Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 4, Part 5 Page 18

In the morning, Allie and Nathan stopped by the livery and fed Newton his morning meal with a few carrots and sliced apple. After they said goodbye to him, Allie ran to the stagecoach stop. Nathan was happy to finally get going. He hoped that Allie wouldn't chatter all the way, but he reminded her to bring her book, "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" that Mrs. Thornton had given her to read over the summer.

Nathan waved to Lee through his office window and Lee saluted. Then he stopped to talk to Bill outside of Abigail's for a few minutes before he heard the click clack of hoofs of the horses bringing in the stagecoach.

"Have a great time and don't worry about anything," Bill reassured him.

Ned and Flo wished them safe travels as they hopped up on the stagecoach. Allie called out to Robert on the other side of the street waving.

Nathan looked over there too and saw that strange man he had seen yesterday walking the other way. He couldn't see his face, but from yesterday he remembered that he looked about his late 20s, on the short side, slim yet well built for his age and donned a cowboy hat that covered his unruly blonde hair.

Bill caught Nathan watching him and nodded when Nathan looked back at him. He silently mouthed, "I'll keep my eye on him." With that Nathan settled back in his seat as off they went. They were the only ones in the stagecoach and Allie watched the town fade away as they left Hope Valley.

Bill eyed the stranger for a few minutes as he walked around the saloon. Unfortunately he had to get back in the cafe and help Clare finish serving breakfast and clean up, but his curiosity peaked.

Meanwhile, Rosemary was working on the article for the talent show to put in The Valley Voice and really hoped it would draw a lot of attention.

Lee looked over her shoulder to see why she had a furrowed brow and determined look. "Are you putting this in the paper now?"

"Darling Lee, I want this to be a great social event for all the town to enjoy! Please don't rain on my parade. I want it to be the highlight of the summer!" Rosemary exclaimed.

"Yes dear," Lee explained, " it's just too early, we haven't even had the lumber delivered for the stage yet."

"Well, I suppose you're right, but I want to be prepared. Oh, I really should check with the sewing circle, maybe we can finish up today" Rosemary said as she gave a kiss on Lee's cheek and off she went to the dress shop.

The ride in the stagecoach was bumpy and windy. Allie couldn't read so she asked Nathan. "Do you care if I call you Dad? I mean, I'm happy to, if you don't mind."

Nathan was tickled and couldn't help his smile from taking over his face. "Allie", he assured her, "you are the light of my life, and I'm honored to be your Dad, so please do. I love you Allie!" With that he sat right next to her and gave her a long hug. "Hey there, no tears now. We're both lucky to have each other" as he wiped her face.

"Dad, what should I call grandmother, it sounds so formal?"

"In the old country, Germany, grandmothers are called Oma. Would you like to call her that? Or, just Grandma?"

"I think she'd like Oma", Allie said.

"Me too". Nathan agreed. "I call her Ma, so just add the O and you have Oma" they both laughed.

Bill stopped by his office, checked on his paperwork, and then grabbed the keys and walked over to the saloon. He wanted to explore and check out if that stranger was hanging around there. When he got there he quietly walked outside around the building but saw no one. He continued to the front, unlocked the door, and walked in still as quietly as he could, listening for sounds that might sound strange. As he walked around and checked every area of the main floor he thought he heard something coming from upstairs. He stopped, and looking around he listened intently. Deciding to go upstairs he was relieved to feel his gun hanging from his gun belt. Looking in each room he closed the door behind him. Just as he was opening one of the last two rooms left, he heard that noise again, like a chair scraping the floor. He thrust the door open and who was sitting at the desk, none other than...the stranger. He was scared and jumped up looking for a fight.

"Whoa, settle down, I'm not going to hurt you. I need you to sit back down right now." Bill commanded. "You've got some explaining to do."