Chapter 15: Birthday Surprises

Rosemary gets up to walk outside when Patrick says, "Wait, Mama! You have to put on this blindfold." Elizabeth takes the royal blue satin blindfold from Patrick and places it over Rosemary's eyes.

Rosemary giggles, holding out her hand for Patrick to take. She asks, "Where are you taking me?"

Patrick takes her hand and answers, "You'll see." Patrick leads her to the backyard, followed by Elizabeth and little Jack. Patrick walks her out to a planter's box filled with purple, pink, red, and white flowers. "Now, you can take your blindfold off."

Rosemary quickly takes off her blindfold and sees all the lovely flowers. She questions, "How and when did these get here? They are beautiful!"

Patrick replies, "Papa and I built the box and planted the flowers. We even left some room where you and I can plant some. Do you like it?"

"Do I like it? I love it!" Rosemary kneels down to hug him. She kisses him on the cheek, saying, "This means so much to me, thank you, Patrick!"

Patrick replies, "I love you to the moon and back, Mama!"

She taps his nose with her finger and reveals, "I love you even more." She looks to Elizabeth, who is trying her best not to give anything away. Rosemary questions, "You knew, didn't you? I can see it on your face."

Elizabeth responds, "My lips are sealed."

Elizabeth whispers something to little Jack, and he runs up to Rosemary, yelling, "Wosie! Wosie! Petty."

"They sure are, Jack. Lee and Patrick made this for me."

Little Jack smiles, shouting, "Where's Wee?" and runs back to Elizabeth.

Rosemary inquires, "Patrick, where is Papa?"

"I'll show you, but you have to put the blindfold back on." She kneels down so Patrick can put the blindfold on. He struggles a little, so Elizabeth helps him tie it in the back. Patrick leads her to the front yard, where Lee stands in front of something rather large covered with a tarp.

"Can I take my blindfold off, now?"

Lee answers, "Yes!"

As she is taking off the blindfold, Patrick, Lee, and Elizabeth shout, "Happy Birthday!"

Rosemary sees the grin on Lee's face and giggles, "What do you have there, Lee?"

Patrick giggles, "Show her, Papa!"

Lee clears his throat, finally moving out of the way and removing the tarp. He motions to the motorcycle with the biggest smile on his face, "Your chariot awaits, my dear."

"Oh, Lee. Where has this been? I haven't seen this in years. Does it still work?"

Lee replies, "I forgot I stored it in the livery, one winter. Kevin found it a couple of weeks ago. Patrick and I have been working on it and got it running. Are you ready to go for a ride, sweetheart?"

Rosemary runs and jumps in his arms, "Do you really have to ask me that? Of course, I am ready!" She looks over at Patrick, asking, "Wait, have you given him a ride yet?"

"No, I wasn't sure if you would be comfortable with him riding on the motorcycle. Actually, I am not even sure if I am comfortable with him going for a ride either." He thinks about it for a moment. "Well, I guess it would be okay if he rides between us and we only go to the end of the row houses and back. What do you think?"

Rosemary responds, "I am okay with that as long as you go slow. Patrick, are you ready to go for a ride?"

Patrick runs over to Lee and Rosemary jumping up and down, saying, "Yes!" The three of them hop on the motorcycle, with Patrick in the middle.

Rosemary holds on tight to Patrick and Lee. Rosemary inquires, "Are you scared, bud?"

"No, Mama. I am excited!" Lee drives slowly to the end of the row houses, turning around and going back home. He stops in front of their row house, where they all dismount.

Lee inquires, "Did you have fun, Patrick?"

Patrick answers, "Yes, sir! When can I ride again?"

"We are not sure, kiddo. You are still pretty young. We only feel safe with you riding with Mama and me and only out here at the row houses. Do you understand?"

Patrick quietly replies, "Yes, Papa."

Lee inquires, "Elizabeth, will you watch him while Rosemary and I go for a ride?"

Elizabeth responds, "We are planning on spending some time with Nathan and Allie at their house. Is it okay if Patrick joins us?"

Rosemary and Lee both answer, "Yes."

Lee thanks Elizabeth before inquiring, "Are you ready to go, sweetheart?"

Rosemary hugs Patrick, telling him, "Papa and I will be back in a little while. Have fun with Mountie Nathan, Missus Thornton, Allie, and Little Jack. We can do something fun when we get home, okay?"

Patrick questions, "Can we get some ice cream?"

Rosemary replies, "I love that idea. Now, be good, and we will see you later." Rosemary kisses him on the top of the head, saying, "Love you more than all the stars in the sky!"

Lee adds, "Love you, buddy. See you later."

Patrick yells, "Love you!" as Lee and Rosemary ride off. She wraps her arms around him tightly, yelling at him to go faster. Rosemary loves the smell of the fresh mountain air, the wind in her hair, and her arms securely wrapped around the love of her life.

Rosemary shouts, "I forgot how fun this can be. We need to do this more often."

"I agree," yells Lee. After about thirty minutes, Lee pulls over next to a tree, helping Rosemary dismount.

Rosemary asks, "What are we doing here, Lee?"

"I brought us a picnic lunch, compliments of Clara." He grabs the blanket and puts it down under the tree. Rosemary sits down while Lee gets the food out of the saddlebag. He gives her the roast beef sandwiches, popcorn, and a couple of sarsaparillas and joins her on the blanket.

Before taking a bite, Rosemary mentions, "With all the stuff going on, I completely forgot about my birthday."

"I know you did. That is why I wanted to do something special for you today and a little surprise on your actual birthday. I figured you would want something with just our close friends and family this year."

"What do you have planned?"

"Oh, you'll find out in two nights. In the meantime, let's just enjoy this time together."

Rosemary thinks for a moment before saying, "We sure don't get much alone time anymore. Do we?"

Lee replies, "We sure don't."

"I love our new life, Lee. I will never have any regrets. I love him so much. I cannot imagine our lives without him."

"I feel the same way, sweetheart. I have loved watching the bond you two have as mother and son. It has made me fall in love with you all over again."

Rosemary leans in softly, brushing her lips with his. She reveals, "You are such a great father. He adores you, and so do I. Now, let's eat this delicious lunch and get back to our little boy." They finish their lunch and pack everything back in the saddlebag.

Lee holds out his hand for her to take. "Are you ready to go, Rosie?" She nods. Lee leads her to the motorcycle, and they hop back on. They enjoy the ride back home, with Lee deciding to park it in the backyard for now. Lee and Rosemary walk to Nathan's house hand-in-hand and knock on the door. Nathan invites them in, but Lee mentions they promised Patrick some ice cream. Lee offers, "Do you four want to join us?"

Nathan looks at Elizabeth, and she agrees. Nathan announces, "Who's ready for some ice cream?"

Patrick, Allie, and little Jack all yell, "Me, me, me!"


After church the next day, the Coulter's come home for a relaxing day. Lee and Rosemary are busy reading on the settee when Patrick comes running into the room. He wants to share with them a story he just made up. Rosemary giddily answers, "Of course, do share." Lee and Rosemary put down what they are reading to watch Patrick act out a story about a boy and his father. They go on lots of adventures like finding an old treasure box in the woods, helping rescue a cat who got caught in a tree, or finding a little orphan boy who didn't have a place to go and bring him home and adopt him. Patrick takes a bow at the end to the applause of his parents.

Patrick joins them on the settee asking, "Did you like it?"

Lee replies, "I loved it!" He messes with Patrick's hair and gives him a hug.

Rosemary chimes in, "I loved it too, Patrick. I especially like the part about them adopting the little orphan boy." Patrick giggles.

Lee offers, "Patrick, do you want to go fishing or play catch? Just me and you?"

"Yes, Papa! Let's go fishing."

"Okay, go change your clothes, and I'll get everything ready." Patrick runs upstairs while Lee asks Rosemary, "Do you mind, sweetheart?"

Rosemary smiles, answering, "You two go have fun!" Lee heads up to change clothes while Patrick comes down, ready to go. "Papa will be right down." A few minutes later, Lee runs down the stairs, going out back to prepare the fishing gear.

Lee comes back in shortly, asking, "Are you ready to go, Patrick?" He grabs all the fishing gear, telling Rosemary, "We will be back in a couple of hours, hopefully with some fish for dinner."

Rosemary chuckles, "I'll come up with a backup plan, just in case." Lee chuckles, and they walk out the door.

Patrick shouts, "Bye, Mama!"

Rosemary shouts, "Bye, bud." She shuts the door after them and walks back to the kitchen. Rosemary thinks to herself, "Now, what do I do? I know. I can make myself some tea and write my parents a letter. She decides to wash the dishes from lunch while she is waiting for the tea. Rosemary finally sits down at the table to write her letter with a warm cup of her favorite tea. She starts writing:

Dear Mother and Father,

Lee and I were happy to hear from you. We are glad you both are doing well. We actually have lots of things to tell you about that will probably come as a shock to you. This past spring, Lee surprised me with an anniversary trip of a lifetime to Los Angeles, Santiago, Rio de Janeiro, and New York City. It was truly a trip of dreams. We saw the opera in Santiago, "Much Ado About Nothing" in Rio de Janeiro, "Macbeth" and "Peter Ibbetson" in New York City. We did lots of shopping, and Lee bought me a camera that lets us take pictures of ourselves. You should get one, Mother. It's fabulous!

While we were in Rio de Janeiro, Lee and I met these three orphan brothers out on the street. They tugged at our heartstrings, and we felt like we were supposed to help them find a home. Lee and I were ready to bring them back to Hope Valley with us, but we found them a great place to live. The brothers really got us thinking about adoption. Up until then, we hoped to have children of our own. I know what you are probably thinking, I didn't want to have any children. Well, living in Hope Valley, marrying the love of my life, and living next door to a wonderful little boy, has changed my heart. It is something I want more than anything else in this world, to be a mother. Long story short, Lee had contacted some friends who run an orphanage in a town near here. They thought this little boy, who had recently come to live with them, would be perfect for us. We met him, and we instantly fell in love with him. His name is Patrick, and he is seven-years-old. He came to live with us in July. We have signed all the paperwork to adopt him; we are just waiting for the official adoption decree to come in to make it official. You and Father will absolutely love him. He is such a fantastic kid, and we can't wait for you to meet him. We couldn't ask for a better child to bring into our home and love.

Unfortunately, I don't think Lee, Patrick and I can visit you until the holidays. Patrick is about to start school here in Hope Valley for the first time, and we don't want him missing any days. We don't want him to get any further behind than he already is. If you would like to make a trip to Hope Valley sooner than we can get there, you are welcome to stay as long as you want. Patrick will love having his grandparents around. I don't think he has ever met any of his biological grandparents.

The boys just got home from fishing; I better get started on dinner. Those two boys are always hungry. Hope to hear from you soon.

Love,

Your darling daughter Rosemary

Rosemary questions, "Where's your fish? I don't see any."

Patrick sadly answers, "They were two small, Papa said we should throw them back."

"That's okay. I have plenty to make for dinner. Who wants chicken and dumplings?" inquires Rosemary. Lee and Patrick both cheer. Rosemary giggles. She is not sure who is more excited, Patrick or Lee. "You two go clean-up and find something to do. Dinner won't be ready for a couple of hours." She shooed them up the stairs.


When Rosemary wakes up on her birthday, she smells the savory aromas coming from the kitchen. She notices the time, realizing Lee let her sleep in this morning. Rosemary puts on her robe and goes down the stairs. It brings a smile to her face seeing Lee demonstrating to Patrick how to flip an omelet. She watches a few moments before announcing, "Good morning" to her boys.

Patrick runs up to her, jumping in her arms, announcing, "Happy Birthday, Mama!"

"Thank you, Patrick." She puts him down and goes up to Lee, giving him a quick kiss. "Thanks for breakfast, honey."

"It is my pleasure. Happy Birthday, sweetheart. Sit down, and I will bring you your plate." She and Patrick sit down, waiting for the food to be served. Lee finishes the omelets and bacon and brings them to the table. "I am late for work, so you two enjoy yourselves. I will be home for lunch like always." He kisses Rosemary and Patrick on the cheek and leaves for work.

Rosemary asks Patrick, "What does Papa have planned for later?"

Patrick giggles, responding, "I am not telling you, Mama."

"What if I tickle you until you tell me?"

"That's not fair," Patrick responds through a giggle.

"Okay, I guess I can wait. Here, help me clean up the table, and I will do the dishes." Patrick nods and helps her bring the dishes over to the washbasin.


Lee comes home for lunch at his usual time. Rosemary is reading to Patrick on the settee and barely hears him come in the door. Lee sneaks behind them and joins them. He interrupts, "How are my beautiful wife and son?"

Patrick replies, "Hi, Papa! We are just getting to the good part."

Rosemary grins, responding, "Hi, my darling husband." She finishes up the next chapter and puts the book down. "We will read some more at bedtime."

"You better get to work, sweetheart. You don't want to keep Clara waiting," mentions Lee.

"I can be a little late, Lee. Why can't I enjoy spending time with my son and my husband on my birthday?"

"You can, but isn't Clara waiting for you so she and Fiona can go to Benson Hills?" Rosemary thinks about it for a minute, but she is not remembering Clara needing to go anywhere.

"Are you trying to get rid of me, Lee Coulter? I don't remember Clara having to be anywhere today."

"I don't know what you are talking about. Besides, Patrick and I have some guy plans, so you need to get out of here."

Rosemary smirks, "Okay, if you insist." She kisses them both on the top of the head and walks out the door.

Lee tells Patrick, "Now, let's go over to Elizabeth's to see if she needs any help."


Rosemary comes home to a quiet house. Lee is sitting on the settee reading the newspaper, Nanny grooms herself on the chair, but Patrick is not playing in his usual spot. She inquires, "Where's Patrick?"

"We will join him soon."

Rosemary giggles, "I half expected there to be some extravagant meal with champagne, candles, and flowers waiting for me on the table."

"I thought I would change things around this time." Lee jumps up with a smile, taking her hands into his. He lovingly looks into her eyes, saying, "Happy Birthday, sweetheart." He brings her in for a hug. "Why don't you freshen up some so I can show you what we are doing?" Rosemary softly pats him on the cheek before going upstairs.

Lee quickly runs next door to tell everyone Rosemary is getting ready, and they will be over shortly. He comes back, patiently waiting for her to finish. After about twenty minutes, she finally makes her way down to Lee. She sits on the settee next to him, asking, "Where are we going? Will Patrick be there?"

"Don't worry. Patrick is already there," Lee replies. He stands up, offering his arm for her to take.

She gladly accepts, joking, "I don't have to wear a blindfold this time, do I?"

Lee chuckles, "No, not this time." He escorts her out the door and over to Elizabeth's, where they knock. Rosemary has her suspicions, but when she hears several voices and then quiet, she knows Lee and Elizabeth have a surprise for her.

Patrick yells, "Come in, Mama!"

Lee opens the door for her, and they walk in with everyone yelling, "Surprise!" All of their closest friends and family are there. Patrick, Elizabeth, little Jack, Nathan, Allie, Clara, and Jesse are all standing there with smiles on their faces. Hugs and Happy Birthdays are given all around.

Elizabeth announces, "The food is ready. Who is ready to eat?" They all nod and take their places at the table. A blessing is said, the food is passed around, and everyone digs into the delicious food in front of them. When they all finish, Elizabeth and Allie get up to clear the dishes. Elizabeth lights the candles on the chocolate cherry cake, bringing it over to the table. Patrick jumps on Rosemary's lap, and the group starts singing Happy Birthday. Rosemary blows the candles out with cheers from everyone. Elizabeth cuts the cake, passing a piece to each person. Once the cake is eaten, and the dishes are cleaned and put away, they take their seats in the living area. Rosemary, Lee, and Patrick sit on the settee, Clara, Jesse, Elizabeth, and little Jack on the chairs, and Nathan and Allie on the floor.

Patrick announces, "Time to open presents, Mama!"

Little Jack yells, "Peasants, Wosie?" Patrick grabs each present, bringing it to Rosemary. He hops back on her lap while she opens each gift. Clara and Jesse give her a gorgeous dress designed and sewed by Clara.

"Clara, where did you find this beautiful blue taffeta? It goes great with the dark blue shamrock embroidery you added to the bottom of the skirt. I also love the blue lace sleeves and the fuller ankle-length skirt."

"I found the taffeta in a shop in Benson Hills. I thought this would make the perfect dress for you."

"You are right. It is truly perfect! Thank you!" Next, Patrick brings over a present from Allie. Rosemary opens it up and is surprised to find a framed photo of Allie, Patrick, and little Jack laughing. "Oh, Allie. I have never seen this photo before." Rosemary puts her finger over their faces, saying, "I will cherish this photo forever. Thank you." Patrick takes the photo for the others to see and then to Elizabeth for the next present.

Elizabeth hands little Jack the present, telling him to help Patrick give it to Rosemary. Little Jack says, "Wosie! Peasant! Open!" Rosemary picks him up and puts him on her lap. She lets him help open the gift. It is a hand-carved plaque with the following saying:

I prayed for this child,

and the Lord has granted

me what I asked of him.

1 Samuel 1:27

Rosemary reads the plaque and wipes a tear from her eye. She says, "Thank you. Nathan, did you make this?"

Nathan answers, "Yes. Elizabeth came up with the quote, and I took care of the rest. She told me how much being parents meant to you, and I was more than happy to use my skills to carve this." Little Jack jumps off of Rosemary's lap and sits down with Nathan.

"Well, Nathan. This is exquisite. I know just where I will hang it in our house."

Lee chimes in, "Thank you, Nathan, and Elizabeth. You don't know how much this means to us, to our new family. Patrick, come over here. This gift is for all three of us." Patrick jumps up and down, cheering before sitting in between Lee and Rosemary. Rosemary opens the envelope and sees tickets to PT Barnum's "Greatest Show on Earth."

"Oh, Lee! This is fantastic! Patrick, you are going to love the circus. My parents would take me every year. They are some of my fondest childhood memories."

Patrick asks, "When do we go?"

"The beginning of November."

"That's a long time from now, Papa!"

"Don't worry, it will be worth the wait," adds Rosemary.

Patrick hands over an envelope saying, "Now, open my gift, Mama!" Rosemary carefully opens up the envelope and sees two drawings Patrick made. The first is Lee and Rosemary sitting on the settee with Nanny. Rosemary has her head resting on Lee's shoulder and a smile on her face. The second drawing is of the three of them on the motorcycle.

Rosemary hugs Patrick, saying, "I love these drawings. You are so talented. We will keep the one of Papa and me at home right next to our bed. Papa can take the motorcycle drawing to his office if he wants. Otherwise, I will hang it up in the dress-shop."

Lee mentions, "I would love to hang the motorcycle one in my office."

Rosemary reveals, "Thank you all so much! I couldn't think of a better gift than what you all gave me. I want you all to know you mean the world to me."


Rosemary and Elizabeth spent the last week planning their outing with Allie today. They let her choose what they will be doing, but they also want to surprise her with at least one thing. Elizabeth and little Jack meet at Lee and Rosemary's house for breakfast before their trip.

Elizabeth remarks, "Thanks, Lee. I really appreciate you taking care of little Jack today. Do you think you can handle both boys all day today?"

Lee smirks at both Elizabeth and Rosemary. Rosemary says, "Don't look at me. I didn't say anything."

Lee responds, "Yes, Elizabeth. Patrick and I have it covered. Don't we, Patrick?"

Patrick answers, "Yes, sir!"

Rosemary chuckles, "Okay, honey. In that case, you two can do the dishes and clean up the kitchen. We will probably be back around five. You both better behave today." Patrick and Lee smile innocently. She walks up to Patrick, whispering in his ear, "You have fun today with little Jack and Papa. Papa is going to need all the help you can give him. Love you, bud."

Patrick wraps his arms around her, saying, "Love you."

Elizabeth mentions to Lee, "If there is an emergency, call the Mountie office there, I am sure they can find us."

Lee ensures them everything will be fine and shooed them out the door. Lee kisses her on the cheek, saying, "Be safe, sweetheart. Have fun!" Rosemary smiles, and she and Elizabeth walk out the door and get in the Model T. They drive down to Nathan and Allie's house and honk the horn. Allie comes running out, squeezing into the car next to Elizabeth.

Allie says, "I am so excited for today! Thank you for offering to take me, Missus Thornton and Missus Coulter."

Elizabeth responds, "You're welcome. It is our pleasure." Rosemary nods in agreement.

Rosemary announces, "Who is ready for a fun day, ladies?"

Elizabeth and Allie say, "Yes," simultaneously. Rosemary, Elizabeth, and Allie make it to Benson Hills in good time. Allie wants to start off at the bookstore. There were a couple of books she wanted to buy that were not at the library. Allie picks up the latest Anne of Green Gables book, "Anne's House of Dreams" by Lucy Maud Montgomery, and the latest Land of Oz book, "The Lost Princess of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. Rosemary secretly buys Allie a leather journal she can write in like Elizabeth.

Next is a fabric store. Rosemary offers to buy Allie any piece of fabric she wants, so they can design an outfit together. Rosemary will teach her how to sew as well. After finding the perfect material, Allie suggests they go have some lunch. They store their purchases in the Coulter's car and find a new café to try out. Elizabeth and Rosemary both order the soup of the day, tomato soup. Allie, on the other hand, orders a grilled cheese sandwich. They finish it off with peach cobbler for dessert.

Elizabeth inquires, "Are you ready to find some fun outfits, Allie?" I'll get you a couple, and I believe your uncle gave you money to buy a couple yourself.

"Yes, Missus Thornton. Let's go!" The next couple of hours are busy with Allie trying on lots of clothes and shoes. Allie finally decides on a light blue jumper, a brown and white checkered dress, a long dark green dress, a long-sleeved white blouse, and a coral jacket. She also got a pair of black boots.

Elizabeth asks, "Did you get everything you wanted, Allie?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"So, Missus Coulter and I have one more surprise for you. If you want, we made an appointment at Fiona's salon for you to get a haircut and style. We thought you would enjoy getting pampered like a lady. What do you say?"

"I think that is a great idea. Thank you, Missus Thornton and Coulter." They head back to the car, trying to stuff all the bags in the back. "Uncle Nathan and Mister Coulter are going to be shocked with how much we are bringing home."

Elizabeth and Rosemary laugh, with Rosemary chiming in, "Lee will be expecting this." Rosemary starts the car and heads in the direction of Hope Valley.

Elizabeth says, "I hope little Jack is behaving for Lee."

Rosemary assures, "I am sure Lee is handling everything fine. I told Patrick to help out as much as he can."

"Do you have any idea what you want to do with your hair, Allie?" inquires Elizabeth.

Allie responds, "I think I just want a trim, but I want to know how to braid my hair like Opal does. I thought about asking her mother to teach me, but I don't want to bother her."

"Oh, Allie. I am sure Opal's mother will be more than willing to help you out with anything. So would I, and I am sure Missus Coulter as well." Rosemary nods.

"Sometimes, it is hard not having a mother. I feel like the older I get, the more I need one."

"I understand completely. Even when you are grown up and on your own, you still need your mother." They pull into Hope Valley just in time for their 3:30 appointment. Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Allie walk into the almost empty salon and take a seat. Fiona greets them, bringing Allie back to the barber chair.

Fiona asks, "What would you like me to do, Allie?"

Allie answers, "I'm just hoping for a trim, and then can you teach me how to braid my hair like Opal?"

"I would love to teach you." Allie smiles, looking over at Elizabeth and Rosemary. "Are you two ladies going to get anything done today. Elizabeth and Rosemary shake their heads.

Elizabeth adds, "Today is all about Allie. Focus all of your attention on her."

Fiona responds, "Sounds good to me." She takes about an inch and a half off Allie's length and then shows Allie how to start the two braids. Allie is a quick learner and picks it up pretty quickly. Then Fiona shows her how to do a high braid beginning in the center.

Allie masters that as well and then asks, "Can you do a modern style like you see in San Francisco?"

"I know just the one." Fiona curls Allie's hair and is just about to pin it back when Rosemary offers one of her barrettes.

Rosemary remarks, "This will be perfect with the dark green dress you got today. I would like you to have it, Allie."

Allie admires the barrette and gives Rosemary a hug, "Thanks, Missus Coulter." Fiona pulls one side back with the barrette and softly brushes out the curls. Allie is shocked when Fiona turns her around, and she sees her hair. Rosemary and Elizabeth look over, gasping when they see how grownup Allie looks.

"Do you think Uncle Nathan will like my hair and my new clothes?"

Elizabeth replies, "I think he will love your clothes, but he will probably be speechless seeing how grownup you look with this hairstyle. I am sure he will be fine; you'll just need to give him some time to come to terms with you getting older."

Rosemary inquires, "Are you two ready to go home? It is almost five, and I am anxious to see how Lee did with both boys by himself."

Elizabeth responds, "I am curious as well. Are you ready, Allie?"

"Yes, I am. Thanks, Miss Miller, for cutting my hair and showing me how to do my own braids." Fiona nods and walks out to the car with them.

Rosemary offers, "Why don't we go back to my place and you can change into your new jumper or dress? You can surprise your uncle with a new outfit and hairstyle. There is just one more thing." Rosemary hands Allie the leather journal. "This is for you. A little bird told me you like to write, and I thought you would like this."

"Thanks, Missus Coulter. I love this. I really appreciate all you have done for me."

"I had a lot of fun. I am glad we all came out together." Rosemary pulls up to her house, parking the car right in front. They see Lee, Patrick, Nathan, and little Jack playing chase in front of Elizabeth's house. The three girls jump out of the car and join them in their game. It soon becomes girls against the boys. They play until little Jack gets tired and just plops on the ground.

Lee says, "I guess the game is over." All the adults laugh. "How was your trip, Rosie?"

"Splendid. We had a great time. How were the boys for you today?"

Lee laughs before revealing, "They were perfect little men." Elizabeth and Rosemary chuckle.

"What happened, sweetheart?"

"Nothing I couldn't handle. We just had a little break down with little Jack. He noticed the cookies on the top of the table and wanted some. I gave him and Patrick one cookie each, but little Jack wanted more. I suggested we go outside to play to try and get his mind off the cookies. Not long after, Nathan saw us playing outside and came to join us.

Elizabeth mentions, "I am so sorry, Lee. He has a sweet tooth and can sometimes be pretty stubborn. Did he get his normal nap in today?"

Lee answers, "Yes, he slept for two hours and woke up on his own."

Elizabeth responds, "Thanks, Lee. I really appreciate you watching him today."

"I'm always happy to watch him. Anytime I get to spend with him is a good time." Elizabeth smiles.

Elizabeth mentions, "Allie, did you want to go change into one of your new outfits?"

Allie sadly answers, "No, that is okay, Missus Thornton. My hair is all messy now, and I am dirty. I'll have to show him another day."


A couple of days later, Elizabeth is in the church setting up her classroom. She always likes getting there a couple of days early to prepare lesson plans and switch out some decorations, posters, and artwork. She is about to eat her lunch when Rosemary comes running in, saying, "Elizabeth, do you have a moment?" She looks at the food on the desk. "Sorry. Did I disturb you?"

"Don't worry, I'm just about to start. Is everything okay?"

"Lee and I were talking last night after Patrick went to bed. We don't think he has been in school much. We are just a little nervous about him keeping up with the rest of the children."

"That is a concern, Rosemary. Have you spoken to Lillian and Grace about what he knows?"

"Rosemary sadly answers, "We talked to them a little bit, but we did not get specifics. We should have thought of this before, and we could have worked with him the last month or so. If only I thought more like a mother."

Elizabeth gets up, taking Rosemary's arm, leading her to the first pew. They sit down, and Elizabeth puts her hand on her arm, saying, "Rosemary, you are a wonderful mother. Patrick loves you and Lee so much, and I know you want what is best for him. It is okay if you don't know exactly where he is in school. You will learn, and so will I, once he is in my classroom."

Rosemary smiles meekly, "Thank you, Elizabeth. We do love him so much and want what is best for him. What should we do?"

"I would send a telegram to Lillian and Grace and ask them what they know of his previous schooling. Then let me know, and we can come up with a plan. I can spend some extra time with him in school and after if needed. I know with all of us working with him, I know he will catch up in no time."

"I hope so. Well, I need to get to the dress-shop. I wanted to come by here first. Talk to you later?" Elizabeth nods.


Rosemary walks towards the dress-shop when she gets the idea to call Lee. She wants to get the telegram sent quickly. Rosemary runs into the Mercantile to place a phone call to Lee at home. She asks Lee, "Can you please come to Dottie's? I really need to talk to you."

Lee replies, "Sure. Is everything okay?"

She looks around to see if anyone is listening, "Yes, everything is fine. I talked to Elizabeth, and I think we should send a telegram today. I'll see if Clara can distract Patrick so we can talk."

"Okay, we will be there in twenty minutes."

Rosemary says, "Thanks, Lee," and then hangs up the phone. Lee and Patrick meet Rosemary at Dottie's. While Clara takes Patrick to get some ice cream, Rosemary tells Lee what Elizabeth said. "I am pretty busy here this afternoon. Can you please help me?"

"Here, let's write it together, and I will go send it to them."

Lee writes the following:

Lillian and Grace,

How much schooling does Patrick have? Was he behind the other kids his age in school? Please advise.

L & R Coulter

Rosemary hands the telegram to Lee, saying, "Now, I have work to do. Tell Patrick I will see him tonight." Lee kisses her on the cheek and goes to find Patrick at the Ice Cream Shop.


Rosemary finishes up her busy day, wanting to head home to her two boys. She stops in the mercantile on her way home to pick up a few things and see if they received any telegrams back. Ned is happy to report a telegram just arrived from Brookfield. Rosemary finishes up her shopping and walks out to the row houses with quickness in her step. She wants to wait to read it with Lee. Rosemary comes in the door when she sees the table is set, and the food is simmering on the stove. She is immediately greeted with Patrick running up to her, yelling, "Mama, Mama, guess what I did today?"

"Hmmm. I don't know. What did you do today?"

"Papa taught me how to skip rocks across the pond!"

"Oh, he did, huh?"

"Yes, ma'am. I skipped my rock three times, and Papa only did it twice."

"That's great!" Lee comes up to her kissing her quickly on the lips. "How was the rest of your day?"

Rosemary replies, "Very busy. Just how I like. The food smells so good. I am actually starving."

"Well, in that case, let's eat." The three of them enjoy their dinner and dessert, and before they know it, it is Patrick's bedtime.

Lee tells Patrick to go change for bed and pick a book. They will be up shortly to read Patrick's bedtime story. Rosemary hands Lee the telegram, and they take a seat on the settee. Lee reads aloud:

Lee and Rosemary,

We don't know for sure. The previous orphanage said Patrick could read and write some. In the short time we had him, he went to school, working on his reading, writing, spelling, and basic math.

Lillian and Grace

Lee mentions, "I guess I never asked him to read. Has he ever tried reading for you?"

"No, I always just read for him. Oh, Lee, we should have been working with him this whole time. How is he going to keep up with the other children?"

"He will be fine. Elizabeth will make sure, and we can work with him every night together. Okay?" Rosemary nods. "Let's go read him his bedtime story and worry about this later." Lee and Rosemary go upstairs to Patrick's room. Lee questions, "So what are we reading tonight?"

Patrick responds, "How about "The Adventures of Buster Bear?" Lee nods, and he and Rosemary sit next to him in his bed. "Papa, school starts on Monday, right?"

"Yes, it does. Why do you ask?"

Patrick meekly answers, "I'm not so good at school."

Lee inquires, "Why do you say you aren't good at school?"

"My teachers told me."

Rosemary's face falls. She puts her arm around Patrick, squeezing him. She reveals, "Well, you have never had a teacher like Missus Thornton. You will learn to love school and will be good at it; I know for a fact."