Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 5, Part 12, Page 32
Mary Grace smiled and turned her attention to Allie. "When I was a little girl, I used to sing every chance I could, and was told that I sounded like a songbird. So, my dad would say, "Come here and sing to me my little chickadee. Soon, everyone was calling me Chickadee or just Dee."
Nathan looked at Allie, "Not only did she like to sing, but she was really good, so sometimes, I'd get out my guitar and we'd sing together, but it's been years. He looked away briefly then, "When your mom and I were young, Colleen, and Mary Grace's sister, Dorothy were best of friends. Sometimes Mary Grace, her brother, and I joined them from time to time, usually around a bonfire and that's when we all sang together."
"Those times were so much fun," Mary Grace added.
"Well now," Emily directed, "let's get the dinner started while it's still hot." With that Emily joined the others already seated at the table and prayed the grace before serving the Nudelsuppe into the porcelain bowls. "So, tell us how is your family doing?"
"My mother and father are slowing down now. Ever since my brother, Walter left to serve in the War, my dad really struggled to manage the farm by himself. We still have cattle, but we are not able to plant crops too. Dad said without Walter he didn't have time to do both. Lately though he has been helping out at the Hardware store in town on the weekends for a little income."
"That must make for quite a long week for him," Nathan nodded. "Any word when Walter will return?"
"Mother just got a telegram from Walter and he informed us that the War was coming to an end. Several of the soldiers were getting sick from the Spanish flu, so he hoped to be home soon!" Mary Grace explained.
Emily said reassuringly, "That will be a blessing for your folks to have him home safe and sound. I pray the Lord Almighty sends all these men back to their families!"
Allie asked if her mother could sing too, but Emily interrupted and asked Allie to help her gather the soup bowls and serve the pork roast and dumplings. Nathan looked at Mary Grace and asked if she'd like him to call her Mary Grace now.
"That's what I go by, but good friends and old friends can call me Dee." she grinned. "Mrs. Grant this roast is so delicious!"
"I helped too." Allie spoke up. "Oma is teaching me how to cook and bake. I made the apple strudel for dessert tonight. I hope you like it."
"I'm sure I will," Mary Grace winked.
As they continued the dinner, old memories came up and brought a lot of laughter with them. Allie enjoyed hearing more about her mother while Emily had a few tears, but they were mainly happy ones.
"Where is Dorothy now?" Nathan asked.
"She got married and moved to Brookfield with her husband and children. Mom and Dad see her when she has a chance to come up. It's so much fun to see my niece, Roberta and nephew, Robert who are twins! Dorothy says it was a very hard pregnancy, but now it changes from double trouble to double fun!" Mary Grace informed them.
"So, tell us about yourself Mary Grace," Emily encouraged.
"Well, I did further my studies in music. While I went off to music school, I also had vocal lessons and learned how to breathe properly while singing and did voice exercises, so now I really love to sing."
"And sing she does, quite beautifully" Emily complimented. "You'll hear her tomorrow at church. Are you going to solo tomorrow, Mary Grace?"
Mary Grace nodded yes. "When I came home from school, I auditioned for the church choir and was so happy to be accepted."
"So, you just work at the music store now?" Allie asked.
"Allie," Nathan corrected her, "that doesn't sound nice. I'm sure she is quite happy working there."
"It's all right," Mary Grace continued, "I am licensed to teach music, but just haven't found the right town that would want me."
Nathan stopped and thought.
"Is the food all right son?" Emily asked.
"It's delicious mom, very good as usual!" Nathan reassured her.
Allie got up to help her grandmother clear the dishes. "The dishes can wait Allie; let's all go in the living room. We can have our dessert later."
"Ok, great, Dad why don't you get your old guitar from upstairs and we can sing together." Allie suggested.
"What a wonderful idea!" Emily agreed.
"Allie is only allowed to hum though," Nathan laughed.
The evening was so delightful. Mary Grace's face lit up when she sang with Nathan while he played his guitar. She looked like she was glowing as the fire snapped and crackled in the fireplace, which caught Nathan's eye. He couldn't help but watch her. Her voice was as beautiful as she was.
Mary Grace noticed Nathan's strong jawline and the dimple in his chin as he sang. He looked like he was glowing as the fire snapped and crackled in the fireplace, which caught her eye. She couldn't help but watch him. His voice was as impressive as he was.
Emily noticed both of them and smiled. Allie let's have some of your apple strudel now."
Shortly after enjoying their dessert, Mary Grace thanked Mrs. Grant for the delicious dinner and for such a great time. Nathan happily walked a delighted Mary Grace home arm in arm talking and laughing all the way.