Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 13, Part 5, Page 85
Allie was at Karen's house, so except for a few others in the room, Dee and Nathan sat quietly at a table in the cafe. They hadn't had much time alone and were relishing this simple dinner together.
Nathan looked at Dee and loved how he saw the young girl in this now lovely lady. Her face was creamy, her long lashes were fluttering over her sky blue eyes that he easily got lost in, and her lips were tenderly curved in a sweet smile. Cascading down her neck and shoulders were her long blonde curls that were highlighted with the stream of sun coming through the window. He could smell a touch of lavender and reached across the table for her hand.
Dee looked at Nathan and loved how she saw the young boy in this now handsome man. His face was ruggedly chiseled with high cheekbones, piercing blue eyes that she easily got lost in, and his lips were inviting her to kiss them. His adam's apple was prominent in his long throat that joined his broad shoulders. His hair was thick, dark, and wavy that she longed to run her hands through, but reached across the table for his hand.
"Dee, I am the luckiest man to have you here with me. You make me so happy. You look like an angel, are sweet as honey, and have a voice that is divine. How much more could any man want?" Nathan admired her.
"Nathan, you are making me blush. I feel so proud of you. You have been such a wonderful son and now father. When I see you, it's hard not to watch you, because I witness a man of honor, courage, and kindness, and handsome to boot!" Dee doted.
Nathan pushed himself to look at Minnie who was standing there asking what they wanted to eat. It was almost time to close. Nathan forgot that Minnie was no longer cooking dinners so he asked her what she suggested. I've got roast beef and mashed potatoes ready. No desserts though, sorry.
Minnie asked Dee how music class was going. "Fantastic! Angela is such a magnificent pianist! I think she is going to be a wonderful assistant helping me with teaching playing piano. Oh, and Cooper, he wants to play the trumpet!" Dee told her.
"Well, we'll see what his father says." Minnie answered, "depending on what the cost is."
"Like I was telling the students, all parents are more than welcome to see me one on one to discuss any questions they might have, so stop by after school any day but Fridays as I'll be in Brookfield." Dee smiled.
It was all right with Minnie that they stayed and ate as Clare and Jesse could close up after they were finished.
Nathan talked about having his Ma stay at his house with Allie and him so there wouldn't be too much chance to be alone together, but that knowing his Ma she'd be cooking and inviting Dee over for dinners. She already loved Dee and highly approved of their courting. He sighed as he told her about the predicament he was in between his Ma and his Dad. He elaborated on his discussion with Archie warning him that Emily didn't want to see him.
"That's so sad. It puts you in-between." Dee felt sorry for him.
"I know, I'm not sure how this is going to work out. They've been divorced for a long, long time. Maybe for Allie's sake they will work something out. She pretty much just doesn't understand." Nathan informed.
"Well, let's hope for the best. Knowing your Ma she'll be praying for direction." Dee reassured.
"Would you like to go with Bill and Molly to Hamilton for a concert?" Nathan surprised Dee.
"Oh Nathan, how exciting!" Dee exclaimed.
"Then I take it, it's a yes?" Nathan teased.
"Nathan, the problem is a big one. I teach every other Friday in Brookfield, so I have to double-check and make sure if I teach this week. If I do, I have to travel up on Thursday, stay over at Dorothy's over night and be ready to teach on Friday. So, I won't be back until Saturday." she sighed.
"That's going to be tough on you. Are you ready for this traveling back and forth?" Nathan was concerned.
"I'm not fragile Nathan," she toyed, "but I had to agree to this with Mr. Landis to get the job here. The silver lining is, I'll be seeing my sister and her family often."
"How is Dorothy?" Nathan inquired.
"Dorothy married George, remember him? They had twins, Robert and Roberta." Dee reminded Nathan. "It'll be a challenge, but I'm willing."
"That's expecting a lot of you. That Mr. Landis seems to be a stickler though. Let me know if it gets to be too much Dee, please?" Nathan was troubled. "I hope you can go to the concert. I want to show you off!" he smiled a huge grin.
"I'm delighted to go out with you. You make me so proud!"Dee smiled.
After they finished dinner, they walked outside into the cool air. "It's getting brisk
out here, so take my sweater," Nathan offered and put his arm around Dee. She snuggled under his arm and started to hum.
"There's my chickadee." Nathan laughed.
As they were walking through town for home, they saw Sam bringing Bill's horse, Hero, and Sargent to the livery.
"Go riding?" Nathan asked.
Sam waved. "Took a ride with Elizabeth and LJ around the countryside, it was a great day!"
"Now, that is good news." Nathan told Dee. "We are all turning a new corner, and it makes me happy."
"Me too." Dee stopped and looked at Nathan. "I'm glad this is, well, a promising future for us!"
"Without a doubt, Dee, without a doubt." Nathan answered with a soft, tender kiss.