Chapter 8- Courage to Dance
"A Christmas Ball?!" Whose brilliant… Lee Coulter paused as his eyes met with the gleeful eyes of his wife. His face lit with the realization; that of course this was his Rosie's conception. She was in full planning mode clipboard and pen in hand. "Lee, what were you saying—I was just trying to figure out whose turn it is to play Santa.:" At that moment, Bill arrived and hearing the last part of Rosemary's words replied, "I don't think we need to have a Santa this year." Lee rolled his eyes and looked away with an "oh boy." "Bill Avery, don't be silly. Of course there will be a Santa. As a matter of fact I know just the Mr. Claus for the job." Simultaneously Lee and Bill shout, "Who?" Neither wanted to don the itchy and uncomfortable jolly red suit. "No need to get your knickers in a bunch, it's neither of you." She said as she hurried off in search of the one who would play Jolly St Nick for the Christmas Ball. Both men let out a sigh of relief as the ever over the top Mrs. Coulter departed.
"Aha, there you are, I have been looking all over for you." Rosemary exclaimed with a swoosh and swooping motion. "Really! Why?"- said a very confused Hickam. "You shall be this year's Santa Claus for the 1st Annual Christmas Ball." She proclaimed with much pomp and fare. Mike's mouth fell open; he had no idea what to say and there was no one nearby to come to his rescue. So, he had to concede to Mrs. Coulter's demands. This year Michael Benjamin Hickam would become Mr. Claus. Upon Rosemary's exuberant exit Mike drops his head and murmurs 'Someone's got to get rid of that suit.'
The town was abuzz with excitement and joy as they prepared for the extravagant Christmas Ball. There was an air of delight in the heart of Hope Valley that for so long had been shrouded in anxiety. "Elizabeth, oh Elizabeth", Rosemary sang as she happened upon her friend on her way to the Mercantile. "Hello Rosemary," Elizabeth greeted with an endearing smile. "Hello Elizabeth. This ball is going to be a lovely affair, if I do say so myself and I do say so. However, I need your help." "How can I be of service?" Rosemary pondered the question with a perplexed expression. She was pondering exactly how to ask her question. "Well, everythings pretty much ready for the Ball–except I wanted the children's choir to perform, there is only a day for rehearsal. What do you think, Elizabeth, can they be ready by then?" "Of course we have already had a couple of rehearsals in preparation for the Christmas pageant so yes we will be ready." "Good I gotta run, take care of the little details." Waving her clipboard Rosemary charged on leaving Elizabeth standing alone.
The Christmas ball was a lovely affair, all the citizens of Hope Valley were there. The saloon had been transformed into a Christmas village. There were decorated trees and lights strung about–shimmering and shining and all aglow; and of course there was snow. The Children's Choir sang festive holiday songs that filled every heart with comfort and joy. Eating and dancing and merriment abounded which made Rosemary quite ecstatic. Lee had to calm her by taking her hand. They smiled at each other then started to dance. Once they started dancing others joined. Lucas and Fiona, Ned and Florence, and other couples took to the floor in glad decadence. Mike came in with a great and jolly Ho-Ho-Ho. He handed out gifts to everyone present. Then there was one last dance and of course it was lady's choice. Elizabeth looked towards Nathan who had his head down. He was so lost in his thoughts that he did not notice her walk over to him. He looked up and into her eyes. Her sweet subtle smile and questioning eyes made him feel something he had not felt in a while. Their hands met and they took a few steps and they danced; not to the rhythm of the song that was playing, but to the tune of the song that played in their hearts. At first their steps were unsure and awkward. Yet they soon found their way; and courage took over as they twirled and they swayed. Fear of the mistakes and uncertainty of the past soon were forgotten as they found the courage to just dance.