Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 9, Part 2, Page 55

Jack picked up some chicken wire fencing to use for the puppies who could not be kept in the barn any longer. They were getting big, fat, and happy. So, it was time to section off some of the pasture adjacent to the barn for them to romp in. Each of the pups were forming their own personalities. Allie had a favorite, who looked like her mother Ella. She named her Ginger. Nathan just couldn't win with both Allie and his mother begging to let Allie bring Ginger home. Two other puppies were spoken for. Allie's friend, Karen, got the okay from her parents too when they saw them the time they came over for dinner. Even Jack himself spotted one that caught his eye.

Allie and Karen brought Jack a cool lemonade which he enjoyed while working on the fencing. When that was done he started out in the fields. "Oma, what does Jack and Carol like to eat?" Allie asked.

"For dinner? You want to invite them over now too?" Oma smiled.

"No, that's okay," Allie laughed. "I just thought we could bake something for them. I think your cooking and baking is getting lots of attention!"

"How so, my angel?" Oma was surprised.

"Well, Karen and I have been talking about all the German recipes you have taught me. People just overhear us and when I describe them they all stop to listen." Allie explained.

Oma stopped sweeping the floor, and asked, "Now, Miss Allie, you best tell me right now where these conversations are taking place!" she said.

"Please don't be mad Oma, but it was after Sunday service in the churchyard. You know when some have a picnic and others are just socializing, Karen and I brag about your German cuisine!" Allie said proudly.

"I'm not mad, but I am embarrassed." Oma explained.

"Oma, why don't you make some of your apple cakes and take to town to see if you can have a little stand to sell? Karen and I will help you." Allie suggested.

"That might be a grand idea. I should plan for the next Sunday." Oma agreed. "Every little penny helps!" Let's bake Friday and Saturday so the cakes and such will be fresh. Now, you understand that I will need both of you two to help! Make sure you ask your parents if you can stay overnight Saturday Karen."

With that the two girls ran upstairs to Allie's bedroom and talked about which goodies to bake and the laughing was heard all the way outside.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" Nathan asked Archie as he stepped into the NWMP office.

"Aren't you going to invite me in?" Archie asked.

"Oh yes, excuse me. It's just that I haven't heard from you in months. Where have you been?" Nathan asked.

"Mainly looking for a job anywhere I can find one. Nothing turned out to be permanent." Archie said as he sat down with a sigh. "I read in the Valley Voice in the next town over, that Mr. Coulter was looking for help with his lumber company, so I came back."

"That's true about the Lee hiring, but do you think you can work anymore at your age?" Nathan asked. "It's hard physical labor."

"I'm looking for anything so I can support myself and maybe your mother later." Archie surprised Nathan. "I do miss her son, and I would love to be with her again, but I have to prove myself first that she can trust me. I am determined to work and hold down a job so she will."

"That's expecting a lot Dad." Nathan cautioned. "I can't vouch for you, it's all on you to make amends and create that trust."

"Son, you were shortchanged as a youngster, and it's all my fault." Archie started. "I was a stupid man and foolishly tried to make money by gambling, but as hard as it's been, I have not gambled since I've been released from prison. My time in there gave me a new perspective and I need to be with my family. I'll never make it up to Colleen, but I can love little Allie. I promise with all my heart that I am sincere."

Nathan looked out the window and then drew his gaze back inside and looked straight at his dad. "I don't want Allie to love you only to be hurt like I was." Nathan warned. "I want to trust you dad, I do. I'm not saying I can't, but I don't know you. We need to spend time together to build that bridge back. Now, it just so happens that Allie is visiting Ma now and she's happy, they both are. Let's not tell them yet that you're here. You can stay with me for the time being. We'll just take it one day at a time." Nathan suggested.

Archie's face lit up. "Nathan, your Ma raised you to be a good man. Thank you for offering your home to me. I do love you son. Let me prove it."

"Let's go over to see Lee now. I'm sure he'll be glad to have some more help." Nathan said as he opened the door and led Archie outside.