Chapter 8 Building
While Elizabeth and Allie are in school Nathan starts to work on the railing at Elizabeth's. Laura is there with Little Jack and after a while Little Jack wants to watch and help. Nathan gives him some wood to play with Laura and he is thrilled. During the day Nathan has lots of visitors stop by to see how he is doing. First Lee, then Jesse, Bill even brings him lunch. Nathan thinks they are just checking on him, but they are mostly curious about the whole project as none of these guys are handy.
Nathan picks up Allie at school and Elizabeth can't join them on the walk home as she has a parent to see. Nathan allows Allie to come look at his project before she starts her homework. Elizabeth arrives home to see the railing almost completed. She listens to the easy conversation between Nathan and Allie as Allie helps him little—Allie obviously has helped before. Allie fills him on her school day and Nathan follows up with appropriate comments. Elizabeth is thrilled to hear this easy exchange and realizes how natural and present Nathan is in Allie's life. She appreciates this inside view.
She steps outside to see the progress and Nathan is just about done except for the gate. He and Elizabeth talk generally, but she lets him get back to work. Allie goes home to get a snack and start her homework. Elizabeth continues to steal glances at Nathan working in his thermal and seems distracted by it. She forcibly makes herself stop, however, she can see he is still injured and favoring his side. She does question him about this and he brushes it aside saying he is fine.
By the time he finishes the gate it is close to dinner time. Lee and Rosemary have come to see the project and it is decided that they will all have a picnic type dinner in the backyard. Elizabeth states "It's the least I can do for you as you have worked all day" Lee is fascinated by the innovative latch Nathan has used on the gate to keep Little Jack safe. Nathan just shrugs it off and states it is something he has come up with.
Allie joins them for dinner; lots of good conversation and watching Little Jack use his new safe place. Elizabeth asks Allie "How is your Uncles injury?" Allie tells her "-The bruise is a color I have never seen before, but don't tell Uncle Nathan Nathan overhears this and says" Don't tell Uncle Nathan what" Elizabeth says " I was asking Allie about your injuries" He gives them a look and says Please stop worrying. I am fine and following Carson's advice"
All are praising Nathan on how impressed they are with his project. . Jesse and Clara stop by to see as does Bill. All are amazed at what Nathan has done. He is clearly embarrassed and makes no big deal about it. Allie just shrugs and says" Uncle Nathan always does stuff like this." The men help Nathan clean up and the party breaks up. Elizabeth tries for some alone time with Nathan to thank him, but Rosemary intrudes