Hope for Tomorrow
Chapter 17
Page 49
Nathan smiled while grasping Trevor's hand with a strong grip, "I'm Sargent Grant. Welcome to Hope Valley."
Trevor nodded in appreciation, "I'm looking forward to starting my business. With the fast and furious production of automobiles, it certainly seems like a good time to pursue my automobile mechanic career."
"Automobiles? It took me a while to concede purchasing one, as my best buddy is my horse, but it proves to be a practical time to join in," Nathan admitted reluctantly.
"It's a sign of the times," Trevor grinned.
"Where did you go to school?" Nathan asked.
"Back home in Detroit. We are the motor city. Because of Henry Ford, Detroit is now widely known to 'put the world on wheels'," Trevor crowed.
"Well then, sounds like your enthusiasm will provide our town with a good mechanic. Where are you staying?"
"I'm sharing a room with Luke Polinski at Billees now. He and I were friends in the war." Trevor explained.
"War? I thought you were from Detroit," Nathan questioned.
"I am. Me and my buddy signed up to join the Canadians. Luke and we were in the same unit. We kept in touch, and he told me Hope Valley needed someone to run the gasoline station and could use a mechanic. I went for it and got the loan. Now, I can't wait to get started."
"Don't let me stop you. Have a good day."
"Good day." Trevor nodded as he walked over to the station with the key in his hand, anxious to get in the building. Nathan noticed he had a slight limp, but figured it was from the war.
Dr. Scholl had a new patient Monday morning. Fiona knocked on his office door and asked if he could see her. He noticed right away that she was finely dressed and had every hair in place, yet that wasn't what attracted him. It was her charming smile and her delicate features. She had an air of enchanting refinement about her. "How can I help you, Mayor Miller?"
"Oh Dr. Scholl, we've been business neighbors for quite some time. You don't have to call me Mayor Miller, for heaven's sake, just call me Fiona please," she said as her eyes twinkled.
"All right Fiona, then you can just call me James," he chuckled. "Have a seat, so what brings you here?"
As Fiona took a seat in the dental chair, she shrugged and just answered, "Nothing in particular, I just thought I should have my teeth checked," she smiled as she toyed with her necklace.
"Well, since I have no immediate emergencies right at the minute, I'll be happy to take care of that." As Dr. Scholl turned away to grab a towel to put around Fiona, he had a crooked half-smile. He turned back and placed the towel covering her pretty blouse and got a whiff of her perfume. It was quite appealing, and he was feeling a bit of admiration for her.
Fiona opened her mouth as Dr. Scholl asked as he filled out his record card on her teeth and gums condition. "Looks just fine! You are doing a great job on keeping them clean. I see no cavities."
Fiona seemed a bit disappointed, "Are you sure?" she asked impatiently.
"Yes, I'm sure, just keep doing what you're doing, and your beautiful smile will dazzle us all!" Dr. Scholl couldn't believe what he just said. He blushed as he winced, hoping she didn't take it the wrong way.
"OH! How nice of you!" Fiona beamed. "Well, I can't argue with that, now, can I?"
"I'm glad you stopped," Dr. Scholl continued, "I've been meaning to ask what everyone is saying about me singing at the Club House in Clearwater. I've been getting a lot of looks, shall we say. Mainly some disapproval from the men, and big smiles from the ladies!"
"Sounds to me like you have some men on the offensive who are just jealous, and the ladies are enthralled," Fiona laughed. "Don't worry, the word on the street is positive, and you're making a name for yourself, now that your secret is out!"
"I just don't want to call attention to myself. I love to sing. It's my passion, but I do have to act professionally for my dental business. It's a big shock to many, I'm sure."
"Yes, that's interesting, James," Fiona purposely addressed him by his first name, "How did you ever choose dentistry?"
James shook his head, "That's a story for another time. Perhaps, we could go for a ride in the country and just talk. Would you like to?"
Fiona was delighted, "Now, that sounds wonderful! I'd like that!"
James was relieved, "I have a half day on Wednesday, so would you be available then, say around 1:00?"
"I can ask Christy to be at Nichols and Dimes so it should be just fine," she smiled broadly.
Dr. Scholl opened the door for her, saying, "Looking forward to it Fiona!" with a huge grin.
"Me too!" Fiona waved as she walked to Nichols and Dimes. Great, a man that knows a woman does more than eat! she laughed to herself.
Hope for Tomorrow
Page 50
Nathan made the telephone call to Dr. Fisher, the ophthalmologist in Clearwater, and asked to set up a time for Archie's cataract surgery. Now that the Grants were in their new home and Archie lived with them, it was finally time to have his surgery taken care of. Archie would be checked into Clearwater Hospital for a few days. He would need to be in the day before the surgery for blood work and preparation, the day of the surgery, and time for his eye to heal, about a week.
Nathan asked, "As you are aware, my father is senile, and has good and bad days. I know one of us will need to be in the town to stay with him so as not to confuse him. Do you recommend a place nearby where my mother or myself can sleep during the week?"
The nurse asked Nathan to hold on as she needed to confer with Dr. Fisher. In a few minutes, she returned to inform Nathan that, "The day of the surgery Archie will be sleeping off and on. As far as the rest of the week, he'll be allowed to sleep in so his body will rest. Therefore, the doctor advised that it was not necessary to stay in town, as Hope Valley is within a half-hour drive by automobile."
"That sounds like I figured, but there's a good chance my mother will expect to stay over at least a night or two. My father is completely relaxed when she's with him. So, my question still stands," Nathan persisted.
"There is a place two doors down from the hospital that provides rooms to rent just for that purpose. Usually, it's parents staying close to their children, so I'll check and make a reservation for your mother for a few days. What is her name?"
"Emily Grant," Nathan informed the nurse, "but please don't have the bill for the room given to her, I don't want her to know, but I'll be paying for it."
"Absolutely Constable Grant. Your secret is safe with me."
When Nathan hung up he smiled to himself, I like being addressed as Constable, it sounds so comfortable compared to Sargent.
Bill was sitting across from Nathan in the RCMP office, waiting for Nathan to finish his telephone call. "Sorry to hear about your conversation, but from what you said, your dad is having his eye surgery next week."
"Yes, that's the plan. We want to have his eye taken care of as soon as we can. We can't miss your wedding!" Nathan smiled.
"No way! It wouldn't be the same without my best man!" Bill nodded in agreement. "When are you going back up to Brook Falls to get the mahogany hutch you built your Ma to bring it back here for your new home?"
Nathan looked at his calendar and shook his head, "Talk about squeezing in a trip in a tight schedule, this is going to be a very busy month! Dee has been so excited to see her folks and Walter. No doubt she'll want to stop to see her sister, Dorothy in Brookfield too," Nathan sighed.
"Of course, you can't blame her. Like Lee always says, "Happy wife, happy life!"
"So, you'll be gone from Friday through Monday?" Bill questioned.
"Thereabouts, I know Dee doesn't have to teach school Friday or Monday. Allie will be staying with Karen Landoch so she will be going to school. It should work out."
"Do you need my help?" Bill asked.
"Actually, Gunther will be here, but yes, please be there for him should anything happen while we're gone. I don't expect any problem, but then again, keep your eyes peeled. There's more trouble around the area, that I'm not expecting here, but you never know," Nathan warned.
"Like what?" Bill asked concerned.
"There was a bank robbery in Benson Hills recently. No one was arrested, so the robbers are still out there. I don't know the details except that there were two men. They wore bandannas around their faces and had cowboy hats on, so all that was reported were estimates that one was about 5'8" and one was close to 6', both thin. They're on horseback, so Mounties are looking around the country for any pitched tents and checking with farmers, ranchers, and such."
"How much did they take off with?" Bill inquired.
"Several hundreds of dollars."
"That'll keep them going for a while. Okay, I'm glad to know about them. I'll definitely keep a lookout. Do you want me to feed and ride Newton and Penny?"
"I'm sure Allie will feed them, but I'll let her know you'll be taking Newton for a ride or two. Thanks, Bill. I'll be glad when we get back. I just want Dee to be home. No more trips until she has our little bun," Nathan grinned, "Just a couple of months now!"
"Did you meet our new Gasoline station owner and automobile mechanic, Trevor?" Bill asked.
"Just ran into the man earlier this morning. Seems like a nice chap, friends with Luke Polnicki." Nathan added.
"Yes, Luke brought him to mass yesterday. He was very quiet there and seemed uncomfortable. There's something off about him. I can't quite pinpoint it, but he seems nice enough," Bill added.
Bill got up, and walked to the door, "I've got to finish up these land sales and deeds before our wedding. I better check on our hotel in Vancouver. Molly is all excited about viewing the leaves changing, but I don't think she'd like to sleep under the stars," Bill laughed.
"Like Lee says, Happy wife, happy life!" Nathan shot back.
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James Scholl knocked on Nichols and Dimes door. Fiona was ready and waiting to go for a ride out in the country. "Hello there James," she brightly greeted him with an enthusiastic smile.
"I've been looking forward to this!" James cheerfully replied as he held out his arm for Fiona. "I'm parked right outside."
Fiona glanced back at Christy, "Everything should be fine, as I'm leaving the shop in good hands." With that she waved goodbye to Christy.
"Enjoy your time!" Christy called after Fiona.
James held the automobile door open for her and whistled as he walked around to his side. "Fiona, I just thought of something that I would like to do as long as the weather is still warm enough."
"What's that?" Fiona asked.
"How would you like to go hiking in the foothills? I could take you over to your house to change clothes while I do? Would you like to?"
"Oh yes! I am always up for an adventure!" Fiona grinned.
So, the two of them changed out of their professional into relaxed clothing. Fiona even brought some cheese, wine, bread, and a blanket to sit on once they found just the right spot. I do like to eat, but not always in Minnie's cafe or Billees she thought. Besides, this is just a snack, she told herself.
As Dr. McDreamy drove them out of town, they waved at the others. Heading up the winding roads towards the foothills of the Rockies, it was sunny and warm. It hadn't rained in some time, so the wheels were kicking up a dusty trail behind them. They drove through a town or two until they were close to the hills. It was all country from that point on.
When they passed over a stream, they found a place to park and decided to head up one of the hills around them. The colors were starting to pop out and dotted the landscape with reds, golds, and rusts among a few greens still clinging to their color.
"Look, here's a long branch, you can use for a walking stick," James offered.
Fiona laughed, "I hope not to need that, but that's sweet of you."
As they headed up the hill, it was an easy slope to begin hiking, but once they got midway, they had to use the rocks as the hill was steeper. James held his hand out to Fiona helping her up. When they reached the flat surface near the top, they stopped to look out down to the valley.
"Oh my, I must admit that I'm a bit winded!" Fiona confessed.
"You're not the only one," James smiled, "but, I think it'll be well worth it, when we take a look with my binoculars." James took in a quick view and handed them to Fiona for her to use. "Wait until you see this view!"
Fiona took the binoculars from James and slowly canvassed the area all around below them, "It's so beautiful James! There's even a small waterfall over there," she excitedly told him pointing in the direction.
James nodded as they both took in the sights. Fiona and James stood side by side gazing at the gorgeous scenery. "Thank you so much for suggesting this!" Fiona said excitedly.
"I enjoy hiking more when I have a lovely partner accompanying me," James smiled staring into her captivating eyes. Blushing, he caught himself and abruptly turned in the other direction and taking up his binoculars looked out again.
"I've never been this high before and it's quite an experience, but I don't mind it, in fact, I never thought I was afraid of heights, but now I know I can do this," Fiona was proud of herself and laughed.
"You did great for your first hike. Now I know who to call!"
Fiona's tummy growled, "I did bring us a little cheese and wine, so when we get down, we can quench our thirst and growling stomachs!" Fiona was a bit embarrassed. She couldn't eat lunch before as she had butterflies knowing she was going out with James.
They looked around one last time taking in the stream which they saw was flowing into a river and down a small waterfall, the vivid colors of the trees turning and the geese flying overhead heading south. James gladly held Fiona's hand guiding her through the rocky terrain. Once they were on the hillside, she was able to walk alongside James. They dipped their hands in a little tributary of the stream to get the dust and grass off.
Over at the automobile, they grabbed the blanket and basket that Fiona had brought. She laughed to herself again knowing it was her that brought refreshments. James shook the blanket in the air and let it settle on the ground. They opened the wine and poured two glasses, Fiona placed the cheese on a wooden carving plank and sliced into the cheese. She had brought fresh bread an sliced some slices too.
It was so enjoyable, the two of them, out in the country laughing and toasting to eachother.
"So, James, why did you pick Hope Valley to start up your dental practice?" Fiona inquired.
"No particular reason, I was told there was no dentist here and I knew the town was expanding. It just seemed like a good place to start my own practice."
"You come from Hamilton, like Elizabeth, so that's quite a drastic change for you. Why would you leave your practice there?" Fiona wanted to get to know this intriguing man better.
James hesitated, and then told her, "Confidently, I wanted to get away from my father and his way of doing business. Please don't say anything, but truth be told, I'm glad to leave the wealthy status of that part of the city."
"Well, we're glad you're here. But your singing is stunning. I have a feeling; it might lead you to bigger things!" Fiona raised her eyebrows in speculation.
"Maybe, I much rather sing a song than fill a cavity, that's for sure," he chuckled. "Would you like another glass of wine?"
