Chapter 152- A Special Christmas

Happy holidays friends. I won't keep you long with a rambling BetterThanWCTHSeason8WritersJK author note before this final chapter gifted for Christmas. I hope you have enjoyed this small glimpse of the Grant family's special Christmas a year into married life. More so, I hope that your holidays and your new year are happy, blessed, and yes… special. ~With love, Chanda

Nathan stretched languorously. A half-conscious smile already firmly planted on his face for the day, having just determined that there was no sweeter sound God ever created than that of loved ones' laughter filling a home. He awakened slowly to the rise and fall of Allie and Warren's playful teasing floating up the stairs, carried on the sweet notes of his wife's giggles over their antics. After all that he had experienced in life, Nathan knew there would be no greater Christmas gift than the sound of a happy home.

His happy home.

He shifted, rolling towards Charlotte's side of the bed. Across her pillow lay a folded card much like she left for him last year on Christmas morning. He reached over and took the paper into his hands, opening it as he leaned back against their pillows.

Merry Christmas Sarge,

My wish is this…

That today is filled with creating new memories with our loved ones.

And continuing to build on traditions our family has already established.

Pancakes?

Love You Forever,

Mrs. Nathan

Nathan gave a husky chuckle as a response to Charlotte's note. Remembering making pancakes for Christmas morning, a tradition they had started last year as newlyweds. The vision came swiftly back to him of Charlotte only dressed in his blue shirt, lightly dusted with flour, and the sleeves cuffed just above her elbow. The shirt's hem grazing across her upper thigh, coupled with her wavy hair falling about her shoulders, unruly from where his fingers had threaded, and a rosy glow upon her freckled cheeks where his morning stubble had marked a path across her skin during their love making. She had been diligently at work in their kitchen, making the pancake batter when he easily convinced her, with some unbuttoned buttons and well-placed kisses, that there was a different kind of pancakes they both wanted before breakfast.

God, he loved her then. And beyond what he could comprehend, he loved her even more now.

Nathan rose and pulled on his blue pajama pants and white shirt. Charlotte told him the night before, Christmas morning called for being casual. Even though the wood floor was cold, he didn't bother with his slippers and instead plodded barefoot down the hallway and stairs to the waves of mirth that filled the house.

"Merry Christmas, Dad!" Allie called across the room when she saw Nathan enter the kitchen.

"Merry Christmas." He said in return, patting Tremblay on the shoulder, and giving Allie a hug. He walked to Charlotte and wrapped his arms around her from behind, cradling her stomach, and placing a sweet kiss to her cheek. "Merry Christmas, loves."

"Hungry for some pancakes?" Charlotte twisted slightly in his embrace, giving him a remember-last-Christmas-morning look as she skillfully flipped a pancake in the skillet, not missing a beat.

"I'm always hungry for your pancakes," he breathed in her ear, before trailing lower to place a whispered kiss on her neck.

"Mom told us you guys made her famous pancakes last year for Christmas morning," Allie brushed by on her way to get the butter and maple syrup. "She says it is a family tradition now."

"Oh, she did, did she?" Nathan seductively raised a brow, earning a subtle jab from Charlotte's elbow.

"I didn't tell her about that kind of pancakes," his wife gave him a warning glance, but it was too late.

"You made a different pancake recipe?" Allie asked, overhearing her parent's exchange. Her innocent question instantly brought a flush to Nathan and Charlotte's cheeks and a rich laugh from Warren. The young woman looked back and forth between the others, trying to understand what she had missed, until her confused expression gave way to one of embarrassment. "Oh… OH!"

The group broke out into a fit of laughter, Remi joining them as she barked and playfully danced around at their feet. Finally, when they were able to rein in their uncontrollable giggles, Charlotte plated the first finished pancakes from the skillet. "Allie, do you want this batch?"

She offered the breakfast to her daughter, who blushed again at the mention of pancakes. "Maybe… I'll just have a couple slices of this bacon first."

"Snooze, ya loose, kid," Nathan winked and quickly grabbed the plate from Charlotte's outstretched hand. "Thanks, Charlie."

"Hey!" Warren cried, moving to swipe the stack of pancakes from Nathan's hands. "What happened to the guest of the house is served first?"

Nathan easily avoided Tremblay's attempt at confiscating his breakfast. "Possession's nine-tenths of the law, Warren. You're a Mountie. You oughta know that."

Tremblay jokingly lunged at Nathan, setting the two men off in a game of chase around the kitchen and into the dining room. Remi joined, unable to resist becoming involved in the tussle. Charlotte stood at her spot in front of the stove, watching all the commotion. She and Allie shared a quick glance and giggle over the wild howls and barking coming from not only the dog, but also Nathan and Warren. Charlotte's soul was full and happy, seeing the play that made her grown husband seem as spry and light-hearted as a schoolboy during recess and not a thirty some year-old man.

"That's enough," she finally said, getting Remi's attention, she motioned for the dog to sit in her bed placed to the side of the kitchen.

"We'd better stop," Nathan joked with Warren. "Before Charlotte sends us to a corner, too."

After breakfast, the Grants and Tremblay spent most of the rest of the day outside. In the morning, they partook in Nathan and Allie's long-standing tradition of going fishing on Christmas Day. They walked to the part of the river on their property that held a sheltered deep cove, providing the perfect place to ice fish. Laughing and joking through the activity, challenging one another on who could catch the biggest fish. This year, the victory went to Tremblay.

They returned to the house and made a light lunch with their catch, before Nathan and Charlotte let Allie open one of her presents. The family gift they had decided upon for Christmas that year. It was two sleds that Nathan had constructed with some help on the runners from Kevin in his blacksmith shop at the livery. The group quickly rebundled and spent the early afternoon hours climbing and then sliding back down the hill behind the house.

One of the last trips on the sled before it was agreed they should go in for some hot chocolate and prepare for the guests that would be arriving for Christmas dinner, Allie grabbed Nathan's arm, stopping him in his tracks. "Dad." She said, out of breath from their climb through the deep snow.

"Yeah?"

"Today is special, isn't it?"

He gave her a tender smile, wrapping an arm around her shoulders to pull his daughter in close. "Yeah, Al. Today is special."

"Not that we haven't had special Christmases in the past when it was just the two of us, because you always found a way. Like a few years ago when you told me we could stay in Hope Valley, and we planted the seeds from the pinecone to show that we were putting down roots here. But today… It feels special too. With Mom, you're not alone anymore. And I can feel and see the difference in you. You're happy and I've realized today that seeing you happy… That's the only Christmas present I'll ever need. I hope you know that."

Nathan took in a deep breath, feeling himself overcome with emotions. He looked at his daughter through misted eyes seeing how grown and mature she was. They had seen each other through so many hardships of the past, it made him incredibly thankful to be able to share these new, happy memories with her too. "I love you, Allie. I hope you know that."

She wrapped her arms around his torso and buried her face into his chest. "I know, Dad. And I love you too."

A few hours later, the Grant home was filled with familial warmth and chatter. Along with Nathan's parents, they had extended an invitation for Bill, Henry, and Abigail to join them out at the ranch for Christmas dinner. The Coulters and Canfields had also been invited but chose to have time with their families at their own homes that Christmas night.

The dining room, that only a year ago Charlotte had difficulty believing they would ever be able to fill, was bustling with activity. Nathan found himself smiling in the doorway to the kitchen as their guests started to take their places around the table.

"What are you thinking about?" Charlotte whispered at his side. She looked up at him with a sparkle in her eye. She looked beautiful tonight in the light gray sweater she wore. It was a Christmas present from Maise. In fact, Nathan's mother knitted the whole family sweaters- including Warren. Nathan was wearing his tonight as well. He and Charlotte had a chuckle earlier about how they were only married a year and already starting to match one another.

"Honestly?" His wife nodded, urging Nathan to continue. "I was thinking about a conversation Elizabeth and I had a few years ago. She told me that when she was growing up her parents would invite all of her aunts and uncles and cousins over for a late supper right after Christmas Eve service. Some years there would be twenty people at the house. I remember how shocked I was when she told me that. It just seemed unfathomable, growing up how I did. Losing Colleen. Raising Allie as a single dad. I had been on my own with her for so long, I didn't think this would ever be possible for me but look." His chin lifted to draw attention to the room full of their loved ones, as his hand lazily caressed Charlotte's belly. "If we count this little one, we are almost halfway to twenty people celebrating Christmas with us, too."

"You know very well I'll eat enough for two, so the baby here should be counted." Charlotte's dry sense of humor earned a hearty laugh from her husband as he knew her comment was the truth. "Is that your goal, Sarge? To have twenty people in this house for Christmas?"

"I don't know. Twenty still seems like a lot, but I think having a family large enough to make our own baseball team would make me happy."

"You know I would do anything to make you happy, but nine pregnancies?" Charlotte's eyes grew big at the thought.

"Maybe not," Nathan laughed gently and kissed her cheek. "But our kids will get married one day and have children of their own. I don't think it is too big of a dream to think that one day, you and I are going to be sitting out there on the steps of that front porch watching generations of our family play in a small baseball game."

"Hmmmm," Charlotte hummed. "I like that dream. Very much. But right now, I better get these potatoes on the table before we have a riot on our hands."

The festive dining room table was laden with decorations, Charlotte's family plates and silverware, and of course bowls and platters full of delicious food that had been cooked in the kitchen and brought by their guests. Ham, scalloped potatoes, stuffing, green beans, turnips, and carrots grown in the Grant's garden. Fresh rolls, still warm from the oven, instantly melted the butter spread over the fluffy insides. Baked squash, cranberry sauce, homemade applesauce, and various pies to be dolloped with fresh whipped cream were passed around the table to fill everyone's plates and bellies.

"I know I've said it before, but I don't think I'm going to be able to fit in my uniform by the time I get back to Cadotte Lake," Warren said, plopping down heavily in the overstuffed chair after the meal. He stretched out, trying to find a comfortable position after eating more than his fair share of the Christmas dinner. "The cookin' here is just too good."

"Can I open my present now?" Allie asked, already having picked up the tiny box under the tree that had her name written on it in Charlotte's script writing. "I want to see what the charm is for my bracelet this year."

"Why do you need another charm? Aren't I charming enough?" Nathan teased earning him a swift eye roll from Allie and an exasperated teenage sigh. "Alright, alright," he chuckled. Drawing Charlotte into his side where they stood together by the tree. "Go ahead and open it."

Allie eagerly lifted the lid to the box, finding a small note on top.

To The Best Big Sister,

As our family continues to grow…

Remember you are the trunk that holds us all together,

And the roots that keep us strong.

Love Always,

Dad, Mom, and Baby

"I love it," Allie beamed a broad smile as she pulled a silver charm from the tissue of the box. It was the outline of a tree, with delicate winding branches. "Thank you both." Allie jumped up to hug her parents. She drew back slightly, placing her hand on Charlotte's stomach. "Thank you, too, little brother or sister."

"We figured it was the appropriate charm for this year," Nathan explained. "Not only with a sibling being added to the family, but also how much time you and your friends spent in that big maple tree on the ranch this summer."

"Don't forget the tree that you climbed during that flash flood in the North," Charlotte said. "The one that saved you and helped bring you back home to us."

"It's perfect." Allie quickly set about adding the charm to her bracelet. Giving her wrist a little twist once it was secure to see the silver trinkets, that were a representation of her life, shimmer and dance in the low light of the room.

"Well," Warren stood, giving a discreet nod to Henry who had been standing in the doorway. "I think it is time for me to give out my gifts."

They had forgotten the armload of presents Tremblay packed with him from the North and carried through a snowstorm to the Grant's front door a few days ago. He now procured them from their place beneath the tree. Handing out a box to Allie, Charlotte, Nathan, Maise, and Archie. They all opened their parcels to reveal personal fur-lined moccasins. Each with their own individual elaborate designs in bead and quill work.

"They are so pretty." Allie snuggled her feet into her pair. "And so warm!"

"Were these made in the village you serve?" Archie asked.

Tremblay nodded his head. "Nimi and some of the other women made them."

"They are wonderful!" Cried Maise. "But you didn't need to get me anything."

"Maise," Warren squeezed the older Mrs. Grant's hand. "You knitted me a stocking for the mantel and filled it with a new pair of mittens and cap for me to wear so I won't get cold this winter. I'm thankful I came prepared to return your kindness." He twisted slightly to look over at Abigail and Henry. "I'm just sorry I didn't come with anything for you two."

"Being together and meeting you is gift enough." Abigail wrapped an arm around Tremblay's broad shoulders. "A woman, like me, never tires of getting to know another good man of the Force."

"Speak for yourself." Bill grunted, obviously unsatisfied with his lack of a present from Warren.

Tremblay chuckled at Avery's antics. "Did you really think I could forget about you, Bill?"

Bill's gruff exterior softened, before returning to his furrowed brow in a flash. Warren walked over to Henry for a brief moment. The two men whispered and exchanged something between them discreetly.

"When I came to town, Mr. Gowen was the one who offered to drive me up here to the ranch, but that wasn't the only thing he agreed to help me with." Warren turned back to the group, his hands tucked behind his back and a funny grin on his face. "Henry also agreed to help take care of your present Bill until it was time to give it to you."

Warren pulled his hand from behind his back and there was the fluffiest, smallest, brightest-eyed little husky.

"A puppy!" Allie squealed. "How did you keep him so quiet?"

"It wasn't easy." Henry chuckled. "Nathan let us hide him in his workshop while we had dinner. I just went out and retrieved him a few minutes ago."

"A puppy?" Bill questioned. "For me?"

"Yes, for you." Warren placed the wiggling ball of fur into Bill's arms. The judge seemed stiff and uncertain of what to do. "Nathan told me about you and him finding a bear on the drive back from Union City this spring. And even though you originally grumbled about Remi, I know you have become rather fond of her. When my two best sled dogs, Flash and Reeve, had a surprise litter this fall, I thought of no one better to have this special dog than you, Bill."

The puppy stirred in Bill's arms, settling deeper into the warmth of his suit jacket. It gave a big yawn and then blinked his big blue eyes before looking at this strange new place and the man who now held him.

Nathan swore he was able to see Bill Avery's heart melt, right then and there. "What are you going to name him, Bill?"

"Bear. I think."

More presents were exchanged that evening between the group gathered at the Grant's home. With Warren gifting one more present from his stack. It was a cradleboard like what was used by the Cree women in Cadotte Lake to carry their babies. He explained to Charlotte that he knew she was not a lady of leisure, and that this would allow her to easily continue her regular routine, while also keeping the babe close by.

The final gift of the evening came from Archie. Henry helped him carry a large parcel hidden under a tarp into the room from the porch at the end of the night. Archie had Charlotte remove the canvas to reveal a beautiful red barn, an exact toy-sized replica of the one on the ranch. There were hand-carved pieces of fencing, hay bales, and a herd of cows to go along with mini replicas of Remi, Newton, Bandit, Realta, and Maverick.

"Dad, this is perfect," Nathan said, as he, Charlotte, and Allie admired Archie's work and attention to detail.

"You sure? I had no idea what a good gift for your family would be. I know if the baby is a girl, she would probably prefer a dollhouse instead…"

"No, Dad. This is exactly right for our family. Even if it is a girl, if she is anything like her momma, I'm guessing she would prefer playing with this barn and the animals over a dollhouse anyway."

"He's not wrong." Charlotte smiled sweetly at her father-in-law. "This will be such a treasure for us to have with the baby as he, or she, grows up. Thank you."

Archie still looked uncertain. As though his gift wasn't the right present, or it wasn't enough. Nathan and Charlotte quickly exchanged an all-knowing glance between them, both picking up on the elder Grant's unease even after telling Archie how much they loved his thoughtful gift for their family.

"Dad," Nathan whispered. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"I'm happy, I really am, it's just…" Archie's voice broke. "This baby… It is a constant reminder of how much I've missed out on. Being there as the father you and Colleen needed. Watching Allie grow up. I want to get it right this time around. I have to. I… I may not get another chance."

A lump formed quickly in Nathan's throat, and he felt Charlotte's hand thread into his own. He was at a loss of words and looked to her. She squeezed his hand in reassurance and understanding, taking the lead when he could not.

"Archie," Charlotte moved forward and enveloped her father-in-law in a hug. Once they all had a moment to compose themselves, she continued. "Our family is so incredibly blessed to have you in our lives. Allie, this baby, Nathan, and I… We need you, just how you are now. There is an old saying that I remember my dad telling me a time or two. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift from God and that is why we call it the present. I don't know where all of us will be, come next Christmas, and I know some of our past Christmases weren't all that happy, but you're a part of our lives now. A very important part."

"Dad," Nathan said, coming to join his wife and father. "Charlotte is right. It doesn't matter what's happened in the past. All that matters now is that we are here. Together. Sharing this Christmas as a family. Our holidays may not have always been like this, but that allows us to savor this one even more."

"Why don't we capture this time and take a picture?" Charlotte suggested, already moving towards the bookshelf where Nathan's camera sat. "It is, after all, a tradition for our family to take a photo around the Christmas tree, so everyone get in close."

Nathan helped Charlotte set up the camera and then directed their guests around the Christmas tree moving and shifting them until every man, woman, child, and dog were within the frame. Then Nathan took his place beside Tremblay, Allie, and his wife, quickly pressing the extension button to trigger the shutters and flash of the camera. Capturing this special Christmas with his family in a way that it could live on forever. It was a gift he was thankful for, a way to look back on this moment and not only remember the people he loved so deeply, but also the feeling surrounding him in that moment. One of blissful happiness and comfort. Those lonely and difficult Christmases of his past seemed a lifetime ago. This year, he knew he was home, not only within the four walls that made up this house, but rather with those tonight who filled his heart until it was truly overflowing with love.

Later, as Nathan finished getting ready for bed, he couldn't help but reflect on what had been such a happy Christmas with his family. As Allie had told him earlier, it was special.

"What do you think?"

Nathan startled. He hadn't heard Charlotte come into the room, let alone be only a few steps away from where he sat on the edge of their bed. His throat bobbed at the vision she created, spinning slowly towards him in a new dark blue silk robe. Her brown waves cascaded gently over her shoulder. The little protruding belly and the pregnancy glow affixed to Charlotte's cheeks only made her all the more alluring to him.

"I… Uh…"

"Cat got your tongue?"

"Yeah, maybe. Or my better judgment."

"Well, you let me know when you figure it out, Sarge." Charlotte chuckled. "I guess since I can't fit into my blue ballgown this year, Rosemary still thought I needed something to remind us about our annual Christmas Dance."

"I don't need help remembering those nights."

"Nor do I." Charlotte let her fingers thread through his hair, tipping his head back slightly so she could stare into his loving gaze. Her thumb traced lightly over the lines around his eyes that deepened with the smile he gave her. She reached into the pocket of her robe and pulled out a small sprig of mistletoe. Charlotte held it above their heads. "Tradition." She said with a nonchalant shrug. "And kissing you under the mistletoe on Christmas is one tradition I never want to…"

His lips met hers, cutting off her rambling chatter. One large, gentle hand worked itself into her hair, the other went to her cheek. His lips moved against hers with sweet desire, tasting of cloves and coffee. When he pulled away, he breathlessly whispered against her cheek. "I will happily oblige in that tradition."

She laughed with him, her spirits light and jovial. Charlotte's heart soared, and her body begged for more of her husband's touch. "Will you oblige me with another of our traditions then?"

"As you wish."

"Dance with me." Charlotte reached out her hand to which Nathan eagerly took. Letting his wife guide him to his feet. Without speaking, they began stepping in a small circle, humming whatever notes came into their mind. Not once did their eyes leave each other.

Charlotte felt as if she were floating whenever she and Nathan danced together, and tonight was no different. In his arms, spinning around, it was like leaving the earth and all its worries and escaping to a realm that existed for just the two of them. She let her hand wander from his shoulder to his neck, twirling her fingers into the curls of his hair for a moment before touching his cheek. Her thumb brushing against his evening stubble; rugged and masculine.

"Have you had a special Christmas?" Charlotte's grey eyes examined his.

"Every Christmas I end up with you in my arms, will always be a special and happy one for me, my love."

She matched his smile before leaning against his solid chest, listening to the gentle pounding of his heart as he wrapped his arms tightly around her, drawing them close. "And I'm happy that I can be a small part of what makes you happy."

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Nathan."

"Merry Christmas, Sarge."