When Love Calls

Chapter 20

I stepped off the stagecoach smiling as the cold air hit my face, the town looked to festive it warmed my heart. The man headed me my bags and I thanked him and wished him a Merry Christmas. There was one week before Christmas and I wanted to spend it somewhere different this year.

I smiled as the house come into view which made me walk a little faster till I finally arrived. I put my bags down and knocked on the door waiting for it to open. She smiled as soon as she saw me with also a surprise look, not expecting me to be here. "Merry Christmas, mother!" I smiled as she immediately pulled me into a hug. "Merry Christmas, Adeline. What are you doing here? I thought you were gonna spend Christmas in Brookfield." She said as we came apart from our hug. "I wanted to surprise you! It's been awhile since I was in Hope Valley for Christmas. And i thought after what you pulled at Thanksgiving it was my turn. " I told her as I entered the house I looked around it was still the same as I remembered. "Well I'm happy you're here. Jack will be too. Is Gabriel coming as well?" My mom asked, "No. Unfortunately Mountie business called him away, he won't be back till after Christmas." I told her kinda sad that he wasn't going to be here.

"We'll miss him." She smiled as I moved my bags, "Yes we'll will. I'm going to unpack ans freshen up." I told my mother who was still smiling since I walked through the door. "Alright. Dinner will be done an hour and Jack will be here." She told me I nodded my head before I headed upstairs.

My room hasn't changed one bit and I've been gone for a couple of years now which is crazy to think about. Never did I think that I would here in my life, with a wonderful family, a loving man, and amazing friends yet here I am and I wouldn't change a thing.

That hour went by quickly and soon dinner was done, Jack walked through the door and stood there once he saw me. "Merry Christmas, Jack. I'm home for the holidays." I told him before we hugged I could see my mother happy that her children were home. "Im happy your here, Ad. Merry Christmas." He smiled as we pulled apart from our hug.

"I almost forgot how beautiful this town is during Christmas time. Brookfield is festive but nothing like compared to Hope Valley." I told her my mother as we walked around town. "We are known for it." My mother said with a chunkle as I saw Aunt Rosemary walking over to us. "I thought I saw you!" She said pulling me into a hug which caught me off guard. "I'm home for Christmas. It's been long over due." I told my aunt who was beyond excited to see me. "I'm happy to hear that! Penny will be so excited to see you." Auntie Rose told me, "Where is Penny?" I asked wanting to see her. "The Cafe, she has a job there now." Rosemary told me I immediately excused myself and walked quickly to the Cafe.

"What can I get for you?" Penny said not realizing it was me, "Oh you know the usual." I told her she whipped her head around when she heard my voice and shock washed over her face. "Adeline! What are you doing here?!" She said as I stood up to hug her, now everyone in the Cafe was looking but i didn't care I missed my best friend. "I'm home for the holidays!" I smiled telling her she was so excited to hear that. "That's amazing! We must do something later!" Penny said which of course I agreed too. "Most definitely. But can I get something to eat now?" I said with a chunkle which made her realize that she still as yet to take my order.

Penny finished up her shift at the Cafe and went next door to the saloon and talked there. I ordered some tea and Penny got some coffee. "I'm glad you've you doing well Penny, it's been way to long." I told her being taking a slip of my tea. "Enough about me, I want to hear everything that's been going on with you!" Penny Coulter asked excitedly. "Well school is keeping me busy but I wouldn't change that, I love teaching the children in Brookfield." I smiled thinking about them I'm sure they are enjoying their Christmas break. "And about you and that handsome Mountie? Is he going to propose to you anytime soon? You've been together what feels like forever!" Penny asked which surprised me a bit, Gabriel and I have been together about 2 years we said we'd take our time but I wouldn't mind him asking me to marry him. "We're good. We've been together for 2 years, do you really think he could propose soon?" I asked her with a small smile. "I know people who were engaged just after 6 months, Ad. I'd say it's very possible." Penny said happily, she's so much like her mother. The rest of our time together was filled with laughter and joy, we were more like sisters and I missed her much when I was gone.

It's Christmas Eve! It's been so nice to be back home for Christmas, I missed being here with my family in Hope Valley. I received a letter today from Gabriel he's still with Mountie business and wishes he could be here, I miss him but I'll see him soon. I'm going to miss Hope Valley when I head back to Brookfield but I've enjoyed every moment of being here with my family.

"I can't believe it's Christmas Eve already." Mother said as we were getting ready to leave for church. "I know. It's seems like yesterday I just got here but it's almost been a week." I told her as I put on my coat, "You should come visit me this summer in Brookfield, it's been quite a long time." I told her with a smile. "That's a wonderful idea, Adeline. We need to be going now though." She told me, I nodded my head as she opened the door.

"Merry Christmas, Penny." We hugged, "Merry Christmas, Adeline. I'm glad you're here." Penny smiled just as pastor Frank came out. "Merry Christmas everyone, let's get started." Frank smiled at his congregation. We sang many different Christmas songs which made my heart happy it was really starting to feel like Christmas now. I looked out the window during service and I could see big white snowflakes falling I couldn't help but smile.

"Merry Christmas, Auntie Rose and uncle Lee." I smiled before giving them each a hug, "Merry Christmas, Ad. It's good to have you home." Uncle Lee smiled, he was like the father I never had and I know my father would be happy that uncle Lee was someone I looked up to as a child. "Well it's getting late, Goodnight." Auntie Rose smiled before the two of them headed for the door, we didn't stay much longer ourselves.

"Merry Christmas my beautiful twins!" My mother said as Jack and I walked half asleep down the stairs. "Merry Christmas, mother." Jack smiled. "Merry Christmas." I said right before a yawn over came me. We sat down at the tree just like old times and opened our gifts, I got some wonderful presents. Books, clothes, kitchen tools, and a beautiful necklace from Jack which I loved. Christmas here in Hope Valley was something I would never forget no matter how old I get, Brookfield may be my new home but my heart will probably be in Hope Valley forever.

It was a long journey back to Brookfield and we almost didn't make it, thanks to a snow storm that came out of nowhere but I couldn't be happier when I saw that small town come into my view. I opened the door and hopped out it was getting dark and the snow was making it hard to see much but I was determined to get home before it got any worse. It was a cold and wet walk back but I made it just as the light was about good, Bilzzed was very happy to see me after my week stay away. I quickly started a fire to warm it the house since it was pretty cold in here, but soon it was nice and warm. I was exhausted from my trip back home so I called it a night, I missed my bed. Cozy and warm I fell right asleep.