Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 4, Part 2, Page 16

After church, it was so lovely out, that Nathan invited Allie and Bill to go fishing with him. The sun was out and the breeze was so inviting, that they all planned to meet at the pond. Allie ran all the way home racing Robert. Robert pretended to stumble so she ran right past him. Not a bit out of breath she asked him if he wanted to go fishing and he said he'd come along. Robert went home to change clothes and then said he'd look for worms. When Nathan arrived she had already changed her clothes, and started making sandwiches to take with.

"Dad," Allie called out.

Nathan was realizing that she meant him. "What do you want, Allie my dear?" he laughed.

"Just letting you know, Robert is coming too!"

Nathan knew he had to have 'the talk' with Allie soon, but was hoping it could wait until they were up at her grandmother's home. Maybe he'd get a reply to his telegram tomorrow on Monday, he thought. What a great time Bill, Nathan, Allie, and Robert all had trying to catch the biggest fish, and laughed at the ones that got away, but in the end, it was Allie who got the largest one.

"Looks like we have enough for all of us to cook for dinner after all," Bill smiled.

Nathan invited Bill to come over and they'd cook outside and bring his guitar with.

"Now that sounds great!" Bill agreed, "You and I can enjoy some strumming around the bonfire."

As they all returned home, Robert said he had to get back to his folks, but would come back later if he could. As they walked up to the rowhouses, Molly just happened to catch Bill's eye. Her red hair was shining in the sun. "Molly!" he called out, "what are you doing for dinner?"

Molly, caught by surprise, turned around and answered, "Why Judge Avery, whatever are you proposing?" she flirted.

"Fish, just fish," he winked. "We are going to be singing and plucking a few strings, so maybe you want to join us in song?"

"Oh, well I'll pass on the fish, but I'll stop by for the singing!"

Nathan and Bill chopped a few more logs for the bonfire. After eating their fill of fish and fried potatoes, they took 2 pieces of bread, smothered it with strawberry jam in between, and fried up cowboy pies. "Oh yummy!" Allie licked her fingers. "Mm Mm, best pie I ever had!"

"Don't let Mr. Avery hear that, Nathan teased. I don't want him to be getting our recipe for Billees."

"Nathan, I have a lot to figure out with Lee on this, but I'm really looking forward to opening up as soon as the stage is built, the ladies' sewing circle finishes their curtains, tablecloths, and other frilly stuff Rosemary is decorating with. She's so excited about this it's fun to hear her. Get's my blood going too!"

"Who's going to manage it all? You and Lee are busy with your full time jobs, aren't you?" Nathan inquired.

"Actually no, I don't worry about it as my caseload has been low and Lee is looking for something 'more'. But, I'm going to check with Hickam and Jesse. We're hoping to tap into the older students for help serving and cleaning. I never saw a kid turn down a chance to make some money! Entertainment well, no Ravenous Roxy for us, although I could just see Ned and Hickam both squirming in their seats!" he laughed.

"Yea, that would be a sight to behold, that's for sure. But, I doubt Pastor Canfield would appreciate it." Nathan concluded.

Before the sun was starting to set, Nathan and Bill started tuning their guitars. Families up and down the row houses peeked out to see where the music was coming from. It didn't take long at all, and Rosemary and Lee snuggled together and joined the duo. Then Molly came over and sat right next to Bill, and Flo and Ned warmed their hands by the fire. The Canfields joined right in singing and clapping away. Robert came back and found Allie so they were grinning at eachother from ear to ear. Mike picked up Fiona and even Elizabeth and LJ walked over for a few minutes before LJ needed to go to bed. They all sang a rousing rendition of "Hail, hail the gang's all here" and ended with "Keep on Smiling". Everyone watched as the stars came rising up sparkling high in the sky. Robert pointed out the Big Dipper to Allie who pretended to be surprised. No one wanted to go home, but as the fire slowly burned down they all went home happy and content. What a heartwarming night it had been!