A/N This story was originally intended to be finished by Christmas with 20 chapters. However, since it has begun really taking shape and the comments made, Melissa and I have decided that we are letting this story evolve as it will. As it is being written, new wonderful and lovely ideas are evolving that shouldn't be neglected or excluded by a timeline. So going forward, this story will continue past Christmas as Melissa, and I allow the characters to tell their story. We are just getting started in what has turned out to be a funny and poignant story that I hope everyone will continue to enjoy. It has truly been a blessing to have found such a great writing partner as I have.

However, it will no longer be considered my Holiday Fanfic story. But I have another story posting the same day as this one that is my true Christmas Fan Fic. It is the sequel to Never Forget, which was another story that Melissa enjoyed. I hope you will give it a try.


After Agatha left the Thatcher estate, Grace noticed a strange thoughtful look on her husband's face and became trepidatious about what he was thinking so hard about. Though she tried, she couldn't get her sister's words out of her head. Had she neglected her middle daughter? The case that Agatha had laid out so accurately made it appear that way. Looking at the letters in her hand, she set the second one aside for the moment and focused on the first. The one where Elizabeth had written to let them know her decision would also indicate her guilt.

But it was just no use because try as she might for every strike against her, she could think of others that suggested otherwise. Finally, she sighed heavily and dismissed her sister's attempt at laying a guilt trip at their door for what was essentially Elizabeth's poor choices. There was no other way she could conclude that she was at fault. She wasn't the one, after all, that issued the ultimatum. Though she didn't disagree, she also wasn't the one who accepted a marriage proposal for Elizabeth. It was either William's or Elizabeth's fault but certainly not hers. She was a dutiful wife and mother and received numerous compliments on how accomplished her girls were. She had done her job, and that was that.

"William, we need to discuss the New Year's Eve Ball," Grace said. "Since Elizabeth is obstinate, I think we should announce Julie and Charles' engagement to save face. They can set a date, and then the planning should keep everybody focused until we get Elizabeth back in line. Provided, of course, as long as Linda Benson doesn't manage to get Phillip's ring on her finger before that." Grace said, getting up to pour herself some more wine. He noticed that she had placed the letter that Agatha had just given them on a nearby table as if discarding it.

William looked at his wife like she had two heads. He didn't say a word but stood up and walked out. He grabbed his coat from the coat rack and called for his car to be brought around the front. He didn't know where he was headed, but he couldn't stay in the oppressive house that seemed like an empty mausoleum. As if Agatha had ripped the blinders off, he could now see that hard truth. Unlike his wife, he brought his letter as he ordered his driver to take him to the church where only 6 days ago, he had listened to his daughter sing her heart out in joy for the birth of their Savior.

When they arrived, he got out and climbed the steps, his heart very heavy. The door was open, and the sanctuary was practically empty as he found a place on the back pew. With a heavy sigh, he pulled out the letter Agatha had given him and began to read.


December 25, 1909

Dearest Father,

By now, you have read my previous letter. I know I have disappointed you though it was the last thing I wanted. I felt that I had no choice but to take the actions that I have.

I am sorry that I am not like my sisters, who are your pride and joy. I tried so hard and for many years to be what you wanted me to be, but I found that the harder I tried, the more I felt my true self slipping away as my voice grew quiet. Father, I have only ever strived to make you proud to have me for a daughter, but I fear I have embarrassed you more often than not. In every challenge I have ever faced, I have never backed down because, as you have taught us, Thatcher's never run from a challenge. I have endeavored to go above and beyond to prove myself worthy and compensate for my shortcomings.

As I stated before, I beg your forgiveness for writing a letter instead of telling you in person, which would have been my preference. One thing I have learned from you is to face things straight on, even if it's unpleasant.

With that being said, there is something that I must tell you. Since I'm with Aunt Catherine, I am sure you have some idea of what it is. I came out west as a mail-order bride and will be married as of the 28th of December.

The gentleman's name is Constable Nathan Grant. He is 25 years old and recently became the guardian of his three-year-old niece Allie Parks upon the death of her parents. He and his family are known to Aunt Catherine, so it is not just some stranger that she matched me to. I think you know that she would go above and beyond for me to ensure both safety and happiness, as would Aunt Agatha. I know that you think I am too weak to make it on my own or without the vast Thatcher wealth, but I am determined to prove that I can and will succeed.

I pray someday that you will forgive me and that we may reach a point where you will want to meet the man I have chosen to spend my life with and raise a family with. If you ever find your way to reopening the door to me again, Aunt Agatha and Aunt Catherine will help you contact me. Father, please know that I love you and that my heart is heavy as I write this, but I feel confident that I am making the right choice.

Your Loving daughter Elizabeth


By the time William had finished, tears were falling in earnest. 'Oh, sweet Beth, how I have failed you in so many ways.' Well, that is changing starting right now. He prayed for guidance and forgiveness and thanked God for His protection over Elizabeth and for her happiness.

Then he went to his car and had his driver take him to the first of many stops he would be making in the next few days. When the driver pulled up to Agatha's, he told him that he would call Thompson when he needed him to return. As he walked into the foyer, he realized he probably should have called before dropping in. As he was shown into the library, he apologized for the lateness of the hour though it was only 7 pm.

"It's all right, William, I can tell that you need to talk," Agatha said. "Please come and have a seat. Can I pour a cup of tea for you?"

"That would be very nice, Agatha," William said. "You must be surprised to see me tonight."

"Actually, no, I'm not. I could see that what I said took root in your heart. My dear sister on the other hand…." Agatha said sadly.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his letter. "Would you read this first before we talk?"

"Is that the letter I handed you this evening?" Agatha asked, surprised he would share it.

"It is, well, mine anyway," William said. "I fear that you are right about Grace, however,"

As Agatha read the letter, tears welled up. She peeked at William's countenance and could see how broken he was by the realization of what he had done.

She handed the letter back to him, picked up her teacup, and waited for him to speak. When he wasn't forthcoming, she asked bluntly, "Why are you here, William? What do you want from me?"

"Assurances and help," William said dejectedly.

"Let's start with assurances then," Agatha said. "I assume you want to know about Nathan and his family?"

"Yes, and is Elizabeth happy?" William asked.

For the first time, Agatha smiled. "William, he is an honorable man and will move heaven and earth to make Elizabeth happy. They were married on December 28th, and Catherine is staying until the 14th. I spoke with Elizabeth and Catherine briefly, and I can tell you she is very happy and quite taken by her Mountie and little Allie. Catherine has told me they plan on adopting her as soon as possible."

"How old is he? Where are they living?" William asked.

"He is 25 years old, and from what my sources have said, he is on the fast track to move up the ladder of the Mountie chain of command. As for where they are, they are staying with his mother since he is currently posted in Aberdeen. He was temporarily assigned there when his sister died in an accident. He expects a new posting within the next three months."

"Agatha, what would you say if Elizabeth would agree, of course, of taking a trip out to see her?" William went on to suggest. "I could leave here on the second, which puts us there on the 5th. Maybe we could travel back here with Catherine. Obviously, I would ask that, for now, the traveling party only includes us because I don't want Elizabeth to feel ganged up on."

"What do you hope to gain, William?" Agatha asked, intrigued but still very suspicious of him.

"The forgiveness of a daughter who thinks she didn't measure up. The opportunity to assure her that she more than measured up, that I have always been proud, and that I was so wrong. Finally, I can get to know my new son-in-law and granddaughter." William said, smiling for the first time. "I'm a grandpa now!"

"I must confess I have been dying to go myself, so let's make the arrangements, shall we?" Agatha said, chuckling. "I'm sorry to hear about Grace refusing to see the truth. She always reminded me of an Ostrich when we were growing up."

"Hopefully, one day, she will come around, but I'm not going to wait. Maybe if we embrace this young man, then she will as well. If not, then as far as I'm concerned, it is her loss. When I left, she was discussing announcing Charles and Julie's engagement for the ball, so be forewarned, my friend," William said, smiling and raising a cup in a silent toast of friendship.

Agatha looked at her brother-in-law, seeing him with new eyes, and raised her glass in response to the new friendship that had formed.

"I'll make the arrangements for where we can stay, and why don't you handle the travel arrangements," Agatha said.

"That sounds great. We can leave right after the new year and return with Catherine," William said, standing up. "I'd better get back to Grace. I left without saying anything when she began discussing the Ball. She didn't even read Elizabeth's letter but put it on a table."

Agatha was shocked to see his eyes glistening and how choked up he was at his wife's actions. She knew without hesitation that the man in front of her truly intended to stand by Elizabeth and, by extension, Nathan.

But his next words proved it as he said, "Agatha, when you call Catherine, please assure her that I'm not coming with any intention of interfering with the marriage. I give you both my solemn word on that. I just truly need to make amends to my girl and assure her that I love her and take some time to get to really know her."

Agatha stood up and embraced him for the first time since they became family. "I will do that, and I know she will be happy to hear that. Why don't you come for an early lunch, and we can discuss the arrangements before we have to get ready for the Ball?"

"That would certainly be better than hiding at my club. It will also allow me to talk to the Carringtons and maybe encourage them to look elsewhere for a bride." William said with a chuckle.

"Oh, let me be there when Grace finds out, dear William," Agatha said. "It's been a while since I have seen my sister in a tizzy."

They laughed, and before he left, he said, "Agatha, I want to say how sorry I am for how I have treated you and Robert all these years. When Catherine rejected me and later married James, well, I was heartbroken, and you were her best friend. Though I have come to care for Grace genuinely, I didn't have the best reasons for marrying her. With your husband Robert, well, it was more that he captured my daughter's heart and had the relationship I wanted with her," William said sheepishly.

"He knew that you were bothered by how close they were, William, and understood, as do I. I am glad that, though you married Grace for the wrong reasons, you have developed a genuine affection for her. I'm unsure if you knew she was in love with you."

"I didn't know until soon after we married and have endeavored to find happiness with her. Until this business with Elizabeth, I had thought I was successful." William mused. "Maybe Elizabeth isn't the only one I have to make amends to."

"I think you should start with Elizabeth and then decide from there. But as for me, I accept your apology, and as far as I'm concerned, we will start with a clean slate because I haven't been the nicest to you at times. Though William, I want you to know that Robert and I never sought to undermine you or Grace as Elizabeth's parents. I love her and consider her my daughter, but I will never forget that you are her parents."

"I know that, and I believe Grace does too. I think Grace has felt similar about you and Catherine as I did Robert. She loves Elizabeth, but I fear she doesn't know how to show support for her. Elizabeth is not like Julie and Viola, so Grace feels like a fish out of water with her. Though with Catherine, it's a double-edged sword because she has the added pain of knowing that I was in love with her." William said sadly. Then he turned and left, leaving Agatha with a lot to ponder. Maybe Grace and William weren't the only ones that needed to face some truths.