Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 5, Part 11, Page 31

Saturday in Hope Valley was a very busy day! Most of the men and women were working very hard to finish up Billees. The buffet table was complete with the new lacquer on top. It was long enough to hold many a dish that would be brought in by the families to share when having a potluck, or other times Lee and Bill would provide the main courses cooked to perfection by Bill and his team. Of course there were many, many boxes of candles that Lucas had left and those could bring light and ambiance to every table.

Lee had ordered a few lovely chandeliers that were the focal points of the room. There were elegant gas lamps hanging throughout the ceiling too.

The stage was completed and even had drawback velvet curtains that the sewing circle fashioned for times when a play, directed by Rosemary, (of course) would be ready. Rosemary had even purchased a spotlight to focus on the acts performing on the stage.

Now, the last of the remodeling was done and there were many polishing the wood, painting the walls, preparing the stage, hanging the lights, washing the windows, and cleaning the kitchen. Everyone was so excited to have this place up and running that many volunteered to help.

The following week the ladies could finally hang up their curtains and put on the matching tablecloths adorned with their vases of flowers and candles. The ladies offered to sweep and dust the upstairs before they hung the new curtains. The made up beds were covered by old sheets to keep clean and ready.

Everything was coming together. Rosemary talked to everyone to get their thoughts as to who would participate in the talent show and if they needed any props. Luckily, once someone first signed up, the rest of them followed suit. The talent show would be their grand opening. Families were laughing about what the others were doing and all in good nature. Even the children gathered and were talking about a surprise they would all do together. It was truly a satisfying day.

"Let's ask Nathan to make us a carved wooden sign that says "Billees" Lee suggested.

"Lee, I was thinking we need to change the name a little, how about, "Billee's Place?" or "Rosie's?" Bill grinned.

"Oh don't let Rosemary hear that!" Lee cautioned. "We'll name the stage after Rosemary, "Rosie's stage", that'll make her happy and me too." Lee laughed.

Maybe 'Billee's Place' sounds better, let's leave it up to the town, we can vote on it after church tomorrow." Bill suggested.

On Sunday after the church service, Bill asked Pastor Joseph if he and the others would come over to Billees to say a prayer of blessing. Everyone who wasn't there yesterday was so excited to see it, especially Elizabeth.

When they all gathered around outside Lee asked if they wanted to call the place Billees or Billee's Place. After a quick vote it was tied. "Well, we'll wait for Mountie Nathan to come home next week and let him decide as we're hoping he'll build a hand carved sign. However, as we walk in, you will notice the new stage, now to be known as "Rosie's stage!" Lee announced. Rosemary couldn't have been more thrilled as she stood there with her mouth gaping wide open. "I always promised you that I would provide a stage for you sweetheart." Rosemary kissed him, and said "You did indeed!"

Inside, the oohs and ahhs were resonating! As the crowd quieted down, Pastor Joseph prayed for a blessing of many good times to be had in this room and the excitement was tangible.

Elizabeth complimented her two good friends for the sprucing up of the place and said she felt that it was going to be a fun and fruitful gathering spot for Hope Valley. "When I walked in, I didn't know what to expect. I thought the sight of the sal..., I mean Billee's would upset me," Elizabeth told them, "but I can see all the hard work the town put into this and it's lovely and so cheerful! I'm so happy for you both!" and gave them both hugs.

Bill and Lee were thrilled with the outpouring of love and support.