Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 7, Part 6, Page 46

There was no day in which either Emily or Allie didn't start with a smile, until this morning. Allie's tummy was full of butterflies. It was the day she was going to play "Amazing Grace" on guitar in front of everyone in church. She had practiced all week with Dee singing along, but only once with the pianist. It had gone just fine, but Allie was too nervous to even eat breakfast.

Plus they had guests coming for dinner. Allie's friend, Karen with her parents, and Dee. Allie was preparing the Schinkenfleckcerl too, but was much more confident with the dinner. Emily had supervised Allie's cooking and baked a delicious Apple Bavarian torte for dessert. "Allie, are you ready angel? Jack is waiting for us." Emily called.

"Oma, I'm not feeling well. Maybe I should stay." Allie muttered.

"Nonsense, you don't think the Lord knows you're fibbing?" Emily laughed. "Dee is expecting both of us and our guests would be disappointed if I canceled our dinner, and we wouldn't want that, now would we?"

When they arrived in church Dee was waiting and waved for them to join her up front. "It'll be so fun to have you join me today Allie! I know you're going to do great."

The service was so uplifting and the congregation was in a loving mood. Allie lost her butterflies and started playing. The words to the song seemed meant for her. Dee sang so beautifully that many just listened and took it all in. Before she knew it, they were done and Emily was so proud of her she grinned from ear to ear. Dee thanked her and Allie took a bow.

When they got back, Allie was so excited she wanted to call her Dad. "Please Oma, I have to tell Dad," she pleaded.

"Okay my angel, we need to make it quick, we have dinner to prepare." Emily told her.

As they talked, Nathan told Allie he was just as excited for her as she was. He told her that he missed her and wished he was there to hear her. "Dad, Dee has been so encouraging. If it wasn't for her, I would never had any idea I could play in front of people. She really sings beautiful and helps me to relax."

"Honey, you are in good hands with Dee. She's been singing since she was a little girl and it just comes naturally for her." Nathan said.

"I wish she had more students. I know she wants to teach so bad." Allie sighed.

"Let me talk to Elizabeth and see if she thinks Dee might be welcome to teach here, but please don't say anything to Dee until I find out." Nathan consoled Allie. "I miss you and wish I could be there to play guitar with you. I'm glad you're having a great time though with Dee and Oma."

"Dad, we're having Dee over and my new friend, Karen and her parents over for dinner today in a little while. Karen was adopted, like me, but she was one of the orphans from the the New Hope Orphanage in Brookfield. Her family is new here. Oh yeah, I cooked the ham and noodles dish and Oma baked a delicious apple Bavarian torte." Allie told him proudly.

Nathan was so pleased to hear her voice again and glad that she was so happy. He reminded her to read her book and not to wear out her Oma. "Be good and say hi to Dee for me. Love you."

Nathan hung up the phone and followed his nose over to the pit where Bill was roasting the pig. "Man does that smell good!"

"It better taste as good as it smells," Bill nodded. It's going to be a few more hours of basting and watching. "Have you practiced our songs?"

"Who me? Hey, I am on top of it Billee" he teased. "I just talked to Allie and Dee has been teaching her guitar. She even played at church earlier."

"Dee?" Bill asked.

"She's Colleen's best friend's little sister" Nathan answered.

"Bet she's not so little now," Bill smiled.

"No, she's all grown up and is a pretty lady with a beautiful voice. She's a music teacher and runs a music shop, because she can't find a teaching job." Nathan said. "I told Allie, I'd talk to Elizabeth and see what she thinks about a possible job here in Hope Valley."

"That's a good possibility," Bill agreed. "If I remember right, a few of the children were musically inclined and of course we have Angela who plays the piano like a pro. Don't forget a few adults might be interested. Molly enjoys singing when I'm playing my guitar and Elizabeth herself has a lovely voice."

"Hmm, this just might work out for Dee." Nathan smiled.

"And for you too," Bill said with twinkling eyes.