Second Chances for Nathan, Chapter 5, Part 8, Page 28

Clare and Jesse had finally had a late but quiet dinner together and it was so nice to be alone. They talked about the future. Jesse told Clare he was very happy working with Sam and that they got along just fine. He also was glad that he stayed to work for Lee as he saw that Gowen Petroleum was quite a lot for Mike to handle with both Henry and Lucas gone. No one knew if or when Henry would return, but Mike did get a letter from him stating that he was enjoying his time with Abigail, his 'friend' but with no indication one way or the other about returning. Jesse was trying to please Clare by offering to do the cleanup and then rubbing her back. She enjoyed the attention. "Why Mr. Flynn, whatever do you want me to do for you in return?"

Rosemary and Lee were sitting together outside on their porch. The stars were out and there was a cool breeze coming through town off the mountains. Rosemary looked up, "Look Lee, a shooting star!" The night was lit up with heavenly bursts of light.

"Honey," Lee turned to Rosemary, "are you happy?" he asked seriously.

"That is a strange question Lee, of course. As long as I have you, I am very happy!" Rosemary replied with a puzzled look on her face.

"I am too, especially with our new venture of Billees! It's going to make our town very happy too. But, with me as the proprietor of the Lumber Company and this new project, and you running the dress shop, and the executive editor of "The Valley Voice", plus organizing the decorating of Billees and talent show, do you think we are taking on too much?" Lee said as he sank back in his chair.

"Sometimes, I think we are,'' Rosemary agreed. "Being with you makes it all worthwhile," planting a kiss on his cheek.

" I hate to bring this up honey," Lee continued, "but I wonder if that might possibly be part of the reason we haven't had our own baby yet." He paused and looked at the stars, then continued, "Perhaps we need to take care of ourselves better, so we're in the best health. That might mean we need to ease up a bit." he suggested.

Rosemary sat and listened to the crickets, and the owls. "I'm thinking you are probably right. I just don't know how to sit still Lee!" She looked over at him and said "I love you so much Mr. Coulter, I'm the luckiest woman alive."

Lee laughed and joked, "Well, you just can't help yourself!"

"Oh you", Rosemary grabbed Lee's hand, "Let's go to bed. I'm not that tired" she said with a chuckle.

Fiona was living at Molly's house. Molly had offered Fiona the opportunity to stay with her and the two of them were great company for the other. The two of them were enjoying some apricot cake leftovers from lunch at the cafe. They were relaxing and having a girl's talk before going to bed. Now that Fiona had her barber shop Nichols and Dimes, plus being the mayor, it was nice to come home to a dear friend that she could share things with. If Molly got out of working with Dr. Faith earlier, then she would start dinner and vice versa. It was a very pleasant arrangement. So, Fiona was thinking that Bill would be courting Molly very soon and she wondered if she would ever be asked out on a date. Maybe, just maybe, Mike would like to take another ride on her motorcycle! Time to get this show on the road she thought.

The beautiful music was drifting in the breeze of the night. No one ever complained as Angela played her piano. Melodies were soothing to the soul and the neighbors enjoyed being serenaded, looking forward to the lovely sounds. Pastor Joseph was reading his Bible and writing his sermon for the following Sunday service.

Minnie was sewing new aprons for the cafe when she asked Joseph if he thought that running the cafe was working out all right for their family. Some nights were very long and she'd be exhausted and just fall into bed.

"Joseph, I think I'm working too many hours. I don't want to disappoint Bill but originally I was just helping out and little by little I was there all day long. I really can't do that and take care of my family and our home both. What do you advise?"

"Minnie, sweetheart, I was hoping you'd ask me about this very thing. I wanted you to come to the conclusion on your own. I hate seeing you so tired all the time. God has blessed us with 2 beautiful children, and they are our main responsibility now. You might want to ask Bill if you can just work the breakfast and luncheon shifts. I'm sure he's going to be so busy with Billees he might not want to keep the Cafe open for dinner time."

"Yes, but he does get a large crowd at night for dinner." Minnie replied.

"With Billees open, there will be time on the weekends for family dinners over there. Let's see what develops." he patted her hand.

"You're right as usual Joseph," she winked, "Let's get the children to bed, so we can go to bed too."

Faith looked out the window and said "Goodnight Carson, goodnight my love" she whispered into the wind. "Sweet dreams!"