Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 12, Part 2, Page 72

Nathan had to leave Dee and get some air, so he left her at Faith's place abruptly. What was he doing? He was all confused. He grew up with Dee as a friend he hung out with, but now! Now, she was this beautiful lady, all grown up...with those huge blue eyes that he couldn't stop gazing into. Her skinny little body had filled out in all the right places and those long blonde curls falling across her shoulders and down her back made him weak. So weak, he almost kissed her! What was he thinking? He shook his head and smiled. Not only was she stunningly beautiful, but she was genuinely sweet. She was humble and sincere in all her work and loved helping people, especially children learn to enjoy music.

Maybe now that she was in Hope Valley, he could invite her out, something small, like a picnic. Yes, that sounded like a good idea. Now, to decide when...

When he stopped at home, he called for Allie, and sure enough she and a few children from school were out in the backyard playing with Ginger. "Hello everyone! I see Ginger is getting a workout." Nathan laughed.

"No, Dad, I'm getting a workout!" Allie huffed.

"Here's a letter for you from Oma that Dee brought back for you."

"Gee, already? Thanks Dad." Allie took the letter and sat down. She was excited to get a letter from her Oma. She sat down and read it right away. Reading her grandmother's letter brought back how it felt to be with her during the summer. Allie had not only learned how to cook and bake, but she learned first hand how a lady handles herself with grace and kindness. Allie had found herself growing up emotionally, spiritually, as well as physically with Emily's guidance. She knew she needed her grandmother.

Emily told her that all the puppies were adopted and that she let Ella and Barrett sleep inside at night to keep them warm and as watch dogs. She also told her that she wasn't up to cooking so much anymore without cooking for her. Oma said that the Sunday church service was quiet now without Dee and the children's choir, and so was her house. She ended by saying she missed her and hoped to see her soon.

Nathan went inside and read his letter. His Ma had mentioned to him too that she had adopted out all the puppies. The crops were harvested, and Berta was no longer supplying milk, but the chicks were still laying eggs. It was lonely without Allie and quiet, too quiet. What would he say if she came down to Hope Valley for a visit? She would come and they could celebrate the Canadian Thanksgiving, which is the second Monday in October, St. Nicholas Day, and Christmas. Then, she would go back home.

If it was all right with Nathan, she'd ask Jack to take care of the farm, and Barrett, but she'd bring Ella. One thing, she didn't want was to be in any family event with Archie if possible. Although she didn't want to die as a grumpy old lady holding a grudge, she had deep hurt and anger that she didn't think she was ready to confront.

"Wow, now that's a tall order. Ma, wants to visit but she doesn't want to be with us if Archie is." he told Allie. "She sounds very lonely!"

"Yea, that's pretty much how she spoke in my letter too. I hope she does come for a visit! I miss her too." Allie said hopefully.

"I'm going on my rounds now, I'll be back soon. When I get back, I hope you'll have a big dinner ready with dessert!" Nathan grinned as he left.

Nathan rode around the town and the outskirts checking out the ranches and farms. While riding, he talked over the current situations. Newton got an earful about Dee and Emily, and as he walked his favorite man around, he snorted and whinnied in the quiet parts as if he understood and agreed. Who knows Nathan thought, maybe he does understand.

Back after his rounds, he put Newton in the stable and brushed him down. He gave Newton a big bucket of food and left him for the night. As he left the stable, he saw Robert Landoch walking around the town.
"Hey Robert, are you all settled in at Billee's alright?" he asked.

"Yes, and after dinner, I did see Lee who stopped in briefly. He told me to come to his office in the morning. He seemed interested. I'm praying he has work for me." Robert replied.

"Me too Robert, and Allie too. I'm so glad Allie met Karen up by my Ma. The two of them really hit it off and that's great from what I can tell." Nathan grinned.

"Yes, if I get work here, Karen will be very excited. We adopted her about two years ago. My wife, Marie has been hoping I can find a permanent job, so we can settle down." Robert nodded.

"I'll bet you'll get work with Lee. He's a good and a fair man." Nathan reassured him. "Good night."

As he walked home, he went past Faith's house and spotted Dee in the window washing dishes. She looked up and waved at him. He smiled a huge grin in return and waved back with a wink.