Chapter 35

Elizabeth didn't know why she didn't feel so great that morning unless it was from lack of sleep or maybe a little too much champagne the night before. She had been shocked to see Lucas but she had felt off since she first stood up when Rosemary and the kids came home. Allie had said she would watch little Jack so Elizabeth went to lay down, hoping a bit more sleep would be the cure.

Nathan was later than planned getting to the build site. Bill and Lee were curious as to why but they figured that he had slept in. As the morning went on, more and more of the town's men stopped by to help. They planned on finishing the second story walls that day hoping to start the roof soon. The sooner the exterior was done the easier things would get.

When they stopped for lunch, Bill asked Nathan why he seemed preoccupied. Nathan replied, "Elizabeth and I had a surprise guest this morning. We were just about to have breakfast when Lucas showed up. I didn't know that he was back in town. He seemed shocked but accepting of the news. Seeing him threw me and Elizabeth and I know she wasn't feeling great when I left. I wonder if he noticed all the unopened gifts sitting off to the side. He might think we were lying about how long we've been married."

Bill wondered when Lucas had come back. He hadn't known Lucas had returned and he kept up with the local gossip. You never knew when a tidbit of news could come in handy. He would stop by the saloon later and talk to Gustav and Lucas over dinner. Bill knew that Lucas would probably ask Gustav or Hickam about Elizabeth and Nathan. Hickam had been running the oil company with Henry while Lucas was away. Bill also said, "Elizabeth is probably just tired. It was a long night and she did have a bit more champagne than she usually drinks with all the toasts".

The men worked long into the day, stopping only when the sky started to turn orange as the sun went down. They had made good progress and had built most of the trusses for the roof. They knew that getting the trusses up was going to be a long process and would require quite a few men. They decided to meet after church the next day to start. They knew that if they didn't start then that they would have to wait until the next Saturday. Nathan wanted the house finished before winter and possibly the barn. It would be so much easier to get to town on horseback than on foot when the snow fell.

Back at the row houses, Elizabeth woke to a wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen. She straightened her clothes and hair before going downstairs. She noticed that the sun was starting to go down and couldn't believe she had slept so long. Allie was standing at the stove stirring a pot. Elizabeth went over to her and gave her a big hug. She was so proud of Allie. Little Jack was playing happily with his toys watching Allie intently. Allie said, "it's nothing fancy but I made some soup with the vegetables from the garden and the rest of the pot roast. I thought that soup was always a good choice when one isn't feeling well". Elizabeth beamed at Allie for being so thoughtful. Allie was a fine young lady and Elizabeth was honored to call Allie her daughter.

Nathan arrived shortly after Elizabeth woke. Allie and Elizabeth were just starting to set the table. Elizabeth had helped Allie make biscuits to go with the hearty soup that Allie had made. They sat down at the table to pray and eat as a family. Nathan asked Elizabeth how she was feeling and she said better after her long nap. Nathan told her that they were going to start the roof tomorrow so the family picnic would either have to be postponed or moved to the build site. Elizabeth told him that the men would still have to eat so she would arrange food for everyone. She knew the other wives would probably help and join in.

Before the children went to bed Elizabeth made sure Nathan knew how helpful Allie had been that day. She knew that without Allie the day would have been difficult. Nathan was always proud of Allie but he was so thankful that she felt at home with Elizabeth and little Jack. The longer they were together the closer they became as a family, a real family. A family he hoped would expand someday.

Nathan carried little Jack upstairs and got him ready for bed. He decided that he would read to the children that night and after little Jack was changed, they went into Allie's room where he proceeded to read a book with different voices for each character. Elizabeth had changed into her nightgown and was leaning against Allie's doorframe listening. Nathan was always surprising her with how wonderful he was as a father. She knew their children would have a great role model and loving father to rely on every day. When the story was done, he tucked the children into bed before tucking himself and his wife into their bed. It had been a very productive but tiring day.