Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 8, Part 5, Page 52

"So Oma, you talk about love being complicated, was it that way for you and Grandfather?" Allie asked innocently.

"Yes, it was," Oma looked away. "Sometimes, things happen in our lives that get too hard for us to handle, it becomes stressful. Most of us can stay calm and trust God. The rest of us have a hard time. Sadly, for your grandfather, he felt he was his own man and wouldn't ask for help. When times got tough, he often tried, but wound up doing over and over the wrong thing. I loved your grandfather and he loved me, but it wasn't enough for him." Emily was tearing up.

"Oh Oma, I'm sorry, I didn't want you to cry. I met Grandfather and he was very nice to me. At first, Dad didn't trust him, but now he thinks he just might have changed. I wish we could find him!" Allie said softly.

"Would you my angel? I think it would be hard for me. I don't know if I can trust him." Then Emily changed the subject. "Ah! We best better get back to the dough now or we won't enjoy the cinnamon rolls later!"

Walter was getting better each passing day. He still had a few nightmares and had difficulty with loud noises, but physically his face was beginning to heal. He told his parents that he wanted to get back feeling normal and no more taking it easy. He was hoping to get busy helping his dad on the farm. That was good news for his dad. Dee felt that the family was whole once again and was humming the tune "Keep on smiling" that she had taught Allie. "It's good to hear you humming Dee!" Walter said.

"I can't help it Walter, it's so good to have you here. We'll be going to dinner by Emily and Allie later. You haven't seen Allie, Colleen's daughter, but she's a charmer and lucky girl Nathan adopted her."

"Oh yeah, that would be great to meet her. When is Nathan coming back to get her"? Walter asked.

"In a few weeks before school starts up again." Dee replied as she muttered under her breath, "not soon enough."

The O'Neils were genuinely surprised at all the townsfolk who attended the funeral service for their Timothy. It was the saddest news Hope Valley had to endure in a long time. Pastor Canfield expressed the hope and faith that the people clung to, that Timothy was in resting in peace. Elizabeth sang "Oh Danny Boy" which brought tears to many an eye. The burial was complete with the playing of Taps and a gun salute. The O'Neils were so grateful and invited anyone to come back to their home where people brought food and expressed sympathy.

Back in town, the stagecoach arrived and Carson stepped out. Faith was right there waiting with open arms to welcome him back. "Carson!" she shouted as she ran up to him with a big embrace. "I've missed you so much!"

"Me too Faith, I didn't realize how much. I've been kept so busy, but on my way from the train to here, I had time to think and realized how good it felt to see you and Hope Valley again." Carson grinned.

"Walk me back to the infirmary and tell me all about your surgical residency, it sounds so exciting." Faith asked, but Carson wanted to be brought up to date on what was happening in Hope Valley. "First things first though", then Carson swirled Faith around and held her in his arms and planted a long, sweet kiss.

Down at the other end of town, three Mounties came riding in. Bill and Nathan were waiting outside to greet the men. "Good afternoon" Bill and Nathan saluted. The two retired Mounties, Christopher and John got off their horses. Christopher greeted Bill with a "Long time, no see! Wow, you've gotten old!" he laughed.

"But better looking," Bill laughed too. "How are you doing?"

"Hey, who's the best looking one here?" John jumped in.

"Nathan is!" Bill answered. They were all laughing now.

Going into the NWMP office, Nathan greeted Andy and introduced him to the others. "Andy, you will be staying over at Billees so Bill and I will take you all over there and grab some lunch.

"Welcome to our humble abode," Sam greeted them. "Whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

Nathan introduced the 3 men and indicated Andy would be staying with Sam and helping out right here. After a bowl of Bill's chili, Andy went on a tour with Sam. He relaxed once Sam took him upstairs and showed him their room where the two of them would bunk together and the other bedrooms that the soldiers would be staying. Downstairs he got the tour of the kitchen and supply area. Sam had Billee's all ready.

Meanwhile, Christopher, John, Bill and Nathan talked Mountie stories. Chasing robbers, putting out forest fires, looking for swindlers. It was then that Bill got to telling them all about Wyman Walden and how Billees came to be. "Here here to Billees!" they all cheered.