Lucky to be loving you

Chapter 17

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The day of the Christmas Pageant had arrived quicker than Elizabeth thought. She was over at St. James Church with Katie Yost and Debra Blakely checking on all the details. Why she was worried seemed silly now when she was greeted by the young ladies who were already there along with Marie Landoch, Mary O'Neil, Gail Peterson, and Carlotta Moretti. Even Rosemary popped in checking on how things were going.

Walking through the church entrance way, Rosemary was carrying Grace who was all bundled up from head to toe. Elizabeth saw her enter from the front of the church and rushed to help.

"Rosemary, hand over Gracie to me, so you can take off your overcoat," she offered with both arms outstretched.

"Thank you, Elizabeth!" Rosie smiled, "she's in a cocoon by the way I wrapped her."

"Aww, there's my sweet bundle of joy!" Elizabeth grinned as she talked to Grace while unbundling her. "She is really filling out Rosemary! Look at those chubby cheeks."

"Yes, she is. Violet says she's right on schedule for her height and weight. Ruth has been so good with her that I feel so almost guilty not spending more time with her."

"I know Rosemary, that was how I felt when I had to leave little Jack with Laura when I went back to work at the school," Elizabeth nodded.

"Yes, but you had no choice, you are a single parent. I feel guilty because I don't have to work with Lee so busy with his work, but I love my job as editor of the Valley Voice. Yet so often I'm too tired to give Grace and Paul the attention they deserve."

"Well, you knew enough to back down from directing the pageant this year, so I think if you listen to your motherly instincts, all of you will be fine. It's a big adjustment having a baby in your home, but you're a great mother!" Elizabeth encouraged Rosemary. "Let's go inside the church and watch the practice."

Rosemary was enjoying how well the pageant was doing and was very proud of Paul as one of the shepherds. "Oh, Elizabeth go up there and work with Katie and Debra. I'll be fine here."

Elizabeth joined the ladies and with the help of the other ladies, all the characters were ready for their dress rehearsal. Mr. Landis was up in the choir loft with Angela Canfield and a few students from his music class. When everyone was assembled, Elizabeth nodded up to Mr. Landis who began playing the organ. The music students were ready watching their teacher as best as they could with him up in the loft. Later that evening, Dr. Scholl would be with the choir and it would be easier.

Karen Landoch being one of the oldest there, was the narrartor and began reading from the Gospel of Luke. As the music began, the first song sung was "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem." Slowly Mary, played by Opal came with Joseph, played by Jason Conner, who was the new boy, the son of Kenny, to the Inn where they were turned away. Benjamin Landoch was very happy to be the Innkeeper, but told his mother that he didn't like to turn away Mary and Joseph, which made him sad. Then Benjamin led Mary and Joseph to the stable and where they found a place to stay with a manger for baby Jesus. The little girls who were the angels were singing "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" which woke the shepherds. They were alarmed by the shining bright lights and singing and went over to the stable. The choir softly sang, "Away in the Manger," followed by the angels singing "Oh come let us adore Him", inviting the audience to join in with them. A few children such as Jack Thornton and Sarah Wolf along with a few Lipinski children were dressed as lambs and followed the shepherds on all fours, letting out a "bah" every once in awhile. Karen would finish the Gospel reading and the whole church would sing "Silent Night".

After the pageant was over the congregation would sit together for a short time while Fr. Ricardo and Pastor Joseph shared with their parishoners more about the other Gospel's accounts of the birth of our Lord. They would all pray the "Our Father" together then stand and sing one last song, "Joy to the World!" before they would all leave to the town center to decorate the big Christmas tree. Over at Billees, Maggie and Sam with the Hopefuls would have coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and candy ready.

"Well, this will be a wonderful night tonight!" Flo congratulated Katie and Debra. "You've both done a fabulous job with these children, I must say!"

Katie spoke, "It's all because of the groundwork that Mrs. Thornton and Mrs. Coulter put into place the last few years."

"We just had to follow their program," Debra added.

Dottie helped with the costume adjustments checking to make sure they all fit well. Elsa's mother, Ingrid, had helped to make some easy choir robes when she was in town, so Dottie finished any changes and so far, so good.

Angela practiced her songs on the piano and Mr. Landis helped those playing instruments to be all tuned up and go over the music one more time.

At the back of the church, Father Ricardo and Pastor Joseph clapped after the rehearsal and told them all how delighted they were with all their hard work.

"Everything looks really great!" Pastor Joseph grinned.

"Yes, indeed, our little town of Hope Valley, will have the best pageant in the area, that's for sure!"

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As the crowd burst into applause, the children took a bow while grinning from ear to ear. It had been a successful and fun pageant with very few mishaps. Even baby Greta, one of the Andersson twins, never fussed during her first acting role of baby Jesus! When Fr. Ricardo and Pastor Joseph tied in the Gospel of Luke in their sermons causing the congregation to feel the true reason for the season.

The music sounded much better than last year at Billees as it echoed throughout the church from the choir loft prompting the filled church to sing along loud and strong. It was a perfect send off as the families filed out the door and walked into town singing more carols along the way. As they left, each family lit one candle to guide them to the town Christmas tree.

Elizabeth had packed the ornaments and paper garland that the children had made at school in her satchel. Grabbing it, she went down the choir loft stairs and joined Tom Thornton who was sitting with little Jack. When Jack saw his momma, he was still clapping from the songs they just sang.

"Jack," Uncle Tom complimented, "you were the best little lamb I ever saw."

Jack giggled, "Baa baa," he said.

"You did very good Jack," Will Malone added as he walked up to them.

Elizabeth was relieved that Tom had finally accepted Will as Elizabeth's new suitor.

Although, she wasn't sure how Charlotte Thornton would feel, but they'd find out soon as she was due to come in. She promised to be there not only for Christmas but also for Jack's birthday finally. Elizabeth had mixed feelings about her mother-in-law, but she wouldn't be alone with her with Tom there. After Tom left, she would go back to Hamilton to visit with her family. It was the best she could do, and Jack enjoyed their train trip last time. Maybe a week away, being spoiled, would do them both good. That's all the time she had free before she would have to get back for school.

Once everyone was gathered by the tree, Elizabeth handed out the paper decorations to the children to decorate with their families. Tom grabbed Jack and put him on his shoulders so he could reach higher to place his homemade ornament on the tree.

The two of them had made ornaments with cranberries, evergreen snippings, and pinecones. Jack was thrilled to have his uncle visiting and now that he was in a big boy's bed, Tom could lay down next to him and read him a story until he fell asleep. Once he was asleep, Tom visited briefly with Elizabeth before walking back to Billees to retire for the night. Elizabeth cherished those times and when she watched little Jack and his uncle together she could close her eyes while listening to their cute banter back and forth, picturing Jack instead of Tom with her son. She knew Will had wanted to help fill in the missing father for Jack, but when Tom came, he was just so at ease with them both, that their fondness flowed naturally and easily from both of them.

After the tree was decorated, it was time to sing one last carol. Of course, Gunther's mother, Hannah Burmeister, who was also visiting, led the song "O Tannebaum". She sang it in German, and the second verse the rest joined in English.

They finished by having hot cocoa and Christmas cookies and candy inside Billees to warm up. It was a festive evening for sure. The townfolk were welcoming all the visitors and sharing stories since the last time they had seen them.

Bertie and Ted Gleixner stopped at Billees for a little while with Walter. He and Lisa Peterson never left eachother's side as they walked around holding hands. The women all wanted to see Lisa's engagement ring and of course Lisa happily obilged.

"Lovely!" Dottie exclaimed!

"Good job there, Walter," Henry tapped Walter's arm. "Do you two have a date in mind?"

Lisa and Walter looked at each other and shrugged, "Soon as we can get it all arranged," Lisa smiled.

"The sooner the better!" Walter grinned when he squeezed Lisa's hand.

Robert didn't hesitate to grab Allie's hand as they were talking to Harper and Karen. "It's only been a few months, but it felt like forever," Allie said as she smiled up at Robert, "I'm so glad he's back."

"Where's your mom and dad?" Karen asked Allie.

"At home with my baby sister, Colleen, as mom and dad didn't want to take her out yet. Grandma, Grandpa are helping them around the house to get ready for tomorrow. We are going to celebrate Christopher's first birthday!"

"Oh, that's right! Christopher was born the night of the Christmas pageant last year!" Harper remembered.

Lana and Trevor were snuggled together at a quiet corner table talking quietly to each other until Lisa and Walter joined them. Lisa's engagement ring sparkled in the candle glow and she realized Lisa was noticing. She quickly covered her hand with the other so as not to make her sister envious. Being twins for all these years, each sister could read the other like a book, and Lisa could tell Lana was hoping the same would be for her and Trevor. Her mother tried reassuring her, when the time was ready, it would happen, but as twins they were constantly compared to the other. Who walked first, who rode a horse first, who blossomed first, and so forth. Lisa knew this wasn't a competition, so she was sensitive to her sister.

"Walter, let's get a plate of cookies and bring them back to the table for the four of us," Lisa suggested.

Brook was there working the dessert table just as she offered to Flo. She had been trained all week for when the Yosts would leave for their grandparent's farm for Christmas. Carl was by his wife's side and they seemed to be quite happy together.

Flo and Ned were saying their goodbyes and wishing Merry Christmas to their friends. Dottie and Henry too, as they were going to Washington in the USA to be with Henry's son, Christopher and wife, Rachel to be with them and their new baby boy for his first Christmas.

With Debra having to leave with her family to the farm, she and John were enjoying each other's company this night. Her step-sister, Katie had dated a few of the young men, but no one in particular. All the Hopefuls were great friends but little by little, couples were forming. As usual they all pitched in to help Maggie and Sam clean up.

Fiona, being the mayor, spoke wishing everyone a very blessed Christmas and safe travels for all who would be leaving to spend time with their family.

"James and I will be taking a quick time off to visit his parents for Christmas, but we will be back to celebrate New Years with you all," Fiona said.

"And, Fiona and I need to finish the last of our wedding plans," James added, "Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!"

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Dottie and Henry had left to spend their Christmas with Henry's son, Christopher, his wife, Rachel and their new baby boy. Rachel's mother, Susannah and her husband, Patrick would all be there too. It was a good thing that Dottie made reservations at the Spokane Inn. Susannah and her husband lived nearby and Rachel was thankful to have her mother living close by and willing to host the Christmas dinner. Dottie and Henry were warmly welcomed and they both felt right at home. While everyone was busy eating, Henry was thrilled to hold his grandson and while looking deeply into his eyes, whispered how much he loved him. Dottie watched the two together and couldn't help but shed a tear.

Fiona and James took the train to visit James family in Hamilton. James' parents were available to go over the responses from the invitations received that their side of the family. It would be a fairly quick visit as they were due back home so James could sing and entertain for New Years' Eve at the Benson Hills Inn with Diane Starr. Fiona, being the Mayor, was expected to give a speech on New Year's Day at Billees for the Hope Valley New Year's Day Dinner. After a delicious Christmas dinner, their maid served eggnog and fruitcake. As they actively discussed who would be attending the wedding, James' brother Carl left to relax with a glass of sherry in the library.

James mother, Ruth graciously offered to plan the seating chart for the table arrangements at the reception and to handle all the floral decorations for both the church and the reception. "Your father and I will take care of the expenses for the dinner reception, including the cake, beverages, and entertainment, so you two won't have to worry one bit about the reception. It's part of our gift for the both of you," Ruth grinned.

Later when they exchanged gifts Robert pulled from the top of the Christmas tree and envelope and handed it to James saying, "Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful bride!"

James opened the envelope and showed the tickets inside to Fiona. They both gasped, "A honeymoon trip to Europe! Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, and France! Oh my goodness!" Fiona was stunned. She immediately jumped to her feet and hugged Robert who was laughing by her exuberance. Rushing over to Ruth she repeated gushing her gratitude.

It was a huge relief for Fiona not to have to worry at all about the reception party at the Benson Hills Inn. All she needed to focus on now was the dresses and the church service she thought as she laid her head on James shoulder and fell asleep to the rhythm of the train dreaming of their honeymoon to Europe!

Meanwhile, in much less elegance, but certainly not more love were the Blakelys and the Yosts who were gathered together for the last time around the big farm table of Grandpa and Grandma Blakely. Grandpa had sold his farm to a young family who was anxious to raise their family on their farm. The farm was well taken care of and ready to continue growing crops and livestock. Although their grandson, Paul was hoping to stay there and work the farm for his grandfather, it wasn't meant to be. His grandparents were advanced in age and financially needed to sell the farm for what it was worth but what Paul couldn't afford.

Luckily, for Paul and Darcy, with Ned and Flo's help, they were able to buy the Henderson farm in the country just outside of Hope Valley. Ned had been cleaning up and having Kevin Townsend help him paint and spruce the farmhouse for them. Grandma and Grandpa offered to give them a few of their favorite livestock that weren't included in the sale, to stay in the Blakely family. It was a wonderful gesture and quite a heartwarming gift.

Darcy's parents lived in the same town as Grandma and Grandpa Blakely so they had helped the couple with the planning of their wedding. It would be held at the Community Church in town the day after Christmas. Just the families and a few good friends would be attending. Darcy's mother had saved her wedding dress in the family keepsake box. With minor adjustments and addition of lace and a silk waist ribbon, it looked lovely on Darcy.

Debra was Darcy's maid of honor and Darcy's brother, Randy, was Paul's best man. The minister read A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 15:9-12

Jesus said to his disciples:
"As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father's commandments
and remain in his love.
"I have told you this so that my joy might be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you."

The young couple exchanged their vows followed by Katie playing a beautiful rendition of "I Give My All to Thee."

The minister blessed them and announced the new Mr. and Mrs. Paul Blakely, saying, "You may kiss the bride."

A simple party following in the church basement for the guests. All their leftovers from Christmas would be served, but they would have a freshly made cake baked by Darcy's Auntie Anne. The Victrola played a few songs to dance to. Darcy's father took her out on the floor as they danced to a waltz. Paul tapped on her father's shoulder after dancing with Flo, and took Darcy around the floor to finish the dance. It was such a warm and exciting time for the young couple and Ned made sure to take a few photos for them to treasure. When it was time to leave, Darcy threw her bouqet and her maid of honor, Katie caught it. She laughed as she didn't have a steady beau, but she thought of one back home in Hope Valley and smiled to herself.

Meanwhile, Christmas in Hope Valley was happening...