Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 7, Part 5, Page 45

A knock on the door startled Emily from her nap. She shook her head, rubbed the tears from her eyes and went to the door. There was Dee and right behind her was Allie. "Ready for guitar lessons" Allie bounded in. "Oh, and Karen's family said they would be delighted to come for dinner. Dee said yes too!"

"Wonderful!" Emily smiled.

"That is very kind of you Emily," Dee answered. "I would love to enjoy more of Allie's German cooking!" she winked.

Guitar classes were a highlight of the week for both Allie and Emily! Dee was right there with them.

Dee was hoping that Allie's interest would encourage other children to pursue music, but so far there had only been a few now and then. Often, in the summer especially, the children wanted to be outside and she couldn't blame them. However, if they really enjoyed music, they would keep it up throughout the year. Dee longed to have a few regulars, but so far she wasn't able to get much interest. The local school was small so she sent out letters to introduce herself and her hopes for a children's band. Not one person responded.

Most of the townsfolk were farmers or ranchers and needed the children to help out at home. On Sunday's though she did have a few who could sing and even though they rarely were able to come for practice, they would come early and she was able to run through the songs for the service. That meant she had to stay with the usual favorites, but at least it was a start. One of the children's mother played the piano which was a great accompaniment. It was a stretch, but somehow she had hoped to have Allie play a song on the guitar. "Allie, if you keep practicing like you have been, would you be willing to play a song at church?" Dee asked.

"Umm, that might be scary in front of all those people." Allie shook her head no.

"Well, if I sing with you, would you do it for me?" Dee asked again. She was hoping that Allie wouldn't be so afraid if she was right next to her and she agreed. "Perfect, then we will start today, but we need to have you play from the beginning and I will start singing along with you!" Even Emily hummed with them.

After the lesson, Allie showed Dee Ella's puppies. "Aren't they cute as a bug in a rug?"

"Yes, they are, one is just as cute as the other." Dee agreed.

"I'm hoping Dad will let me bring one home. When it's time to go, they will be ready to be adopted. He won't be able to say no, they are so sweet. After all, he has Newton, and I want a dog, so it's only fair." she concluded.

Hope Valley was getting very excited with the Grand Opening of the new Billees!

Rosemary was talking to every family and reporting in the Valley Voice how all the talent acts were coming along. Lee was almost as excited as she was watching everything going on. Rosemary had written up a script for him as Master of Ceremonies to introduce the acts. "Lee I want you to sound polished, so please practice this script." she directed. "Honey, these are our friends, I just want..." Lee complained. "No sir, Lee, you are one of the proprietors of this wonderful establishment and you need to be professional! Now, I have to talk to Bill about what he's going to say," and off she went to find Bill.

Bill was getting the small outside pit ready to roast the pig. He had his chef's apron on and hat and made a secret sauce for the meat. He knew that cooking a whole hog is not an easy feat. It requires meticulous preparation, patience and a careful eye. Bill arranged the firewood on top of the stones in the pit in tight clusters. He got a fire going and waited for it to consume the wood and die down until only glowing coals remain. Nathan fashioned a spit out of stripped and whittled wood and helped Bill mount the pig. The roasting would take 12 hours Constant watching and basting would roast the pig to perfection. So, when Rosie came over with her script, Bill told her he would speak from his heart and not to worry. Rosie shrugged her shoulders and left to find Elizabeth in her home.

The sewing ladies had come over to decorate the tables and adding flowers to their new cut glass vases. They added some pictures to the walls and final touches. As they looked around and were pleased with what they saw, they hurried back home to make sure that any special 'costumes' were finished, plus start to cook or bake their side dishes.

"Elizabeth?" Rosemary asked from her porch. "Yes, oh Rosemary, please come in," Elizabeth invited.

"Elizabeth, how is the little skit coming along with the children? I've been so busy I haven't had much time to help, sorry."

"We're having fun with the Old Woman and all the children living in her shoe!" Elizabeth laughed. "Guess who the old woman is?"

"Laura?" Rosemary guessed.

"No, Opal!" Elizabeth burst out laughing!

That really set Rosemary off in a laughing fit. "I'm sorry, but I've been a nervous Hannah and I needed a good laugh. How about you Elizabeth, do you have a reading to share?"

"Yes, I'll be reading a part from my own book. Do you think that is too pretentious of me?"

"Not at all, it's going to give us all a taste of your book. You are an author now. One more notch on your corset!" she laughed. With that the two of them heard little Jack laughing and Elizabeth swept him up and tickled his tummy. Happiness was definitely in the air.