Chapter 93

Christmas Eve snuck up on everyone faster than they could have imagined. The final gifts were made and wrapped, hidden from little eyes. While snow fell for two days, the children still found ways, and reasons, to be outside. They just didn't want to be inside, even with the cold air nipping at their exposed skin. Every child was excited about Santa coming as they ran through the woods or played on the frozen pond. In normal childlike fashion, Christmas was every child's favorite holiday.

Everyone knew Frank was excited about his and Abgail's news. The community were genuinely happy for the couple. They also thought like Jack did . That the good pastor hasn't touched the ground since Abagail shared the good news with him. Everyone thought if anyone deserved this type of happiness, it was Abagail. She lost so much in the mine explosion. Along with that, she was the backbone of the community. She held the widows and the children together. She led the fight for the widows to keep their row house when she was the first woman in the mine. She was the lead person with the trial against the Southwest Mining Company. She also held them to keep up the judgement. They were slow in paying the fines for the widows. It was Abagail that kept pushing for them to pay up. Now, she was expecting a new baby after marrying the local pastor. She was also an excellent mayor. Each person smiled at thinking of the good things for the precious mayor and café owner.

…

Abagail had an earlier visit with Faith. Since she was a little older than the average pregnant woman, Faith has requested more frequent visits. She didn't even give Abagail a chance to argue.

"How are you feeling?" Faith asked as she was feeling Abagail's baby bump.

"Good. I haven't really struggled with morning sickness very much. Especially over the last few weeks."
"That's great, but it wasn't morning sickness that you were struggling with when I walked into your kitchen."
Abagail's eyes quickly looked up and found Faith's face and eyes.

"Fine." She relented. "I still struggle with that at times, but not as often as I was then."
"Are you drinking plenty of water?"
Abagail sat silently on the table.

"Abagail!"
"I'm trying. It's just so cold outside. The last thing I want to do is to drink water. I have been drinking a lot of hot tea."
"Abagail, you understand that you need to drink water. You know all of this. We have talked about this at our last visit."
"We did." Abagail lowered her head.

"Fine…I'll speak with Pastor Frank concerning this."
"No!" Abagail quickly answered. "There is no need for that."

"Abagail." Faith warned. "We have already talked about this, and you said you would drink plenty of water. You haven't done it. Now, this is important for you. You know the risks. We have to do everything that will help you in this pregnancy."
"Yes, I promise I will do better."
"We have already had this conversation. I will be having it with Frank."
"Faith! There is no need to bring him into this conversation." She shook her head.

"Too late." Faith smirked as she lowered the front of Abagail's blouse. "You know with your age that this pregnancy is a little trickier than a normal pregnancy. We need to put everything in your favor. Now, we will add Frank into this equation."
"Wow… you've turned meaner since you are studying to be a doctor." Abagail chuckled. "Fine, but you do realize that Frank will be just too much concerning this?"
"Oh I know that. But here's the thing, I don't live with him." While Faith stated it with a flat tone, she couldn't keep the smile from forming.

"Speaking of living with someone, when are you and Mountie Sam getting hitched?"
Faith let out a contented sigh. "Soon. We don't really want to wait too long. We're thinking sometime in March. I don't want to wait until summer, but I also don't want four feet of snow either."
"The end of March usually begins to turn with some nice days sprinkled in."
"Yes." Faith's smile just grew at the thought of being married in a few short months. "We have been discussing the timing."
"Um humm." Hummed Abagail. "Maybe Elizabeth and I won't be the only ones bringing little ones to this community." She wiggled her eyebrows.

"Abagail!" Faith's face turned instantly red.

"You two make a beautiful couple. You also complement each other so well. He has truly became part of our community."
"He really has. Jack was instrumental in that aspect."
"Maybe in the beginning. However, Mountie Sam won the residents over because of who he is. He's a good man, Faith."
"The best." Faith let out a contented sigh. "Abagail, he's just a good man."

…

William sat inside the stagecoach looking out the window. The stagecoach was a smaller one than normal. The large stagecoach would struggle working through the snow covered fields. The smaller size was better this time of year. The train ride was uneventful.

As he looked out the window holding Grace's hand, his mind went back to the time when he and his wife came to Hope Valley to take their middle daughter home to continue her courtship with Charles. He remembered Grace's thoughts as she saw each mountain that came into sight. She was impressed with each view. The only thing he saw was open fields and lost opportunities. Now he was looking at the scenery in front of him with a completely different perspective. The fields were covered with snow. There wasn't too much to see there. However, the mountains were representing themselves with majestic views that would stump the most articulate writer.

With the mountain in view, he closed the curtain on the window to try to keep the wind out of the sitting area. He knew he must have been freezing his wife. She was wrapped in her heavy coat and two blankets. She didn't complain with him looking out the window. She knew he was reliving the past and last trip. She squeezed his hand when he let out a long, slow breath.

"William, are you ok?" She slowly asked.

"Yes and no." He answered honestly.

As she scooted closer to her husband, she opened the blankets and placed them over his lap. She placed her head on his shoulder before she spoke. She paused for a few moments before speaking.

"Let's start with the yes portion."
He smiled. His thoughts went to the first night he was home from prison. Even though he was in prison, their marriage was stronger than ever. It most certainly wasn't due to physical intimacy. They haven't been together since Jack set up a dinner for them when he was sentenced. They didn't eat dinner, instead, they reconnected. Their first night together after he signed the piece of paper that released him, they followed the same routine as Medicine Hat.

Dinner was brought home and completely forgotten on the table in the foyer by the front door. Their passion spilt over before they even made it out of the living room. Their first time together was on the couch. The inappropriateness of it didn't even cross their minds. Grace thought that was the first time being together in the living room. They actually made it to their bedroom for the second time together.

They giggled like a young married couple as they stood in the kitchen at two in the morning eating off a plate on the kitchen counter. They knew they had to get up early for their trip to Hope Valley, but sleep wasn't part of their thoughts.

"Our first night…" His voice trailed off.

"It was perfect." She smiled as she said it. She used her fork to steal a piece of chicken.

Complete love easily heard in their voices. He leaned and kissed her on the top of her head.

"It really was."

"Now, let's work on the no part."
William sighed. "Elizabeth…Jack…JJ…"

"What about Elizabeth. She has already forgiven you."
"But has she really? Or completely? Gracie, I was so stupid and wouldn't listen to her. I did horrible things to her. Gracie, I messed up bad…big time. I don't know how she can forgive me."
Grace leaned aways from her husband so she could look at him in the eyes. She turned to face him fully. "We have talked about this many times before. That's in the past. You have asked for forgiveness, and you have received it. We are no longer living in the past. We haven't forgotten about it, but we are not living in that past. We learn from it and move on as we remember those life lessons."
"I know. I hear you. But Gracie, I ruined so many things."

"Yes, but you didn't kill anyone. You have admitted to what you did. You financially paid for all the damage you did. You were honest and open with what you did. You have served jail time because of it. But most importantly, you have taken steps to change who you are. You are not that man any longer. Plus, you have made a difference in the lives of so many young men and you will continue to do so with teaching business to young men and women."
William nodded his head. "I just want my little girl to smile when she sees me. Gracie, what if she doesn't want me there? What if she turns away from me? What if she frowns and…" His voice trailed off. HE was afraid to say out loud his greatest fear. It was unreasonable, but he was afraid if he said the words out loud they would come to life.

Grace understood his fear, but she also knew her daughter. Elizabeth would love to see her father. Even with all he did, she loved him. She loved him even more when he stood tall and faced everything he did.

"William, she visited you while you were in prison. She loves you. Please remember that."

William nodded his head. He was trying to keep positive, but his fear of her worst reaction was winning the battle at the moment.

"And Jack?" He finally asked.
"That may take a little more time, but he has agreed to give you every opportunity to show yourself as being true. He will approach you with caution, but he will be true to what he said. I have gotten to know him more when he visited Hamilton. He's a good man, William. He's an honorable man."
"I just don't want to be close to my daughter, Gracie. I want to be close to my son."
She smiled when he said 'son' instead of 'son-in-law'.
"Give him time, dear. Just continue being who you are now. He will see that."
William nodded his head. He opened the curtain for only a moment to take a look at the beautiful mountains to recommit the scene to his memory. The stagecoach was making progress, it was only slow progress.

"Do you think he will truly give me a chance?"
"I do." She honestly stated. "In time."

"And JJ?"

…

The day was busy for the Thornton clan. JJ spent part of the day at the café. He worked a deal with Auntie Abagail. He would work in the dining room by bringing everyone coffee and then help clean up the tables when people were finished. He was also there to help in anyway they needed him. He wanted to make some money to help buy some Christmas presents. He only purchased a couple of store bought presents for his mom and dad. He did buy some materials to make them a few things. He also bought Emily something for Christmas.

The cafe was closing early today for Christmas Eve and for the planned service at the church. After the community Christmas Eve service, JJ and Emily met in the back of the church while their parents and other friends met in the sanctuary to catch up. The Christmas Eve service was beautiful.

"Emily, I got something for you."
"JJ, we talked about this. You weren't supposed to get me anything."
"I know, but I still did anyways." He smirked.

"And why did you do that?" She challenged him.

He only shrugged his shoulders.

"Here." He handed her a medium sized box that he hid in his cubby by the front door.

Emily huffed and then accepted the box. "Fine." She reached into her little cubby hole and pulled out a box as well. "This is for you."
"Wait…why are you upset with me if you got me something too."
"Do you want it or not?" She held out the box. She fought against a smile.

JJ shook the box. Usually, he was really good at guessing the gift, but he had no idea what it was. "You open yours first."

Emily smiled as she unwrapped the box from JJ. She placed the wrapping paper to the side as she opened the box. "Oh...JJ…" She whispered.

"Do you like them?"
"I love them." She stated as she reached in. There was a small hand carved bird. She held it carefully. It was the size of a small field bird. "Did you do this?"

"I did. I carved it all by myself."
"How…?"
"I also painted it."

Emily examined the small wooden bird. He did a great job painting the small bird. She wasn't sure what species the bird was supposed to be, but JJ had painted it with bright colors. She loves bright colors. She thought it was the best present she had ever received.

JJ was a little worried about the gift. While he thought he did ok with carving it, he was nervous with painting it. He wasn't an artsy type of person. However, this is the type of bird she always mentioned when she would see it at the ponds or creek.

"JJ, you did a great job."
"Thank you. I was very nervous about it."
"You shouldn't have been. I love it."
"There's one more." He nodded toward the box.

She reached into the box and pulled out a book. She looked at the front cover and then opened it. She thumbed through the book and saw that it was full of pictures with names and descriptions of different bugs, insects, and animals.

"I know you always wanted to know what types of insects and animals we see at the ponds. I thought you would enjoy having something you could go back home and look them up."
"JJ…" She tried to speak. She couldn't find the words. She was touched by his thoughtfulness. Instead of trying to find words she knew she couldn't think of, she simply gave him a hug. She squeezed him. Without thinking, she very quickly kissed him on the cheek. Then she laughed at his socked expression.

"Your turn." She nodded toward his gift wrapped box.

He shook his head. He quickly unwrapped her present. He wasn't as neat with his paper. He was throwing it on the floor. He opened the box and immediately stopped. He looked at it for a few moments. Then he quickly looked up to Emily and then back to the inside of the box. He couldn't believe it.

"Emily…how…how did you know?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "I know my best friend."
He pulled out a leather bound sketching book. He noticed his name was embossed on the front, lower right corner. He opened the sketching notebook and noticed there was already a sketching pad in it. On the opposing side, there was a place that held ten pencils. Each slot had a pencil in it.

JJ had noticed that his daddy sketched. He snuck in the library and looked at his sketches on night when his mommy and daddy were sitting on their little patio off their bedroom. He wanted to be like his daddy. If his daddy sketched, he wanted to sketch. He wasn't anywhere close to being as good as his daddy, but he wanted to do it anyways. He remembered he didn't have to be perfect in the things he does, he wanted to stretch his horizon.

"Emily, I haven't told any one that I've started to sketch. How did you know?"
"You're no the only smart person in Hope Valley. I'm just a different type of smart."
"You are a very smart person. I can't believe this." He shook his head. He just couldn't believe it. "This is the best gift I've ever received."
"Better than your pony?"
"Yes." He nodded his head. "Daddy knew I wanted a pony. No one knew about this."

"I hope you like it."
"Emily, I love it. Thank you." He smiled at her and then stepped to hug her.

When JJ released the hug, his mommy and daddy, along with Emily's parents, walked up.

"Come on son. We need to stop by Auntie Abagail's for a few moments before we head home. It's getting a little late."
"Come on, I don't want to give Santa an excuse to forget our home."

…

"What's that?" Abagail asked. Her and Frank were sitting on their couch enjoying the heat from the fire and looking at their Christmas tree while enjoying a cup of hot tea. People have been out of town for at least an hour or longer. No one should have been on main street. Everyone was home with their families and or friends.

"That sounds like a stagecoach."
"Frank, it can't be a stagecoach. The last one that was scheduled was yesterday. There isn't another one to be here until the day after Christmas."
"I understand, but that's what it sounds like." He shrugged his shoulders. "Let me go and look."
"I'll come with you."
"You may come to the door, but please stay in the café."
"And why?" She challenged him as they both stood up.

"First, it's cold outside. Secondly, it's almost eight and dark. Plus, you're pregnant."
"That is all true."
"And that is why my wife is staying indoors." Frank emphasized the phrase 'my wife'.

Abagail let out a small giggle. She knew he was just wanting to protect her. She may not have fully liked it, but she did understand it. When he opened the door and she felt the rush of cold air come through the door, she was more than ok with staying inside.

Frank stepped out and closed the door before his stubborn wife could slip outside. He wrapped his coat tighter around him as he noticed the small stagecoach by the platform. He quickly made his way to the platform to see what was going on.

…

"There's the water tower." Grace stated as she had the curtain pulled back just enough for her to look out. He moved j ust behind her to take a look.
"That's the water tower Elizabeth speaks of all the time?"
"It is. When she sees it, she knows she is almost home."
William nodded his head. He continued to look out the window when Grace pulled back. Unlike the first time, he watched the buildings as they slowly went by the window. He noticed more than just the window flower boxes on each building. For the first time, he was noticing the town and all of it's beauty.

"I don't remember any of this." He softly spoke. Grace didn't think he was speaking to her. She thought he was talking out loud to himself. She decided not to respond.

When the stagecoach came to a stop, William stepped out of the stagecoach before the driver stepped down to open the door. He reached for his wife's hand and helped her out of the stagecoach to the wooden platform.
"Careful Gracie, it's slippery."

"Thank you." She whispered.

William stepped to the side of the stagecoach to help the driver with both of their suitcases.

"May I help you?" Frank asked.

"Yes." Grace began until she turned around and noticed who was asking. "Pastor, I'm Grace Thatcher."
"Yes, Mrs. Thatcher. It's great to see you. I'm sorry, I don't believe Elizabeth is expecting you. She didn't say anything about you coming when I spoke to her earlier."
"This is a surprise visit." She stated.
Frank stepped to the side of the older gentleman. He stopped when he noticed the older gentleman who was holding a suitcase. He could have swore that the man looked like Elizabeth's father. But that couldn't be. Mr. Thatcher was still in prison.

"Pastor, I don't think you have been introduced to my husband and Elizabeth's father, William."
"Mr. Thatcher." Frank stated with complete shock on his face and in his tone. "What? How?"
"It's a long story, sir." William stated as she extended his hand. "To make the long story short, I was given early release with limitations. I was released three days ago due to overcrowding in the jail system. Technically, my crimes wasn't considered as violent acts. I have conditions on my release that I must meet each month, or my early release will be determinate."
"I'm happy for you." Frank spoke. He was still a little taken back by the surprise visit. William and Grace caught the shock coming from the nice man.

"Sir, I understand the things I did and finally understand why I did those things. I will spend the rest of my life trying my best to make up for those horrible things that I did. I am here to begin that journey of seeking forgiveness."
"I see." Frank examined this man. He knew what he did and he has heard all about the story. HE has also spoken with Elizabeth and Jack. They truly believed William was trying to change himself.
Frank also thought about his own past. He knew he made mistakes along the way. He also remembered when the citizens of Hope Valley learned of his crimes. Many of the people he respected were upset and separated themselves from him. He hated that feeling of being abandoned by people he considered friends. He also greatly appreciated the true friends who stuck with him during that time. Jack being one of the leading people who stood up for him. He was convinced Jack and Elizabeth was the two individuals who helped convince the town of his goodness. In was at this moment, he would allow Mr. Thatcher to determine by his own actions to prove that he has changed or hasn't change.

"Pastor, it is great talking with you, but it's cold out here. Is the livery open?"
"I don't think so, Grace. Why?"
"After checking in at the saloon's hotel, we would like to go to Jack's and Elizabeth's house for Christmas Eve."
"Well, first of all, you will be staying with Abagail and I. Let's get you inside and warm you up for a bit."
"Pastor, we don't want to put you out."
"Grace, Abagail would be very unhappy with me if you don't come and stay with us."
"Well, he isn't wrong." Abagail stated at the end of the platform. Once she noticed who Frank was speaking to, she had to come and say hello to her friend. Her and Grace had become friends the last time Grace was in town for JJ's birthday. "Please come inside. I'll have some tea in just a moment. Then Frank can get the wagon from the livery and get you two out to the Thornton's home in just a few minutes."
"Mrs. Stanton, we don't want to put you out."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Thatcher. My name is Mrs. Hogan now. I got married to Frank over the summer. Anyways, please call me Abagail."
"I'm sorry, Abagail. I didn't know."
"It's ok."
"And please call me William. Gracie has told me so much that you have done for my Elizabeth."
"Gracie?" Abagail asked. Then she noticed Grace's red face. She didn't think it was due to the cold weather. "Anyways, come…come." She reached for Grace's hand. "We have some catching up to do." She stated as she placed her other hand on her belly. That was when Grace noticed a small bump through her heavy coat.
"Abagail, are you expecting?"
"We have a lot to catch up on." Abagail laughed. "Come on, let's get you two warmed up. I'll also get you some blankets for your trip. It's not far, but it is cold."
William and Frank carried the two suitcases the short distance to the café. The two ladies were walking in front of the men. They quickly settled into the living room of the café. Frank excused himself to go to the livery to hook up the horse to the sled. He thought it would be better than the wagon.

"Yes, I am expecting. Let's just say it was a shocking surprise."
"Are you doing ok?"
"I am. Nurse Carter is keeping a closer eye on me since I'm a little older, but I'm doing better."
"If you will drink the water you are supposed to do." Frank added as she stepped through the door.

"No one asked your opinion, dear."
William chuckled. "Gracie struggle with passing out with Julie. She didn't drink enough water as well. She kept saying it was too cold outside for her to drink water."
"No one asked for your input, dear."

Abagail didn't even try to hold back her laugher. William shook his head.

"Good luck, Frank. I have a feeling Abagail may be as stubborn as my Gracie."
"Very true, William."
"Dear, do you have everything ready to take them to Jack's and Elizabeth's home?"
"I do, Whenever they are ready, we can head out."

William let out a long breath. He was already very nervous. Now, those nerves multiplied by a thousand fold.

Frank caught William's nerves. So did Abagail.

"Let me get you two some hot coca to take with you along with some blankets to keep you two warm."
"Thank you." Grace stated. She caught William's nerves as well. She also thought that Frank wanted to say something to William. She was beginning to like the pastor.

"William, I can't imagine what you are thinking about at the moment. What I do know is this, Jack and Elizabeth are a very forgiving people. Before I found God, I messed up really bad. I served time in jail for my crimes. After my release, I legally changed my name because I wasn't that same person. When I came to Hope Valley, I didn't tell people who I used to be. When they found out, many wanted me to leave the community. Jack and Elizabeth were the two who stood up for me and fought for me to stay. They reminded the people of Hope Valley who I am now, not my past mistakes."
William nodded his head. He understood what Frank was telling him. However, his fear that his daughter and son would just dismiss him was ever present in his mind.

"William, I don't know you other than that incident. I will give you the benefit of the doubt."
"Thank you." His words were soft.

"But I do know Jack and Elizabeth. Trust your daughter. You raised a strong and caring young lady. And that strong and caring young lady married a strong and caring young man. She chose well."
…

The Thorntons were finishing up a lovely day. Everything was perfect in their opinion. The Christmas Eve service was terrific and spending time with treasured friends were even better. However, they were finishing the day the way they loved. Jack and Elizabeth were sitting on their couch. Elizabeth had a small blanket wrapped around her legs as he leaned on her husband's side. They were both reading by the fireplace enjoying it's warmth and crackling. The beautiful glow from the fire was just relaxing. JJ was leaning against Elizabeth's side enjoying his book about a young boy's adventure.

"Alright my little man, it's time for bed."
JJ looked up from his book and let out a long yawn. HE has to admit that he is a little tired. Plus, he remember the earlier he gets to bed and falls asleep the faster Santa shows up. Jack and Elizabeth shared a knowing look.

"I'll take him up."
"Mommy, will you read me a couple of chapters?"
"Sure, only two though, then you need to get to sleep."
"Yes, mommy."

"I'll get the downstairs cleaned up." Jack stated.

"I'll be back to help later." She whispered as her son was already climbing the stairs.

"Good night, son."
"Good night, daddy." JJ sleepily stated halfway up the stairs.

…

"This is their home?" William asked as Frank turned the horse drawn sled to the right after climbing the hill.
"It is."
"How is…" He watched what he thought was a small firework show. "How is it sparkling like that?"
"It's the snow falling against the river rock."
"The river rock?"
"Yes. The river rock changes color when it is wet. It changes colors when it rains or snows. Also, the moving sun across the sky will slightly change the colors. It was Jack's idea to put it on the house. JJ arranged it."
"It doesn't go all the way up."

As the sled stopped at the home, Frank continued. "It only goes up five feet across the front of the home."
"It is a beautiful log home."
"It is William." Grace smiled. "Wait until you see the inside."

William took a deep breath before standing. While he appreciated Frank's talk before leaving Abagail's, the conversation no longer held its confidence over him. He helped Grace off the sled.

"I'll be at the café. If you need me to come and get you, please just call me, but I doubt you will need me to come back out. Oh, here are your suitcases." He smiled as he took the blanket off of them.

"Your sneaky pastor." Grace smiled as she pointed her finger at him.

"Maybe a little. I just have faith in them." He nodded toward the home.

Frank placed the suitcases on the porch. With a small wave and a smile, he gently touched William on the shoulder. "Trust the young girl you raised. She is a wonderful woman."
William and Grace stood in front of the beautiful, decorated front door. They admired the home, but it was now time to knock. There were a few lights still on, but they didn't hear any one inside. William hesitantly raised his right arm. Slowly, he brought forth his fist and gently knocked on the front door with his knuckle.

"Who in the world is out at this time of night on Christmas Eve." Jack stared at the front door from the kitchen. He placed the last cup on the counter after drying it off.

Jack slowly looked up the stairs and didn't see his wife or son. He reached for the doorknob. He slowly opened the door.

William gasped as he saw and heard the doorknob turn. He inhaled a quick breath and held it. Grace was just to his left.

The door opened and it took only a fraction of a second for Jack's eyes to adjust. He blinked rapidly when he saw the man and woman standing in front of him.

"Grace…" Jack stated. Then his eyes went to William. He was completely shocked to see his father-in-lay standing in front of him. His first thought was that he must have escaped from prison. There was no way he would get out early. He remembered the judge's desire for William to serve the whole three years of his prison term.

"Are you in trouble?" Jack finally asked after several, long seconds. "How?" He paused. "Mr. Thatcher, how did you get out? Do they know you are here? Are you in trouble or potential trouble?"

"Jack, who's at the door?" Elizabeth asked.