Chapter 20 – Patrick's Idea
December comes around, and Hope Valley is preparing for the Christmas season. Lucas wants to be better prepared this year for the festival, and he is confident he will be with Rosemary's help. She has been extremely busy with the dress-shop, helping Lucas, and taking care of her family. Rosemary barely makes it to 10:00 pm each night. She is so exhausted, but she wouldn't trade it for anything.
One Saturday afternoon, Elizabeth and Jack come knocking on Lee and Rosemary's door. Elizabeth sees Rosemary sitting at the table staring off into space. She inquires, "Are you busy? I thought we'd come by and see what you and Patrick were doing?"
Rosemary states, "Oh, it's a slow day today. Lee is working in the office, I'm working on some designs, and Patrick is playing in his room." She calls up to Patrick, "Patrick, Jack is here. Why don't you come down?"
"Yes, ma'am," Patrick yells down.
Elizabeth remarks, "I am so happy Patrick came into your and Lee's life."
"I know. I cannot imagine our lives without him." As Patrick and Jack build things with blocks and Lincoln Logs, Rosemary and Elizabeth start chatting about everything going on. Rosemary inquires, "So, how are you and Nathan doing?"
Elizabeth blushes, saying, "Rosemary!"
"What? You know you will eventually tell me."
"It is going really well. We had decided to take things slowly at the beginning because I wasn't sure if I was indeed ready. However, in the last week or so, I've been doing a lot of thinking. I think I am finally ready to fully commit to him and take the next step. Although, I am not sure he is ready."
Rosemary gives her an all-knowing smile. The smile that says it's about time you realize what everyone else has known for some time. Elizabeth can't help but smirk back. Rosemary remarks, "You know I am right."
"Mmm. I am starting to see a life with him, Allie, and Jack, but then I get scared thinking about how I lost Jack. I question whether I can give my heart completely to another Mountie."
Rosemary responds, "I think you have already. And anyone who can see how Nathan looks at you knows how much he is in love with you and with little Jack. Elizabeth, you know Jack wants you to be happy, right? Nathan makes you happy, right? After the last couple of years, we all know how precious life is, and anyone can be taken away from us at any moment. We just have to live life day by day and be thankful for what we have."
"I know, you are right. I don't know why I have to keep reminding myself." Rosemary reaches out, resting her hand on Elizabeth's arm.
While Rosemary and Elizabeth are deep in conversation, they don't notice how quiet Patrick and Jack have become. They are no longer on the floor playing. Patrick had decided he wanted some of the chocolate cake Rosemary had made the night before. Patrick takes the serving spoon next to the cake and cuts a piece for him and for Jack. He hands a piece of cake to Jack, who immediately stuffs it in his mouth. Patrick then takes his cake, doing the same. Both the boys start giggling. Rosemary looks in their direction, seeing Patrick and Jack with chocolate icing all over their faces, hands, and clothes. "Oh, my, Patrick. What are you doing?" Elizabeth finally turns and sees the mess. They both get up, laughing at the boy's guilty expressions.
Elizabeth questions, "Was the cake good, Jack?" She picks him up, saying, "Let's get you cleaned up."
While Elizabeth is cleaning Jack up, Rosemary inquires, "Patrick, why didn't you ask if you could have some cake?"
"Well, you looked busy."
Rosemary responds, "I am never too busy for you. You can always come up to me and ask me for anything." Patrick acknowledges. "Why don't you go wash up and change clothes?"
Patrick sullenly replies, "Yes, ma'am." Patrick runs upstairs while Rosemary apologizes to Elizabeth.
"No worries. Jack enjoyed his cake. Well, I am going to see if Jack will take his afternoon nap."
As Elizabeth and Jack are walking out the door, Rosemary chimes in, "Tell Nathan how you are feeling." Elizabeth rolls her eyes.
The next day, after church, they decide to go on their monthly horseback ride. This particular day was quite a bit warmer than it has been the last few weeks. Rosemary prepares a picnic lunch, and they head out to their clearing. They fill up on ham sandwiches, fruit, and sugar cookies. When they are done, Rosemary leans against the tree they've spent a lot of family time under. She relaxes on the blanket, watching Lee and Patrick throw the baseball around. She closes her eyes for a moment, drifting off to sleep, listening to her boys talking and laughing. When Lee finally gets tired, they join Rosemary on the blanket. Lee whispers to Patrick, "Be careful. Let's let Mama sleep." Lee scoots over next to Rosemary, carefully wrapping his arm around her shoulder and leaning her head on his chest while Patrick plays with some toys he brought.
A short time later, Rosemary finally stirs from her nap. She opens her eyes when she realizes she is in Lee's loving arms. Rosemary looks up at Lee, asking, "How long have I been asleep?"
Lee responds, "Oh, I think about thirty minutes or so." She sits up when she sees Patrick dozing off next to them.
"When did he fall asleep?"
"A couple of minutes ago. I think all the excitement of the day wore Patrick out."
Rosemary giggles. She rests her head back on his chest when Lee wraps his arms around her again. Rosemary pats his chest, mentioning, "I've been doing some thinking lately. I had so much fun working with the kids on their skits and helping the other acts improve their performances."
Lee answers, "I could tell. I could see a sparkle in your eyes. I know you love being a mother, but I know you also want to put your creative side to good use."
Rosemary intertwines their hands. "I knew you would understand."
"What do you have in mind? I know I promised you a theater many years ago."
Rosemary squeezes his hand, looking up at him. "Oh, nothing extravagant. I am thinking maybe a children's theater in the church or the saloon."
Lee kisses Rosemary on the temple. "I think that is a great idea. And if in the future you want to expand, we can think about building you the biggest theatre this side of the Rocky Mountains."
"Thanks, sweetheart." Rosemary kisses him deeply on the lips.
"Are you ready to go home? Should we wake up Patrick?" inquires Lee.
"Let's stay here a little longer. I don't want to move from this enchanted spot."
Later that night, they get a call from Susannah and Jake. Susannah inquires, "You know how you've wanted us to come to Hope Valley?"
Lee answers, "Yes."
"It turns out we can come for Christmas. We were able to find friends to run the furniture store for us. How about we come for a week – December 20 - 27?"
Rosemary happily chimes in, "Yes, that is perfect! We can't wait to see the four of you and for you to meet Patrick in person."
Susannah mentions, "I need to go check on the pies I am making. I will talk to you soon."
Lee puts the phone down, smiling, "Well, how about that?"
"This is great news, right?" questions Rosemary.
"Yes, of course. I am surprised Susannah wants to stay a whole week. Good thing we told your parents we couldn't come there this Christmas. Are you sure you are up to the four of them staying here for a week? Are you going to be too busy with the festival and the dress-shop to enjoy their company?"
Rosemary gasps, "How am I going to find time to prepare for Susannah and her family? I'm already working all these hours at the dress-shop, pretty much planning the festival for Lucas, planning Faith's homecoming party, and then coming home and taking care of everything here."
"I help around here," responds Lee.
Rosemary exhales rather loudly, responding, "Oh, really? So, you call bringing home dinner, helping around here? I could use a whole lot more help than just bringing home dinner sometimes. You could pick things up around the house; you could maybe do some laundry. You could ask me what I need from the mercantile. You can cook dinner or make us a dessert when we are craving something sweet." Rosemary sobs into her hands, "How am I going to have any time for Patrick? I can't even pick him up from school. I feel like such a bad mother. Patrick probably thinks I don't love him anymore."
Lee puts his finger on her lips, saying, "Sssshhh, Patrick is going to hear you." Rosemary shrugs her shoulders guiltily. "Where is all this coming from?" asks Lee as he grabs her hands, trying to calm her down. "Patrick knows how much you love and care for him."
Rosemary looks up to Lee with a frown. She speaks between sobs, "How…can he…if…I am…never around?"
"Never around? You always walk him to school with me, and you are always here for dinner and his bedtime story and kissing him goodnight," remarks Lee as he wipes the tears from her face. "Rosie, he adores you and will take any time you want to spend with him."
Rosemary reveals, "I miss picking him up from school every day. I miss him coming to the dress-shop. I miss all the one-on-one time we had each day."
"I know you do, sweetheart. I wish I could spend more time with him too," mentions Lee.
"More time? You already get more one-on-one time with him than me. Here's an idea. Maybe if you help around the house more, we can spend more time as a family?"
Lee pauses for a moment, giving her hand a squeeze, "Rosie, I am so sorry you feel this way. You are always so independent, and like doing everything yourself, I never thought to offer."
"Well, you should have." Rosemary gets up to make some tea. Lee gives her a few moments and then walks up to her.
"I should have, and I am sorry. I will try better, and I bet Patrick will love to help as well." Lee grins, saying, "Just think. In no time at all, you'll be done with all the planning, and the dress-shop won't be so busy. Patrick will be on his school break, and you will have lots of time with him. Susannah and Catherine can help when needed. You do know how to ask people for help, right?" Rosemary laughs.
"I don't know why I feel so overwhelmed and tired all the time. I am usually filled with an abundance of energy," announces Rosemary.
"That is one of the many things I love about you," states Lee.
Rosemary pats Lee on the leg before saying, "Thanks, honey. I love you so much."
Lee wipes the last remaining tear from her face, leaning in, meeting her lips with his. He grins, resting his forehead on hers. Lee says, "I love you more," as they both start to giggle. Lee offers, "I know how tired you've been lately, so when you do finally want some help, please let me know. I'm here for you."
Rosemary chuckles, "Sure, I'll do that, sweetie." Lee chuckles back.
The last week of school is upon them. The kids are getting antsy. Elizabeth has to get creative to keep their attention each day. After school, Patrick walks up to Elizabeth, inquiring, "Missus Thornton, can we do something for my friends at the New Hope Orphanage in Brookfield?"
Elizabeth kneels down to his level. "I think that is a great idea, Patrick. Is your mother here? Maybe the three of us can come up with something the whole classroom can participate in?"
"I think my Papa is picking me up today." Patrick pauses before sadly confiding, "Mama has been too busy lately to pick me up from school."
"I am so sorry, Patrick. I know your Mama much rather take you to and from school every day. She told me spending time with you is her favorite part of the day."
Lee comes in the door with a grin on his face, asking, "Are you ready to go, buddy?"
Patrick runs and jumps into his arms. "Hi, Papa! Can we skip rocks today on our way home?"
"I'm sorry, Patrick. I have a couple of things to finish in my office, and then we need to pick up some things at the mercantile for dinner. Mama is going to be late again."
"Okay, Papa," Patrick quietly replies.
Elizabeth inquires, "When do you think Rosemary will be home? I want to talk to her about a school project inspired by Patrick."
"Can you provide any more information?" questions Lee.
"We will tell you after I talk to Rosemary." Lee nods in understanding.
Elizabeth knocks on the Coulter's door just as they are cleaning up the kitchen for the night. Rosemary announces, "Come on in. It's open."
Elizabeth walks in the door, inquiring, "Oh, did we come at a bad time?"
"Of course not. We are just cleaning up. Please sit. I can make us some tea," mentions Rosemary. Jack runs over to the Lincoln logs. He sits down on the floor, waiting for Patrick to join him. Lee tells Rosemary to go sit down with Elizabeth while he makes the tea. "Thanks, sweetheart."
"Patrick, did you want to tell your mother what you asked me today at school?" questions Elizabeth.
"Yes, ma'am." Patrick comes over to Rosemary and sits on her lap. "Mama, I asked Miss Elizabeth if we could do something nice for my friends at the New Hope Orphanage. Miss Elizabeth thought it was a great idea and said the three of us can figure something out."
Rosemary pushes the hair out of his eyes. "I love that idea!" She gasps, "Why don't we have all the kids get together and make them presents? We can deliver them to Brookfield this weekend."
Patrick giggles in excitement. He gives her a hug, saying, "Thank you, Mama, Miss Elizabeth."
Elizabeth responds, "Thank you, Patrick. We can spend the last hour of school each day this week working on the gifts."
The Tuesday morning coach arrives on-time for once and out steps one blond citizen of Hope Valley. Faith finished up school a week earlier than she initially thought, so she decided to surprise Carson. She looks around, taking in the sights and smell of her beloved town. She could smell the aromas coming from Abigail's café and the saloon, see the cars and wagons driving down Main street, people walking to and from, the picturesque church and the pond, and of course, the beautiful mountains off in the distance. Faith takes her luggage and runs straight to the infirmary. She opens the door to an extremely surprised Molly and Carson. Carson remarks, "You're early, Faith. Why didn't you tell me? I could have met you at the stage."
"I wanted to surprise you. Surprise!" responds a confused Faith. "Aren't you glad to see me?"
Carson answers, "Of course I am." He hugs her rather awkwardly and takes a step back. "Did anyone know you were coming back today?"
"No, I wanted you to be the first to know."
Molly mentions, "I think I will take my break now. Carson, I will be back in time for your next appointment at 2:00 pm." Carson nods as Molly hugs Faith and walks out the door.
Carson inquires, "I bet you are tired. Did you want to get a quick bite to eat at Abigail's and get settled in?"
Faith disappointedly replies, "Sure." Carson opens up the door for her, and as they are walking out, she mumbles to herself, "I thought we could spend the day together." On the way to Abigail's, they run into Rosemary and Fiona talking in front of the dress-shop.
Rosemary and Faith both say, "Welcome back," and give her a hug.
Rosemary adds, "We thought you weren't back until next week."
"I finished up early so I could surprise Carson," responds Faith.
"And she certainly did," mentions Carson. "We should probably get some food in Faith so she can rest after traveling for so long." Fiona and Rosemary nod in agreement.
After an awkward lunch, Carson offers to escort Faith to her place. He helps her bring her luggage up, gives her a quick kiss on the cheek, and walks out the door. Faith thinks to herself, "That did not go how I expected."
Faith emerges from her room several hours later. She walks over to the infirmary, hoping Carson is back to normal. Faith is about to open the door when she sees an envelope addressed to her. She opens and finds a letter which reads, "Sorry about earlier today. Please join me in the saloon." Faith puts the letter back in the envelope, walking as quickly as she can to the saloon.
She opens the door where all of her friends are smiling and yelling, "Surprise." Faith looks around, seeing Jesse and Clara, Lee holding a small boy, Rosemary, Bill, Molly, Elizabeth and Jack, Nathan and Allie, Lucas, Fiona, Florence, Ned, and Henry. Next, she sees all the "Welcome Home, Doctor Faith Carter" signs hanging on the wall.
Faith walks up to Carson, embracing him. "How did you do all this in a few hours?"
"I had Rosemary help me plan this for next week, so when she saw you earlier, she volunteered to put this together quickly." Carson leans in for the kiss he's been waiting to give her since he left Chicago a few months ago. "Hopefully, this makes up for our awkwardness earlier."
Faith takes his hands into hers, saying, "It does. I have missed you so much. I am so glad to finally be home."
At the end of the school day, Lee, Rosemary, and Nathan walk in the door. Elizabeth instructs Patrick to explain to all the kids his idea of making gifts for the orphans. When the kids start shouting ideas, Lee offers to provide free pieces of wood, Nathan offers to carve them into shapes for the children to paint, and Rosemary offers to help with the painting and the cards. There are seven kids at the orphanage right now, so they decide to pair up. Elizabeth tells them to sit with their partner while she passes around a basket for each of them to pick a name. Once they select their name, they brainstorm on the perfect gift. The four adults just watch and listen as the children make their decisions. Elizabeth notices the time, gathering everyone's attention with the ring of the cowbell. She announces, "We can start working on the gifts tomorrow. If you want to use Mister Coulter's wood and have Mountie Nathan carve a shape for you, please let them know as you walk out the door." All the children gather their things, running out except for Patrick and Allie.
Patrick runs up to Lee and Rosemary, "Papa, can Vincent and I get a bear made out of wood for Christian? Also, can I make one for Fred? He is not an orphan anymore, but he is my friend."
"Nathan, can you carve a bear?" asks Lee.
"Yes, I can. What other shape would you like, Patrick?"
Patrick replies, "Can you do a horse? Fred loves horses."
"A bear and a horse? You got it. Allie, did you and Opal want anything?"
Allie responds, "Do you think you can carve a small box with a lid where Sophia can put small items in, Uncle Nathan?"
"Yes, I have made one before."
Allie says, "Thanks, Uncle Nathan."
Lee clears his throat before suggesting, "Nathan, we better get over to the sawmill so you can pick out the best wood." Nathan nods, and they walk out the door.
Rosemary mentions, "Okay, Patrick. I need to get back to the dress-shop. Let's go."
"Awe…do I have to, Mama?" questions Patrick.
Elizabeth offers, "He can go home with Allie and me. We were going to make a pie."
"Are you sure? Lee was going to pick him up when he gets done with Nathan."
"I am sure. Patrick can help with Jack."
"Okay, if you insist," responds Rosemary. The four of them walk out of the schoolhouse towards town.
"Have you met all of the orphans, Rosemary?" questions Elizabeth.
"No, there are three new children since we met Patrick. A little girl named Hazel and brother and sister Eugene and Marie. Hazel only recently lost her family and came to live with Lillian and Grace two months ago. On the other hand, Eugene and Marie were transferred from the Cape Fullerton orphanage and have been with the sisters for about four months."
"Hopefully, they will all be adopted soon," remarks Elizabeth. Rosemary meekly smiles.
The next couple of days, the kids spend the last hour of school diligently working on the gifts. Elizabeth is relieved when everyone finishes on Thursday. The hope was for all the gifts to be completed by Thursday so Lee, Rosemary, and Patrick can deliver them Friday night and come back late Saturday night.
School lets out early on Friday, so Lee packs up the car for their trip to Brookfield. Patrick is excited he gets to see Fred again and Lillian, Grace, and the orphans. He hopes they all will like their gifts. They pull up to Lillian and Grace's just as the sun is setting. Patrick jumps out of the car, running into the house shouting, "We are here! We are here!" By the time Lee and Rosemary walk in the door, Patrick has made himself at home. Lee and Rosemary greet everyone with smiles and hugs.
Grace introduces the three new children. She rests her hands on the shoulders of a small blond girl standing in front of her. "This is Hazel. She is eight years old. Sitting on the floor with Christian over there is Eugene, who is twelve. She points to the older girl reading a book in a corner. That is Marie. She is fifteen, and Eugene is her younger brother. Patrick is so excited, he whispers loudly, "Can we give them their gifts now?" Everyone laughs at his exuberance.
Lillian suggests, "Why don't we help Eleanor with dinner, and then we can open the gifts once everything is cleaned up?"
Patrick sadly says, "Yes, ma'am." All the adults laugh.
Rosemary turns to Lee, suggesting, "Why don't you put our things up in the room? Grace, are we in the same room?"
Grace answers, "Yes. Do you want Patrick in the room with you or the boys? There is room for him there."
Rosemary grabs Patrick's arm as he is running to the kitchen, questioning, "Do you want to sleep in the boy's room or with us?"
Patrick thinks about it for a moment before answering, "I'll sleep in the boy's room." He starts to walk away, then he turns back, inquiring, "If they tell scary ghost stories, can I sleep with you?"
Rosemary chuckles, "Of course."
After dinner, everyone finds a seat in the parlor. Lee can tell Rosemary is tired, so he tells her to sit and rest. She willingly complies, sitting down on one of the settees. Lee helps Patrick hand out all of the gifts and sits next to her. Patrick jumps into Rosemary's lap with the biggest grin on his face. He is thrilled as each kid opens up and loves their gift. Soon all the children are up and running around with their new toys and with each other. Patrick notices Hazel is a little quiet, so he tries to cheer her up by playing with her. Lee and Rosemary look on as their incredible son brings a grin to Hazel's face.
Grace notices as well, coming over to Lee and Rosemary. She tells them how Hazel's parents passed away and how they have not seen her smile much. Grace adds, "We just found out yesterday, the family who wants to adopt her and Mary Louise, got the official word they can bring them home. We haven't told either of them yet. I think the family is perfect for them, and they seem to really like them, so we couldn't be any more pleased."
Rosemary inquires, "When do they come to get them?"
"Sunday afternoon."
"That's great! How about the other children? Any prospects?"
Grace answers, "A couple. There is a family who really wants Christian and Vincent. They have visited a few times already. And Lillian is interested in adopting Sophia. They have really bonded, and I don't think Lillian could part with her."
"Wonderful news."
"Would you two ever consider adopting any more children?" questions Grace.
Lee chimes in, "We have discussed it a little, but I think our hands are full with Patrick right now. Maybe in the future?"
"I'll keep that in mind," responds Grace.
Lee reveals, "We are so grateful to you and Lillian for introducing us to Patrick. We love him so much and can't imagine our lives without him. So, thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
The following day, Lee and Rosemary wake up to Patrick in their bed. Neither one remembers him coming in. Rosemary asks, "When did you come in here, bud?"
"I got scared. I thought I heard something, but no one was awake. I tried to go back to sleep but couldn't, so I came into your room and got in bed. I didn't want to wake you up," responds Patrick.
"You could have woken us up if you were scared."
"I know, but I thought you needed to sleep."
Rosemary opens her arms for him to crawl in. "You are the best little boy any parent could ask for." Patrick and Rosemary giggle. "We should probably get up and get downstairs." Rosemary tries to get up but sits back down immediately when she feels a little dizzy and nauseous. Lee sees how pale her face is and tells her to stay in bed.
Lee offers, "I can bring you up some tea. Do you need anything else?" Rosemary shakes her head, laying back down against her pillow. She closes her eyes and is back to sleep before Lee and Patrick get dressed and go downstairs. They are the last two at the breakfast table.
Lillian inquires, "Is Rosemary coming?"
"She is feeling a little under the weather. Rosemary would love some tea, though." Lee pours a cup of tea, excusing himself to go upstairs. He walks in on a sleeping Rosemary. He puts the cup of tea on the nightstand and kisses her on the forehead. Lee joins everyone downstairs, eating his breakfast. About an hour later, Rosemary opens her eyes once more. She sits up slowly and takes a sip of her tea. Rosemary grins when she realizes the dizziness and nausea are gone. She quickly gets dressed and joins everyone downstairs.
Patrick runs up to her, hugging her waist. "Hi, Mama. Do you want to play with Hazel and me? We are going to play old maid."
"Why, yes. Let me say hello to Papa first."
"I'll save you a spot," yells Patrick.
Rosemary sneaks up behind Lee while he is reading his newspaper. She whispers in his ear, "Thanks for the tea, sweetheart." Rosemary kisses him on the cheek.
"Are you feeling better, honey?"
"Much better. Now, I am going to play old maid with Patrick and Hazel." Rosemary saunters into the kitchen to find Patrick. The next few hours are spent either playing cards, tag, or jumping rope.
Grace suggests, "Who wants to have a picnic lunch?" All the kids cheer in unison. Grace, Lillian, and Rosemary prepare the sandwiches and fruit while Eleanor whips up a quick batch of peanut butter cookies. Marie places the blankets down in the parlor for everyone to sit on. When everything is prepared, Grace yells, "Time for lunch!" Everyone takes a seat, with Patrick choosing to sit next to Hazel instead of Lee and Rosemary.
Rosemary watches as the different groups of people talk and laugh and eat their sandwiches. She is intrigued by how much attention Patrick is paying to Hazel. Rosemary thinks to herself, "Is this a little crush? Surely not. Patrick is too little to have a crush. Isn't he?"
Lee taps her arm, getting her attention. He points over to Patrick smiling at Hazel and her smiling back. Lee whispers, "Should we be worried?" Rosemary shrugs her shoulders. Lee hands her the sandwich and tells her to eat.
Rosemary frowns, saying, "I'm not sure I should eat anything." She looks down at the sandwich and takes a bite. Lee hands her a piece of fruit which she eats as well. Rosemary sips her tea as all the children get up, put their coats on and run out to the front yard to play. She grabs one more bite of sandwich and fruit and gets up to help Lillian, Grace, and Eleanor clean up.
The next few hours fly by with great conversations with Lillian, Grace, Eleanor, Chuck, and Gabriel. Chuck and Gabriel came by after lunch like they did most Saturday afternoons. Lee looks at his pocket watch, realizing they better get going if they want to make it back to Hope Valley tonight. Lee and Rosemary excuse themselves to pack up their's and Patrick's stuff. Lee carries everything to the car while Rosemary tries to find Patrick. She finds Patrick and Hazel sitting next to each other, whispering into each other's ears. Rosemary shouts, "Yoo-hoo," to get their attention. They both look up guiltily. "It is almost time to go, Patrick. Go say your goodbyes."
Patrick frowns, looking over at Hazel. He sadly replies, "Yes, ma'am." Rosemary watches as Patrick whispers one more thing into Hazel's ear, and he runs towards her. Lee, Rosemary, and Patrick say their goodbyes to all and get into the car for their drive home.
The Coulter's pull in front of their house just before 9:30 pm. Lee turns to look at Patrick in the back seat, instructing, "Go change into your nightclothes, and we will read your bedtime story."
Patrick answers, "Yes, sir." Patrick and Rosemary quickly go inside to get out of the cold while Lee grabs their things. By the time Lee gets upstairs, Patrick is already in bed, ready for his story. Patrick hands Lee a book they have read so many times.
"This is what you want me to read?" Patrick nods. "Okay, then." Lee reads the short book, which Patrick pretty much has memorized. When it is over, he asks, "Do you want me to read another one?"
"No, sir. I am tired." Both Rosemary and Lee look at Patrick with concern.
Rosemary questions, "Are you feeling okay, Patrick?"
"Yes, ma'am. I am just sleepy." They each give him a kiss on the forehead, telling him they love him and sweet dreams. Lee and Rosemary walk out of Patrick's room, shutting the door. They walk into their room together and sit at the end of the bed.
Rosemary pats Lee's leg. She inquires, "Do you think Patrick is up to something? He never tells us to stop reading while he is awake."
"I have no idea. Maybe Patrick is really tired," remarks Lee. He gets up, taking off his vest and tie. "I think I am ready for bed. How about you?"
"You won't get an argument from me."
The following morning, Lee and Rosemary wake up to a quiet home. Lee notices the time and is surprised Patrick hasn't come running into their room yet. He says, "I'll go check on him and make us some coffee." Lee gives her a quick kiss, and he hops out of bed. He walks up to Patrick's door, where he thinks he hears voices. Lee thinks to himself, "Who could he possibly be talking to at this hour?" He puts his ear to the door, making sure he does not hear things. Sure enough, he hears two different voices. Lee slowly opens the door, out of concern, as he hears whispering, a thump, and the pitter-patter of little feet. "Patrick, what is going on in here?"
Patrick's mouth drops open, and his face turns bright red. Lee can see Patrick contemplating what to say next. Patrick looks down, trying his best to sound convincing, "Nothing, Papa."
"I heard you talking to someone, Patrick. Are you going to tell me you are talking to yourself?"
"No, sir. I am sorry." Patrick's face turns a darker shade of red. He looks down again, hesitantly saying, "You can come out now. My Papa knows." Hazel crawls out from under the bed. They both look up at Lee sheepishly. Lee yells, "Rosie, come in here, please."
Rosemary yells back, "Coming." She gets up slowly, trying to ward off the dizziness. She wraps her robe around her and carefully walks over to Patrick's room. Rosemary asks, "What is it?" when she notices Hazel. "Patrick Coulter, what in the world is Hazel doing here?"
Lee and Rosemary sit at the foot of Patrick's bed while he shyly begins, "Well…"