Only the Beginning Chapter Two, Page 8
Dee and Nathan arrived back to Hope Valley from their honeymoon with relaxed, calm, and just plain happy feelings! Their love was evident as they held hands, kissed every time they could, and seemed to float on air. They were excited to see Allie and Emily who were anxiously waiting to hear all about their trip. As they described the train ride, Allie was all ears and couldn't wait to go on one herself.
"The train is a bit rough, Allie. You never just sit still, as you're constantly bumping along the tracks, but soon you get used to it and relax." Nathan told her.
"The food was very good, being such a long trip, we never did go hungry." Dee shared. "Although the train did stop for fresh food from time to time, it was not long."
"Oh, Allie, if you ever go out there with me, we definitively will go fishing! There are stories of great fishing and it sounded like something we should do some time." Nathan winked.
"Emily," Dee started.
"No, stop right there, from now on you call me Ma, just like Nathan, ya"?
Dee grinned as Nathan smiled at his mother, "We stopped of course to see Uncle Norman and Aunt Sara. I was so happy to meet your sister and her husband. They were so easy to talk to, we had a delicious dinner, and then we sang."
"Not only them, Ma, but cousins Jeffrey and Kathy and their families were there. We have some pictures of them for you to see." Nathan handed her an envelope.
Emily opened it up and as she took out the photos she couldn't believe her eyes. "Oh my goodness, look at my niece and nephew! They are all grown up and have their own children! My, my!" Her eyes were glistening with tears as she saw the other photos of her sister Sara and her husband, Norman. "Oh, there's my Sara, my precious sister, and her sweet husband! How I wish I could see them all!"
Nathan reached across the table and held his mother's hand, "Ma, we will see them again. We asked them to come and visit when Dee and I build our new home. They hoped to come and take us up on our offer. I told them there's always room for family!"
"That would be wunderbar!" Emily smiled through her tears.
Then Nathan and Dee told them all about their hotels and how extravagant and luxurious it was. "They even provided room service." Dee smiled.
"What in heaven's name is room service?" Emily inquired.
Dee and Nathan smiled and explained. The postcards they brought home showed the two what the hotels, and the Falls looked like. "I don't remember it being so busy!" Emily shook her head.
When they showed them the postcards from the Opera House and the Queen's Hotel in Toronto, Allie's eyes got big as saucers! "Look at all the automobiles and trains right in the road!"
Nathan piped up, "Allie, those are electric trains, see the wiring overhead, they run by electricity and go around the city. It's really different in big cities, not at all like Hope Valley."
"The Opera House was so huge and grand. High ceilings, velvet drapes, very posh and elegant. I have to give Nathan credit for taking me there. He knows I love music, but opera is definitively not his style!" she laughed and then gave him a peck on the cheek.
"Ma, we have something for you. A little souvenir from Niagara Falls." Dee handed her a small package.
Emily was surprised, "Me?" she asked.
"Yes, you." Nathan chuckled. "Go ahead, open it. We have something for Allie too," and handed Allie her package.
Emily opened hers first. Inside was a jewelry box covered in velvet. When she opened it, her eyes were drawn to the shine and shimmer of the pin that was inside. There were miniature Niagara Falls cascading down on the pin of blue and white mounted on a silver post.
"Dee and Nathan, this is just beautiful! I can't wait to wear it on Sunday to church!" she got up and gave both of them kisses. "How thoughtful, thank you!"
Allie was excited to open hers next. Within the box, she saw a glass globe and inside it was a miniature carving of Niagara Falls. It played a classical instrumental song when she wound it up. "That's very pretty!" Allie tried to sound enthusiastic.
Nathan noticed she was a little disappointed and nudged Dee. Dee had picked up on it too and nodded in agreement.
"Allie, Dee and I are so happy that you call her Mom now," Nathan said while Dee grinned, "and I cannot express how happy, actually thrilled, to have you as a daughter. So, when I talk to Bill I'm hoping we can pick up the final papers of your adoption! He told me that he expected them before we returned."
Dee joined in and shared, "So, we will be celebrating with a little party for you with your Grandfather, and friends."
Allie was tuned in and listening intently as Nathan continued. "However, we have one thing we need you to do."
"What?" Allie pressed her eyebrows down as she was thinking.
"You need to go with me to pick out your own filly!" Nathan got up and wrapped his arms around Allie who came running to him and her mom.
"Really? Really! Oh Dad, Mom, thank you, oh thank you!"
It was a wonderful, romantic, memorable honeymoon, but there was nothing more enjoyable than being back home with family!
Only the Beginning Chapter Two, Page 9
Judge Bill got great news in the mail. As he sat at his desk, he was smiling just thinking about telling both Rosemary and Lee and Nathan and Dee. After re-reading the official notarized documents, he pushed back his chair away from his desk and let out a little 'yahoo!' Grabbing his coat off the rack, he walked over to the jail first. Nathan was his best buddy and he couldn't wait to see him and welcome him back home with the good news!
He tapped on the door, saw Nathan nodding to come in, and belted out a loud, "Hello there Constable, welcome home! How's the groom doing?" as he laughed.
"Hey, good to see you there Bill! How did the town hold up without me here?"
"Fine, just fine, but I did have a search party for two females that escaped their home and had just about the whole town looking for them!" Bill said with a crooked smile.
"What? Who?" Nathan was puzzled.
"Two golden blondes, with big brown eyes, one was older than the other, but sure good looking!" Bill was smirking. "Yea, didn't Allie tell you? I had to ride out in the country looking for them while Lee drove his car up and down the streets."
"You are pulling my leg," Nathan started to laugh.
"No, no, I'm telling you the town was looking all over for them. They gave us quite a scare."
"So, you found them, right?" Nathan was drawn back into Bill's story.
"Yes, well actually, I stumbled upon them. I had given up looking for them and took Hero back to the stable for the night when I heard a noise. I thought it was a varmint so I sneaked over to the last stall and there they were sleeping!" Bill could hardly contain his laughter.
"All right, spill it!" Nathan finally had enough. "Tell me who were they?"
"You might know them; their names are Ella and Ginger!" Bill burst out laughing.
"What the heck are you talking about?" Nathan was shocked.
Bill told him the whole story of the dogs being lost, how he finally found them in the stable sleeping, and brought them back home to Allie who had been so upset and crying all night worried sick. He also said how proud he was of the townsfolk all pitching together to help.
Then, Bill said, "The real reason I came here was to let you know that this lovely young lady who let your dogs out by mistake is now officially your daughter!" as he handed Nathan the adoption document.
"Yes! Yes! I'm an official dad!" Nathan cheered.
"Signed, sealed and now delivered!" Bill beamed.
"Allie will be thrilled. I promised her a filly to celebrate once we got the official document. Wait until Allie, Ma, and Dee find out!" Nathan was excited.
"A filly, wow! Great gift. She'll be so happy, she's been wanting her own horse." Bill agreed. "Hey, how was the honeymoon?"
"Fantastic! The train took us through Canada and we saw incredible sights, wildlife, and I told Allie we're going back for fishing. Niagara Falls was breathtaking, and so were our bridal suites, but nothing beat time with Dee." Nathan was looking out the window and daydreaming about their weeks alone together and just how much he loved Dee.
Then he abruptly turned around and looked at Bill with a huge smile plastered on his face, "At this moment, I have two new Grant ladies in my home, Allie and Dee! No one can beat the Grant family now!"
When Bill said his goodbye to Nathan, he headed for the Coulter Lumber Company where he found both Rosemary and Lee. They were both busy involved in the newspaper articles about the expansion of Dottie's Apparel and the upcoming remodeling and expansion of the Mercantile.
Rosemary looked up to see Bill standing just inside the door with this silly grin on his face. "For heaven's sake Bill, we didn't know you were here. Come on in."
"Good to see you Bill, how can we help you"? Lee asked.
"I've got some fantastic news for you two!"
Lee looked at Rosemary and back to Bill. "Did the adoption papers come?" he stared.
"Yes, sir!" Bill handed Lee the envelope. When Lee opened the envelope with Rosemary right behind him, he read the document out loud.
Rosemary squealed out loud, "This is for real! We are officially Paul's parents!" Rosemary and Lee hugged eachother tightly. "I can't wait to tell Paul, we have to celebrate!"
Bill spoke up, "I also got Allie's adoption papers today too and I just told Nathan. So, it looks like we're going to have two happy children today and time to celebrate!"
Only the Beginning Chapter 2, Page 10
Dee was back at Jack Thornton School and the children were thrilled to see her.
"Miss Dee, should we call you Mrs. Grant now?" Opal asked.
Dee was touched to hear that question as she hadn't thought too much about that. "Yes, Opal, that would make me very happy!" her face brightened as she smiled.
"Can you tell us about Niagara Falls please"? Timmy inquired.
"Children, that's not in our lesson for today, but I will bring you postcards from there next time so you can see. In the meantime, I can tell you that the Falls were magnificent! There is so much water rushing down all at once, that it makes a loud roaring sound as it crashes to the bottom!" Dee shared.
"How close did you get?" Cooper asked as his jaw dropped.
"Constable and I hiked around the whole area, but there is a boat that takes people close to the falls, and all the people wear raincoats to protect themselves from getting wet because of all the spray." Dee nodded.
"When you bring your postcards, can you tell us more?" Emily pleaded.
"Of course, I'll let Mrs. Thornton know and we can talk about more then. I'd like to get a map and show you where we went by train to get there, but I'm sorry we won't have time for music too. All right?" Dee asked as she looked around to see what kind of response she was getting.
Elizabeth heard her name and peeked into the classroom. "Did you need me for anything?" she inquired of Dee.
Dee explained how the children were asking her questions about her honeymoon and wanted to know more about Niagara Falls. Elizabeth seemed a bit perturbed.
"Children, let's not bother Miss Dee about her trip now please." Elizabeth spoke up.
"We can call her Mrs. Grant now!" Opal smiled widely. Dee blushed.
Elizabeth looked at Dee and winced. "Oh, well I suppose, that is her legal name now" as she turned away.
"Mrs. Thornton," Dee looked at Elizabeth's back, "it's quite all right. I don't mind bringing in postcards from our honeymoon trip. The children are very interested."
Elizabeth turned around and looked straight at Dee, "That is a geography lesson, not a music lesson. If you don't mind, I'd like to continue teaching that subject."
There was a big "Aww!" from the students as they sighed.
"I'm sorry Elizabeth, I didn't think it would be a problem." Dee looked puzzled.
"That's just it, you didn't think to ask me first." Elizabeth smirked.
With that Dee asked Elizabeth to step into the back office for a few minutes to talk in private. She asked the children to open their music books and study their music notes until she came right back.
In the office, Dee asked Elizabeth if something was wrong, "I don't know why you felt the need to reprimand me in front of the children Elizabeth. I must say I didn't think you would be upset with the suggestion."
"Nothing is wrong." Elizabeth huffed, "but you just can't change the curriculum to match your whims."
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry if this upset you, but the children are curious and as teachers shouldn't we provide any opportunity to encourage learning? There's so much I could share with them from our trip. All the different provinces we traveled through in Canada, the Falls, Toronto the city, and the Opera House we attended. I truly didn't think you would mind." Dee's eyes softened.
"Well, now that you started, you may as well continue, or the children will think I am an ogre. However, please do not say anything about another subject unless you run it by me first. Just stick with music and everything will be just fine." Elizabeth stepped away.
Dee couldn't believe the conversation they just had. What got into Elizabeth? She knew that Nathan was hoping to court her, but was turned down. Could she be jealous that Nathan loved her now? The thought of that, made her quietly giggle to herself. Yes, Constable Grant was hers and she was thrilled!
After school was out, Nathan was there waiting for Dee and Allie outside. "I thought I'd walk my favorite ladies' home!"
"I'll be right there." Dee gave him a quick kiss and ran back inside to grab her bag and purse. She just about ran into Elizabeth who had quickly ducked inside when she saw Nathan wave hello to her. "OH! Sorry, I almost ran into you!" Dee was startled.
"Let me grab my bag and I'll see you on Wednesday" Dee said cheerfully.
"Goodbye Dee, or should I say, Mrs. Grant?" Elizabeth eyes twinkled with mischief.
Dee still shocked by Elizabeth's behavior answered, "You can call me Dee, Mrs. Thornton." and swiftly turned to leave.
As usual Allie walked ahead with Karen. Dee was grateful to have a few minutes with Nathan to tell him what just happened between Elizabeth and her. As she put her arm through Nathan's she looked at him and said, "I think she's jealous Nathan!"
"Jealous, nah! She dumped me, why would you think that?" Nathan shrugged.
"Because I am Mrs. Grant!" Dee laughed as Nathan put his arm around his wife.
"Yes, indeed you are!" he looked fondly at Dee. As he held open the door to their house, he helped her out of her coat, and then he stopped her to be still. He looked at her lovingly as her mouth curved into a smile. He raised her chin and leaning in closely he sunk into her lips.
"Ahem!" Emily made her presence known. "You two love birds dinner will be ready in an hour." she smiled.
"Oh, Ma, I'm sorry if we embarrassed you. I'll go quickly and do my rounds, then I'll be back for dinner," he said as he gave his Ma a peck on her cheek.
"Can I help?" Dee asked Emily.
Emily laughed. "It's all under control my dear, but keep that kissing up and I'll be rocking a wee one here before you know it!" her eyes sparkled.
Only the Beginning Chapter Two, Page 11
Christy was looking out the window while nursing Timi Anne. She was sitting in the rocking chair by the window in the living room. Molly was baking bread and preparing food for the day. Her siblings were being home schooled by her mother, and her father was outside checking on the fencing. He had been a farmer all his life since he helped his father as a young boy. Her dad, David, was a hard worker and it was showing as she watched him outside. Just a few years ago he had been telling his wife Anne, that his back was getting the best of him and sometimes he walked with a limp, especially in the cold weather. A few of the boys helped out with farm chores, but they had to be properly schooled, as their mother made sure of that, so there was little time for play.
Christy didn't want life to be so hard, especially for Timi Anne. She was hoping she could help in town and earn some money so she could help Rick out saving for a home of their own. Perhaps, she thought, they would get married this year. It was not what she dreamed of originally as she only could think of Timothy, but as she got to know Rick, she saw a lot of the virtues in him that she wanted for a husband. He was kind, responsible, considerate, and was a good father to Timi Anne. It felt so reassuring that he loved his daughter and never shirked his duty. Plus he was very good looking, which made him even more appealing to a young lady like herself. They actually seemed to be falling in love with eachother and the more they saw eachother, the harder it was to say goodbye. Their date at the Italian restaurant was so fun and romantic.
Just then one of her sisters ran past her and grabbed the papers she had left in the living room and ran back to the school table where her mother and the rest of the siblings were. It startled Timi Anne, but she was getting used to the noise and chaos of a house full of children. Christy's bedroom was shared not only with her baby Timi, but Maggie, and one other sister, Regina. The old farmhouse was big but creaky and drafty. Her dad didn't have any extra money or time to fix it up, so they sometimes covered the windows with blankets just to keep the bedrooms warm enough to sleep.
Her sister, Regina, was a very quiet and studious girl. She left the class as she was too old for the lesson her mother was teaching in arithmetic. "Aww, look at Timi Anne, her eyes are so bright and little cheeks so rosy!"
"I know Regina, she's really looking around now. Would you like to hold her?" Christy asked.
"Oh, I would love to!" Regina answered as she sat in the chair with a pillow under her arms, then Christy placed her in Regina's lap.
"Look, she likes me!" Regina was so surprised. "I love her so much Christy!"
Christy looked at her sister who was just four years younger than her and decided to have a sister-to-sister talk. "You know Regina, when I was your age, I never thought about being a mother, or falling in love. It happens so quickly as you mature. I hope you can learn to enjoy yourself more and get out to see others."
"Christy, I don't know. It's just that mom needs my help. There's always wash to do, floors to sweep and mop, school lessons, and babysitting Tatiana, and Alicia. Luckily, Ronny has to watch the boys, but they're always with dad working outside," she shrugged.
"What do you want to do when you get older?" Christy asked. "You need to think about that now."
"Don't say anything please," Regina looked around, "but I want to be a nun. I read about Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys from right here in Canada! She was a French nun and founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal in the colony of New France now Quebec. I don't know if I'll ever get to go across Canada to visit the convent, but I've been praying about it."
"Regina, have you said anything to mom or dad?"
"No, it's not the right time. Mom needs me now, but I'd like to find out more. I don't know how old I'd have to be to join. Do you think if I wrote them a letter, you could mail it for me Christy?"
"Sure, I'd be happy to, if that's really what you want, but I'm not sure when I'll be back to town." Christy shrugged.
There was knock on the door. "Are you expecting Rick?" Regina asked.
"No, I didn't hear the farm truck either though, it sounded like an automobile." Christy got up to look out the window, and was very happy to see Fiona! Christy ran to the door and it practically flew open as Fiona was just about to knock on it.
"Hello there Christy!" Fiona greeted her.
"Oh, Fiona, it's been awhile since I've seen you, what a wonderful surprise!" Christy greeted her.
"My goodness Christy, how are you doing? You're looking good!" Fiona checked.
"Come on in, join me in the living room," she pointed to the sofa, "I'll let mom know who's here first."
Fiona was in the living room gazing at Timi Anne who was cooing in her Auntie's lap. "She's adorable and getting so big!"
"Yes, ma'am she is!" Regina spoke up, "I'm her Aunt Regina."
"She certainly looks a little like you!" Fiona grinned.
"Have a seat Fiona," Christy offered, "can I get you a drink?"
"No, this is just a quick visit," Fiona started. "I've been meaning to check on you and your precious daughter sooner, but I've been busy with town meetings, so I apologize. Looks like you're doing just fine."
"Don't worry Fiona, you did so much for us just having me stay in your home, I can never be upset with you ever." Christy said.
"What are you doing tomorrow?" Fiona just came right to the point.
"Me? Umm, nothing, why?" Christy asked.
"I want to pick you up and take you and Timi Anne to the Cafe in town. I'll treat you to breakfast, but I want you to stay and meet with Clara. You and Clara both had your baby's baptized together remember?"
"Of course I do. She and little Michael were the same age too." Christy smiled.
"Exactly. Clara and you might want to get to know eachother and plan on get together play times for both of your sake as well as the the little ones. You see there's a social committee, the Chickadees, who meet at the Cafe between breakfast and lunch and have fun classes and get togethers, but Clara lives upstairs and even though she works there part-time, as you an imagine, it's very hard for her to join in with them. So, I'd like for you to get out, and both of you talk to another mom your age. It would give both of your children some company too!" Fiona was quite pleased with her idea.
"All right, that sounds like fun. When do you want me to be ready tomorrow?"
"Is 9:00 enough time?" Fiona raised her brows.
"Yes, just fine, we'll be ready!" Christy thanked her again for thinking of them and walked her to the door. "See you tomorrow." and she watched her drive away in Fiona's new automobile.