Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 5, Part 4, Page 24

When Oma and Allie were done preparing the sweet bread they had to let it rise. So, Allie decided to go outside and play with the dogs. Ella was so big that it was hard for her to run around for long, but Barrett was chasing Allie and the stick she threw while Ella laid in the shade. Allie tried the swing and to her delight it still held her and it was so fun to pump up as high as she could go. She leaned back and looked up at the tree branches and thought it would be very enticing to try to climb the tree. When the swing finally stopped still, she got off and looked for a place to climb. The tree had big thick branches that Allie found easy enough to balance on.

Then she heard Oma, "Allie get down right now. You may be an angel, but you don't have wings!"

Allie swung down and went back to play with the dogs. She laid her hands on Ella and could feel the puppies moving inside of her. "Oh Ella, I hope I'm here when you have your babies. I can hardly wait. The vet is coming soon, so maybe I can listen to your baby's heartbeats." Allie gave Ella lots of petting and hugs. Then she played fetch some more with Barrett.

Inside, Nathan and Oma were discussing the work that needed to be done on the barn and the house. "Ma, I can't let this house fall apart. While I'm here, I'd like to take care of the repairs. Do you think you have enough money from selling the cattle left for some lumber, paint, and a few shingles?"

Emily reached for Nathan's hand and held it tight. "My dear son, I have the money, so don't you worry. As long as I can keep selling my corn, hay, milk, and eggs, I'll be just fine. You are here though to relax and I don't want you working."

Nathan was beginning to open up. "I have to do something. I need to keep busy, and what better way than taking care of my old homestead. It makes me feel useful. There are days lately that I haven't even felt needed."

"I can read between the lines, Nathan. I know something is bothering you, and that, my son, tells me it has to do with a woman." Emily nodded.

"You are right as always, but I'm trying my best to focus on Allie now and I brought her up here to help us become even closer as a family. She needs some grandmotherly advice and a woman's nurturing touch too. If you could talk to her about, you know...growing up, that would really help me out of this bind." Nathan prompted.

"That is my duty as her grandmother, I must see to it. Also, it makes my heart happy to see you two blending together into a little family. Your sister would be so very pleased! Nathan, now let's get back to you. Tell me darling, who has you so troubled?"

Nathan laughed, "Boy, nothing gets by you does it? All right, it's Allie's school teacher, Elizabeth Thornton."

With that introduction, Nathan proceeded to tell his mother about the land he wanted to buy to start a home and family with her, the promotion he turned down to stay in Hope Valley with Elizabeth and for Allie. Elizabeth's rejection, comparing him to her previous husband who was also a Mountie. And later, how she was rejected by Lucas.

He just let it all out. The hurt, the anger, the humiliation just poured out of him like a thunderstorm. Tears welled up in Emily's eyes as she saw and felt her son's pain. She got up and wrapped her arms around him and held him like she did when he fell and scraped his knees as a little boy.

Nathan finally got control of himself and Emily sat back down. "Now, my son, you must pray for healing. Time will help and there will be love for you, just trust in our Lord.

Then Emily brought the conversation back full circle. So now, we must wait for his timing and while we're doing that, I will give you the money to work on the house and barn. Why don't you make up a list and ask Jack to take you to town. I'll be busy finishing up the sweet bread with Allie."

"Thank you Ma, I needed that!" Nathan hugged her. "I'll walk over to Jack's and see if we can go sometime today."

"Oma," Allie called as she let the back door slam behind her. "When is the veterinarian coming? I know Ella has babies, I felt them!"

"Allie dear, I'm so glad you reminded me. I will ask your Dad when he goes to town to remind the Doctor that we need him out here this week."

"Town?" Allie asked.

"To get materials to fix up the buildings here. He went over to talk to Jack for a ride. You and I need to finish up this sweet bread. So, put on your apron and we'll grab some raisins, almonds, and cinnamon."

"Yum, I can taste it already!" Allie licked her lips.

"You can, can you?" Oma smiled, "Now, why don't you tell me all about your friends and this young man, Robert? We can bake and talk at the same time."