Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 6, Part 3, Page 36

Emily looked over her flower garden and was pleased with the sight of the rainbow of colors. Allie fetched some water and watered them for her Oma. Berta was mooing in the barn and they went in to check on her milk supply. She was still producing, but barely a bucketful. So, Allie walked with her to the barn door and let her out to pasture. She peeked at the baby chicks and wanted so badly to pick them up, but she knew better, and gathered the eggs. Barrett was barking at the baby chicks, so Emily suggested they go inside for a while.

As Emily started to walk back inside the house, she saw Jack outside too. Emily waved. She talked to Allie about taking Barrett in to the vet when Jack could take them to town next.

"He needs to be fixed, so Ella doesn't have any more puppies." Emily explained. You do remember our little talk about the birds and the bees, ya? So please run across the street for me angel, and ask Jack if he wouldn't mind setting up a time with Dr. Herrmann."

When Allie left, Emily let out a sad sigh and looked through the kitchen window. She missed her son, but so happy to have Allie with her now. She was hoping Allie would make some friends up here too. The children she met at Church didn't live too far. Maybe she could find Allie a bicycle. That thought got her going. Next time she would go into town she would ask Mary Grace if she knew anyone who had a bicycle she could buy for Allie!

Allie came running in, "Oma, Mrs. Carol asked me if I would help her out by playing with little Nicholas while she did the laundry. This way I can get to know him and maybe she'll be pleased to hire me! Is it all right with you?"

"Sure, my darling, that'll be just fine. But what did Jack say?" Oma asked.

"He said he's going into town in about 15 minutes if you want a ride with him." Allie replied.

"Sure, sure that'll work just wonderfully! Please tell Jack I'll fetch my pocketbook and I'll be ready." Oma smiled.

Back in Hope Valley, Nathan was looking over his mail and telegrams. Thank goodness, Gabe had come and cleaned up some of his mail for him. He leafed through the Wanted posters.

What a relief that the new stranger turned out to be Sam Tremblay he thought. He realized he had met him back in Brookfield with Gabe. That's where he first saw him!

Come to think of it, didn't Dee say something about her sister Dorothy living in Brookfield? Hmm, maybe she might be coming to visit her sister he smiled.

Enough of the paperwork, he went to the stable and got Newton ready to ride. It felt good to be back in the saddle again. Riding through town and tipping his hat, nodding with a greeting felt so natural. Until.

Elizabeth was walking LJ in his stroller. As he watched, she looked up and saw him. LJ too and babbled, "Moute" to Elizabeth. Nathan couldn't resist, and hopped down to talk to LJ. "Hi there cowboy! I really like your hat."

"Oh, he's been quite a popular cowboy lately." Elizabeth grinned.

Nathan looked at her and realized again just how pretty she was. He was struggling with his feelings for her, but he wasn't as hurt as he was before. With Lucas leaving he actually felt a bit sorry for her, but that's because Nathan just was a compassionate man.

Elizabeth felt his gaze and quickly asked him how his visit was. Nathan reported about the repairs on his mother's home and barn, and then spoke tenderly of his mother and Allie's bonding. Although he reassured her that Allie had her book to read.

"That's good. I'm sure she'll have some down time to relax with it." Elizabeth said. "I hope she makes some new friends."

"Yea, after Sunday church she met some children her age. Ma knows them and she's planning on helping Allie meet up with them." Nathan said.

"Did you see any of your hometown friends?" Elizabeth asked.

"Ah, yes I did." Nathan answered.

"That's it?" inquired Elizabeth. "Did you reminisce with them?"

"Yea well, one of them came over for dinner." he blushed. "I played guitar after and we sang."

"We?"

"She's a singer and music teacher." he informed her.

"Oh!" Elizabeth said surprised. "How nice. Well, I best get going, glad to see you back." and with that Elizabeth abruptly left to continue on her walk.

Nathan looked at her strange and thought he would never figure out women. He got back on Newton and told him, "Newton, I don't know what to think about females. Elizabeth is always running away. Do you have any advice?" he asked his horse as they rode off on their rounds.