Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 11, Part 3, Page 67

Nathan stood up and gave Dee a big hug of congratulations. At first it seemed typical, but the hug was a bit longer than usual and Dee pulled away blushing. "Nathan, there are people all around watching us," she whispered.

"Congratulations Mary Grace!" Nathan said loudly. "I know you will be a wonderful asset to our town."

"Thank you Constable."

"Shall we walk outside?" he winked.

"Yes, please." she smiled.

"There's lots of people that I want to introduce you to. First though, let's stop by Faith at the Infirmary and let her know the good news." Nathan reminded her. Dee was glad that Dr. Faith was free when they arrived. One look at Dee's face and Faith knew she was hired. "Oh, I'm so happy for you Dee! You are welcome to stay with me until you get settled."

"That's very sweet of you, thank you." Dee smiled. "I have to return to Brook Springs to gather my belongings and be back before school begins. So, I probably will not stay much longer for now, but once I come back, I just might take you up on your offer."

"I'm taking Dee around to meet as many as we can before she goes back home."

Bill and Lee were both at Billees. When Nathan walked in with Dee, they looked like a stunning couple with Nathan in his red serge, and Dee all dressed up. The men stopped what they were involved and walked over to them.

"Hello Nathan, who's this lovely lady on your arm?" Bill inquired with a big grin.

"This is Mary Grace, our new music teacher, as of a half-hour ago." Nathan informed. "We grew up together in Brook Springs. Her older sister and Colleen were best of friends. When Allie was up visiting Ma, Mary Grace found her a guitar and taught her basics of playing it."

"Welcome to Hope Valley," Lee said joyfully. "You are going to enjoy our little town. The folks here really care about each other."

"Thank you. I'm really looking forward to it. Please call me Dee. I very rarely go by Mary Grace any more. This place looks very inviting."

"That is partly due to my wife, Rosemary. She coordinated the decorating and sprucing up. The ladies' sewing circle followed her lead, but without everyone stepping up to the plate, it couldn't have been accomplished so quickly and well." Lee explained. "This here is Sam, our right hand man. He manages Billees." Sam nodded and smiled. "Welcome!"

"Is my handsome husband talking about this establishment?" Rosemary questioned as she walked in. Dee turned around and smiled. "Oh, I'm sorry to interrupt." Rosemary continued and walked over to Dee and the men.

"Hello, I'm Rosemary, Lee's wife." as she wrapped her arm through Lee's arm.

Nathan jumped in and introduced Dee. When Rosemary realized she was the new music teacher she dropped Lee's arm and put her arm through Dee's arm. "Now Dee, this is just wonderful news. Our town is lacking in entertainment. So, I had a talent show just a few weeks ago right here on that stage. It was delightful, the talk of the town! We have a lot of promising talent right here in Hope Valley!" she assured Dee. "Why we are going to have to have another program for sure, now that you are here! What do you think of a Christmas pageant? Or a concert? How about a play?"

"Honey, let the poor woman move here first before you fill your head with all sorts of ideas. She's going to need to meet her students and the rest of the town first." Lee begged.

"That all sounds delightful Rosemary," Dee agreed, "but I have to do as Lee said. First things first, but please count me in!"

Then off they went to meet the mayor, Fiona, at Nichols and Dimes. "As is my formal duty as Mayor, I welcome you to Hope Valley, but as a woman and a proprietor I offer you a free hair style as my way of welcoming you."

"Oh how nice of you!" Dee remarked. "Everyone here is so nice."

"That's true. You can't find a finer group of people anywhere else! I hope you enjoy it here." Fiona said enthusiastically.

As they walked past the library, Elizabeth was tidying up. Elizabeth popped out and asked, "Well? Did you get the job?"

"Yes, yes I did. When does school start?" Dee asked.

"Soon, the first week in September. We have lots to plan, so you and I will need to go over the upcoming year's curriculum." Elizabeth said.

"Yes, of course. I'm going back home to gather my belongings, so I should be back the first part of next week. Hopefully, that gives us a week to plan. Will that work?" Dee asked.

"We'll make it work," Elizabeth nodded, "Welcome aboard!"

As they continued, Dee met Clare at the dress shop. She was showing now and was quite proud of her bulging tummy. Clare complimented Dee on her outfit and made her feel pretty.

The last stop on the way back was at the Church. Pastor Joseph was there and he greeted Dee with a warm welcome. After she explained that she just finished leading the choir at her home church, he asked her to sing a hymn. As Nathan expected a huge smile lit up Pastor's face as he listened to her perfect pitch with a lovely tune. "You are hired, but we don't pay. Our pay though is out of this world." he laughed. Dee and Nathan joined in the laughter too. "Seriously though, I was hoping to have a children's nativity program this year, with angels, shepherds, drummer boy and kings." Pastor shared.

"Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus too." I suspect Dee teased. "That would be delightful! Thank goodness I have a few months to think about it."

Nathan walked Dee back to Faith's home. "Well, this has been a busy day for you!

"But a good one!" Dee exclaimed. "Thanks Nathan, you have been such a sweet friend."

"All my pleasure Dee. I like having you here with me in Hope Valley!"