Only the Beginning Chapter 8
Rick was surprised that it was six o'clock in the morning and he had slept through the night without being woken once by his crying daughter looking to nurse, or by his beautiful wife who sometimes would curl her cold feet around his to warm up while cuddling his backside. He hated to break free from his warm spot with Christy wrapped around him. As he gently lifted her arm while swinging his legs to the side of the bed he slowly got up and stretched. He grabbed his pants he left on the chair and pulled them up, but then before he finished dressing, he felt he had to check on Timi Anne first. He quietly walked to her bedroom next door and peeked in. She was all curled up in a ball with her little bottom sticking up. As he looked over the railing of the crib, he saw her contently sucking her thumb and peacefully sleeping. He watched her breathe wiggling once in awhile, and that brought a proud smile across his face. As he whispered "I love you peanut!" he blew her a kiss and regretfully left her to return to his bedroom, only to find Christy sitting up in bed.
"I'm sorry, I tried not to wake you," Rick softly said to Christy.
"It wasn't just you're leaving me cold and alone," she teased looking down, "but look at me, I'm leaking! Is Timi Anne still sleeping?" she was astonished.
"She sure is, content as can be sucking her thumb," he smiled.
"So, I'm competing with her thumb?" Christy laughed.
"Hey, just be happy, we got a full night's sleep!" Rick shaved and then kissed his wife as he told her to go back to sleep. As he was getting dressed, Christy watched and admired how his shoulders were filled out with strong muscles.
"Let me make you a nice, big breakfast. You've been working so hard and so long" Christy looked lovingly at Rick.
"If you insist." Rick smiled.
Christy put on her robe, peeked in on Timi Anne and, was reassured she was still sleeping. Then she went to the kitchen and quietly cooked some pancakes up with a few eggs, while Rick made his lunch. When Rick was ready to leave for work, Christy heard Timi Anne waking and kissed him. "Love you, Rick."
"Love you, too," Rick called as he left.
Christy tended to Timi Anne and felt so relieved to be finally be nursing. "Little one, your mommy has to adjust to you sleeping through the night. I guess I'll express a little for Grandma to feed you later. I have to go to work today too but don't worry, I won't be long, and Grandma will be here." as she softly kissed her.
After a little while, Fiona picked up Christy and she was ready to continue learning as much as she could. "Fiona, I want to learn how to do facials and nails like you did for me on my spa day."
"Christy, I will show you, I promise. Right now, I want to make sure you can cut and style hair. I hope that I will be able to leave Nichols and Dimes in your hands a few days a week, so I can concentrate on the demands of being the Mayor of a growing town." Fiona assured her.
"I understand, it's just so interesting. I never would have thought to learn this and I really am glad that you thought of this for me." Christy thanked Fiona.
"Same for me, Christy you have been a fast learner and I'm proud of what you have accomplished so far," Fiona remarked.
"Well, I'd like to be able to reciprocate for the all that the ladies of this town have done for me. If once a month, I could give one lady a treat of their choice, just on me, I would appreciate it." Christy suggested hoping Fiona would consent.
"Christy that sounds like a lovely idea! Of course." Fiona answered, "so let's get to work right now and spruce up your skills."
At the jail office, Nathan made a call to Gabe in Brookfield. "Hey Gabe, how're things going?"
"Good, Nathan. Any news with you?" Gabe answered.
"Well, I've got some good news, Dee is pregnant!" Nathan said excitedly.
"Hey man, congratulations! You sure didn't wait." Gabe laughed.
"Thanks, we're looking forward to building our new home now too. Now that the weather warmed up, we finally were able to break ground. Big changes here. Any news about Lillian?" Nathan inquired.
"Just a few get-togethers here and there. No rush though." Gabe answered.
"Listen, Gabe, what would you think of starting a baseball team over there?"
"I never thought about it, but now that you bring it up, it would be a good idea to see what kind of interest there might be. Why?"
"We're starting a team here in Hope Valley and we would like to have a few teams to play against. So, I'm checking with other local Mounties. Just get back to me after you have time to talk to the boys there." Nathan suggested.
"That sounds like a fun time and the boys could use an outlet for their energy. I'll be sure to get back to you. Talk to you soon." Gabe concluded.
When Nathan hung up he walked over to Gowen Petroleum's office. "Hello Henry," Nathan greeted, "I would like to talk to dad if I could please."
"Sure thing, I'll be in back if you need me for anything."
"Hello, there dad! How are you feeling?" Nathan was watching his dad carefully.
"Oh, Nathan, hello. Do you know where my glasses are?" he asked.
Nathan looked around and shook his head no. "Dad, I'd like to take you to see Dr. Carson. I don't think you've had a check-up since you've been here. Why don't you go with me, as I could use a good check-up myself." Nathan suggested.
Archie didn't see why he should bother. "I feel fine Nathan, no use wasting Carson's valuable time. Oh, here's my glasses."
After a little more persuading, Archie finally agreed. Nathan walked to the back and told Henry he was taking his dad over to see Dr. Carson. Henry nodded with a smile. "Take all the time you need."
Only the Beginning Chapter 8, Page 49
Dee was glad that the end-of-the-year school concert went as well as it did. In the past year, the students had shown great progress with part-time lessons. Of course, the boy who wanted to learn instruments had Matthew helping them, but he told them even if they want to be in baseball, they would have one lesson a week with him. Dee was grateful for his volunteering along with Nathan and Bill when they had free time, they also offered to keep working with those who wanted to play guitar.
This would allow Dee to help Elizabeth and Anna with the new Girl Guides. Allie had asked Christy to invite her younger sisters, Regina, Tatiana, and Alicia to come and see what it was all about. Luckily, their mother, Anne agreed to allow them to go and visit. The first time they went, their father, David, rode them all to town in the wagon. It was always fun to go to town as the children hardly ever went.
While at the schoolhouse, Anne went to town with David and picked up some items at the Mercantile. Flo was happy to see her and asked how she liked coming into town for Minnie's bible study. Anne had kept to herself any time she had come before, now it was nice to have someone she knew to talk to. David was busy ordering farming supplies from Ned so Anne told him she'd walk over to see what Christy was doing at Nichols and Dimes.
"Mom, what a nice surprise!" Christy greeted her with a hug. "Guess what? Timi Anne slept through the night last night!"
"She's growing. I miss you at home. It's been quiet without you and Timi Anne." Anne shared. "Why don't you all come for dinner this weekend?"
"I'll ask Rick, but I think it's all right. I'd like that."
Fiona asked Anne if she would like a style so that Christy could practice. Anne looked through the window, over at the Mercantile, and saw that her husband was still busy with Ned, so she smiled and got into the shop chair.
"You have such nice, thick, long hair." Fiona admired Anne's locks as Christy was brushing them out. "I suppose you want to keep it long?"
"Yes, David likes it long and it's easy to put up in a bun," Anne answered.
"Oh, but mom, we're expecting pictures to come in the mail with new hairstyles. I hope you'll let me try one on you." Christy was getting excited. "For now, I'll just try my up style twist and see how you like it."
Fiona complimented Christy and told Anne how happy she was to have her learning as quickly as she was. "She definitely has a knack for this, so soon I'll be able to leave her alone!" Christy was delighted to hear that. Things seemed to be going in the right direction.
"I like this style, honey. Thank you. Wait until your dad sees this." Anne was getting excited for David to see her without a bun. He liked her hairstyle for Christy's wedding and could hardly believe how pretty she looked.
When David arrived he was surprised to see Anne with her new style. "Woo-wee, you sure are a sight for sore eyes!" he declared with a huge grin. "Christy, you sure dolled up your mother like when we were dating."
Anne was blushing and wanted to get the focus off of her. "David, I think it's time we picked up our girls. Christy, honey, I hope to see you, Rick, and Timi Anne for dinner Sunday!"
As she hugged her parents goodbye, she told them to say hello to her sisters. When they got there, all three girls were excited to see them and ran and asked if they could sign up to join the Girl Guides.
"It's up to your father. He has to bring you here." Anne said.
David didn't hesitate, and the girls were thrilled. This would bring some new friends into their lives and he knew they needed that. David suggested they all make one last stop before going home and see how Maggie was doing at the Cafe.
When they got there, they were just winding down from the lunch crowd. Minnie was very happy to see them. "How are you two?" she inquired.
"Good Minnie. How is Maggie doing?" Anne asked.
"Wonderfully! I really needed the help and she sees right away who needs another cup of coffee or needs a table. I think soon, she'll be helping me to run this place!" Minnie laughed. "Here she comes now."
"Mom! Look at you all fancied up!" Maggie smiled.
"Thanks to your sister. Didn't she do a nice job?"
"Lovely" Minnie answered.
"Do you want a ride home?" David asked.
"No, I think I'll stop by Billees and see if Sam needs me first after I get these dishes done." Maggie brushed her dad's suggestion off.
"Oh, okay." David was surprised.
Minnie walked outside with the Lipinski's. "I have to tell you something, but don't be alarmed, it's all-natural. There's a nice young man that comes by to see Maggie at Billees. He's a good man, a soldier that returned from the war and works for Henry, his name is Mark."
"Mark, huh? What else do you know about this Mark?" David wanted to know more.
"I think you'll find him someone that you would like Maggie to be friends with. He's helped Dee with instrument lessons and is now going to be part of the boys' baseball coaching team. Seems like Joseph would give him a thumbs up if that means anything to you." Minnie added.
"That's good to know. I trust your word." David nodded.
"Maggie has also made friends with Rosaleen, the new librarian. She's Dottie's daughter. Now, Rosaleen has attracted another soldier, Luke. Just like Mark, he works for Henry and is involved in the baseball coaching team. So, from one parent to another, it's bound to happen, and be thankful that these young men are good folk." Mollie concluded.
David let out a sigh of relief and put his arm around Anne. "Thanks for the heads up, Minnie. Let's go home my beautiful bride before someone here notices you!"
The Cafe was going to be closed temporarily for one weekend while the Canfields moved in and the Flynns moved out. What seemed like a lot of work turned out to be easier than expected with all the help of the neighbors. Most of the men were able to help out an hour or two when they could, and it proved many hands made for light work, especially for a close-knit community as Hope Valley. Their move was just the tip of the iceberg. Bill had promised to expand the Cafe and that included the living quarters to make room for the Canfields.
Lee and Henry had sponsored a hiring event at the suggestion of Mayor Fiona. A few men from local towns applied to work with hopes of eventually buying one of the row houses that Lee was planning on building behind the row houses that were already there. He and Nathan both had already purchased some of Bill's land in the country and were digging out the building sites, so their two houses would eventually be for sale too.
Most of the teen boys who weren't living on farms were busy working around the town with odd jobs and especially for Sam at Billees. Mr. Jenkins needed help at the bank as more folks would be looking for a home to buy and needed financing. He hired a young man, Ben, coming from Buxton, who just finished college with a degree in business. He was a man who knew Joseph from their neighborhood growing up and came highly recommended by his professors. Being new, Joseph told him that he was welcome to sleep on his couch until they could find him a room. He was nervous at first, but the town welcomed him just like they welcomed the Canfields.
Ned needed someone to help him too as Flo was very busy being the town telephone operator. He was just about ready to hire someone, when Flo got a call from her daughter, Katie.
"Hello, Mom?" Katie inquired.
"Katie?" Flo answered, "is that you?"
"Yes, mom, I thought I would come home for a little while. If that's all right with you?"
"All right? Of course, it's more than all right. Is school out?" Flo asked.
"Yes, I got my license in accounting now and I'm officially a certified accountant!" Katie was so proud.
"Oh honey, I'm so happy for you. I had hoped to be there when you graduated, but being that Toronto is so far away and we've been so busy, we couldn't get away. When are you coming?" Flo was excited and couldn't wait to see her.
"I'm going to buy a train ticket today for next week. It takes a few days by train, so if everything goes as expected, I hope to be there by the end of the week. I can't wait to see you!" Katie gushed.
"Oh honey, I'll have your bedroom all freshened up. Let me know when you expect to be here and we'll make sure to pick you up at the train station." Flo promised.
After Flo hung up, she called, "Ned! Ned!"
"Yes, dear, I'm in the first aisle checking stock," Ned replied.
"Ned, I just heard from Katie! She's coming home next week! This is so exciting!"
"Wonderful Flo! How long is she here for?" Ned asked.
"She didn't say," Flo stopped and looked puzzled. All she said was that she got her certification in accounting."
"Flo, that just might work out for us. You know we've been talking about hiring someone, especially with the expansion coming soon, but if Katie were to work here and took care of the inventory and invoices, I would be free to devote more time ordering and managing the mercantile!" Ned nodded as he crossed his arms looking around the store.
"Really, that's a great idea! Oh, Ned, I hope she agrees." Flo began to giggle as she gave Ned a quick hug and then ran back to answer the ringing telephone.
Fiona had a new customer at Nichols and Dimes walk in. She wasn't sure how old he was but she guessed in his early 30s. He looked distinguished and yet when he spoke, he immediately was down to earth as he spoke.
"Are you Mayor Miller?" he asked.
Fiona was surprised he was asking for her. The more she looked at him, she was taken by his good looks. His soft brown eyes seemed kind and his smile was contagiously friendly. "Yes, I am Mayor Miller. How can I help you?"
"The gentleman over at the Mercantile told me I'd find you here. My name is Dr. James Scholl. I want to apply for the position you have open for a town dentist. I've brought my written application and credentials and would like to make an appointment to apply, when you have the time, of course." Dr. Scholl smiled warmly.
Fiona felt a bit flustered which was highly unlike her. She let out a breath and straightened her blouse and shook his hand. "Dr. Scholl, it's very nice to meet you. Yes, we are looking for a dentist and I'd be pleased to meet with you after I close shop later. Do you plan on staying for any length of time?" she asked.
"Yes Ma'am I already booked a room at Billees, so I'll be here at least for one night, but please don't feel obliged to meet with me until you have time. I know you weren't expecting me" Dr. Scholl answered.
"That's quite all right. I can meet with you tomorrow morning at Billees. Say 8:00 o'clock, if that is a good time for you." Fiona suggested.
"Yes, that's just fine with me."
"All right then Dr. Scholl, I'll be waiting at a table for you in the morning." Fiona smiled.
"Thank you." Dr. Scholl said as he turned to walk out.
"My pleasure." Fiona waited until he headed down the street and let out a big, "Yes!" as she was quite impressed with this new man who seemed so professional, charming, and very easy on the eyes.
Nathan and Archie walked together to see if Carson was in. Molly greeted them with a warm welcome.
"Hello Mr. Grant and Nathan, how can I help?"
"Good morning, we were hoping Carson would be available to see us?" Nathan winked.
"Yes, I believe he is. Let me tell him." Molly nodded.
"Hello! Come over here please," Carson indicated the table in the exam area. "it's about time you two come for a check-up."
Nathan went first as planned, taking off his red serge. "Always good to make sure my health is just fine."
"Yes, indeed, let's check your blood pressure and listen to your heart to begin." Carson went along. As Carson listened to Nathan's heart he joked that his heart was love struck. "Your blood pressure is good for a daddy-to-be, but we'll check it after the little one comes."
"What are you saying?" Nathan didn't know if he was joking or not.
"Nothing a Mountie can't handle," Carson laughed. "your weight is good, and your reflexes are just fine. Let's see your eyes and open your mouth. Oh no!"
"Oh no, what?" Nathan didn't think this was part of their plan.
"Your breath needs freshening. Are you taking care of your teeth? There's a new man applying for the dentist position here now, so you better get them checked. Now, the main question is, how can Dee kiss you?" Carson was just full of jabs today. "Okay, Nathan you are doing well. Let's see how Mr. Grant is doing today."
Archie replied, "Dr. Carson, just call me Archie, please. Nathan insisted I come today too. If you're too busy, I'll come back another time."
"Archie, I always have room for you. Let me weigh you first." Carson said, "Hmm, you're a bit underweight. Have you been eating three meals a day?"
"Doc, I don't count my meals, I just eat when I'm hungry." Archie shrugged.
"You need to keep your body strong with good nutrition and drinking plenty of water. It's important. Now, let me take your blood pressure and listen to your heart." Nathan had Archie on the table while Nathan was getting his serge buttoned up.
"Your blood pressure is a little low, but your heart sounds good for your age. Now, I'm going to check your eyes and throat too, just like I did with Nathan." Carson looked at Nathan. "Come here please."
"What is it?" Nathan asked.
"Your dad has cataracts, see how opaque his eyes are. Does he wear glasses?"
"When he finds them." Nathan and Archie laughed.
"I'd like him to be checked by an ophthalmologist. There's one in Clearwater, but we'll get that information after I'm done here. Now, Archie, I'm going to give you three words to remember and I want you to repeat them to me. All right, the first word is bird, the second is ice cream, and the third is teacher. Can you repeat them to me please?" Carson asked.
"This is silly." Archie protested.
"Just humor me and tell me those three words please," Carson asked again.
"All right, I wasn't paying attention. Tell me again."
"Bird, ice cream, teacher." Carson repeated.
"Bird, cream, preacher." Archie answered.
"Good," Carson glanced at Nathan, "now I'm going to give you five words, repeat to me please. Red, paper, fire, bowl, tree."
Archie scratched his head, "Paper, fire, tree..."
"Archie, do you know what year it is?"
"Sure, it's 1919. That's easy." Archie smiled. "Your calendar is on the wall." All of them laughed.
"One more question, what did you do yesterday?" Carson asked.
"Hmm, you thought you could fool me," Archie chuckled then he hesitated as he closed his eyes and was thinking, "oh I remember now, I took Emily to dinner."
Nathan shook his head no to Carson. Carson sighed. "Archie, there are a few things I want to talk about. First, you need to make sure you eat all three meals a day, so you gain some of your weight back. I'll write this down and have Molly make you a daily checklist. Second, you need to have some blood work done so I can rule out any health problems that I can't tell by just the exam. I will do this in a few minutes. Third, you need to see the doctor at the hospital in Clearwater about your eyes. I believe you have cataracts. They can cause you to have hazy, blurry vision. Let's see what this specialist has to say."
Archie countered, "I can see fine Doc, I don't need no fancy-schmancy doctor, I can't afford to pay to look at my eyes. Eating won't be a problem, I'll just make sure Emily cooks me all my meals. Now, what was the third thing?"
"Dad, Ma lives with me and you rent a room at Billees. How do you expect Ma to feed you three meals?" Nathan asked.
"She always does son, don't worry."
"Let's get your blood work done now" Carson interrupted. When Carson finished up with that he told both of them what he felt was necessary. "Archie, Nathan, you both need to know that Archie is showing some signs of senility. Now, it might not get worse, but often it does the older we get." Carson looked directly at Archie and told him, "Archie, you are ready to retire. You need to rest and take care of yourself now. Your health is important. As your doctor, I am directing you to give notice to Henry and enjoy your life now."
"I can't. I'll have no one to talk to or keep busy. I'll be alone again." Archie hung his head and whimpered.
Nathan put his hand on his dad's shoulder, "Dad, you won't be alone. Once I get my house built, you will move in with us. We will take care of you. You'll be able to fish with Allie and tell her stories, and soon you'll have another grandbaby to play with."
Archie looked up at his son with tears and smiled. "Thank you, Nathan, thank you."
Nathan walked with his dad back to Henry's office. When Henry greeted them, he saw the distraught look on Archie's face. "Come into my office."
The three of them sat down and Nathan began, "Henry, Dad was given some news," he looked over at Archie but he wasn't ready to say anything, so Nathan continued, "it seems that he needs to see a specialist about his eyes because Carson believes he has cataracts. So, I'll be taking him to an ophthalmologist in Clearwater."
Archie shrugged that off, "Ahh, that's nothing to be worried about."
"Well, we'll see about that later, the main concern is besides being underweight, he is showing signs of senility." Nathan sighed and Henry nodded. "Carson told him he needs to retire so he can take care of himself."
Archie looked away. "Nathan, I can tell him myself," as he paused and then looked at Henry directly, "seems this old man is not what I used to be. I've tried to do my best, but I'm not able to fight to get any older. I will give you my notice effective immediately, so I won't be a burden for you any longer Henry."
Henry spoke up, "Archie, I am a huge believer in redemption. Look at me. I know what I did to this town, and yet I'm still a part of it thanks to the kind folk here in Hope Valley. Your time working for me was fine, just fine. You are not a burden, as you put it. Actually, I'm going to miss our talks here, but I will be seeing you over at Billees, you can count on that."
Nathan smiled with gratitude at Henry. "I'd appreciate that too Henry. Dad will be by himself until my new house is built. So, that'll be a help."
Henry chuckled, "Hey, it's not easy being a bachelor in town with the likes of most of you. Even, Bill is bound for the altar soon. Us bachelors need to stick together."
"What are you two talking about?" Archie asked. "Emily is my wife and I'm damn lucky to have her!"
Nathan raised his eyebrows at Archie and then shook his head while looking at Henry. "Okay, dad. Let's stop talking about dinner, as you're making me hungry," he quickly changed the subject.
"Look Archie, take your time. You don't have to rush off. Just go through your desk and put your personal things together and we'll find a box for you." Henry suggested. "Nathan, I'll take it from here and see to it that he gets to his room later."
"All right, I appreciate that Henry. Dad, I'll talk to you tomorrow," Nathan shook Henry's hand, and hugged his dad.
Nathan headed straight to Bill's office. He had to give him all the details, "I admit, this situation took me by surprise. Henry told Dee and my family that Archie was not functioning as he once was and couldn't keep him on. We decided to take him for a planned checkup so he could retire and not be fired. Henry was very thoughtful about dad saving face."
"Nathan, I'm very sorry to hear this. What are you going to do?" Bill was concerned.
"I have to talk to Ma and Dee tonight. We just don't have room for him now, but Lee is working on our new house and I'll make sure we have another bedroom for him added. That's my next step. For now, you can help by asking Sam to make sure Archie eats breakfast. I can check on him for lunch and we'll have him over for dinner more often. Would you ask Sam please?"
"Consider it done!" Bill patted Nathan's shoulder, "If I can help with anything else, don't hesitate to ask."
Just as Nathan was leaving Bill's office, he saw Lee leaving his, "Lee, wait, you got a minute?"
Lee stopped and looked in Nathan's direction. "Sure, I'll give you a minute." he laughed as he waited on the porch.
"Lee, I have to talk to you about my house," Nathan said quickly. "I have to add a bedroom."
"Wait. What? Why?" Lee was puzzled. "I'm on my way out there now, can you ride out with me and we can talk about this."
Nathan agreed and got in Lee's car. On the way out to the land, Nathan filled Lee in on everything that just came to light that day.
When they arrived at the plot, Lee looked over the land to see that the foundation borders were dug out. He went over to Joseph the lead foreman and asked him to come over by Nathan. There they talked about the importance of adding another bedroom.
"Let's look at these blueprints again and see what we can do. It's a good thing we haven't gone any further, but come tomorrow and that would've been too late." Joseph confirmed.
The three of them studied the blueprints and found the best solution to the design for adding the bedroom. "It's doable," Joseph smiled. "We should walk out and measure the addition now to double-check the layout."
Lee and Joseph went out and measured, putting more stakes where the additional room would be dug out. "That will work." Lee nodded.
Nathan was relieved to know that his dad would be on the first floor so he didn't have to worry about him being alone. Nathan shook hands with Joseph and thanked him again. "The sooner this is built, the better for Archie."
"We will put your house on the top of the list, even before mine," Lee assured Nathan. "There's no rush for Rosemary and me."
Lee drove Nathan back to town. When Nathan got to his office, he had a letter from headquarters. He sat down to read it and was surprised to find out that there would be a new recruit coming in a few weeks. Nathan was responsible for training him for the last of his studies before he would officially be a Mountie. Nathan sat back in his chair and thought about all that was happening to him. A new baby, a new house, Archie moving in with him, and now a new Mountie! He was going to be quite busy this summer!
Nathan took Newton for a long ride out on his rounds so he could talk with his confidant. Newton got an earful from his favorite person about what was all going on in his life. Nathan didn't leave one thing out. He shared his deep concern about how life was going to change in the next few months especially with Archie moving in with his family. He told Newton that he didn't know how Dee would feel about this with the new baby coming. Or how his Ma was going to handle the news and it troubled him. Would she still move out there with Archie coming along now? Or would she want to stay in their row house? How was he going to take care of Archie until the house was done? What if Archie needed surgery for his cataracts? How would he convalesce? There was so much for him to sort through, that he had to clear his head.
As he always did when he was excited or stressed, he ran Newton faster and faster out in the country with his hoofs pounding the ground and the wind blowing through Nathan's hair. There were ranches and farms that he slowed down as he rode checking for any signs of trouble. On his way back, he started thinking about the letter he received from headquarters sending him a new recruit to train. All of this was happening so fast. It felt like life was spinning out of control. He needed to hold his wife and feel her warm embrace telling him everything would be all right.
Newton slowly walked back into town after such an exhilarating ride. Nathan brushed him down and fed him his usual but added an apple for a treat. "You deserve this Newton. Thanks for listening!"
As Nathan got closer to home, he smelled his Ma's delicious Sauerbraten wafting in the breeze. Ma's cooking was incomparable to any cooking in town Nathan decided, but then again he was partial to her German dishes. When he stepped into the house he gave his Ma a quick kiss on the cheek and complimented her dinner cooking. "Smells delicious!" He looked for Dee and she was outside in the back. He practically ran and she was startled to see him rush to her as he swept her in his arms and hugged her tightly.
"What a wonderful greeting!" Dee smiled up at her husband reaching up she put his stray hair back in place. "You look like you've been in a race."
"I guess in a way I have. I took Newton out on a longer ride than usual when doing rounds and he was galloping like the wind." Nathan explained.
"Hmm," Dee put her arm through Nathan's and chuckled, "let's take a quick walk. I think you need to walk off the gallop."
"Dee, I've had a lot of news hit me today that I need to tell you about." Nathan took a deep breath, "I have to tell Ma and Allie too, as it concerns both of them."
"I hope it's not serious." Dee was anxious seeing Nathan distressed.
"It is a big, a huge situation that will be impacting our lives. All of us. I took dad for his checkup with Carson and we found out that he has cataracts and will need his eyes examined by an ophthalmologist."
"Where?" Dee asked.
"In Clearwater, but that's not what I'm worried about. Dad doesn't even want to bother, as you can guess. He's also underweight and I have a few ideas to help with that. However, the main troubling diagnosis is that Dad is showing signs of senility." Nathan stopped and turned to look at Dee eye to eye. "Dee, I can't leave him alone. He's going to need help."
Dee nodded, "Oh, sweetheart, of course, not to worry. Family comes first."
"Dee, but our little bun in the oven is coming too. and I'm so sorry that this will be our life together in our new house." Nathan felt very disturbed.
Dee lifted her head to Nathan's and held him close, "As long as we're together, that's what matters," and gave him a sweet kiss. Nathan was so grateful to have such an understanding and supportive wife.
When they returned home, Allie was helping Oma set the table and greeted them with a big smile, "Sauerbraten for dinner!" she clapped her hands.
"Yes, honey, I take it you like Oma's dish!" Nathan gave Allie a warm hug. "I'll wash my hands, then pour the drinks."
When seated, the four of them reached to the others and held hands while Allie said grace. "Thank you, Lord, for this delicious food, for our family, and for all the blessings of our day. Amen."
"Thank you, Allie!" Oma smiled.
After they passed the dishes of food around the table, Nathan tapped Dee's knee under the table for moral support. "I have to share with you some news. This is not easy for me, but I want your thoughts." Nathan went on to tell Allie and his Ma what he had discussed with Dee earlier.
Emily dropped her fork. "Oh my! Are you thinking that your dad will move in with us to your new home?" Allie was shocked watching her Oma. Was Oma angry?
"Ma, I don't know what else to do. All I know is he can't live by himself. In fact, I still need to make arrangements for him now before the house is built." Nathan replied.
"Nathan, you have a new baby coming and you and Dee just were married not that long ago, this is no way to start a family." Emily was uneasy.
"Ma, Dee, and I already talked and she is very understanding about this." Nathan tried to calm Emily down.
"It's fine with me too! I love hearing stories from dad's childhood and Grandpa always tells me such fun stories." Allie spoke up.
"Ma, I already made plans to add a bedroom for dad in our new house. I hope you will be accepting of this please." Nathan pleaded.
"It's all right with me Nathan, really, I just never thought my life would end like this, but you are right. I am proud of you Nathan, you have proved so well to all of us how forgiving and loving you are. Whatever you decide, is fine with me." she reached over and patted his hand.
"We do have to check in on Grandpa now before the house is built," Allie cheerfully added, "so I will be happy to do my part! I can visit anytime now that school is out."
"Oh Allie, thank you, honey!" Nathan squeezed her hand. "Have I told you that I love you?"
Allie laughed and looked at her dad and said that she would also take him fishing.
Dee joined in and said, "Me too. I'm off this summer, so I'll be able to visit him too."
Emily added, "It's time we invite him over for dinner more often. Let's have him here for dinner a couple of days a week."
"Ma! Are you sure?" Nathan was surprised. Emily nodded and smiled. "You know how much he enjoys your cooking, thank you."
Dee suggested they ask the Chickadees to help with visiting too. "Now, to get your dad to go to Clearwater for his eyes. Nathan, that's up to you!" and she blew him a kiss.