Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 4, part 3 PAGE 17

Allie was ecstatic! Her grandmother was thrilled to know Nathan and Allie were coming up to visit. It had been about 3 years since she saw her son and granddaughter and the sooner the better. That's exactly what Allie agreed. Nathan cautioned her that he had to telephone the Mountie headquarters first and obtain their approval. He gave her a hug and hopped back on Newton to return to town.

"It's a go!" Nathan told Bill. "My mother is happy to have Allie and I come up for a visit . She reminded me that it's been about 3 years since she saw us."

"Did you call headquarters and let them know I was happy to step in?" inquired Bill.

"Yes, they approved, but they are going to send Gabe down here to check on things for a day or two."

"How long are you planning to be gone?" asked Bill.

"I'm not sure," Nathan answered, "but not for too long. I want to make sure my ma is doing okay as I think Allie would like to stay longer than when I have to leave to return to Hope Valley. I'll have to go back to get Allie later, but that should only take a few days there and back. How's Billees' coming along?"

Bill told him that Lee ordered the lumber and they expected the shipment at the end of the week. "We need to work on the remodeling of the bar to a buffet style serving area and the ladies are over at the dress shop. Seems Rosemary and Clare already have some material that Rosie envisioned for the curtains on the windows and the matching tablecloths. She had Flo order 10 new cut glass clear vases for the tables, so she's definitely on a roll."

"Who's helping you with the remodeling?" Nathan questioned.

"I'm sure Lee got some of the guys working at the lumber company and hopefully a few men in town. I think once the word gets out, we'll have enough help." Bill replied.

Nathan left Bill's office and walked over to the Mercantile. He slowed down as someone caught his eye. There was a man a bit nervous looking and not familiar. He followed him over to the Mercantile. Nathan timed it just right so they'd run into each other.

"Oh, excuse me," Nathan apologized. The man just nodded and went in as Nathan was holding the door open. Whatever the man wanted, he seemed to be avoiding Nathan. Nathan kept his eye on him for a little while and then went up to Ned.

"Hello Ned, I need to send a telegram to my mother, would you please take care of this as soon as possible?" he asked as he handed Ned the written message. "Have you seen that man over there in the green shirt and grey trousers?"

"No, can't say that I have, why?" Ned asked.

"Nothing in particular, I just noticed him this morning and I've never seen him here either. His demeanor seems a little odd. If you find out anything about him, just let me or Bill know. Thanks for getting that telegram out, Allie can't wait to go see her grandmother!"

"We know she is excited, she already told Flo that she might not be able to help out with the switchboard when she leaves. And, don't worry, if I find anything out about that fella, I'll be sure to let one of you know. Oh, and I should tell you that Flo and I really enjoyed the songfest by the bonfire last night. It felt great to relax and hear some fine guitar playing and singing!"

The rest of the day went by without incident. Nathan stopped by Lee's office and asked him how Rosemary was doing with the sewing circle and to let him know that he'd be leaving for his mother's the next day. Lee assured him that everything was going along as planned and wished him safe travel.

Nathan made one last stop by Bill's to let him know he'd be leaving in the morning when the stagecoach came into town. He mentioned that stranger he saw earlier and asked Bill to keep an eye out just in case. He was going to make a quick night round with Newton which reminded him to ask Bill for one more favor.

"Bill, would you mind feeding and riding Newton for me while I'm gone? I should be back in a week."

"All right, now go get out of here before you think of one more thing I need to help with." Bill laughed. "Take care and have fun."

After the rounds he gave Newton lots of attention with a long brushing and cleaning. "Listen Newton, Bill will be here to feed you and take you out, okay buddy? Don't give him a hard time, I'll be back before you know it." With that Nathan gave Newton the last of food for the night and a kiss on his nose. Newton replied with a soft whinny.

Nathan picked up some dinner from Abigail's Cafe. It had been crowded as people were quite happy with Minnie's cooking. He was lucky there was some stew and cornbread left. When he got home, Allie was just about done packing her duffle bag. "C'mon down Allie, I've got Minnie's stew and cornbread!" he called.

Allie ran down and burst out, "I'm almost ready Dad! What time do we leave?"