Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 15, Part 5, Page 98

Nathan and Dee sat at the table after grace, passing their plates to Emily who was dishing out the Wienerschnitzel and spaetzle. "Now you two, have something special to share with us, ya?"

"Ma, you know how long Dee and I have known eachother since we have been friends in the neighborhood," Nathan started looking apprehensively at Dee.

"Ya, and it's been great to see you both as adults, and very successful, I might add!" Emily smiled.

"Yes, it's been great having Dee here in Hope Valley and now you too." Nathan continued, but was cut off.

"Thank you son, please eat up while the food is hot." Emily's motherly advice kicked in.

Nathan and Dee were holding hands under the table, but he brought their hands up on the table in one big swoosh. Dee laughed as they almost knocked over their glasses. "Ma, look at Dee's left hand! What do you see?"

With that, both Emily and Allie stopped and looked puzzled. "Is that grass?" Allie asked.

"Yes, Allie, but it's where it is, is what matters!" he chuckled.

"Oh my, oh my, thank you sweet Jesus!" Emily exclaimed. "You two are betrothed!"

"Yes! Yes!" both Nathan and Dee laughed.

Allie jumped up and screamed. "YEAH!" and clapped, then ran over and hugged them both.

Emily got up and went around the table. Tears fell down her cheeks as she reached up and placed her hands on Nathan's face, "I am so proud of you son, you have chosen a sweet, lovely bride. You make this Ma very happy!"

Then as she approached Dee she stopped to gaze at her for just a moment, "You, my dear, are an answer to a mother's dream!" she said with a big hug.

"Nathan, I want you to give this lovely lady a proper ring. Come with me." she said as she led him upstairs to her dresser where she kept her treasures and heirlooms. She reached inside and pulled out a jewelry box. She carefully picked out a dainty aquamarine and diamonds set into gold filigree with ornate detailing ring.

"This was your grandmother's ring. Your grandfather was a German landowner who at the time of their marriage was doing quite well. This ring has remained in our family and I am now the keeper. I very much want you to have this now Nathan. You and Dee are a loving couple and it will make me proud to see you together with Dee wearing this heirloom." she smiled warmly putting the ring in his hand and closing it tightly around it.

"Ma," Nathan stunned, hesitated, "What can I say, but thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is so beautiful!"

"Not as beautiful as your love for Dee." she winked. Then they both hugged.

Coming down stairs, Dee looked anxiously at Nathan. He brought her to her feet and then knelt down in front of her and looking up with a loving smile asked her to marry him and be his wife. "I want you to wear this ring which was my grandmother's engagement ring, but now yours, if you will do me the honor?"

Dee was astonished at the beauty of the ring, and in amazement held out her left hand, tore off the piece of grass, as Nathan put the ring on her finger. With that they kissed and Emily was crying and Allie was clapping. Even Ella and Ginger were barking in all the excitement.

"Cold food will never do, let me heat this up." Emily said as her mind was spinning. "Nathan, grab the wine glasses and let's enjoy a toast!"

As everyone regrouped, even Allie had just a tiny splash of wine, they lifted their glasses up, and cheered the new couple, "To love!"

At dinner they all ate as if they hadn't eaten in a long time. The food was delicious, as only Emily could make it. The laughter was contagious and the merriment continued spilling over into the evening.

When it was time to walk Dee over to Faith's house, Emily said to Dee, "You can call me Ma now if you'd like, ya? Sweet dreams!" Even Allie gave Dee one more hug.

Nathan couldn't believe how wonderful the day had ended. He had no idea when he got up this morning, that today would be the day, but he knew in his heart that he was bursting to let her know how much he loved her.

Dee couldn't believe how wonderful the day had ended. She had no idea when she got up this morning, that today she would be engaged to the man who had stolen her heart.

At the door, they kissed and Dee hated to pull away from his embrace, but she always had to be the one to do it. "Goodnight sweetheart!"