Chapter Five
Going Shopping
Nathan's new job did not require his mountie uniform. He knew his suspender outfits would not be acceptable work attire. Since he was taking some time off before he starting this new job he figured it was time to ask Allie if she would like to go shopping in the big city for new outfits. It would be quite a long trip. Now was the time to do this since both Cyrus and Bill would be here to watch over the town.
It just so happened right at that time Allie came bounding down the stairs ready for breakfast. He figured without a doubt she would be delighted and sure enough she let out a big whoop. He told her she could pick out a few outfits too and with a big grin she lets out another loud whoop and gave him a big hug.
"I love ya Uncle Nathan!"
He grins, "I love you too you know."
"When are we leaving?", she asks.
"Tomorrow morning. Right now you have some chores to get done then we will get something to eat. We will leave early so that means going to bed early tonight. Got it?"
"Good luck sleeping", Allie laughingly teased.
With obvious excitement Allie made a dramatic exit from the house and went out to feed and brush Newton then bounded back in to take out the trash then eat breakfast. Nathan knew Allie, like most females, loved to shop, especially when there was something in it for her.
Hamilton was quite a ways away but this was a special time for him and Allie plus it was a big city with the best stores. Knowingly though, it was also the same city that Elizabeth would be in but he did not think he would run into her so he put that thought out of his mind. They would shop, dine, sleep, then hit the road home. Maybe he would even take Allie to a picture show. He did have one more thing he wanted to do while there but that would have to remain a secret.
"Early to bed. Early to rise.", Nathan reminded her after breakfast and while she was running out the door to go tell her friends.
Allie quickly came running back in and grabbed her fishing pole that she had propped up by the back door. "Robert, Opal, Laura and I are going fishing this morning.", she exclaimed. "We won't be gone long.", she assured Nathan.
"I didn't think Opal like to fish.", Nathan said in a questioning tone.
"She doesn't but she is going for moral support."
Nathan laughed. "Their parents know about this fishing trip right?"
"Yes. I will make double sure they do.", assured Allie. "We have decided that any fish we catch we are going to give to the Culverson's that live right outside town. Their father works out of town and is gone a bunch. We think they could use some extra fish."
His heart swelling with pride, Nathan looked on as Allie started out the door again. He could not imagine his life without Allie. She filled him with love and purpose. She was truly a good soul…much like her mother, his sister, who had died when Allie was much younger.
"Hey", he said loudly. Allie stopped in her tracks. She looked at him a bit confused by his sudden outburst while he was walking towards her. He opened his arms for an obvious hug invitation. She laughed, gave him a big, long hug and said "See ya".