Only the Beginning Chapter 7

Nathan woke up spooned next to Dee. Her long blonde hair was tickling his nose and when he tried to stop the sneeze he couldn't, waking his wife up. Dee softly said, "God bless you," and turned around to face Nathan. He was smiling his silly half grin at her, then started to tickle her. She couldn't help laughing out loud, but quickly stopped when he planted a kiss on her lips. As he rolled over on top of her, she tickled him back, not knowing his left side was ticklish. They wrestled around the bed as quietly as they could enjoying their playful morning together.

All too soon they heard Emily down in the kitchen preparing breakfast and smelled the coffee.

Nathan sighed. "Okay, okay, I know it's time to get up and get ready for church, but can't a man have some fun first?"

Dee teased Nathan and answered with a big smile, "You had your play, but if you're good, there just might be time for more tonight."

Downstairs, Allie was already helping setting the table. "Look at you two sleepy heads!" she teased.

"Good morning to you too!" Nathan answered her with a kiss on her forehead.

"What smells so good ma?" as he gave his Ma a peck on her cheek.

"Blueberry pancakes and sausages." Emily grinned. "Set yourselves down."

As the family ate they talked about how much fun they had at the wedding yesterday and were so happy for the new couple.

"They looked so happy!" Emily remarked. "It was so nice of Rick to ask you to be his best man."

"Didn't he look handsome?" Dee asked.

"Who? Oh yes, Rick did," Allie teased again.

Emily got serious and looked at her son. "Nathan, I want you to know that although we didn't have a Catholic Church to attend while you were young, I am thrilled there is going to be one built in the area so I can finally practice my faith in Church," Emily started, "Mr. Lipinski knows this because I was one of the townsfolk that joined his committee to see that this becomes a reality. It's been so frustrating to rely on a traveling priest who comes only when his schedule allows him."

"So, does that mean you want me to join your committee?" Nathan was puzzled.

"Son, that's up to you. Pastor Joseph has been a great spiritual leader here in Hope Valley, so I don't expect you too. I'm just letting you know how excited I am to be able to practice again. I met Fr. Ricardo and I like him." Emily smiled.

"Yes, I like him too!" Dee agreed.

"He stayed over at the O'Neill's house, in Rick's room. Today, they are having a mass at the house and anyone is invited. Several of us are going. We want to get to know Fr. Ricardo as he is assigned to this area" Emily was explaining.

"Do you have someone taking you?" Nathan asked.

"Yes, actually Mr. O'Neill is coming into town to pick anyone up who might want to go to mass, so he'll be picking me up." Emily smiled.

"Ma, if you want us to go with, we can." Nathan offered again.

"In time, if you so desire, but I know you enjoy your Hope Valley church here. I'll be just fine." Emily patted his hand. "Being Sunday, is your father coming over for dinner later?"

"I'll see him at church and make sure. I hope Henry is there. He was telling me that dad has him a little concerned. It seems he's been missing some paperwork and some of the time, he's not quite on the ball lately."

"Oh dear!" Emily was worried. "You know at Easter, he didn't set the table just right, remember Dee?"

"Why yes Ma, but I didn't think too much of it at the time." Dee frowned.

"Is he sick?" Allie was wondering.

"Don't get all upset," Nathan cautioned, "maybe he's just stressed about something. We'll just watch how he does today."

"Are Faith and Carson back?" Dee asked.

"Should be, they said they were only going to be gone a week. Being the only doctors in town, they didn't want to leave Hope Valley any longer. They'll probably be at church." Nathan informed, "Are you thinking I should say something to them?"

"Not yet, let them enjoy their last official day of their honeymoon. Monday morning will come soon enough, and they're going to be busy catching up." Dee suggested.

"All right, we'll just see how dad does later today." they all agreed with Nathan.

After church, Nathan talked briefly with Henry again about his dad. Then Sam came up with Elizabeth and told him about his plans with the other fellas to get the youth signed up for a baseball team. He already had met with Mark, Luke, and John earlier at school, but he wanted Nathan to see if Mountie Gabe would look into starting a team in Brookfield so they could play against eachother later in the summer.

Dee nudged him, "That would be great! Remember how much fun we had growing up and playing ball?"

"You played baseball? Weren't you in Girl Guides or something like that?" Elizabeth was startled and asked Dee.

"No Girl Guides back then. Yes, baseball, no reason not to. Growing up on farms, we had fun all the time when we weren't doing farm chores. Swimming in the pond, fishing, flying kites, and baseball!"

Nathan nodded, "It was fun Dee. Yes Sam, I will call Gabe and the other local Mounties and see what they think. Sounds great to me!"

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Being such a delightful Sunday, the towns folk were just visiting and relaxing. No one was in a rush to go home. Some of the children were flying kites that they had at Easter. The breeze caught the kites and they sailed into the sky. Some of the boys were practicing catch, girls were playing hopscotch, and jumping rope. As Faith and Carson Shepherd walked around outside after church their friends were glad to see them back and asked about their honeymoon.

"We missed you. How was your trip to Hamilton?" Molly asked.

"It was good to see our old friends and visit the local shops and such." Carson replied.

"Carson even offered to take me to the new theater in town and we went out on the town!" Faith was excited.

"Hello there!" Henry called out, "good to see you back."

"Any new fashions in Hamilton, Faith?" Dottie inquired. "I must keep up on the latest you know!"

"Yes, ma'am," Faith answered, "shorter skirts with some razzle dazzle!" Faith giggled.

"The weather was a bit rainy one day, but we found things to do inside." Carson winked.

Faith scolded Carson, but agreed with a smile, that "It was good to get away."

Nathan asked his dad if he was coming for dinner. "We're expecting you, so please come."

Archie replied, "I wouldn't miss one of your mother's home-cooked meals for anything!"

"She has all of us spoiled." Dee nodded in agreement.

Nathan teased Dee that she was lucky to not have to cook, but she looked right back at him and laughed, "You mean, you're lucky not to have to cook!"

"Hey dad, how would you like to go fishing with Allie and me for a little while?" Nathan looked at his dad with his eyebrows raised.

"That sounds just dandy son," Archie replied, "I'll go back to my room and change clothes. See you at the pond." he waved as he walked back to Billees.

So, Nathan, Dee, and Allie walked to their home. Allie asked, "Dee, do you want to go fishing too?"

"Let's see what your grandmother is cooking for dinner. I might have to help." Dee replied.

When they walked inside, "Oma isn't back yet." Allie announced after checking the house.

They all figured that she was having a good visit at the O'Neills and Nathan was happy for her. Dee decided she would go along to the pond, at least for a little while. After changing clothes, the three of them headed back to the pond and Archie was there waiting for them.

"Where's you fishing pole, dad?" Nathan looked around.

"My what? Oh, I thought I left it over there on that big rock." Archie pointed.

"I'll go look," Allie offered, but she came back empty handed shaking her head and shrugged.

Nathan sighed and looked at Dee. Their faces confirmed that the other was thinking the same thing.

"Well, I don't know what the heck happened to it." Archie was scratching his head.

"Use my pole, dad" Dee offered.

Archie accepted and Nathan and Allie found a good spot so they all sat down on a blanket. Dee laid back and watched the clouds in the sky, and was trying to make animals out of them. She was enjoying resting, when all of a sudden she felt a little ripple moving inside of her. Immediately she put her hand back on the spot where she felt the movement and waited with her eyes closed. Nothing. It must be too soon, but she could've sworn she felt something. So she just kept quiet and kept it to herself.

She must've fell asleep, because the next thing she knew, Allie was calling her dad that she caught a fish. Nathan got the net as she reeled it in. "Hey dad, that's a good-sized one!"

"Good job Allie!" Nathan patted her shoulder.

Right afterwards, Archie caught one and Nathan had to get the net for that fish too. Soon, Nathan had a nibble, then Allie again. By the time they called it a day, they had Sunday dinner with four fish.

Walking back home, they noticed the dogs were outside so they knew Emily was home. The closer they got, their noses caught scent of the aroma of her baking. Allie and Dee went inside to wash up while the men stayed outside to prepare the fish. Emily had come home a little while ago as she had lost track of time after mass, while getting to know Fr. Ricardo and the rest of the people who attended.

Emily was baking some biscuits and was frying up some onions and potato slices on the stove, and the men cooked the fish over a hot fire outside. Dee dressed the table with one of their Sunday table cloths and set the plates out. Allie put out the silverware and grabbed some wildflowers to add to the crystal vase.

As they all sat down around the dining room table, they held hands and Nathan said grace. Archie squeezed Emily's hand before he let go. Sunday dinner was always the best time of the week Allie thought as she listened to her family chatting about this and that and watching Dee her new mom, and her dad sharing sweet glances with eachother. The smiles that lit Oma's face as she shared about her morning at the O'Neills, and the hearty laughter her grandfather bellowed as he talked about fishing today made Allie grin. Yes, Allie definitely felt the family love.

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Nathan was up early as usual to do his rounds, but he hated to leave Dee. He looked at his wife and just wanted to cuddle back up, but if he didn't leave now, he never would. So, he quietly got himself dressed and went downstairs. It was an honor to know that he was now General Grant, but he wasn't quite sure what that would entail for several months. Grabbing his campaign hat he headed for town.

His first stop was to see if Bill was in his office. He was, and he even had coffee on. Bill nodded hello and told him to grab a cup of coffee.

Nathan was concerned about his dad, "Bill has my dad been paying his room rent?"

"To be honest with you, I'd have to check the books. Let me see," he said as he grabbed the ledger and thumbed through it, "looks like he is behind two months, but I'm not worried."

"Well, I am, seems he's a bit confused or forgetful lately, I can't determine. He has been getting paid by Henry, so he has the money. You might want to remind him." Nathan had his hand to his face with a puzzled look and continued. "He met us to go fishing yesterday but swore he brought his pole, but it was nowhere to be found. That was after Henry told me that dad was missing some paperwork and hadn't been focusing on his work."

"Hmm, perhaps it would be best if he went to see Carson." Bill suggested.

"Yea, that's what Dee and I were thinking too. Well, I'll let you get to work, I've got to do my rounds. Thanks for the coffee."

In the stable he greeted his confidant, Newton, and gave him a good brushing and some oats. "I haven't seen you so perky lately. Are you ready for a good long ride?" he asked as he put Newton's saddle on.

It felt good to get out with his buddy for a long ride. The farmers were out in their fields tilling the soil, baby lambs and cows were standing side by side with their mamas nursing, and laundry was blowing in the wind. He stopped by the Peterson farm to see if there were any foals born.

"Yes, Mountie Grant, come over to the barn and see our new foals." Dan Peterson invited him. "Dr. O'Brien is with the mare and her foal now."

They walked over slowly as to not to frighten the horses. "What a beaut!" Nathan complimented Dan. "How's she doing, Dr.?"

"She's a strong filly and is healthy." the vet replied.

"Mountie Grant she's yours if you want, but it'll be at least 6 months before she's weaned." Dan informed him.

"I'd like to take her, but Allie wants a filly now. I promised her one. Who has a filly around here ready to sell?" Nathan asked both men.

"Oh, I do have two fillies for you to choose from. Both of them are good patient horses and have been trained to ride with a saddle. Do you want to see them?" Dan asked.

"Sure do." Nathan walked to the back and saw the two fillies out in the pasture grazing. "Oh Allie will be thrilled with either one, tell me more."

After his conversation with Dr. O'Brien and Dan, Nathan was very happy that he finally could bring Allie out to see some fillies. This would certainly be the bees knees, as Allie would say.

Back in town, Nathan stopped by Lee. "Hello there Lee!" Nathan boomed his cheerful greeting.

"What got into you"? Lee was startled.

"Lee, I've got to get going on our house. Do you have any plans drawn up?"

"I wondered if you were going to check soon." Lee smiled. "Let's go over to the table and see what I've come up with."

Nathan was impressed when he looked over the sketch. It had everything both Dee and him wanted with a workshop for him and a stable for Newton and Allie's filly. The house would include indoor plumbing and a stone fireplace. The porch faced west so they could watch the sunsets over the Rockies. The tree he carved Dee's and his initials in was safe, away from the house, yet by the stream.

"This is our dreamhouse Lee! When can you break ground and get started?" Nathan was eager to be in the house before the baby came.

"I'll check with Joseph, but now that we've been hiring additional men, it won't be long at all. After all, we have to keep our Mountie happy, or the town won't be happy." Lee joked.

Nathan went to his office and put his feet up on his desk. Things were going along as he had hoped. Now, he just had to get to the bottom of his dad's behavior.

The children were excited that they only had a few weeks left in school. It was hard to get them to settle down and focus, so both Elizabeth and Dee decided to take them on a nature walk. They went down to the pond and the boys found toads that they liked to scare the girls with. The girls picked wildflowers and all of them looked for shiny stones and a few skipped across the pond.

Dee was teaching them songs to sing for the end of the school concert so they sat outside and practiced. Elizabeth read to them two stories, one for each week.

Rosaleen was proud of her new job as a librarian so they took a walk there and Rosaleen showed them around, pointing out where the fiction books were, and the non-fiction books on the other side of the room. The children's area was separated from the adults and she even had copies of the Valley Voice to read. They each checked out a book to read for over the summer and like last year had to give a report at the start of the new year.

The music lessons continued, but baseball was taking over with the boys and Girl Guides with the girls. School was winding down and summer was just around the corner.

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The rain had just passed through quickly so Bill asked Molly to take off from working at the infirmary to go with him to pick out an engagement ring. Molly was thrilled; this was real. She didn't hesitate and luckily neither did Faith when she asked off for the day. Bill borrowed Lee's automobile and off they went for the day to Benson Hills.

It was always a delight to travel to another town and see the country on the way. Molly and Bill struck up a conversation about Bill's previous marriage to Nora. It had been a marriage of convenience for Nora being unwed and pregnant, but with another man's child. Bill married Nora to keep her from being shamed.

"It was very easy for me to love her son, Martin, and we raised him as our child. Nora felt she needed to leave me in order to grieve, but I was grieving too." Bill started.

"How could she not see you were hurting too?" Molly was shocked.

"I don't know. At the time she didn't accept the fact that we should've grieved together. I guess she thought because Martin was her biological son I didn't feel the same pain." Bill was holding back the anger that had made him put on the tough persona that was hard to crack. He continued, "but I went looking for her, and finally found her taking care of her own father, Jonas."

"That must've been so difficult. What did you say?" Molly asked.

"I tried to explain to her that Martin was just as much my son as he was hers. I had been there through her pregnancy and birth of Martin. Side by side we raised him as our son. I was devastated when he died." Bill pulled over to the side of the road and stopped the automobile.

"Oh, Bill, you were all alone in your grief. I can't imagine." Molly held her hand to Bill's cheek and looked into his eyes filling with tears. "I'm so sorry."

Bill hung his head and took Molly's hand and kissed it. "Molly, she wouldn't sign the divorce papers when I showed them to her. I found out later that she had a relationship with Henry Gowen. She left him when racketeering charges were brought against him by the mining company. Those charges led him to be transferred to Hope Valley."

Molly sat there not knowing what to say. She felt numb. "Was it you who led the investigation?"

"Yes, and eventually the charges were dropped, but Henry already lost Nora. Henry never pursued it further." Bill continued, "then when Nora came to Hope Valley, she finally admitted to me that she was wrong about leaving me to grieve alone and apologized. I eventually did get her to sign the papers, but after she went to Abigail and told her that we were married, and then Abigail wouldn't see me anymore."

"Bill, you've been alone most of your life and have gone through so much grief. I am telling you right now, I am beyond thrilled to be your fiance and whatever it takes, through good and bad, I will never leave you!" Molly looked deep into his eyes with immense love.

Bill saw and recognized that her love was sincere. He leaned over and reached for her. As he stroked her beautiful long red hair, he cupped her face in his hands and tenderly drew her in close to him giving her a lingering kiss.

"Molly, I have never had a woman in my life for a long time. I seemed to have missed out on what it means to have someone by my side. When I think of our future, I think of someone I would love to discover what it means to have a a life of love and hope, and one who will grow old with me. So, let's get back on the road and find you the prettiest engagement ring ever!" Bill laughed as he got the automobile back on the road to Benson Hills.

Molly and Bill laughed and sang a few songs as they drove. When arriving they stopped first at the jewelry store. As they walked around and looked at the fine jewelry Bill asked Molly what she would want. "Do you prefer a diamond or another gem, my dear?"

"Bill, if it's all right with you, let's look for an emerald. It's the stone for May, and we are just barely still in the month, but it's also my daughter's birthstone. Actually, her birthday is this week, and I would love to have Rosaleen inherit it from me some day." she smiled at Bill who nodded in agreement.

"That's very thoughtful Molly, just like you." Bill squeezed her hand and called to the jeweler. "Sir, we'd like to see your emeralds please!"

After they both settled on a ring design, it was exquisite. The jeweler measured her finger and told them he'd have it ready in a few hours. So the two of them went to have something to eat.

"Let's celebrate at a nice place." Bill suggested.

"What? No bowl of chili for you?" Molly laughed.

"Heck, no one can make a good bowl of chili around these parts," Bill chuckled, "except me. That's my claim to fame."

They found a corner restaurant serving French cuisine. Bill ordered glasses of wine and Coq au Vin. The food was delicious and the music was romantic.

Molly took this opportunity to tell Bill that she hoped they could get married in church. Being Catholic, she wanted to attend pre-Cana classes with a priest. Bill asked if she had liked Fr. Ricardo.

"Yes, I did. When I went to the O'Neill's for mass Sunday, I briefly talked to him about getting married to you. He wants to meet with us both together soon. Is that all right with you?" Molly asked.

"No problem for me. Marrying an Irish lady, I knew that is what you'd want. Go ahead and make the appointment. The sooner, the better!" They both lifted their glasses and clinked to their engagement!

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The Chickadees were at the Cafe when Minnie let them all know that she was going to buy Abigail's share of the Cafe. She was so happy as they all applauded. Emily knew this would mean that Minnie was going to be busier than ever.

"How are you going to have time for this Minnie?" Emily was concerned.

"Well ladies, first of all, my family is moving in here to live upstairs. It'll be a bit tight at first, but we are going to be expanding. Bill is providing more living space for our family on the first floor. We will have our own private area downstairs with a bedroom for Joseph and I. Angela will be playing her piano from time to time, providing light background music." Minnie began explaining the big changes coming.

"Where are Clara and Jesse going?" Janice asked.

"Actually, they are moving to our cabin. So, basically we are doing a swap. We've worked out an agreement for them to rent with option to buy so now they don't have to worry about little Michael with the stairs, or the noise from the Cafe. We pray it's a win-win for both families." Minnie concluded.

"You are taking on a big responsibility as Clara won't be here to come down to help you. Do you have any new help?" Diane asked.

"Yes, I asked Maggie if she was interested as Fiona suggested, and she is. Also Angela will be here this summer so she will help me cooking."

"Perhaps you might be interested in asking some of the older children to help in the kitchen doing dishes, or setting the tables" Marge suggested. Minnie nodded.

"Thank you ladies for your support. We should all welcome Mary O'Neill and Anne Lipinski today. They are enjoying our Bible Study and will be joining us every Tuesday." Minnie remarked while both Anne and Mary smiled.

Mary spoke up, "Sometimes I will have to miss if I'm caring for Timi Anne. It depends when Christy will be working with Fiona."

"Oh, don't hesitate to bring her, we all love babies. She'll get plenty of care with us!" Teresa laughed.

"How are the newlyweds doing?" Jane inquired.

"They're happy as two lovebirds!" Mary laughed.

"Great! They are a cute little family and we are so happy for them!" Jean said.

Just then Molly came in with Flo apologizing for interrupting. "We have an idea that we would like to share with you."

"Yes indeed," Flo jumped in, "too many new people are in town and are not polite. I've been the receiver of some aloof, almost downright rude people coming in the Mercantile."

"It seems people are just too much in a hurry and don't bother to even say hello or thank you." Molly spoke up. "So, we want to start a Molly's Manners class!"

All the ladies just looked at eachother around the room, not knowing quite what to say.

"Who would you invite?" Debbie asked.

"Perhaps we could start with the teens. The girls and the boys need to learn better manners. Elizabeth and Dee can't teach them everything. So, while school's out we could teach them etiquette." Molly said.

"And proper dancing." Flo suggested.

"I can't imagine the boys being interested in that!" Teresa remarked, "they'll be playing baseball and going fishing."

"How about you start by teaching the girls who join the Girl Guides? There could be a class or two on manners" Joyce suggested.

Flo looked at Molly and shrugged. "I don't know about you, but that sounds like a good idea to me." Molly nodded.

"Now ladies we better get busy on our Bible study before it's lunch time! I'll start with a prayer." Minnie bowed her head.

Out at his property, Nathan was watching the surveyor scribbling on his paper as he checked the land. Bill was there too and they took some long steps walking out the boundaries and hammering poles in the ground marking the four corners.

Lee brought the sketch he had shown Nathan at his office and the three men poured over the dimensions of the house and where the stable and workshop would be best located.

Electric and water was already being routed in that direction as Bill had sold off more plots of land nearby. Nathan was glad he bought five acres as he didn't want to be so close to neighbors as they were now in the row houses. Besides, he was dreaming of little Dees running around. It was thrilling to know he was going to be in his home soon with his beautiful wife, quirky daughter, Ma, and a new baby Grant.

Dee was at Faith's office getting her monthly check up. She had gained just a little over a pound, but otherwise everything else checked out good.

"Faith, I think I felt a little ripple once or twice. I don't know if it's real or just my imagination." Dee was excited.

Faith took her stethoscope and listened very carefully. She stood back up with a grin across her face. "Yes, mom, your little one's heart is beating and it sounds like a tiny kick now and then!"

Dee closed her eyes and focused. There it was! This time it felt like a kick just as Faith described. Dee burst out laughing. "Oh little Grant, I love you too!"

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Dee couldn't wait for Nathan to come home. She checked in with Emily to make sure she wasn't needed at the time, as she waited outside on the front steps that she was sweeping, watching for him.

School was just about out and all she had left to do was make sure the end-of-the-school-year concert was ready. Allie was down at Karen's house, so for now, there was just enough time to speak with Nathan alone.

In the distance she saw the red serge, and called back in the kitchen to Emily that she was going to meet Nathan and they'd be back in about an hour. She was nearly running and even had a skip or two on her way to greet Nathan. He was surprised and smiling from ear to ear. He stopped as she ran into his arms.

"What did I do to deserve such a wonderful greeting?" he was happily stunned.

"Sweetheart," Dee began, "let's go for a walk shall we?" Then she looped her arm in his and they turned to go to the pond.

"All right Mrs. Grant, whatever you wish, it's my command." Nathan was puzzled and wondered what was going on in his wife's pretty little head.

The children were running by shouting hello to Mountie and Mrs. Grant as they walked. "Isn't it a lovely day?" Dee was all smiles.

As they arrived at the pond, they sat down on a bench that Joseph had recently made and Nathan posted a sign, "In memory with honor of Timothy O'Neil." It was a recent addition that seemed like a good memorial for the town. The O'Neills, including Rick and Christy were present that Sunday when Joseph asked them to step over and see the bench. It was such a touching tribute to Timothy that Sean was bear-hugging Pastor Joseph and Nathan in gratitude. There wasn't a dry eye that afternoon.

As Nathan and Dee sat on the bench, he put his arm around her. They looked off across the pond and saw a fish jump and a turtle contently sunning itself on a rock. There were glimmers of sun shimmering on the pond and the smell of lilacs came drifting through the breeze tickling their noses. Nathan felt very content just resting with his bride.

Dee reached over without saying a word and grabbed Nathan's free hand. She waited just a second and then with a smile, placed his hand on just the right spot on her belly. He cocked his head and looked at her inquiringly. She held her other hand to her lips and shushed him. Looking down, she closed her eyes and waited. After a short minute, there it was! Baby Grant was kicking daddy's hand. An astonished look crept over Nathan's face as he burst into a huge smile that lit up his face. "OH MY DEE! Is that our baby?" he was thrilled.

"YES! YES!" Dee started to laugh.

Nathan leaned down and introduced himself to his little one. "Hello there baby Grant, this is your daddy and I'm so happy you're here!"

Nathan kissed her tummy and then kissed Dee. Lifting her up off the bench he brushed the hair off her face, and kissed her eyes, her nose, and then her lips.

"Dee, I don't care who is watching us, because I am the luckiest man in the world right now!" as he swung her around.

On their way back home, he told her that he had gone out to the property with Bill and Lee and that their plans for the house were beginning to take shape. Their tree with their initials was safe by the stream. "Just think, before next year, we'll be out at our new home with our new baby, Ma, and Allie!"

When they arrived at the house, Henry was waiting for them. "I wonder why Henry's car is parked outside of our house?" Dee was puzzled.

"Henry?" Nathan called out.

"Oh, Nathan, I was just going to knock on your door. Can we talk?" Henry asked.

"Sure, come on in."

Nathan hung up his hat and walked to the sink to wash his hands. "Can I get you a drink of water or cup of coffee?" Emily asked.

"No thank you. I'm not going to stay here long, I've got to get back to town." Henry said.

"Have a seat in the living room." Nathan walked with Henry.

"Thank you. Dee, you don't have to leave. This involves you too. Emily you might want to come over here too." Henry suggested.

Nathan was concerned. "What has you so serious Henry?"

"I'll cut to the chase, I can no longer employ your father Nathan, I'm sorry." Henry hung his head.

"Did he do something wrong?" Emily was curious.

"No, no. Not at all. He's been a trustworthy employee. It's just that I think he's not capable of doing his job any longer. He's forgetting too many things, misplacing items, and well, he seems to be struggling as he often is confused." Henry explained.

"Oh, it's worse than I thought." Nathan looked away. "I'm sorry Henry, I need to convince him to see Faith or Carson."

"There's nothing to be sorry about. He's been fine until recently. I saw some signs just after Christmas, but I can't keep checking his work now. We are just too busy. I need to find someone else to do the job." Henry sighed. "I don't want to fire him. I was hoping you could suggest to him that he retire. We could prevent him from feeling shamed. What do you think?"

Emily spoke up, "That's mighty kind of you Henry. How much time do we have?"

"Well, I hate to say it, but the sooner the better, but at least a week." Henry said.

"I'll take him to the infirmary and get a diagnosis. That will help us, I hope, to talk to him about retirement. Thanks Henry for thinking of him and letting us know." Nathan said as they shook hands.

When Henry left. The three of them looked at eachother with sadness. "Nathan, let's not tell Allie just yet. She'll figure it out soon enough. Right now, let's give Archie his dignity." They all nodded in agreement.