Lucky to be loving you

Chapter 18

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In many houses throughout Hope Valley, Christmas celebrations were going on!

Folks were visiting and it was quite joyful to see so many families gathered together.

Bill and Molly were happy to have Bill's cousin, Peter come for Christmas. It was the first time Molly met Peter and he was mighty grateful for the opportunity. Rosaleen had invited Gunther whom she had been dating and his mother, Hannah. She had been very grateful to be included as she didn't want to intrude, but she never felt that way with Molly. Molly had also invited guests, Faith and Carson. She knew they were alone and couldn't bear the thought of them being by themselves for Christmas dinner. She had included Violet, Ruth, and Jake, but they chose to go back to see Violet's family in Union City. So, now the Averys had eight people over.

The Lipinskis and O'Neills were one big family with Christy, Rick, Timi Anne, and baby Patrick David, and all the Lipinski children! Maggie had Sam join them, and Jesse and Clara were already the adopted family with their children, Michael and Abigail Erin. Both Michael and Timi Anne were born around the same time too, so there were two birthday cakes for the one-year-olds! The house was filled with love and laughter.

Over at the Peterson farm, Dan and Gail opened their home to Lisa and Lana's men in their lives. Walter could only stop by to pick up Lisa after his Christmas dinner at the Grants to take her back there. Next year, they decided they would spend Christmas with one family on Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas Day. Lana invited Trevor whom she had been dating. Knowing that his friend, Kenny, and son, Jason Conner were new and alone, Lana checked with her family and included them to come along.

The Moretti's were together with the Romanos at their home with Fr. Ricardo. Since Ben Carmon was courting Lucia, he was indeed lucky to be included with the Italians and their cuisine. Although he didn't speak Italian when they got excited and resorted to their mother tongue, he could tell by their spirited expressions, laughter, and hand gestures what they were saying and it was joyful!

Brook and Carl Hutton invited the banker Carl worked with, Mr. Jensen. He was a man of few words, but he was glad to be included and graciously joined them.

Rosemary and Lee were super excited to be celebrating Christmas with their baby girl, Gracie, on her first Christmas. Paul was such a great big brother and he was lavished with all the wonderful toys and clothes a boy his age could ever dream of. Most importantly, he was excited to have a friend to play with him and his toys as his parents invited the Canfields over for Christmas dinner. Rosemary loved to entertain and Lee was glad to have his business partner and friend with them.

Marie and Bob Landoch were celebrating at home with Karen and Benjamin. Karen having been seeing Harper, asked to invite him over for dessert and although Bob was not too happy about it, Marie said yes. Bob was surprised that Harper paid almost as much attention to Benjamin as he did Karen. Harper had been helping Benjamin with his schoolwork from time to time and they had developed a good, solid relationship.

Elsa and William Andersson were home alone with their twins, Juliet and Greta, but it was just perfect. When her mother, Ingrid left for home, Elsa missed her terribly, but William was glad to have his family back to himself.

The bachelors that didn't go home to their families, decided to have dinner together. Mike Hickam invited them over so Kevin Townsend, Matthew, and Mark ate a beef roast with all the fixings and then played a few games of poker.

Having spent the night at the Gleixner's new country home with her mom, Bertie, Dad, Ted, and brother Walter, Dorothy and George arrived at the Grant household with their two twins, Robert and Roberta. Waiting for them were Dee, Nathan, Allie, Christopher, and baby Colleen. This was the first time all the grandchildren were together and not only were they excited for Christmas, but they were anxious to meet the youngest cousin in the family, Colleen!

"I want to see her!" Roberta demanded.

"Me too!" Robert stepped in front of his sister as they both ran over to their Uncle Nathan trying to join him sitting on the sofa.

Dorothy quickly ran over to them and grabbing their hands told them both, "Go easy you two, Colleen is a wee one."

George rescued Dorothy by telling the twins to stop and take off their coats and boots first. Colleen just stretched in her sleep when she heard new voices, oblivious to all the attention she was getting.

Allie was busy holding Christopher up as he was barely walking. He giggled at the commotion but wondered why he wasn't getting all the attention. Little did he know that later on, he would be the center of attention with his birthday cake! Emily had made a cake for his birthday with lots of frosting for him to lick off.

Bertie and Ted were happy that this year they could all be together. Having sold their farm, life was much easier for them and they were enjoying their retirement, especially being close to family.

Walter joined Nathan, George, and Archie in the living room as he placed their gifts under the Christmas tree.

"This house is really nice, Nathan!" Walter nodded as he looked around, "It's roomy enough for us all too, so I hope you don't mind, but I invited, Lisa to come over after her time with her family."

"Of course, we don't mind. We expected her to be joining us, now that you two are engaged," Nathan assured Walter.

"That's what I figured," Walter grinned, "I've got to go over to her house after dinner, and pick her up to bring her back here. Her folks want me to come over there too."

"Oh, to be a wanted man!" Nathan laughed.

Archie watched from his rocking chair trying to remember who was who. He knew Bertie and Ted from the farm down the street. "Yeah, that's them, I just don't know who the other family is," he thought to himself.

Nathan noticed the look on his dad's face and remarked, "Dad, do you remember Bertie and Ted?"

Archie nodded, yes, "Of course, I do, they live down the street."

Nathan shrugged, "Okay, this is Walter, remember he is my good friend."

"Hello, Mr. Grant, it's good to see you," Walter reached out to shake Archie's hand. Archie smiled and shook Walter's hand in return letting his greeting sink in.

Dorothy walked over and said, "Hello, Mr. Grant, I'm Dorothy and this is my husband, George and our twins, Robert and Roberta."

Archie seemed confused, but looked back up at Dorothy, "Dorothy, yes, you are Colleen's friend. Do you know where she is? I haven't seen her today."

Emily heard the conversation from the kitchen stepped in, and grabbed Archie's hand, "Archie, hasn't Dorothy grown to be such a lovely lady! Now look at her with a family and all."

"Yes," he smiled patting Emily's hand, "she is as lovely as her mother."

Bertie had been watching and added, "Yes, Dee and Dorothy both are such lovely ladies, aren't they?" That seemed to satisfy Archie for the time being.

As the day went on, the ladies all worked together to get the Christmas dinner served. It seemed they were passing dishes for what could have been a half-hour at least. Luckily, Dee had a chance to get away for a bit of quiet to nurse Colleen and caught a bit of a nap. Waking up, she heard the laughter and realized she had fallen asleep. Checking on Colleen who was sound asleep, she quickly brushed out her dress and pinned her hair back in place, then tiptoed out of the bedroom to join the rest of the family who were waiting to open their presents. It so happened that even Christopher was ready for a quick cat nap with his Grandpa Archie snuggled in his lap, but not for long.

The youngsters peeked at their stockings hanging by the fireplace and asked if they could dump them out to see what was inside. Shaking the stockings, out rolled an orange and an apple, wrapped up cookies that Allie had made with Emily, tootsie rolls, and some walnuts. No one got coal, which was a happy surprise.

Nathan had picked out a special charm for Allie's bracelet this year. It was a graduation cap since she had finished school this year. Dee had bought her own soft rose-colored lipstick and rose-scented cologne. Her grandparents, aunt, and uncle gave her a journal and books to read. Robert and Roberta were thrilled with the wooden toys Nathan made them. Roberta got a baby-sized cradle from her Uncle Nathan for her homemade doll that Bertie had made for her. Robert got a wooden train set that his uncle made along with a cowboy hat and boots.

Christopher being born right before Christmas was told, "Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas!" Being just one though, he just enjoyed himself and was looking quite silly when Robert plopped some of the cake frosting on his nose. He was kicking his feet on his highchair and laughing at everyone who was singing "Happy Birthday to him." The balloon that was tied to his wrist entertained him for quite some time while everyone enjoyed their cake and coffee.

The doorbell rang and when Ted opened it there stood Robert. He had to see Allie for Christmas. Allie's face lit up like the candles on the fireplace mantel. When she walked over to greet Robert, he gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek. Allie smiled and grabbed his hand walking him into the living room. Christopher was clapping his hands when he saw Robert and reached out for him. Robert was his buddy and he really liked him.

Walter left to pick up Lisa and brought his fiancé back to the Grant home. Meanwhile, Colleen let the family know she was awake and ready to come back down to join her extended family. When she was changed and fed, Allie and Nathan grabbed their guitars to have a Christmas family sing-a-long. Singing all the Christmas carols together was a perfect way to end their day.

Christmas Love was flowing all around Hope Valley...

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Aoogha! Aoogha! Jack stopped playing with his wooden train and asked, "Mama, what is that?"

His Uncle Tom was visiting and spending as much time with his nephew, Jack as he could after their Christmas dinner and was on the floor playing with him when they heard the horn. They both watched as Elizabeth wiped her hands on her apron and went to the door to see where the honk came from. The look on her face was one of surprise seeing her mother-in-law, Charlotte Thornton, stepping out of her car in front of Elizabeth's home.

"It's your mother!" Elizabeth immediately told Tom, looking back directly at him with shock, "Did you know she was coming tonight?"

Tom stood up and shook his head, "No, I figured she'd come in the daylight," he answered as he joined Elizabeth at the door.

Charlotte looked up and saw the two gaping at her and demanded, "Don't just stand there Thomas, come here and give me a hug!"

Tom looked bewildered and did what his mother wanted. "Mother, come inside and get warm."

As Tom and Charlotte entered, little Jack ran up to Elizabeth and pulled her apron while he tilted his head inquiring, "Mama, is this Grandmother Thornton?"

"Yes, honey."

Charlotte gave her daughter-in-law a brisk hug and then opened her arms for Jack to come to her. Jack wasn't sure what to do. He didn't remember her as he hadn't seen her in a long time so he hesitated.

"What are you waiting for, Jack? Your grandmother drove all this way to see you. Can I please have a hug?" she smiled.

"Go ahead," Elizabeth encouraged as she tapped Jack's shoulder, "Grandmother wants to give you a hug."

Jack did as he was asked, then stepped back and said, "Are you Uncle Tom's mother too?"

"Yes, she is," Tom answered while putting his arm around Charlotte who laughed.

"Come on inside," Elizabeth invited, "can I get you anything?"

"Did I miss your Christmas dinner?" Charlotte inquired as she took off her coat and gave it to Tom.

Tom answered as he hung her coat on the rack, "We waited most of the day, but we just finished. I was playing trains with Jack while Elizabeth and Will were busy doing dishes."

Charlotte looked over at the kitchen and saw Will showing her puzzlement.

"Elizabeth, who is your guest here?"

Will had already stopped drying dishes and politely walked over to Charlotte, "I am Will Malone, Mrs. Thornton. I am a school teacher at Hope Valley School and a friend of Elizabeth Jack, and Tom now, too. It's my pleasure to meet you!"

Charlotte looked Will over, up and down, then boldly asked, "Are you courting my daughter-in-law?"

"Mother!" Tom snapped, "Can't you just say hello?"

Will blushed but smiled, "Yes ma'am I am. May I add, that I have enjoyed her company and Jack's both."

Elizabeth stammered, "Please have a seat and let me bring you some dinner, you must be starving!"

Charlotte agreed, "Elizabeth dear, that would be wonderful, I am famished."

Jack had followed his grandmother and sat down at the dining table next to her,

"Grandmother, what does fa meesd mean?"

Jack's question broke the tension in the room and everyone, including Charlotte, laughed. As Charlotte ate dinner, the others joined her at the table.

Charlotte admitted that she had gotten lost and took a wrong turn when she was out in the country and had to turn around, "I'm sorry I'm late."

Elizabeth shared, "We were worried, especially when it got dark, but then Tom said he thought that you were maybe coming tomorrow instead."

"Yeah," Jack piped up, "but I knew you'd be here. We have to celebrate my birthday too!"

"That's right, Jack, I wouldn't miss your birthday!" Charlotte said joyfully as she grinned at him.

Will had put candles on Jack's cake and after lighting them, Elizabeth brought the cake to the table and set it down in front of Jack. Looking around he saw his Mama, Uncle Tom, Grandmother Thornton, and Mr. Malone all happily singing "Happy Birthday to Jack!" Jack was so excited and wiggled in his chair impatiently waiting to blow out his candles.

"Don't forget to make a wish before you blow out the candles!" Uncle Tom reminded him.

Jack squeezed his eyes shut and thought about a wish. When he opened his eyes, he blew as hard as he could and blew out the candles with Tom's help. Everyone clapped, even Jack.

Elizabeth started to cut the cake, giving Jack the first piece. Will had already made coffee and poured Jack a glass of milk.

"Grandmother, did you see the presents that Santa Claus brought me?" Jack asked excitedly.

"I see the train set that you and Uncle Tom were playing with!"

"Yea, Uncle Tom gave me that. He said my dad had one like it so he wanted me to have one too. Right Uncle Tom?" Jack grinned at Tom.

"Yes sir, and we're having fun with it too!"

"Would you like two more presents?" Charlotte asked Jack.

"Yes! Did you bring me some?" Jack was even more excited.

"One for Christmas and one for your birthday!" Charlotte announced.

Charlotte asked Jack to fetch her satchel by the coat rack. When he brought it back to her, she reached inside pulled out two gifts, and set them on the table in front of Jack.

The first one he opened was his Christmas present. It was a warm sweater that Charlotte had knitted for him. He liked the color of red which made him think of his daddy's serge!

The second gift was his birthday present, a metal horse. "Your dad rode a horse; his name was Sergeant. I know your mother kept him and someday he'll be your horse, but for now, I wanted you to have this one," Charlotte smiled warmly.

Jack looked fondly at his horse, "Your name is Sergeant too!" Jack ran over to his grandmother and hugged her saying, "Thank you, Grandmother! I love you!"

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Everyone seemed happy and content with their Christmas time spent with family and friends. Dottie and Henry arrived home late because they were stuck in Spokane with a winter storm, but they didn't mind at all they were happy to spend more time with family. It was hard to leave little Henry and his parents, but they promised to be back when spring arrived.

Paul and his new bride, Darcy were coming to Hope Valley to move into the Henderson farm, now their new homestead. They had a simple but lovely wedding in the farm town with just the family and a few good friends. Darcy was a young bride full of love and ambition ready to be the wife of a farmer.

Paul had really enjoyed helping his grandfather on the farm and grew to love the life. It was a time in his life shortly after his father had passed away in the mining accident in Hope Valley. There was so much pain that he had been experiencing and he had the added pressure of feeling he had to be the man of the house. Then when his mother, Florence, had begun to be courted by Ned who ran the Mercantile, he felt his place in the family was being taken over by Ned. The tension in the family caused arguments and hard feelings, so that's when Grandpa Blakely asked for Paul's help.

Grandpa was wise to the family dynamics and wanted to help but he also was feeling his age and knew he needed help farming. It was a win-win situation for all. With the physical work involved in farming, it was a release for Paul to work out his anger and eventually, he actually looked forward to his new lifestyle. It helped too that his grandma had a calming way about her and the delicious dinners were also perfect times for discussion that helped Paul open up. Of course, Grandpa always had a joke or funny story up his sleeve that provided plenty of laughter.

Grandma and Grandpa were sad to sell their farm, but at the same time, knowing the farm's new owners were a young family like they had once been many years ago. It was a hard but wonderful way to bring up their family and Flo had shared many sweet memories of growing up on the farm. When it was time to leave for Hope Valley, Flo walked through each room and visualized the memories she recalled as she closed her eyes. Practically hearing the conversations of her family, she treasured those thoughts and locked them in her mind for a later trip down memory lane. It was time though for her parents to rest from their hard work and retire to a quiet small house in town.

So, before they left for home in Hope Valley, after the wedding, Flo and Ned helped her mother and father get settled in their new home with tearful goodbyes but happy for Darcy and Paul's new life as a married couple ready to start their new life. Once they got settled, Grandma and Grandpa promised to bring a few farm animals to keep in the family. Knowing they would see Grandma and Grandpa shortly, made it easier to say goodbye.

Fiona and James were truly happy at his parent's house this Christmas. Compared to last year when Fiona had encouraged James to heal his relationship with his parents, it was tense, but Fiona had this sweet way about her that helped not only James but James' father, Robert to relax. Besides, Fiona and James' mother, Ruth, both wanted their men to reconcile, so there was a bit of persuasion on their part too. Carl, James' brother, was in for the Christmas celebration and planned to stay for Fiona and James' wedding. Most of the plans had all fallen into place with Ruth's help overseeing the reception, leaving Fiona time to focus on the wedding and her dress.

This New Year's Eve James was scheduled and committed to singing at Benson Hills Inn. The schedule was jam-packed for the couple. Following the next day, Fiona had promised to give the New Year's welcome at the Hope Valley New Year's Dance. After a festive New Year's Eve at the Inn with lots of fun and dancing, the engaged couple were sitting at Billees socializing with all the families that came. Shortly after the potluck dinner, the Hopefuls put on a lovely dance for those who wanted to stay for the countdown ringing in the New Year. However, Fiona told James she needed to get home and rest. There had been one holiday celebration after another and she needed to rest – she had a wedding to get ready for!