Chapter 41 – Plans, Plans, and More Plans

Patrick exclaims, "Papa, you won!" Lee picks him up, spins him around, and then carefully does the same to Rosemary. The crowd is all cheering for Lee. Michael, Fiona, and Bill congratulate him and shake his hand.

Bill grumbles, "The best man won, Lee, and that is you," as he pats him on the back.

"Thanks, Bill. Hearing those words from you means a lot."

Patrick excitedly inquires, "What are we going to do to celebrate?"

"I don't know, Patrick. How do you want to celebrate?"

Patrick thinks for a moment and yells, "We should get some ice cream!" They all laugh at his exuberance. Lee looks to Rosemary to see if she wants to get some.

Rosemary mentions, "It is up to you, Mayor Coulter. You know I have a lot of work to do tonight, though."

Lee glances at the ground, and a grin forms on his face. He suggests, "I have a better idea. After ice cream, how about we see if Elizabeth can watch Patrick and I help you print the papers. What do you say? Do you want to spend the evening with your handsome and loving husband, who happens to be the new mayor of this fair town?"

Rosemary giggles, repeating. "My handsome and loving husband?"

Lee shrugs his shoulders, asking, "What is wrong with that? It's true, isn't it?"

"I know it is true, but you don't usually call yourself handsome." She pats him on the cheek, offering, "You are the most handsome man I have ever met." Lee chuckles. "In all seriousness, Lee. Do you really want to spend the evening doing something boring like printing newspapers, when you can celebrate with your friends? I think Hickam, Fiona, and Bill will be at the saloon."

In his sincerest tone, he responds, "I'd rather spend the time with my better half and the love of my life."

"Well, if you must," teases Rosemary. Lee fakes hurt by her words, so Rosemary giggles, making sure he knows she is kidding. "I'm sure Clara won't mind catching up another time."

A look of concern crosses over Lee's face. "Unless you prefer Clara helping you instead of me. Patrick and I can go do something." Lee watches her expression as she answers. He can always tell her true feelings by her facial expressions.

Rosemary beams at her husband, replying, "I would love to spend alone time with my best friend and the father of both my precious children."

"Great. Let's find Elizabeth." He looks around and sees her talking with Florence and Ned. Lee and Rosemary walk over to them and join in on the conversation, asking, "Elizabeth, I hope to help Rosemary print the paper tonight. Would you watch Patrick for us and remind him to let Laika out and feed her? We'll come to get him on our way home."

Elizabeth smiles, mentioning, "First of all, congratulations on winning the race. I knew you would. And yes, of course, I'll take care of Patrick and Laika. Why doesn't he spend the night at my house since I know you will be back late?"

Rosemary interjects, "Don't worry. I don't think we will be too late. We can pick him up."

"Are you sure?" inquires Elizabeth. Rosemary nods yes.

Lee questions, "We are going for some celebration ice cream. Would you, Nathan, Allie, and Jack like to meet us before we have to get to the office?"

"We would love to, Lee," remarks Elizabeth.

"Excellent. We will see you there in five minutes," responds Lee. He leads Rosemary and Patrick over to the office, away from everyone. They climb the stairs and stand against the railing when Lee feels the entire weight of him winning the mayor's race washing over him. He says to Rosemary, "I cannot believe I won."

Rosemary inquires, "Are you still having doubts about this being your calling? Because the fact you won should tell you something. It should tell you being mayor is what God wants you to do, along with providing for our growing family. I am so proud of you, honey."

Patrick adds, "I am proud of you too, Papa."

"Come here, Patrick." Patrick happily does what his Papa tells him, and Lee gives him a big bear hug, revealing, "I love you, buddy."

"I love you too, Papa!"

Lee claps his hands together, asking, "Who is ready for ice cream?"

Both Patrick and Rosemary repeat, "Me, me, me."

"Wait before we go. Patrick, can you go home with Miss Elizabeth tonight? I need to help Mama with printing the paper."

Timidly, Patrick questions, "You're still going to pick me up tonight, right?"

Rosemary answers, "Of course. You'll probably be asleep when we get there, but we will bring you back home and tuck you into your bed."

"Okay, Mama, Papa." Lee and Rosemary glance at each other, wondering why he didn't want to spend the night at Elizabeth's.

The Coulter's crossed the street to meet Elizabeth, Jack, Nathan, and Allie for ice cream, and after having two helpings, Lee and Rosemary say goodnight to their son. Patrick holds on to each of them longer than usual until Allie suggests they race home. Finally, Patrick perks up and sprints to catch up with Allie while Lee and Rosemary reluctantly head back to their office. Rosemary loops her arm around Lee's, and he helps her up the stairs, opening the door.

Rosemary giggles, asking, "What do I owe you for this generosity?"

"Oh, nothing."

"Are you sure there is nothing you want in return?"

Lee points to his lips, asking, "What does a husband have to do to get a kiss from his wife around here?"

Rosemary smirks at him, revealing, "A kiss is reserved for when you are helping me." She sashays over to him, trying to hide her smile. "I am kidding, sweetie." She plants a quick but passionate kiss on his lips, adding, "For you, Mister Mayor."

Lee clears his throat, questioning, "So, what can I help you with, First Lady of Hope Valley?"

Rosemary answers, "I kind of like the sound of the First Lady." They both laugh. "I need to type up the results of the election."

"Then I help you print them, right?"

"You're correct."

The article on the front page reads:

LEE COULTER IS HOPE VALLEY'S NEWEST MAYOR

Lee Coulter Wins Hope Valley Mayoral Race with 60% of the Vote.

By Rosemary Coulter

It shouldn't surprise anyone that there is a clear winner in our first election in many years. Each candidate was a formidable opponent who brought their strengths and ideas to the forefront and would have been an asset to our town. She sends her thanks to everyone who helped out or participated in the election. It is because of people like you; we have a great community.

Final Results:

Lee Coulter – 60%

Fiona Miller – 19%

Bill Avery – 11%

Michael Hickam – 10%

Rosemary types the last sentence and cheers as she finishes with this issue. Then, she wiggles into the apron she keeps in their office and fills the ink cartridges. Next, Rosemary places the stencil, adds paper in the feeder, and starts making copies. After she finishes a few, Lee gets up, offering, "You sit down. I will take care of the rest of the copies."

"Lee, I can't just sit here the whole time doing nothing. How about we switch it off and on? And when we get home and tuck Patrick into bed, you can massage my aching back."

Lee laughs, responding, "It would be my pleasure." So, they spend the next few hours printing the paper, with Rosemary making twenty copies, Lee making twenty, and switching between the two. Finally, they finish around 10:45 pm and put them in the box outside their office for Robert to deliver in the morning. They gather their things and walk out the door when Rosemary realizes their car is not on Main Street. She turns to Lee, but before she can say anything, he apologizes, "I'm sorry. I forgot Jesse needed it for business, and I told him to park it at our house. Would you like me to run and get it for you?"

Trying to hide her disappointment, she replies, "No, it is okay. We could use some fresh air." Lee holds her hand as they head home, but by the time they get there, Rosemary is exhausted and winded. They pick up Patrick, and Lee carries him straight to bed. Rosemary covers him up, and Laika climbs in next to him, cuddling up by his side.

They kiss him goodnight, and he turns to his side, whispering, "I love you, Mama, Papa," and he closes his eyes again.

As they are leaving his room, arm-in-arm, Lee mentions, "He is getting too big for me to carry him to bed." Rosemary chuckles and pats his arm. "Why don't you change, Rosie, and I can massage your back."

"Mmm, I would love for you to rub my sore back, but I am way too tired. I can barely keep my eyes open. Another time?"

"I'll be here anytime you need one." Lee and Rosemary change into their nightclothes and crawl into bed together. She finds her favorite spot lying next to him with his arms protectively around her and their bundle of joy.

Rosemary whispers, "Goodnight, Mister Mayor. I love you." He kisses the top of her head, and they both fall asleep.

The following morning, after Lee and Rosemary drop Patrick off at school, Lee meets with Bill in the Judge's office. Bill wants to hand over the mayoral duties he's been performing since Abigail left town to care for her mother. The first thing out of Bill's mouth is grumbling, "You aren't going to want this office, are you?"

Lee laughs, "No, I wouldn't dream of taking your office away. I will always see this as the Judge's office."

Bill grumbles again, "I hope you know what you are getting yourself into with being mayor. Budgets, town council meetings, people constantly bugging you with fixing unimportant things, and dealing with a growing town.

Lee puts his hands in his pockets and responds, "I am aware of a lot of those things. And I happen to run a successful business, so it shouldn't be hard to pick up things."

Bill pats Lee on the back, offering, "Good luck." They sit down at Bill's desk and go over everything. Lee doesn't think it's too much to handle, but he needs to go over the books before knowing what he will inherit. "I'll be around if you have any other questions, and don't forget. The Swearing-In Ceremony and Town Celebration are next Saturday. You'll need to prepare a speech and will officially take over then."

"Thanks, Bill. I appreciate it." He grabs everything Bill gave him and walks out the door to join his wife. Lee comes into their office and dramatically drops everything on his desk.

Rosemary inquires, "It is that bad?"

"No, I just have a lot of decisions to make in addition to learning what a mayor does. Plus, I need to write a speech for next Saturday's Swearing-In Ceremony and Town Celebration. How are you doing?"

"I am doing well. I might have found a printing press, and I have an idea on who to get to help me with the paper. But wait. How did I not know about this celebration? Who is in charge?" She whispers to herself, "Wow, I must be slipping."

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I forgot about it, too, until Bill reminded me. I believe Lucas and Hannah are organizing a town barbecue like we had last year when everyone thought the food in the saloon and café were making people sick."

Rosemary adds another line to her overwhelmingly long to-do list, mumbling to herself, "Another thing to find time for."

"What was that?"

"Oh, nothing. I'm sorry, back to you. Do you want to talk about what is bothering you?"

"I don't want to burden you with businessy things."

"Don't you remember? What is important to you is important to me. So why don't we help each other out? I can tell you my plan, and you can tell me yours."

"Are you sure?"

"Lee, you and I are a team."

"Okay, but you go first."

"As long as you come over and sit with me. I don't want to talk across the room." Lee laughs and pulls up a chair next to her. Rosemary shows him the catalog with the printing press she wants. "See, it's electric, and it can continuously feed papers in, so I don't have to feed in every sheet manually. Hopefully, it will save me a ton of time. And the price isn't too bad, right?"

"I agree. It is not as expensive as I thought it would be."

"Before you get worried about me spending all this money, I have a business plan. With advertising and subscriptions, I should break even in a year or so."

"I am not worried about money, sweetheart, but I am glad you are thinking ahead."

"I want the newspaper to be profitable and something I do on my own."

Lee leans in for a kiss, mentioning, "I know with you in charge, it will be successful." Rosemary leans in for one of her own. "Now, who do you want to hire, Rosie?"

"First, I would like to hire Robert as the delivery guy. He is doing a good job for Ned and us. Next, I need a second person in command who can handle everything in my absence. I am thinking Hannah, but I am not sure she has the time or the desire to be a part of the paper. Lastly, I am thinking of having guest writers where people can submit an article, and I would pay them a small amount." Rosemary clasps her hands together and watches her husband in anticipation.

Lee grabs her hand and squeezes it, saying, "I couldn't agree more."

Rosemary squeezes his hand back, questioning, "What about you? What are you worried about?"

"Well, first, I need to decide whether to purchase another office or keep Jesse permanently out at the Sawmill Office."

"Lee! Why will Jesse be permanently out at the sawmill?"

Lee grins, answering, "Because I have a better office mate in mind."

Rosemary giggles as they both stand up. She can't help jumping into his arms, inquiring, "You want me to stay?"

Lee replies, "I wouldn't want it any other way, and I am glad you like the idea as well." They both sit back down, and Lee continues, "I also need to decide if I want to step back and have Jesse take on a bigger role. I know he can handle it, but I am not sure I am ready to let go of things just yet. But with Squishy coming, I know I will want to spend every moment I have with my little family. So, if something must give, it will have to be the sawmill."

"But I know how important the sawmill is to you."

"It may be important to me, but you, Patrick, and Squishy mean one-thousand percent more than it ever will," reveals Lee.

Rosemary suggests, "If I were you, I would see how much time mayoral duties will require before making any important decisions. And if I know Jesse, he will say he is happy at the sawmill office."

"You're probably right about Jesse."

"I know I am right, honey." They both chuckle because it's true. Then she asks, "Do you have anything else?"

"Not right now. I'll see how things go, and then we can make some decisions together after our daughter is born."

"Don't you mean our son?" They both chuckle again.

Later that day, Rosemary and Lee pick up Patrick from school, and he joins Lee at the office while Rosemary and Elizabeth meet Hannah and Clara at the Dress Shop. Rosemary exclaims, "We have wedding planning to do!" as she steps into Dottie's.

Elizabeth remarks, "Rosemary, you promised not to go overboard."

She takes a deep breath and replies, "I know, I know. I will try my best." All the ladies chuckle at her revelation, including Rosemary. The four of them go to the back, and Rosemary sits down at the table with her notebook. "Elizabeth, we only have three more weeks, and you still don't have a wedding dress. I know you didn't want me to worry about the dress, but I must put my foot down since you cannot decide. I have drawn three different dress designs for you. Hopefully, you will like at least one of them, and the ladies can get sewing. Rosemary slides over her notebook, telling her to look at all three designs before commenting. Elizabeth nods her head and hesitantly takes the book from her.

Elizabeth opens to the first page and sees the first dress. Rosemary can see her trying to cover up her dislike of the dress. Then she turns the page, and Elizabeth tilts her head side to side, deciding whether she likes it or not. Rosemary tries to hide her laughter because she knows Elizabeth wouldn't like the first two, but she is confident she will want the third dress. Elizabeth turns the page again, and everyone sees the grin on her face. Her eyes widen, and happy tears form in her eyes.

Rosemary blurts out, "You love it, don't you?" Elizabeth can't get out any words, so she hugs Rosemary. Rosemary giggles, mentioning, "I'm so glad you love the dress as much as I thought you would." Rosemary hugs her back and shows the rest of the ladies. They all ooh and ah and agree this is the perfect design for Elizabeth. This time around, however, the dress is much simpler than the one she wore when she married Jack. It is an ankle-length straight dress with three-fourths length sleeves and no train. "I am thinking all satin except for the sleeves and veil, which will be lace. The bodice will have simple beading woven in, and the veil will match the sleeves. Towards the bottom of the skirt will be two cream embroidered hearts connected at the tip by a line that forms the top part of the bigger heart. The two hearts represent you and Nathan. Two additional smaller hearts represent Allie and Jack, and they are connected to each of you and form the bottom of the bigger heart, symbolizing the heart of your blended family. It's perfect for an outdoor wedding, yet elegant."

"Oh, Rosemary. I can't imagine loving anything more than I do this," reveals Elizabeth.

Rosemary cannot contain her excitement, questioning, "Hannah, Clara. Do you two think you can get this done in three weeks?"

Clara and Hannah look at each other and smile, hugging Elizabeth, telling her a resounding yes.

Meanwhile, Patrick and Lee are in the office. Patrick is working on his homework at his desk while Lee works on some contracts. When Patrick finishes, he reveals to Lee, "I don't know what to get Mama for Mother's Day this weekend."

With everything happening, Lee realizes he forgot about Mother's Day. Rosemary's first Mother's Day. He can't believe he forgot something so important. Fortunately, an idea pops into his head, "Why don't you and I build her something out of wood?"

Patrick asks, "Like what?"

Lee thinks about it, suggesting, "We can build her a picture frame, a new jewelry box, a shelf, or a box to store things in."

Patrick questions, "Can we build her an engraved picture frame? I have the perfect photo we can use."

Lee remarks, "I think she will love the idea. Hmm, we don't have much time left, but I think we can still make it happen."

"Thanks, Papa. And can I bring her breakfast in bed?"

"She will love that as well."

"Should we do anything else?"

"Let me think about it, and I'll let you know." Patrick nods. "In the meantime, we need to sketch out our design. First, we need to get the measurements of the frame. The picture itself is four by six inches, which means the frame will need to be an extra inch on all sides." Lee draws out the frame and shows Patrick how to fill in the dimensions. "What do you want the message to be, buddy?"

Patrick giggles, inquiring, "Can it say 'Thank you for adopting me. I love you to the moon and back! Love Patrick'"

"I think it should all fit. Let me try." Lee writes out, "'I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!' at the top, 'THANK YOU' on the left side, 'FOR ADOPTING ME' on the bottom, and 'LOVE PATRICK' on the right. Do you like how I arranged the words?"

"Yes, sir."

Noticing it's time for play rehearsal, Lee suggests, "We better get to the church, or Mama will not be happy with us." They both laugh, grabbing their stuff and walking out the door.

Lee and Patrick are the last ones in the church and take a seat in the back. Rosemary is announcing, "We have a little more than two weeks left until the play. You all are doing a great job. Please don't forget to have those lines memorized this week. If you need help, let me know, I have some great tricks you can try. Would you please give Clara, Hannah, Minnie, and Allie a round of applause? Because of them, the costumes and sets are coming along nicely. Can you four ladies stay after rehearsal today?" They all nod their heads yes. "Last but not least, we will have a costume fitting here on the 14th, tech rehearsal on the 19th with all the sets, props, and music, and dress rehearsal on the 22nd, both out at The Hill. Are there any other questions before we start?" When nobody speaks up, she waves her arms in the air, saying, "Let's go. Practice makes perfect." Rosemary sits down on the front row, stating, "Scene One Act One, you are up." Patrick, Allie, and Elizabeth get in their places and begin. Rosemary has the entire cast run through each scene, giving comments and suggestions where needed, but she's pleased for the most part. When they finish, Rosemary excuses everyone for the day except her crew.

On the way out the door, Lee inquires, "Do you want us to wait in the office for you?"

Rosemary replies, "We might be a little while, so maybe you could leave me the car."

"We'll have dinner ready for you when you get home, then."

Rosemary blows him a kiss, mouthing, "Thanks, honey."

Patrick yells, "Bye, Mama. See you later."

"I'll see you later, bud." Rosemary smiles and sits down with Clara, Hannah, Minnie, and Allie. "Okay, ladies. What do you have to show me?" Clara and Hannah open the boxes with the almost finished costumes. They take turns showing Rosemary each ensemble, and Rosemary loves all of them, except for the King and Queen of Hearts costumes. "They need to be more over the top and exaggerated with gold and jewelry. Do you have the wigs and hats too?" Minnie grabs them out of a box and shows Rosemary. "I love them all, but the wig for the Mad Hatter needs to be longer and more out of control. What do you have for the props?" Allie brings out all the props, and Rosemary likes them as well. Her only suggestion is to make sure as much as possible is waterproof just in case. She reminds them there is a roof, but rain can still get in." Rosemary finds her notebook and quickly reads through her notes. "I wanted to show you my vision for the backdrops. Clara, Hannah, and Minnie, could we all go out to The Hill tomorrow at lunch?"

Clara and Hannah look at each other and respond, "We should be able to get away. Minnie?"

"I'll see what I can do, but most likely, I can."

"Great! Thank you so much. You are all doing such a great job!" She checks her pocket watch and realizes how late it is. "I'm sorry for keeping you. Lee left me the car if you want a ride."

They all answer "Yes" simultaneously. Then, the ladies pile everything into the car and hop in. Rosemary drops off Clara and Hannah in town and then drives Minnie out to the rowhouses along with her and Allie. Eventually, Rosemary pulls up in front of her house around 10:00 pm and hobbles into the house. Her whole body hurts, simply walking up the few steps and into their home. She's surprised Lee isn't there to greet her, so she plops on the settee and closes her eyes for a moment.

In what seems like forever, but probably only a few minutes, Lee finally runs down the stairs, inquiring, "Sweetheart, your home? I was getting worried."

Rosemary responds with her eyes still closed, "I'm sorry I am so late. Is Patrick asleep?"

"Yes, he fell asleep about thirty minutes ago. I have some dinner warming in the oven for you. Let me get you some, and then you can go to sleep," offers Lee.

Rosemary replies, "Thanks, but I am too tired to eat. All I want to do is crawl into bed."

"I'd prefer you eat something before you sleep," advises Lee.

Rosemary forces herself to get up and kisses him on the cheek, sleepily responding, "No, thanks. I need to get in bed." Rosemary turns, slowly padding up the stairs.

In the middle of the night, Rosemary taps Lee's arm, whispering, "Lee, Lee, wake up."

Lee pops up, asking, "Are you okay? Is something wrong with the baby?"

Rosemary frowns, whispering, "I'm hungry. I mean, the baby is hungry. We want a grilled cheese sandwich."

"Rosemary, it is 2:00 am. Do you really need a grilled cheese?"

"You wouldn't deny us food when we are hungry, would you, Lee?" Lee dramatically rolls his eyes, so Rosemary is well aware. "Please, honey. We really need a grilled cheese." Rosemary rips the covers off her, acting like she's mad and will get up and do it herself.

Lee grabs her arm, questioning, "What do you think you are doing?"

"Well, if you don't want to fix your hungry child a sandwich, I will."

She stands up when Lee finally offers, "Okay, okay, I will cook you two a sandwich, but only because you were too tired to eat dinner." Rosemary sits back down with a grin on her face. "Do you want anything else while I am down there?"

"Oh, can you get a couple of cookies, too?"

Lee grunts as he reluctantly gets out of bed and puts his robe on. "I'll be back with a grilled cheese sandwich, cookies, and some water."

"You're the best," reveals Rosemary.

Lee replies, "I am." He chuckles and tiptoes down the stairs, trying not to wake up Patrick. He fixes her two sandwiches, just in case, grabs several cookies, and fills up a small pitcher of water.

When he gets back up to their room, Rosemary inquires, "What took you so long?"

"Rosemary, I was only gone for ten minutes." Lee hears her stomach growling, so he hands her the plate with the two sandwiches and places the cookies and water on her nightstand. By the time he climbs back in bed, she has already eaten one sandwich and started the second one. Lee finds it hard not to watch his wife, amazed at how much she can eat now. Rosemary quickly finishes the second sandwich and drinks some water.

"Thank you, Lee. That hit the spot." Lee chuckles when she starts eating the cookies.

"Are you and Pumpkin full? Can we go back to sleep now?" Rosemary doesn't say anything. Instead, she smiles, crawls into her husband's arms, and falls asleep instantly. Lee whispers, "Sweet dreams, my love," and closes his eyes as well.

The following two days, Lee, Rosemary, and Patrick are busy. Rosemary and the girls drove out to The Hill to go over the vision for the backdrops. She met with Elizabeth a couple of times to go over the flowers and how Elizabeth wanted the chairs laid out for the wedding. Elizabeth ultimately decided to have the reception out at The Hill. Now her only concern is the weather, especially after Clara's wedding. Rosemary tries to comfort Elizabeth by ensuring that everything will work out and the weather will be beautiful. Elizabeth looks at her dearest friend and can't help but hug her. After a long hug, they both step back and have tears in their eyes.

On the other hand, Lee and Patrick spent most of their time building and engraving the frame for Rosemary, attending play rehearsals, planning the rest of Mother's Day, and trying to keep it a secret. Luckily, Rosemary is just as busy, so she doesn't notice her boys being secretive.

On Friday, Lee convinces Rosemary to take the day off and spend it at home. Rosemary refuses at first, telling Lee she is fine, but then realizes he is right. She does need a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. After dropping off Patrick, Lee walks her home. They go inside the house, and he makes her promise, "I know you have a hard time sitting still, but please relax today. Read a book, sketch something for fun, nap, or listen to music. Anything but wedding planning, worrying about the play, or writing newspaper articles."

Rosemary chuckles, "Okay, if you insist." Lee gives her the I mean it expression and says goodbye. As he leaves, Rosemary reminds him, "Don't forget to send Chester an invitation to the play."

"Thank you, honey. I won't forget."

Rosemary turns and walks to the settee, sitting down and asking herself, "Now, what do I do?" Laika bounces down the stairs and jumps on Rosemary's lap. She picks her up, questioning, "What should we do, my little Laika?" Rosemary nuzzles her face, plops her down, and Laika curls up next to her. She giggles, grabbing the magazine from the coffee table and opening it to the first page. Rosemary flips through the magazine and sets it down. She tells Laika, "I'm sorry sweet baby girl. I can't sit here and do nothing like you." Rosemary hoists herself up and heats a kettle of water for some tea. She notices the dirty dishes in the washbasin from the morning, and she can't help but wash them and put them away. Next, Rosemary drinks some tea and gives the kitchen a good scrubbing. Pumpkin starts doing flips in her belly, as if on cue, which Rosemary now knows as it's time to rest. She sits down at the table, massaging the active little one inside her. Rosemary sips some tea and opens her sketchbook to the page where she was fiddling with designs for the temporary nursery in her and Lee's room. Rosemary realizes her plan isn't going to work, so she erases what she has on paper and starts again.

When Lee gets back to the office, he is relieved Rosemary agreed to stay home. He's worried about her doing too much, but he also needs her away from town if he's going to finalize the surprise he has for her on Mother's Day. He and Patrick had finished the frame, and it just needed to be wrapped. Now he needs to ensure all the ladies are ready for "Pamper the Mother Salon Day." Lee arranges for Fiona to close the salon and host a party for the mothers in town. Clara and Fiona will be the hairstylists to whoever wants her hair done. Lee invites Elizabeth, Hannah, Minnie, Molly, Florence, Faith, and Allie even though Faith and Allie are not mothers. He also offers to provide the refreshments and get Rosemary there without her knowing anything. Lee and all the ladies are excited to surprise Rosemary for once.

Rosemary finishes her drawing and is happier with this version. On Rosemary's side of the room will be a rocking chair in the corner by her nightstand, a bassinet, and the dresser will be moved down a few feet. On Lee's side of the room, the settee will be in the corner, and the crib will be in the middle of the wall. Then at the foot of the bed is a wooden box for the baby's clothes, diapers, and toys. Rosemary giggles to herself and gets up to call Lee. She is so excited to show him her plan. Rosemary presses down the switch hook a few times, and Florence tries putting her through, but he doesn't answer the phone. Disappointed at not getting to speak to Lee, she decides to nap. Rosemary sashays up the stairs and into her cozy room. She struggles with her apron again, so she decides to leave it tied and raise it over her head from now on. Then she sits on the bed to allow her to slip off her shoes. Finally, Rosemary lays down and falls right to sleep.

As soon as Lee returns to his office, he remembers what Rosemary said. He finds some paper and envelope in his desk drawer and starts writing to the man who donated the land for the amphitheater:

Chester,

Along with the rest of Hope Valley, my wife and I would be honored if you attended the Grand Opening of our Amphitheater – The Hill on May 24th, 1918, at 5:00 pm. First, there will be a short dedication, and then my wife's play, Back to Wonderland, will have its first performance.

Sincerely,

Lee and Rosemary Coulter

Lee secures the letter in the envelope and seals it for Robert to pick up later in the day. He catches a glimpse of the clock, and it is already time to get Patrick from school. Lee picks him up and offers to take him home, or he can stay in the office with him until rehearsal time. Patrick chooses not to stay, so Lee walks him home, where they are both surprised to find a quiet house. Lee yells, "Rosie," and there is no answer. They run upstairs, looking in Patrick's room and then his, where Rosemary and Laika are sleeping peacefully on the bed. "Patrick, why don't you go play with your toys? I'll wake Mama up." Patrick acknowledges and goes across the hall to play with his toys. Lee wakes her with a kiss to the lips and a gentle rub to the belly, something she's gotten accustomed to the last couple of months.

Rosemary slowly opens her eyes, focusing on her handsome husband grinning at her, remarking, "A girl could get used to waking up so wonderfully." Rosemary sits up and pets Laika, who has stayed beside her. "What time is it?"

"We still have a couple of hours until rehearsal. Patrick just got out of school, but I need to get back to the office. Do you need anything before I go? Patrick is playing in his room."

"I am good. I'll get up in a minute, see what Patrick is doing, and fix him a snack," mentions Rosemary.

Lee kisses her on her forehead and says, "I am glad you rested today. See you later." Rosemary waves goodbye as Lee leaves. She gets up and almost trips over something walking to the other side of the room.

Rosemary grunts trying to pick up Lee's favorite plaid pants off the floor. She wonders why his pants are on the floor in the first place. Rosemary attempts to fold them and feels something wrong with one of the legs. She shrieks when she sees the bottom of the left pant leg chewed up and part of it missing. She questions Laika, "Did you do this?" Laika looks guilty, jumps off the bed, and scampers away. Rosemary gets a better look at the pant leg and realizes she is in trouble. There is no way to hem the leg without one being shorter than the other.

Patrick runs into the room, asking, "Are you okay, Mama?"

Rosemary shows Patrick the pants and he responds, "We're in trouble, aren't we, Mama?"