Chapter 10

Allie was awake bright and early on Saturday morning eager to start her new job at the café. "Dad, I'm leaving for the café. See you later." With that she was out the door.

Nathan was barely awake when he heard Allie call out that she was leaving. He smiled at her enthusiasm at working with Bill and Minnie at the café. He hoped she would be able to provide some much needed assistance given the increasing number of people he was noticing at the café each day.

Nathan stretched his lanky form and slowly sat up. Splashing some water on his face he started to feel awake and ready for the day. Dressing in his red serge he left the top buttons undone until the last moment possible given his dislike for anything closing in around his neck. He ambled downstairs thankful he could smell the coffee Allie had made for him. He thought about stopping at the café for breakfast but decided against it. He didn't want Allie to think he was checking up on her the first day of her new job. He said a quick prayer that all would go well and she would be an asset to Bill and Minnie.

Nathan's rounds were getting longer and more involved with the influx of people moving to Hope Valley. The new factory being built had not only changed the landscape of the town but Nathan could also feel the tight knit community of people who were the essence of Hope Valley had changed. All the new faces didn't know the history of Hope Valley and all they'd overcome. Nathan knew something had to be done to integrate new residents into the community and thought Rosemary might be just the person to help in that effort. He made a note to talk with her sooner rather than later to get something planned. Maybe the Christmas festival could be the event that brings everyone together. While Nathan didn't love crowds he had to admit that the Christmas festival brought the community together in the very best way.

Nathan's thoughts went to the rest of the day. He would finish work around noon about the same time Allie would be done. He and Allie were going fishing for a couple of hours to catch what he was hoping would be enough to serve Sarah at dinner tonight. He tried to tell himself that he was just being a good neighbor helping a new resident acclimate to town. That was part of it but he also was curious to know more about this woman who was brave enough to move to a new town where she knew no one. He remembered how hard it had been for him when he moved to Hope Valley. He was, of course, replacing their legend Mountie Jack Thornton so that made it even more difficult. Nathan didn't want Sarah to experience the same struggles he and Allie had trying to get established in a new community.

At the café, Bill had given Allie some simple tasks to get started. She was responsible for setting tables and as people came in she made sure they had a fresh cup of coffee and when they left she cleaned up the dirty dishes and reset the table. It wasn't hard work but Uncle Bill had told her that she could keep the tips diners left on the table. It was fun for her to see so many neighbors and friends as they came in for breakfast or for one of Minnie's delectable pastries. Allie was coming from the kitchen with a fresh pot of coffee when she saw Miss Crawford enter the cafe.

Sarah noticed several diners looking up from the latest edition of the Valley Voice and smile or nod in her direction. She felt a little uncomfortable at the attention so quickly found a table. It was there that she saw the most recent copy of the town newspaper and right on the front page was a picture of her along with the article Rosemary had written introducing Sarah to Hope Valley. Ah, that's why people are staring she thought. Sarah read through the article which wasn't long but talked about her experience with Dottie in Union City and her excitement at being in Hope Valley and working in a community with such a wonderful reputation. Sarah had purposely avoided Rosemary's questions about her past prior to working at Dottie's. She didn't want anyone feeling sorry for her nor did she want to revisit the death of her father for which she still carried some guilt.

Allie noticed her entry into the café and made her way to her table. "Good morning Miss Crawford, can I pour you some coffee?"

"Thank you Allie that would be wonderful. I didn't know you worked here."

"I just started today. My Uncle Bill owns the café and he's been so busy I wanted to help him out so he's not so stressed. In addition to the café he's also the judge here in Hope Valley so he has a lot going on. Also I'm trying to earn some money so I can get my dad a special Christmas present this year."

"That's very thoughtful of you, I'm sure they appreciate your help." Sarah was touched by Allie's comment about a special gift for her dad. It reminded her of all the Christmases that were just her and her father. She still missed him tremendously but was finally able to start smiling at some of her memories of him.

"Would you like something to eat? I'm not really supposed to take food orders yet but if it's something simple I can get it started for you."

"Thank you, I'll just have my usual blueberry muffin. I'm looking forward to dinner with you and your father tonight. I promised to bring dessert. Is there something here that is a favorite for you?"

Allie contemplated for a moment. "Everything Mrs. Canfield makes is delicious but we really love her chocolate cake. It's my dad's favorite."

"Excellent, then that's what I'll bring. Good luck with your new job. You seem to be a natural."

Allie beamed at the compliment and went about refreshing coffee for the other diners.

Allie noticed Mr. Bouchard eating breakfast at a corner table. She approached and asked if he would like some coffee. Allie hadn't seen him since the Yost wedding but knew he was still courting Mrs. Thornton. Allie didn't dislike Mr. Bouchard as much as she used to even if he did make things difficult for her father when it came to her teacher.

"Well Allie, what a surprise to see you working here. I'm surprised your uncle would allow that."

Allie was put off by his comment and while trying to remain respectful she replied "My DAD is the one who talked to Uncle Bill about having me help out after I suggested it. Uncle Bill has done a lot for us and I wanted to return the kindness. The café is so busy these days I thought he could use an extra person to help pour coffee and clean tables."

Lucas was a bit taken aback feeling as though this 13 year old girl had just put him in his place. He quickly pivoted the conversation. "Well that's very nice of you Allie. I'm not drinking coffee but I could use some more hot water for my tea."

Allie went to the kitchen returning with a fresh pot of water for Mr. Bouchard's tea. Passing through she saw that Miss Crawford was gone but she'd left a generous tip for her. Allie pocketed it and made note to thank her tonight at dinner.

Morning flew quickly for Allie as she conscientiously performed her tasks at Abigail's. By noon she was exhausted and weary on her feet. She looked forward to a relaxing afternoon fishing with her dad.

Nathan came by the café just as Allie was finishing up to walk home with her. Sarah, who was busy at the dress shop, happened to be working on a window display when she caught sight of the Nathan in his red serge walking arm in arm with his daughter. Her heart fluttered and her stomach did a somersault. The two of them seemed to make a great team. She was looking forward to getting to know them better tonight.