Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 13, Part 10, Page 90

Sunday morning and all was right with the world. At least for Nathan. He got up early and walked to town. He brushed Newton before saddling him and once mounted they went on rounds. Newton got an earful of last night's date with Dee to dinner and the concert. He could tell Nathan was happy because he whistled as they walked around slowly, and he would laugh as they galloped. When they returned, Nathan fed Newton then hustled back home.

Allie was up and making pancakes for the two of them. As Nathan walked in he said, "Hello Allie!" as he gave her a big kiss on her cheek.

"Hey Dad! What was that for?" Allie looked puzzled.

"Can't I just be happy without explaining myself?" Nathan laughed.

"Ah yeah, but I think it has to do with your date with Miss Dee last night. Did you have a lot of fun?" she teased.

"Not that it is any of your business, but you're right, it was not just fun, we had a great time!" Nathan grinned.

After breakfast, the two of them got dressed and walked to church. Cooper was ringing the church bell calling all the town to come. When they walked out of their house, Nathan immediately looked for Dee. Allie waited and sure enough Dee and Faith were coming down the road. "Hello there beautiful!" Nathan called.

Dee sprinted to meet Nathan and Allie. She gave a big hug to Allie and a kiss and hug to Nathan. Off they went to church with Faith right beside them. Pastor Joseph was greeting everyone when they arrived. Dee went in and talked to Angela Canfield about playing on the piano while she sang. A few ladies talked to Dee about joining her choir which prompted her to make arrangements right then and there for their first gathering. During the service, Pastor Joseph spoke about fidelity and faithfulness which prompted Nathan to reach over and hold Dee's hand. When Dee got up to sing, Angela was ready. Karen was watching attentively and Dee wiggled her finger to come up and join them. The three of them sang "I give my all to Thee", sounding like angels.

After church they were outside visiting with Karen's folks who asked when Emily was coming. "Do you think she'll be here for Thanksgiving"?

"She planned on it. So, I'm planning on going up there to help her bring her personal belongings here. I'm sure we won't be bringing anything big. I want to make sure she likes it here first." Nathan answered, "If she does, then she should know by Christmas."

Bill and Molly were together laughing and visiting with Rosemary and Lee. Billees had been busy and everyone in town seemed happy with the new and improved Hope Valley Gathering Place! Personal Parties were being requested to be held there for birthdays, baptisms, and other happy occasions. Sam was really earning his keep managing the place and having the food and supplies ready to go.

"I think Sam deserves a raise," Lee told Bill. "He's done a wonderful job!"

"Good idea." Bill agreed. "I noticed Sam took Elizabeth for a ride with LJ. Makes me wonder what that's all about."

"Bill," Molly looked surprised. "You never said anything to me about this."

"This is exciting news!" Rosemary smiled. "Good for Elizabeth, but she never said anything to me either!"

"Ladies," Lee interrupted, "it was just a ride. I'm sure if becomes more, she'll share with you."

Ignoring Lee, Molly and Rosemary looked around and sure enough they spotted Elizabeth with LJ talking with Sam. Molly and Rosemary both nudged the men and everyone saw Elizabeth and Sam talking and laughing, and playing with LJ. It seemed Sam was playing hide and seek with LJ and they could hear him giggling. It was very entertaining, and it brought laughter to the four of them.

Jesse and Clare were in the middle of a walk. Clare's profile highlighted the baby growing bigger. Just a few months and she would be introducing the little one to the town. It's a good thing that the sewing circle would be decorating the nursery soon for her.

Mike was discussing the new oil pipeline with Mayor Fiona. They were involved in an intense discussion. Lots of plans were drawn up, and recently they had hired the soldiers, Mark, Luke, and John who were released to work. Permits, digging before the hard frost settled in, and constant supervision was coming just around the corner. Henry spotted them and Archie joined too. It was going to be an exciting time. "Mayor, are we all approved, can we get the nod to get started?" Henry asked.

"Yes, the city council met, discussed, and voted in the positive!" she was very happy to assure them, "Go ahead and start!" Fiona declared.

Ned and Flo were visiting with the Canfield family. The children were all running around, some playing tag, others playing ball, girls playing jump rope. It was a pleasant and lively Sunday. All was right in Hope Valley!