Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 6, Part 7, Page 40

Allie answered the door and there was a man she never saw before standing on Oma's porch. "Hello miss, is Emily Grant here?"

"Yes, she is, please wait and I'll get her." Allie replied. She ran to the backyard where Emily was watering her flower garden. "Oma, there's a strange man at the front porch. He drove a car and is asking for you."

Emily put down the watering can and wiped her wet hands on her apron. "Well who in tar-nation could that be?" Allie followed Emily through the house to the front porch. "May I help you?"

"Mrs. Grant?" the stranger asked. Emily nodded. "My name is Andy Campbell and I am from the local telephone company. I have been instructed to deliver and install a telephone in your home."

Emily and Allie were both looking at each other with their mouths open. "Who ordered this?" Emily asked.

"A Constable Nathan Grant, ma'am."

"Oh my word, what in heaven's name, I have no idea how to work one of these fan-dangled things." Emily shook her head.

"No need to worry Oma!" Allie smiled. "I know exactly how to work them. I help work as an operator from time to time at the Mercantile back home. It'll be easy, you'll see."

"May I come in please?" asked Andy. "It won't take long."

"Yes, sure please do." Emily swung open the door. "Allie, did you know about this?"

"No Oma, but it's a great surprise! We can call Dad when this is ready."

True to his word, Andy had the telephone installed and ready to use in just a short time. He showed Emily how it worked and let her try to make a call to the phone center. Allie was already a pro at this so she helped her Oma with making the call. She was in total shock to hear someone on the other end of the phone call. "What a remarkable invention!" Emily sat astonished.

When Andy left, Allie suggested they call Nathan and thank him. Emily agreed, but warned her that it had to be a quick call being long distance. "Dad?" Allie asked Nathan when he answered the NWMP office telephone.

"Yes Allie, I see you and Oma have the new telephone!" he laughed.

"Yes, Dad it's so good to hear you! Oma is happy too but I have to help her use this. Thanks so much!" Allie said delighted.

"Your welcome Allie. How's everything going along with my favorite ladies?" he asked.

"Just dandy. Oma talked to Dee about finding me a bicycle and she gave me her red one. Dad, it's really spiffy. And, she also brought over a guitar and is teaching me to play it, so I can join you and Mr. Avery!"

"Really, wonderful! Oma knows just what you need doesn't she? I'm glad you are enjoying yourself! I miss you. Let me speak quickly to Oma, I love you sweetheart!" Nathan concluded.

"Nathan my wonderful son, your Ma is so happy to hear your voice!" Emily cheered. "Danke my good boy, what a blessing this is."

"Thank you for taking good care of Allie. She told me about the bicycle and guitar from Dee! That is so nice of her, how is Dee?" Nathan inquired.

"Oh I am so happy that Allie is enjoying these things. I'm sure she will be quite busy this summer with both, and babysitting for Jack's son, Nicholas. You like Dee, ya?" she giggled.

"Ma, now don't be matchmaking. I'm just asking about an old friend." Nathan laughed.

"Ya, that's what you say now my boy, but I know you and I know she caught your eye!" Emily teased. "I will say auf Wiedersehen now, ich liebe dich!" and when she hung up, Allie and her Oma danced around the room in celebration.

When his mother hung up, Nathan picked up where he left off working on the two signs he was carving for Bill and Lee. He wanted them to look perfect. He had some practice with his wood-burning craft making a sign for Elizabeth and it had turned out pretty good if he said so himself. Once they were carved out, then he had to stain the wood, and paint the letters, with a coat of varnish on top. He had hoped they would be completed by the weekend. That's if nothing too exciting came up to interfere with his handiwork.

Meanwhile, Rosemary was busy checking in with all the contestants and making sure they had the supplies they needed. Bill made arrangements with a local rancher for a pig for the roast. He could taste it now. Lee was planning with Sam about the lighting for the performances and the display of the side dishes. He made sure Sam ordered enough coffee and lemonade. A local dairy farmer offered milk and butter. It would be up to Sam to talk to the townsfolk as to what side dishes they would be bringing. The grand opening was just around the corner and details were coming together. Everyone was looking forward to this gala event!