Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 12, Part 5, Page 75
Archie arrived for dinner at Nathan and Allie's house just as Allie was finishing cooking the fresh fish she caught earlier that day that Nathan cleaned. She also made apple crisp, just like Oma taught her. Nathan fried up potato slices while Allie made the green beans. "You two look busy cooking, but I didn't want you to make a fuss." Archie said as he came inside.
"Grandfather, I'm cooking a lot lately, so you better get used to it." Allie said proudly. "Oma taught me lots of dishes when I was up there."
"She did, did she?" Archie smiled. "Your grandmother was always a wonderful cook! Can't say I've eaten as well since." he sighed.
"Let's sit down and eat while it's hot." Nathan said as he brought the food to the table.
"We have to say grace first. Oma said it was God's food and we need to thank Him before we eat it." Allie reminded.
"Oma's always right." Archie agreed.
After grace, as they started passing the food around the table, Allie couldn't wait any longer. "Dad tell grandfather the good news!"
"Let your grandfather eat." Nathan chided.
"What ever is the news?" Archie asked curiously.
"Dad, while Allie was up visiting Ma the two of them grew very close. It's been hard on Ma to go on without Allie. She really misses her, so she's coming down to Hope Valley in a few weeks to stay though Christmas." Nathan shared.
"Wonderful! I can't wait to see her." Archie smiled.
"That's the thing, Dad," Nathan began, "I'm sorry, but Ma doesn't want to get together with you."
"Why not?" Allie was surprised.
"She's not to blame here Allie, it's because of my doing." Archie cautioned.
"Oma said all people need second chances!" Allie exclaimed.
"Allie, this is between your grandmother and grandfather. I just want your grandfather to know your grandmother's wishes." Nathan said.
"Allie, not to worry. Your Oma and I have been divorced for many years, and we haven't seen each other. I promise to honor your Oma's wishes, but let's hope she will see me sometime while here and we can talk privately." Archie affirmed.
"I want both of you with Dad and me all together for Christmas!" Allie sniffed.
"Then that's what we'll pray for," Nathan told them both. "Right now, let's eat!"
On Saturday, Dee woke up excited. Faith asked her why she was so happy. So
she explained that she was anxiously looking forward to her time with Nathan.
"I thought you both grew up together. So, why so excited?" Faith wondered.
"I haven't seen him until this summer and I was surprised. He was so sweet, fun, and handsome!" Dee grinned.
Faith laughed. "I know the feeling. Do you know he was trying to court Elizabeth?"
"Elizabeth Thornton?"
"Yes, he was in love with her, but she turned him down. Instead she thought she would court another man, Lucas Bouchard. He owned Billees. Originally it was the Queen of Hearts Saloon. But, he sold the saloon and left. No one has heard from him since." Faith filled Dee in.
"How long ago was this?" Dee wanted to know.
"Right after school ended."
"Oh, so it's only been 3 months." Dee sighed as her smile left her.
"Dee, look at me please. Nathan is not courting Elizabeth. He is free as a bird to enjoy another ladies company. I'm sorry I told you, I don't want to discourage you." Faith looked at Dee with compassion.
"It's all right Faith. I'm glad you told me, so I know and won't be a silly foolish girl. I really don't want to get my hopes up for nothing."
"No one said, you can't be hopeful, you are in Hope Valley!"Faith reassured her ne friend with a hug.
It didn't take long and Dee heard Nathan dismount Newton and walk up the stairs to the door. Dee waited for him to knock, as she didn't want to appear impatient.
"Hello Dee!" Nathan gave her a big smile.
"Hello there Constable!" she returned.
"Are you ready for a ride? I hope so. Newton wants to meet you." Nathan asked.
"I can't wait. Hello Newton, I hope you will be patient with me as I haven't ridden in a long time." Dee warned. Nathan grabbed Dee by her waist and helped her mount Newton, then he got up and wrapping his arms around her, off they went.
The days were cooling off with fall just around the corner, but the sun was shining and it was a delightful day. Nathan showed her the lay of the land. All around the town were farms, ranches, and woods. He told her who lived on the ranches and farms. Dee realized some of the children had quite a walk to school. Nathan waved at everyone who was outside. If they were close, he stopped to talk to them and introduce them to Dee, as the new teacher. After Dee saw where his rounds led him, they picked a spot to have a picnic.
Nathan dismounted, and then reached up towards Dee and when she landed on the ground, they stood close together each looking at the other. Nathan broke the spell by grabbing the blanket and spreading it on the grass. Dee walked over to the stream running close by and she saw a deer drinking, and then saw her and ran back into the woods. "Nathan, I just saw a beautiful doe!"
"Yes, I see beauty all around me today!" Nathan agreed as he put some wine, glasses, ham, bread as well as slices of Allie's apple crisp on the blanket. "Come over here and join me. We have a lot to talk about!"