Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 7, Part 1, Page 41

It was Friday which meant that Barrett had a trip to the veterinarian. Allie gave him a huge hug and told him she'd be waiting for him. Oma wrapped her arm around her as Jack drove away with Barrett heading for town. Barrett seemed happy to go for a ride, but little did he know where he was going.

As Allie and Oma walked back they checked on Berta and took her out to graze in the pasture. Next the two checked on the chickens and they were providing plenty of eggs. "This is good for business, Allie. We need to clean these eggs and package them up. I would like to put the sign back out on the road to see if we can get more customers. So, angel please put the sign out for your Oma."

When Allie walked to the road she saw Carol with little baby Nicholas. "Hi little sweetie," Allie greeted Nicholas.

"Well, I'm sure I just heard him say hello back," laughed Carol.

"He's so cute, can I hold him?" Allie asked.

"All right, just make sure you hold his head, it's a bit wobbly yet. If your grandmother doesn't need you right now, how about I leave you to take care of Nicholas while I hang out the laundry?"

Allie smiled and said, "Oma won't care, right now she's waving at us and walking inside. I'm sure she's just going to have her cup of coffee and relax for a bit."

Little Nicholas and Allie were giggling together as Allie was making funny faces for Nicholas. She took him over to the porch swing and rocked him carefully and sang him silly songs. He reached for her hair and wouldn't let it go. "Ouch." Allie told him as she unwrapped her braid from his little hand that had a strong grip. Nicholas loved his thumb and was almost dozing off in Allie's arms while warm and comfy. When Carol came back around to the front, Jack drove up. He kissed Carol on the cheek and Nicholas on the head.

"How's Barrett?" Allie anxiously asked.

"I think he wondered why I left him. He was watching me leave him, but I'll go back in a few hours to bring him home. You'll see him soon." Jack said.

"Thanks Allie for helping me," Carol nodded. "Next time he'll know you and I'm sure he'll be fine for a little while if Jack and I go to town together."

"Anytime! Bye-bye Nicholas!" Allie called as she left to go back to her grandmothers.

Nathan stepped back and looked at the signs he just finished. Ah yes he thought, they look good. He was glad they turned out so well for his friends. Tomorrow they should be dry and he can finally give them to them, just in time.

People were busy going to and fro through the town. Just as Nathan was stepping out of his office, Henry came by. "Hey Henry, good to see you, welcome back!" Nathan shook his hand.

"Yes, it's good to see you and be back," Henry replied. "I went to see Abigail and she is just as sweet as apple pie taking care of her Aunt. Cody is just as tall as me, if not taller. He's turning into a handsome young lad. They're both doing well. It was Abigail's persuasion and knocking some sense in me to come back home and get busy developing my Petroleum company. I've spoken to Mike and he's interested in staying on as my business manager."

"Now that's great news Henry." Nathan said encouragingly.

"I'm going to do right by this town. I want Mike to handle the business finances so that's a big step for me, but the right step. I owe it to these folks to make up any wrongs I've done, and put this town on the map." Henry nodded. "Abigail said she would come back home here if her Aunt continues to improve. I'd really like that!"

"Hey, I'm confident you will make the townsfolk here glad to see you." Nathan said. "I've got to get something to eat at the Cafe, do you want to join me?"

The two men, walked down the boardwalk towards the cafe when Dr. Faith called Nathan to come over to the infirmary. "What do you need?" Nathan asked.

"Nathan, I just want to warn you that there will be men returning from the war in the next week or so. Some are injured, and some are sick with the flu. I'm going to need rooms for them to stay and help to take care of them. Will you contact the NWMP and see what they are planning to do to help all the local towns with this?" Faith pleaded.

"Yes, yes of course." Nathan looked deeply concerned. "Did you call Dr. Carson?"

"I did and his surgical team is considering releasing him to come back to help, which I am ever so grateful." Faith smiled. "Molly's ordered more medical supplies to have ready. Please let me know what you find out from headquarters."

With that, Henry told Nathan he had an idea that might help and they continued on to the cafe.