Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 13, Part 4, Page 84
Emily went outside to talk to Jack. She waved at him to catch his attention. "Hello Jack!" Emily called.
"Hello Emily, what do you want?" he asked as he walked over to her.
"Jack, I'm going to Hope Valley. It's doctor's orders." she laughed. "Seriously, I will be gone for awhile. So, my good friend, I have an idea I'd like to ask you about. Can you come inside for a few minutes please?"
The two went inside as Ella and Barrett followed. "Seems mom and dad smell their little puppy on me." Jack laughed.
"How is Friskie doing?" Emily inquired.
"Oh, he's really having fun playing with Nicholas. Too bad Nicholas isn't able to keep up with him yet."
"It won't be long, you'll see they'll grow up to be best of friends!" Emily winked.
"Listen Jack, you have been such a hard worker not only for me, but providing for your little family. I know it's barely enough to get by. So, since Dr. Wigginton has decided that I need to retire, I couldn't think of anyone better to ask than you! Would you be interested in running the farm without me?"
"Wait, what?" Jack couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You want to sell it to me?"
"I know that you can't afford it without a loan, but I would be willing to co-sign it for you. You can bring back cattle, dairy cows, and grow more crops than just the feed corn and hay. Soybeans are a well-paying crop nowadays." Emily knew Jack could handle this in time. "You might even need to hire a helper later on."
"Emily, I have to talk to Carol. This is a big step, but it's perfect timing for us. I want to discuss this with her. Even though you know I grew up on a farm, I never ran one myself. My dad sold his farm when he retired, but I wasn't interested at the time to take it over." Jack was just trying to absorb this news. "Let me get back to you later on today please?"
"Oh Jack, you and Carol are the couple I would dream of to take this farm over. I have raised my children here, and have a lot of wonderful memories. I am so proud of what we have done. You are the one I offer this farm to first. I know you will carry on the fine tradition we have provided here! I hope your family will make new memories here!"
"Emily, I want to, I really do, all I need is Carol's blessing first." Jack answered.
"Ya, it makes me feel good that you include Carol in this decision. I understand. This life is a tough one, dependent on God, but at the same time it is a rewarding one and I know this was the life my family knew and I didn't regret it, except for one thing. Emily got serious, "Jack, don't let the pressure of this lifestyle cause you to look elsewhere. My husband, couldn't handle the stress and...well, let's just say he didn't talk it over with me, instead he went the wrong way trying to handle it all himself. It took him down a dark path. Promise me you will keep Carol aware of any troubles and that you both will let God direct you." Emily asked.
Jack left for home to talk with Carol. Emily sat and prayed, "Lord guide me. Provide for me and show me what your will is."
In a little while later Jack came back with Carol and little Nicholas to Emily's house. "Yes!" Jack said. "Yes!" Carol nodded. Nicholas laughed.
"Yes, Yes?!" a huge smile came across Emily's face. "Oh my goodness, this is wonderful, just wonderful! You want we go to the bank ya?"
"Ya!" Jack laughed. With that Emily got up and hugged a surprised Jack and Carol, grabbed Nicholas and swirled around with him as everyone laughed.
Later that day after running to the bank in town, Emily called Nathan.
"Hello?" Nathan answered.
"My son, I have news for you!" Emily started excitedly. "I am coming to Hope Valley in a few days."
"That's great Ma. We'll be anxious to see you."
"That's not all, Nathan. My son, I've decided to retire. Well that's not true, my doctor did. He says I have to slow down. So, with a little help from above, I just sold the farm to Jack." Emily surprised Nathan. Silence. "Nathan, are you there?"
"Yes, Ma, I'm shocked! I never thought in my wildest dreams that you would sell!
Are you sure?" Nathan asked.
"My son, when God answers prayer, a wise person listens. I've got some loose ends to take care of, but I will call you when I am ready and coming your way!"
"Wait until I tell Allie and Dee!" Nathan exclaimed.
"How are they?" Emily asked.
"Allie is so happy Ma, her pup, Ginger is as cute as can be, and she loves that Karen is here. Both of them are thrilled that Dee is here teaching them too."
Nathan filled her in.
"Ya? How is Dee?"
"Oh Ma, she's as sweet as sugar and pretty as a flower. We've been having a great time together. It's just what my Ma ordered." he laughed.
Nathan left the NWMP office, locked up and walked over to the school. He only had to wait a few minutes for Allie to come out with the other children. Nathan waved for her to come over by him. He told her about the phone call and she was thrilled. She ran to tell Karen that Oma was coming!
Dee came out and joined Nathan. He greeted her with a kiss and he asked him whatever it was that had him so happy to keep it up. He laughed and told her too the news of his Ma coming.
"It'll be so good to see Emily!" Dee declared. "Allie must be ecstatic!" as she put her arm through Nathan's.
"Dee, how would you like to go to dinner at the cafe tonight?" Nathan asked.
"I would like that!" Dee replied with a smile. They talked all the way on their walk about what life would be like with Emily around, but for the day, they had each other and dinner together they looked forward to.