good."

"How are you with the news?"

"After last night, I regret ever accusing you of just seeing the worst in people," Elizabeth said with a shudder. "I feel bad for his family though."

"I do too," Nathan replied.

"Me dec'rate," Jack said, squirming to get down. Nathan put him down and the boy ran to Allie.

"I'm sorry," Elizabeth apologized. "He's fascinated with the decorations this year."

"No need to apologize," Nathan told her. "Would you like to help us finish with the tree?"

Elizabeth nodded, stepping into the house. She let Nathan help her with the coats and joined the children at the tree. Nathan went and got Elizabeth and Jack some hot chocolate, cooling Jack's off quite a bit with some milk. The group finished the tree, Allie handing her uncle a wooden star to put on the top at the end.

"Uncle Nathan made the star for my mom the first Christmas after she got married. It has been on every tree I can remember," Allie told Elizabeth as they stood beside each other watching Nathan place the tree.

"That is a wonderful memory," Elizabeth told her. "I think the tree is missing one last thing though," she said as she reached into her pocket and brought out a cardinal ornament. "I think this belongs on your tree again."

Nathan smiled, remembering the ornament from the year before. "Shall we hang it together?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said, moving forward. Standing in front of the tree, she lifted herself onto her tip toes reaching as high as she could. Just like the year before, Nathan moved in close behind her to help put it on a high branch.

As she turned, Nathan found himself face to face with Elizabeth. He felt his heart skip a beat and his breath catch, as it did the year before. As he debated on whether he should kiss her or not, Elizabeth spoke softly.

"You once asked me what was in my heart. I couldn't give you an answer and you told me to let you know when I figured it out."

"I remember," Nathan said, his voice just as soft.

"Well I figured it out," Elizabeth told him, placing a hand softly against his cheek. "You are in my heart, Nathan Grant. You and Allie."

"I like that answer," Nathan told her, even as Elizabeth leaned in closer and pressed her lips against his. Dropping his hands, he placed them on her waist as he returned a kiss.

"What going on?" Jack asked, the innocent question reminding both adults the kids were there. Though they ended the kiss, Elizabeth stayed in Nathan's arms as they looked to see Allie standing behind Jack, her arms wrapped around the boy.

"I think we are witnessing the first of many best Christmases ever, Jack," Allie replied.

Nathan smiled at the two children. He couldn't have said it better himself.