Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 8, Part 6, Page 53

Emily, Allie, and Dee were busy getting dinner ready together for their big family dinner. Dee was really enjoying learning the German dishes. Dee's mother was a good cook, but mainly cooked the basic American fare even though she was a second generation Dutch immigrant. Dee's dad was German, but knew nothing about cooking German food, just that he enjoyed it when he got to have some. The three of them planned a menu of Knockwurst, Sauerkraut, German potato salad, glazed carrots, and the cinnamon rolls for dessert.

"This is going to be so delicious" Allie laughed. I just know it!"

"It will be since we have beginner's luck!" Emily confirmed. "My mother was a great cook and made it easy and fun. I see that you are a natural Allie and will make your Dad happy when you cook dinners for him! And you too Dee!"

"I couldn't have asked for a better teacher" Dee started, "I know my family will enjoy this so much, they'll expect me to cook more! I'll just have to teach my mom all the new recipes you taught me! I'm going to go home to clean up, I'll be back!"

Allie had put out the fine white china on the sapphire blue tablecloth with white cloth napkins with a delicate blue flower embroidered on, and freshly cut flowers from Emily's garden. The table looked elegant and the house smelled of the food they had prepared.

When the Gleixner family arrived, they were greeted by several of the puppies who were playing outside in the front yard with Allie. "Aren't they just adorable," Mrs. Gleixner gushed.

"Mom, Dad, Walter, this is Allie, Colleen's daughter who is now adopted by Nathan," Dee introduced her.

"I can see Colleen in you," Mr. Gleixner smiled, "and that's a lovely thing!"

"Hello, nice to meet you. Oma is inside, go ahead in with Dee while I put the puppies in the barn," Allie suggested.

Dee showed them inside "Emily, you remember my mom, Bertie, and my dad, Ted and my brother, Walter?" she asked.

"Sure, sure! So nice to have you here again after all these years," Emily greeted them with warm hugs. "Welcome home Walter, we all are proud of you and thank you for your service. Please sit down and you can taste just how wonderful of a cook Dee and Allie have become!"

During the meal, stories from when Dee, Walter, Colleen, and Nathan all played together came up with there was plenty of laughter reminiscing. Allie heard about the frogs and snakes Walter and Nathan sprung on the girls, and how the girls tied up the boys clothes, socks, and shoelaces together when they were swimming in the pond. The campfires the kids had at night after playing all day when Nathan would play guitar and Dee would sing.

"Oh, to be young again." Bertie smiled.

"Dee tells us that she's been giving you guitar lessons, would you like to play for us?" Ted asked Allie.

"Only if Dee sings with me." Allie ran and got her guitar from her bedroom. Allie was learning a song a week and was practicing, so Dee was quite proud of her. When Dee sang all the rest joined in too.

"Time for the cinnamon rolls!" Emily smiled. So Dee and Allie got fresh cups of coffee with the plates of rolls.

"Now these rolls hit the spot!" Walter complimented Allie. It wasn't long after that the Gleixner family said goodbye while thanking Emily for having them over for dinner.

Emily apologized for not having them over sooner, but they had a good reason to celebrate with Walter home again. "And, don't forget your Dee helped cook dinner too!"

When the soldiers came into Hope Valley, the whole town was there to greet them. The young men who could go home were so very happy to see their family as they ran to meet them. Mothers were crying, the people were clapping, and the children were saluting. The men in the wagons had help getting out as their families rushed to greet them. Knowing they had to heal first was hard to accept, but they were all grateful that they were home safe and sound.

Drs. Faith and Carson were there to check each of them out and wrote down their names, injuries, and what they needed to get well. Molly wrote it all down as she followed the doctors.

Mayor Fiona addressed them and welcomed them home to Hope Valley, and told everyone if there was any need, to let her know. She also reminded all the volunteers know where their help was needed. Sam had the list for Billees, and Bill for Henry's cabin. As planned the Mounties were right there assisting the men to their new, although temporary rooms. Nathan looked around and was very pleased to see the men home and his town all working together. Today was a good day!