"How many more sleeps until my birthday, mommy?" Elizabeth attempted to tuck her very inquisitive, very awake son into his bed.
"Just 3 more, my darling boy," she replied, her hand gently brushing his cheek, hoping to soothe him and help him rest.
"And how many more sleeps until Christmas?" Jack was in no hurry to sleep, not with such an exciting week ahead.
She ruffled his hair and laughed. "That would be 4 more sleeps."
Jack sighed. "That's such a long time!"
"Well, tomorrow is the first day of the Christmas festival in town. We'll drink hot cocoa and sing Christmas songs. So you better get to sleep, hunniebear."
Jack snuggled in deeper under his warm blankets. "Then will you read me a book?" he asked, still not ready for his day to end.
"Yes, I will read you one book." She knew he had a habit of asking for one after the next and it was already past time for him to be asleep. Elizabeth moved to his book shelf and pulled an old favorite, The Greatest Christmas Wish. Then she sat beside him on his bed and began to read.
A few minutes later, Elizabeth quietly made her way back down the stairs. Nathan sat in his chair, reading a novel he'd been enjoying lately, sipping on a coffee. Somehow it didn't seem to keep him awake at night and he was able to enjoy the hot beverage even this late in the evening.
From her place on the landing she glanced around their home. Christmas lights glowed in the living room, candles flickered in the window, the promised Christmas tree stood decorated. There was nothing quite like the feeling of Christmas in the air. The scent of baking mixed with evergreen. She took it all in. Their first Christmas season as a family of 4, the Grant family.
Nathan glanced up from his book, suddenly aware that his wife was in the room again. He smiled and watched as her gaze travelled around their festively decorated home. No matter what he unwrapped for Christmas this year, nothing would be better than knowing he was going to spend every Christmas with her.
The next afternoon, Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack excitedly bundled up and headed into town for the Christmas festival. Nathan was on duty but assured them that he would meet them there. They spotted his red serge as soon as they reached the main street. He was already headed their direction and greeted the kids with a wave and then Elizabeth with a kiss brushed quickly across her lips.
Minnie was running the refreshment stand, the scent of fresh baked cookies and rich hot cocoa wove its way through the crowd. It was their first stop. Cozy cup in hand, they meandered through the booths filled with Christmas decorations, trinkets, and gifts.
Having quickly lost interest in this boring , grown up event, Jack pulled Elizabeth toward the other kids who played in the park. Faith, who was on duty supervising the kids' area, waved to Elizabeth as Jack ran over to join Lily. Allie soon spotted Angela and Emily and dashed off to join them.
"Meet us at the saloon at 5, okay Allie?" Nathan called after her. Tonight was the town's community Christmas dinner.
Allie turned back quickly to acknowledge his words with an "Okay dad!" She waved, a big smile on her face, then disappeared into the bustling crowd.
"Well I guess it's just you and me, Constable." Elizabeth slid her free hand into the crook of Nathan's arm as they made their way through town. If it was cold out, she certainly didn't feel it when she was next to him.
"And what should we do, just me and you?" he asked playfully.
"Seen any good mistletoe around here?" Elizabeth replied flirtatiously, reminding them of their mistletoe kisses just a couple nights before.
"I think there may be some in my office." he said quietly for only her to hear and winked. Elizabeth gasped, unable to hide the blush that rose on her cheeks.
The Grant family reassembled to enjoy a sleigh ride through the fields and woods around town before making their way to the saloon for dinner. It seemed the whole town was there plus a few from neighbouring towns. Lee got the attention of the crowd and said a few words to open the evening as the mayor of Hope Valley and then Lucas, home for a visit over Christmas, greeted the crowd as well. Finally, Joseph prayed over the food and the people who were gathered together. They all sat down for a delicious meal followed by a lovely performance of Christmas carols by the choir.
After the dinner was over Allie volunteered to walk Jack home, giving Elizabeth and Nathan the chance for a few moments alone once more. Stepping out into the street, they noticed the town that was busy and bustling just a few hours before was now peaceful and quiet.
Elizabeth paused by the majestic wishing tree that stood in the centre of town. Her gaze travelled to the very top and back down again, her mind unable to keep from drifting back to the very first wishing tree.
"I noticed you seemed mesmerized by the wishing tree earlier." Nathan stood beside her, his statement really an unasked question.
"Of course you noticed," Elizabeth replied with a soft laugh, glancing at him. He always noticed her, always saw right through her. It was comforting to be known like that by someone who loved her so deeply. "I was just remembering the first wishing tree." A far away look in her eyes as she turned back toward the tree.
"And did your wish come true?" he asked quietly but with a hint of humour, nudging her shoulder with his, and trying to gently pull the full story from her.
Elizabeth smiled, a small smile, heavy with memories. "Yes," she finally answered, her voice barely a whisper.
Nathan, sensing the depth of the emotions that had blanketed around her, turned to face her and listen to what she had to share.
"I wished for Jack to come home from the Northern Territories and spend Christmas with me. And then he was there. Behind me. Rosemary and Lee had tricked me so I'd be surprised by his visit." Her eyes misted as she spoke, quickly telling the beloved memory.
Nathan wrapped his arm around her waist. "Wow. That must have been so special. Best Christmas ever," he replied sincerely with not even a trace of malice.
Elizabeth turned to face him fully, placing her hands on the collar of the dark overcoat he now wore over his serge. Nathan responded by putting his other arm around her, his fingers intertwined behind her back.
"No, this is the best Christmas ever. With you, with our kids." Elizabeth grasped handfuls of his coat and pulled him in for a kiss that could melt the snow around them, ensuring he knew the sincerity of her words. Then she placed her head on his chest and relaxed against him.
Yes, she held her memories dear but her present even more dearly. Nothing compared to this Christmas with him.
For years, Elizabeth had struggled with the reality of raising Little Jack alone. Of course she had friends who were happy to be a part of their lives but it just wasn't the same. This year, for the first time, she would wake up Christmas morning next to her husband, would open gifts as a family. She wasn't doing it alone anymore. Celebrating this season together was the answer to so many deep longings within her heart. This was the best Christmas ever.
"Would you dance with me?" Nathan's voice broke her from her thoughts.
"Right here?" she questioned, leaning back to see if he was just teasing or really asking.
"Yes, make my wish come true," he replied smoothly with a nod to the wishing tree.
"I'd love to." Elizabeth murmured.
In the middle of town, the snow gently beginning to fall, they danced.
Christmas Eve promised to be bright and clear. Jack woke up with the sun excited to begin his birthday. He ran across the hall and into his parents' room, jumping on the bed between them.
"Good morning birthday bear!" Elizabeth said, her voice a mix of cheerful and sleepy.
"Time for birthday snuggles!" Nathan announced, hoping just maybe the birthday boy would fall back to sleep and allow them all a little more rest.
After a few minutes of squirming and giggles, it was clear that wasn't about to happen. Nathan lifted the birthday boy onto his back and carried him down the stairs. Elizabeth followed close behind, not wanting to miss the moment.
Above the table, floated a bundle of happy balloons. Jack squealed in excitement and ran to see them and the small pile of gifts that lay waiting for him to open later. Oh what an exciting day!
Elizabeth leaned into Nathan's side and reached up to kiss him on the cheek. He responded by placing a kiss on top of her hair.
"Coffee?" he asked. Though it really wasn't a question.
"Coffee." Elizabeth replied dryly. They both laughed.
At lunch, they were joined by Lee and Rosemary, Goldie, and Bill to celebrate Jack's special day and finally open those gifts he'd eyed all morning.
"Wow Jackeroo, 6 years old!" Bill gave Jack a high five as he spoke. "And what do you want to be when you grow up?"
"A Mountie! Like my dad!" Jack replied enthusiastically.
Elizabeth smiled, thinking of Jack and how proud he'd be to have his son follow his footsteps but when she looked up, she saw that her sweet little Jack was looking up at Nathan and reaching for his hand, beaming with admiration.
Elizabeth's heart soared, her eyes filled with happy tears and she met Nathan's gaze across the crowded room. She could see his eyes were foggy too, filled with love. He was truly a Mountie's son after all.
Clearing her throat, she brought over the cake with 6 burning candles and began to sing "Happy birthday…"
Jack's face was full of joy as he watched his cake getting closer and then glanced from face to face around the room, surrounded by his favorite people. He blew out the candles in one giant breath and when prompted to make a wish, Elizabeth and Nathan's eyes grew big as saucers and everyone else clapped and laughed as he gleefully announced, "My wish is to be a big brother!"