Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 11, Part 4, Page 68

Emily was distraught. Her life was upside down with Allie gone. She hadn't known what she was missing until she came and stayed the summer. For years she had been alone tending to her farm and keeping herself busy. What she didn't realize until now, was being fiercely independent helped her raise her children without a father, but with Colleen passed and Nathan living in Hope Valley with Allie, she felt useless now. Allie had brought so much life to her day along with Dee with her lessons, and the families of Dee and Karen over for dinners.

She went outside to tend to her flower garden and looked around at the the farm. Her crops of corn and hay were just about ready to be harvested. She was so grateful for Jack tending to her crops and at the same time helping him provide for his little family. Was it enough she wondered. Berta was grazing and the puppies had all gone to new homes. Ella and Barrett were romping around bothering Berta from time to time. Emily had allowed them both in the house at night. Having them with her helped her to rest at night and not feel so lonely. Still having a determined streak in her, she prayed for guidance as what she should do? Was there another direction she should seek?

When Dee talked with Faith that night she excitedly told her all about her day and who she met. Faith was happy having another woman to talk to and they hit it off easily. The next morning Faith and her walked to town together after breakfast. Allie was playing outside and ran over to talk. "Congratulations Dee! I'm so happy you will be my music teacher here in Hope Valley! You're going to love it." Dee gave her a hug and told her she would be back in a few days.

Nathan was on Newton and coming back from his rounds. "Ladies!" he tipped his hat at them. "Constable!" Dee answered as Faith left to go to the infirmary. "You look very noble as a Mountie riding so proud on your horse" Dee complimented Nathan. She knew he was a handsome man, but when she saw him yesterday dressed in his red serge she couldn't stop admiring what a dashing man he was.

"Yes, but I'm going to stop in Brookfield on my way. Seeing as how I'll be teaching there too, I want to meet with the teacher. I hope she's as nice as Mrs. Thornton." Dee said. Nathan looked at Dee inquiringly. Without noticing, Dee continued "I also hope to stop over at my sister, Dorothy's home to visit."

Nathan got off his horse and tied up Newton outside his office, and walked Dee the rest of the way to the stagecoach stop.

"When you get to Brook Springs please give my greetings to your family, and my Ma if you see her." he asked.

"I will Nathan," and hesitantly added, "it'll be great to see you again soon."

"Yes it will." Nathan said as he stared into her eyes.

Rosemary had asked Elizabeth if she had any maternity clothes she could share with Clare and she happily gathered some together for her. When she put LJ in his buggy they both walked to town. Down the boardwalk they went until they reached the cafe. Clare was inside helping Minnie with breakfast. Before going in Elizabeth saw Nathan and Dee talking together waiting at the stagecoach stop. It struck Elizabeth with a slight tinge of jealously. Wasn't this the same man that declared his love to her just a few months ago? She had turned him away, she knew all to well, but after their talk, he told her he wanted to be friends. But now, seeing him smiling and enjoying himself with Dee, why did it bother her?

She shook it off and stepped inside the cafe looking for Clare. Clare was so happy to have some clothes she could fit in without looking 'fat'. The next few weeks she and Rosemary with the help of the sewing circle would be sewing up some new clothes for her and then they would start making items for the baby. They were already planning a baby shower for her and she was getting more excited. Elizabeth went over to the school and started to bring out the supplies and books to make sure what she had and what she needed. She wasn't quite sure when the music lessons would be taught and would have to wait until Dee came back. It would be very 'interesting' adjusting to sharing the classroom with another teacher.

Henry's loan had gone through and it was a definite go. Henry and Archie were making telephone calls and contacting all the appropriate people scheduling a list of appointments concerning the oil pipeline. Mike had the oil rig working steadily and was a very dependable foreman. He needed help and was hoping some of the soldiers would be ready to come to work for them soon. Summer was ending and there was a nip in the air, so they had no time to waste while the weather was still warm enough to cooperate.