Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 8, Part 4, Page 51

"I think that's a great idea!" Allie agreed with Emily. "We can teach Dee for a change, and it'll be fun."

"I'm glad you think so too," Emily said, "The more who learn to cook German dishes, the better. The next time she comes to give you a lesson, I'll invite her to stay a little longer to join us in cooking." Emily had an idea, as any woman knows, a way to a man's heart is through good cooking. Nathan loves Emily's German dishes, so why not prepare Dee with a head start she thought to herself.

Just now Allie asked her about love. What a question she thought at first, thinking she was asking about Robert. Instead, Allie was wondering about Nathan and Elizabeth! When Allie had written a letter to Mrs. Thornton asking about Dee coming to Hope Valley to teach music, it reminded her about how she knew her dad liked-liked Elizabeth. When they left to come up here to visit her grandmother, her dad had been quiet for a few days before and never talked about Mrs. Thornton like he used to. That got Allie wondering about love.

"Oma has dad ever said anything to you about Mrs. Thornton?"

"Umm, he did say that she assigned you a book to read during the summer." Emily said without revealing how devastated Nathan had shared with her when he had brought Allie up for a visit. She knew Nathan hadn't told Allie about the heartbreak that Elizabeth had caused him and that he wanted to spare Allie from feeling the same way. He asked Emily if the topic ever came up he would appreciate it very much if she would explain the situation to her. It certainly seemed the time was now.

"I thought he might have told you that he really liked-liked Mrs. Thornton. He had some land he was going to buy so he was going to build a new house for us. I could tell he wanted to ask her to marry him. Do you think he's waiting for me to come home? Allie asked.

"Allie, let's allow the dough to rise. Wash your hands and let's go take a break and talk in the living room shall we?" Emily instructed. "My angel, your dad was very quiet because he was allowing his head and heart to work together."

"What are you saying?" Allie was confused.

Emily sat next to Allie and started, "Your dad's heart was broken because Mrs. Thornton had told him she wasn't in love with him. He didn't think that she would tell him that. It was a big jolt for him to accept. He had a very hard time trying to let go of his plans for her. So his heart was fighting what his head knew."

"Oh poor dad! I don't get it. They were perfect for eachother. Mr. Bouchard was trying to beat dad over her attention, and he always got the dates. No matter how I tried, Mrs. Thornton never went on a date with dad. She was the only one I invited to my adoption, but neither of them were happy about it." Allie pouted.

"Angel, I know you were thinking of your dad and you really like your teacher, but love can be complicated at times. Grown-ups sometimes have to go through hard times until they know what's best for them. Your dad will be fine. He has you and me doesn't he?"

"Of course, and he has a lot of friends in Hope Valley and he even has an 'old' friend, Dee up here." Allie smiled.

"Exactly my dumpling, 'old' friends can be new when you rediscover them!" Emily confirmed with a big grin.

Faith was so excited that people outside of the infirmary heard her say, "I can't wait! Love you too" as she hung up the telephone.

"I take it that was Carson?" Molly asked.

"He is coming home! They released him for the rest of the summer to come back and help with the wounded soldiers. Oh I just can't wait to see him and give him a big kiss and hug!" Faith exclaimed.

"When do you expect him?" Molly asked.

"He called just before he was leaving on the train. He should be here in 2 days." Faith answered. "That should be good as we're anticipating that the soldiers should arrive anytime now. What a Godsend!"

Fiona came in as she heard Faith outside. "Are you all right?"

"I'm more than alright, I'm very happy" Faith said as she told her the good news.

"Let me tell Nathan, I have other things to update him on." Fiona said as she was leaving.

Fiona walked in the NWMP office. Nathan and Bill were together and deep in discussion. "Excuse me, but I have great news, Carson is allowed to come back for the rest of the summer to help with the soldiers. He should be home in 2 days!"

"That's just what we need!" Bill smiled.

"I just got word that we have about four severely injured arriving, three who will still need care but are ambulatory, several going home to recoup with their families and sadly one, Timothy O'Neill who didn't make it. God rest his soul. He caught the Spanish flu and he passed away. Pastor Canfield is preparing his family now for his return." Nathan shared the sad news.

"The good news is we have two retired Mounties I worked with," Bill said, Christopher and John. They will be helping with the severely injured out at Henry's cabin, being that they are already trained in first aid. I have beds at my place for them. Actually, it'll be great to see them." Bill grinned.

"I have Andy, who is the recruit who will be helping Sam at Billees," Nathan said, "he'll be staying with me."

"Everyone I have listed are ready to go. Gentlemen, we are on target. Which reminds me, who wants to play a quick few games of darts before the hard work begins?" Fiona asked.

"Don't have to ask me twice!" Bill said and "nor me either." Nathan nodded and off they went across to Billees.