CHAPTER SEVEN
Nick arrived in Stockton and made his first stop the Cattleman's Hotel. Speaking with the desk clerk, he made dinner arrangements, "Your best table for two", he said. "Yes, Mr. Barkely" the clerk answered, "is 6 pm good?" "Perfect!" Nick replied.
Leaving the hotel, he walked down the street to Jennie's shop. Entering, he saw she was busily engrossed in her latest creation. "Be right with you", she said without looking up. Nick cleared his throat and when she saw who it was, ran to hug him. "Oh Nick", she cried, "I wasn't expecting you until Saturday!" Circling her waist with his arms, he answered, "I'm just making sure you know how much I want you on this trip." "Besides", he added, "I have a surprise for you. Dinner tonight at 6 at the Cattleman's Hotel." "What!", she exclaimed, "you hardly give me much time!" He smiled and kissed her upturned face – "Pick you up at 5:30". She walked him to the door and gently touching his cheek laughed, "I'll be ready!".
As she closed the door, Jenny looked around the shop - "now what am I supposed to wear?", she thought. "The dressmaker has no dress!" She decided on the gold dress she wore to Audra's party so many months ago, and after a perfumed bath, she dressed and arranged her hair. Nick was prompt, and as she opened the door, and she was rewarded by his handsome smile and tender kiss, "Well now, you look great!", he said. She laughed and commented, "Haven't we done this before?" He remembered their "first date" and joined in her laughter, and arm-in-arm they left for dinner.
Dinner was an elegant affair for Jennie. She was treated like royalty the moment she entered the hotel on Nick's arm. They dined on filet mignon – which Nick proudly stated was from Barkley stock. Fresh vegetables and a fine glass of wine – from the Barkley vineyards – complemented the dinner. They chatted happily – fully relaxed from their respective busy schedules – and many times Nick was rewarded with her beautiful smile and enthusiastic laughter.
The young couple completely lost track of time and when the waiter suggested coffee for the third time, Jennie realized how late the hour was. "Nick Barkley", she giggled, "you have kept me out to a scandalous hour! What would Mrs. Swanson say?" "I don't care what that old biddy says", he replied, "but it is time I brought you home." Upon finishing their coffee and dessert, they exited the hotel and ran into Sheriff Madden who was making his rounds. He welcomed their Company, and Jennie was escorted between the two as they made their way to her home.
When they reached her porch, Sheriff Madden wisely wished them good night and left them alone. Nick looked down at the lovely face staring up at him. She surprised him by taking his face in her hands, "Promise you won't run away from me", she whispered. Giving her a tender kiss, he replied, "Never". He reluctantly pulled away from her – and as he took his leave in the buggy turned and waved.
Somehow the stars are unusually bright tonight, Nick thought as he drove home whistling to himself – he prayed that the angels were smiling down on him and Jennie.