Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 12, Part 1, Page 71

Dee was at the stop waiting for the stagecoach when Karen's family came along too. Karen told Dee that her dad, Robert, was going to Hope Valley too. His wife, Marie let him know what Nathan had told her about job opportunities in Hope Valley so he was on his way to see if he could find work there. Karen hugged her dad and hoped it would work out so she could see Allie and continue with voice lessons with Dee.

Robert and Dee struck up an interesting conversation about how they both owed it to Nathan to be on the stagecoach and new beginnings.

Dee was delightfully surprised to see Nathan waiting for her when the coach arrived. He helped her step down and then gathered all her belongings and put them in Henry's car that he had borrowed. "Dee, it's good to see you back safe. Faith gave me her key, so I'll take you to Faith's and you can get settled in."

"What a nice surprise Nathan!" Dee acknowledged. "It's going to be so exciting to finally start teaching at a school," then she turned and said, "This gentlemen with me is also from Brook Springs, Robert is Karen's father. He's taking you up on your suggestion to his wife, Marie, that he come here to Hope Valley and look for work."

"Welcome to Hope Valley," Nathan shook Robert's hand. "Are you staying at Billee's?"

"Yes, that's the plan. I want to thank you for talking to my wife and mentioning about the job possibilities. I've been looking for work with no luck." Robert said.

"You're welcome. I hope you find work here. One of the owners of Billee's is Lee Coulter of Coulter Lumber, so you're in luck. I'm sure you'll be able to see him there. Just follow the road and you can't miss it. Just look for the large sign, Billee's hanging out front." Nathan pointed to the building. "Good luck!"

"Thanks, I'd like to talk to you later about our daughters." Robert smiled.

"Well now Dee, let's head over to Faith's house and get you settled in." Nathan opened the door of the car for Dee and put her belongings in the back. "I'm so happy for you and I know you're going to really like it here. The people are great."

After Nathan took Dee's baggage to her bedroom, they both sat at the kitchen table to talk for a little bit. Nathan asked how his Ma was. Dee told him she seemed to be fine. Emily was crocheting in her rocking chair when she went over. That concerned Nathan. His mother seldom sat still long enough to crochet.

"She was crocheting a little pair of shoes for Nicholas, Jack and Carol's son." Dee said nonchalantly. "She told me, you know being named Nicholas, calls for special shoes for St. Nicholas Day on December 6th. Children leave their shoes out at bedtime and if they're good St. Nicholas leaves candy in their shoes."

"Yes, I know all about that, Ma being a conventional German made sure we enjoyed this tradition. It was fun to see what we had in our shoes, candy or coal!" Nathan laughed, "and I've had my share of coal. But I wonder why she is crocheting them now, St. Nicholas Day is not for awhile?"

"She didn't say, but she made sure I'd stay for tea and her apple strudel. You could see she enjoyed having company."

"Oh, I have 2 letters from your Ma, one for Allie and one for you. I'll get them." Dee said as she ran up the stairs. When she came down and handed them to Nathan she thanked him for the ride and then gave him a big hug. "That's from your mom to you." she smiled. Nathan looked at her and was taken aback by her sky blue eyes and long golden curls. He had to look away or he didn't know what he'd do.

"Thanks, Dee. I appreciate you looking in on her. I'll call her Sunday. I'll let you get unpacked. Talk to you later." and off he rushed.

When Dee shut the door behind Nathan, she stood there stunned. What just happened? Is Nathan feeling the same about her as she is feeling about him? This move to Hope Valley was definitely going to be an exciting new adventure!

Robert Landoch was welcomed by Sam at Billees. He showed him upstairs to a room that he had just cleaned after one of the soldiers, Mark, left for home. "We have hot water available too for you to wash up in the basin. Then, please come down and join us for dinner." Sam invited.

"By any chance is Lee Coulter here tonight?" Robert asked.

"Not now, but I can give him a message if you'd like?" Sam offered.

"Sure, please let him know that I am here looking for employment and would appreciate the chance to meet with him." Robert asked.

When Faith came home, she found Dee making some dinner for the two of them.

"This is going to be great having a roommate! I'm afraid Dr. Carson will be leaving soon to return to his surgical residency in the States."

"I truly appreciate this too Faith, I can't wait to meet all the good folks here in Hope Valley." Dee shared.

"You won't have to wait long, Rosemary is having a back-to-school potluck at Billee's before school starts, so you will meet most of them there. Believe me, Rosemary loves hosting events, so be ready for a lively time!"

Yes indeed, this move to Hope Valley seemed promising in many ways Dee thought.