Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 10, Part 1, Page 58

There was plenty of excitement at church discussing the upcoming end-of-summer festival. Allie and Karen were involved with the older children selecting games that would be played. Mothers and fathers were planning the picnic, baseball game, and pie baking contests among other activities. Even the local farms were participating in the cow, sheep, pig, rabbit, dog and cat best of show along with biggest and tallest carrot, lettuce, squash, and tomatoes. People were divided up into groups to handle different participation. It was a festivity that all the town was involved in. This was the biggest event of the season!

As Jack drove Allie and Emily home, Allie was talking up a storm. She was so excited that she was part of the game planning committee with Karen. They had lots of ideas and she needed her dad to run the 3-legged race with her! So, on their usual Sunday phone call, Allie told Nathan all about the end-of-summer festival and how he just had to come. Nathan was glad that Archie was outside when he got the call, so he could talk confidently. He promised Allie he would be there and that he couldn't wait to see her! Allie was looking forward to seeing him too, but sad. She told him more about Karen and how she was going to miss her.

Then Oma got on the phone and got an earful how happy she was to have Karen and Allie help her bake and that she actually sold some desserts after church. Nathan never mentioned Archie, but said that Hope Valley was taking care of the soldiers and he was very proud of how the town was stepping up and helping out. After saying Auf Wiedersehen and blowing kisses on the telephone, they both hung up.

Allie ran outside and told Ginger and all the puppies about the festival and they listened to her excitement and started wolfing! The chickens laid plenty of eggs and Emily had a few customers stop by. Berta was outside grazing in the pasture. All was well. Emily came out and sat with Allie. The two of them talked about all the adventure they had together.

"My sweet angel, it has been such a delight having you here with me! It warms my heart to hear you talking to your dad about the fun times you're having and the friendship you've made with Karen and Dee." Emily hugged Allie.

"Oma, I'm so glad to be with you. You've really made me feel special." Allie smiled. "If I hadn't come up, I wouldn't have met Dee and Karen, or Ginger!"

"I can't wait to hear about the games you will be planning for the festival. Any ideas yet?" Emily asked.

"Yes, we talked about bobbing for apples, ring toss, lassoing a wooden cow, jump-rope contests, horseshoes, carrying eggs on a spoon race, 3-legged race, wheelbarrow race..."

"Sounds like you're planning lots of fun!" Emily laughed.

"Oh and I'm bringing Ella and Barrett to the dog competition. If that's all right with you." Allie asked.

"Of course it is! I'll be baking my best pie for the contest too." Emily remarked. "Let's go inside and have something to eat, we can talk more angel."

Nathan rode Archie over on Newton to his home. "Let's go inside and get you settled."

Archie had just a few bags and Nathan carried them in. "You can stay in Allie's room for the time being. She'll be coming home in a few weeks for school. Then, you'll have to see if you're still working for Henry."

"I sure hope to." Archie said pensively. "I really waited to come back here, but I couldn't go much longer, so I really appreciate you taking me in son."

"I'm not quite sure if this is going to be a good idea, but it's the best arrangement for now being that the soldiers are staying in all the usual guest spots. Hopefully, by the time Allie returns, there will be a room for you in Billees."

"What happened to The Queen of Hearts?" Archie questioned.

"Lucas up and left, sold it to a swindler, but Lee and Bill bought him out. Now, it's cleaned up, the bar is gone, and it's a family-friendly place with no drinking or gambling. That's exactly the way Hope Valley wanted it. So, that's good if you eventually get a room there." Nathan explained.

"Son, look, I know it's going to be hard for you to trust me, I know that. I'm asking you to give me a chance to prove it. In a few months, you'll see I'm a new man." Archie declared.

"I don't want to wait a few months Dad. Allie will be home within the month and you have got to be on the up and up beginning today. Like I said, she likes you, and I don't want her hurt...so let's get your bags upstairs. While you unpack, I'm going to do rounds."

Nathan was taking his time riding Newton and thinking about the next couple of weeks. He was happy his dad claimed to be really trying and yet a part of him who was hurt over and over by him, found it difficult to believe. He was glad Allie wasn't home yet, so see if this was going to work out. He stopped at Henry's cabin and saw Christopher and John helping the wounded soldiers and even though the men were in pain they were content. Then, he saw Pastor Joseph come in and he knew why.