Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 5, Part 9, Page 29

Emily had been praying for good weather and so far her prayers had been answered. Nathan and Jack were on time with their plans and today the painting began. Having enjoyed a plentiful breakfast, she watched out the kitchen window as the two men were painting her house and barn. Nathan had chosen a soft colonial blue for the house and dark red for the barn. It was going to be fun to see the bright new colors bring the house and barn back to life.

Allie was outside collecting eggs, feeding and playing with Ella and Barrett, and milking Berta. She was such a good help for her grandmother which really helped Emily. The pain from Emily's arthritis was getting worse every year and having her angel there was a Godsend. Allie helped Emily feel young at heart too. Her cheerfulness brightened Emily's day. She called Allie to the kitchen. "Allie, we have a guest coming tonight for dinner, Mary Grace and we should make something special, ya?"

"Oh that's right, what are you thinking of cooking Oma?" Allie asked.

"I think Nudelsuppe to start, followed by a savory pork roast and dumplings." Oma concluded.

"Please teach me how to make the yummy apple strudel we had earlier this week!" pleaded Allie.

"My angel, apple dessert goes perfect with pork. Great choice! I think we should clean up a little first. With all the work your Dad and Jack have been busy with, there's dust all over. Why don't you use the feather duster and I'll do the sweeping and shake out the rugs."

In a little while, Nathan and Jack walked in the door, but Emily stopped them. "Off with the shoes please, we have Mary Grace coming for dinner tonight and I'd like to keep the floor clean for at least a day!"

"Ma, we are thirsty and need to pour some cool lemonade, we'll take it outside." Nathan chuckled.

"Wait," Emily called, "Let me make some frankfurters for you both, you must be very hungry." Everyone stopped to have some lunch and talked about the week going too fast. The barn would have to be painted Sunday after church. Jack promised he'd finish it the following week if need be. Emily was grateful. She didn't want Nathan working too long on the Lord's Day anyway. Jack told Allie that his wife, Carol, could use some help too. She needed someone to babysit their little baby, Nicholas so she could go to town with Jack for some time away to shop and visit.

Allie was excited and readily agreed to help whenever she was needed. "I am so glad I get to stay a little longer with you, Oma." Allie reassured her as they held hands.

"Ma, she sure has you wrapped around her little finger," Nathan winked.

The day went fast for all. Allie got her apple strudel baking lesson as she asked and then went upstairs to read a little of Mrs. Thornton's assignment, her book, "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm." Allie really enjoyed it and could hardly put it down, but Oma asked her to come down and set the table.

"Grab the tablecloth with the birds and flowers out of my hutch. Let's put out my Villeroy and Boch porcelain dishes." Oma said. "Why don't we pick some flowers for the vase to dress our table setting too?"

As they walked out to pick some flowers they stopped to look around and were excited with what they saw! The house looked so nice with a new coat of paint. What a difference it made. Nathan and Jack were very pleased with the result and Emily was thrilled.

"Men, this is amazing! I am very, very happy!" giving Nathan a kiss on the cheek and hugging Jack.

"You tell your wife to come by sometime soon. Allie hasn't met her or your little baby Nicholas. Maybe come for dinner next week, we can plan a date soon, ya?" Emily suggested. "Auf Wiedersehen!"

Turning to Nathan she suggested, "Nathan you need a good bath to relax those tired muscles, I'll start heating up the water. You have to look your best for our guest." she smiled.

A little before 6, Nathan walked over to escort Mary Grace to the house for dinner. She was so lovely with her golden hair falling around her delicate face with a blue bow that gathered part of her hair in the back. The bow matched her cotton sky blue dress that accented her eyes. She had a touch of rose color lipstick and wore a small gold chain necklace with a cross. A little swiff of perfume made her complete. Nathan smiled a huge smile and complimented her, then took her arm in his.

Mary Grace stepped inside as Nathan held open the door. She smelled the pork roast and the sweet smell left from baking the strudel. "Hello Mrs. Grant, it smells heavenly in here!" she declared.

"Come in Mary Grace, we're so happy to have you with us. Nathan, will you please bring us drinks?" Emily requested. "Sit down right here and make yourself at home."

Allie came into the dining room, "Hi, can I call you Mary Grace or Chickadee?" she smiled. "How did you get the name Chickadee anyways?"