Only the Beginning Only the Beginning Chapter 9, a when calls the heart fanfic

Only the Beginning Chapter 9

Where could she be Nathan asked himself? He was looking in the front and back yards but she was nowhere to be found. So, he decided to go back out front and look down the road to see if he could spot her. No luck. Hmm, did he miss her in town on the way back home for lunch? He scratched his head, he thought again, no he didn't see her there either. He had been waiting for just the right time.

He went inside and asked his ma, "Have you seen Allie lately"?

"I just got back myself from helping with the breakfast shift at the Cafe, but no, I haven't seen her, or Dee, when I got here. Why?" Emily was puzzled.

"Ma, I was hoping to take her out for a surprise ride to the Peterson farm. I talked to Dan and he had a new foal just delivered, but I know that Allie won't want to wait. He has two fillies out there and I want to take Allie out to see them. I'm sure she'll be excited, but I want her to realize the work she'll have to put in to make sure the horse is well taken care of." Nathan informed her and a broad smile took over her face.

"Nathan, she'll be so anxious, so how will you teach her to take care of her new horse, if we aren't in your new house?"

Nathan had an idea that Allie could go out to the farm to get acquainted with the filly, little by little building trust between them. "I talked to Dan and he's just fine with that. I'm going to grab a sandwich and then go back to town to look for her."

As he was eating, Emily asked Nathan if he had checked on Archie earlier. "I hope he's doing all right."

"He is doing pretty well. I hope to get the results of the blood work soon. Carson said any time this week he expects a written lab result and let us know. Oh, Henry is really doing something exceptionally nice for dad. I think Dolly put him up to it, but they're having a retirement dinner at Billees this weekend and of course, we're invited! That should help dad to feel a bit better about leaving the petroleum company." Nathan was glad for his dad.

"Wait, son, I think I remember that Dee and Allie were going to the school for the Girl Guides meeting. Yes, that's it!" Emily slapped her knee.

"Yes! I forgot about that." Giving his Ma a kiss on her forehead he left out the door. He untied Newton and mounted him to trot over to the school. As he came around the bend, he saw the girls sitting outside. He stopped to watch them from a distance as he enjoyed hearing his beautiful wife singing to the girls and teaching them about different types of music from lullabies to opera. He fondly remembered escorting Dee, all dressed up in a lovely sapphire blue dress that highlighted her sparkling blue eyes, to the opera house in Toronto. She seemed like she was floating on air, so excited was she. He tried not to let on that he was not impressed with the opera, he just held her hand in the dark and was relieved she couldn't see his face. She was enraptured with the whole performance and cried in the sad parts. Nathan had wondered what they were saying with it all being in Italian, but it didn't matter, he was entertained just watching his wife enjoying herself.

Newton neighed and caught the girl's attention. Nathan lead Newton up to the girls and Allie and Dee were all smiles. "Hello, Dad!" Allie greeted and ran over to Newton and patted him, "How's Newton doing?"

Dee stood up with the rest of the girls and slowly approached to not startle Newton. "That's a tall horse Mountie Grant! Can we pet him?"

"Sure," Nathan dismounted and held on to Newton while the girls greeted him with big smiles and pieces of apple they had left from their snack. ''I heard you singing Dee and it was so nice to hear," he said as he hugged her.

"Thank you, I'm teaching a class on all types of music for their badge. Seems like they are very interested." she smiled warmly.

"How long before you'll be done?" Nathan inquired.

"We're finishing up now," Dee answered. "Dee, would you mind if I took Allie out for a ride?"

Dee figured out why and grinned, "No, go ahead you two. I'll see you at home." Nathan kissed Dee on her cheek and helped Allie up on Newton than the two of them rode out to the country.

As Nathan held onto Allie she asked him puzzled, "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," was all Nathan told his daughter as they cantered along.

"Why are we stopping at the Peterson farm?" Allie asked as her dad held his arms up to help her get down.

Nathan tied up Newton and they walked out to the barn. They found Dan out there. "Hey Dan, I brought Allie with me today." he greeted him with a handshake.

"Sorry for the dirty hands. Hello Miss Allie!" Dan Peterson smiled.

"Want to see my new foal?" he raised his eyebrows with a grin that showed all his teeth.
"Dad, is this why you brought me here?" Allie was getting all excited. "I can't wait to see your foal, Mr. Peterson!"

Allie was immediately in love with the little guy. He was doing so well and seemed to be growing fast Nathan thought. "We can't go in there, the mare is protective of her young and the foal would be scared, but you can watch over the gate into their stable."

Dan was quite proud of the little foal. He told Allie it would be several long months before the foal could leave her mama. So, he took her to the big double doors and told her to look out on the pasture at the two fillies grazing.

Nathan watched as Allie's eyes grew bigger and bigger as the two trotted around and played. Allie was fascinated! "Are these fillies ready for a new home?"

"Yes, they're old enough. If your dad wants one for you, you can let her stay until your house is ready. This will give you time to build trust between the two of you. If you feed her and groom her, she'll begin to know you and trust you. Are you ready to go out there and meet those two?"

Allie looked at Nathan and asked with big eyes as her whole face lit up. "Dad?"

"Let's go Allie, but go slow." Nathan laughed. This is what he had been hoping for. Allie's huge smile made him burst with happiness.

Only the Beginning Chapter 9, Page 55

As Fiona looked around Billees she saw a few new faces among the regulars of Hope Valley. There was quite a bit of talking happening and people were anxious to see what was going to happen. Billees was providing coffee and lemonade. Archie hesitantly walked downstairs to see what all the noise was about not to sure why so many folks were there. Nathan caught his eye and went to his side right away. Dee and Emily were right there too so he immediately felt better. As they looked for a table to sit, Nathan went by Sam to get four glasses of lemonade. He had a minute to ask, "How's Dad doing?"

Sam shrugged his shoulders and drew in a breath waving for him to step into the kitchen. "It's too noisy out there, so I just wanted to talk in here. Archie is all right for now. He still has the same room next to mine, but I have the new dentist in one room, and now Ben Carson will be moving in a room here, as the couch at the Canfields is uncomfortable for any length of time."

"What does this mean?" Nathan needed an explanation.

"Oh, all it's all good. He'll meet new men and won't be alone when eating. In fact, the Chickadees have really stepped up and have visited and brought him a few meals already. I know that he enjoys their company!" Sam winked and then sat with Elizabeth.

Nathan laughed, "A lady's man, well I'll be darned. Allie, Dee, and I will be over to visit him throughout the week. So, let me know how it goes."

Mayor Fiona was on stage and tapped her mallet on the table Sam had put up there with a chair for her. Nathan brought the drinks to his table as he watched the room quiet down. It was a nice summer evening and the breeze was blowing through the open windows. Inside, Billees was still looking homey and inviting as the first time at the re-opening after the remodeling, and the ladies had sewn lovely curtains and hung up pictures.

Today, Maggie had made sure that the tablecloths were clean and vases filled with wildflowers after-dinner cleanup. Mark had saved her a seat at the table where Rosaleen and Luke were sitting. She saw her parents and the O'Neills come in and sit at a table together. Seeing that made her feel good for Christy and Rick. They were becoming fast friends. Maggie waved at her parents and they waved back smiling.

Dottie sitting with Henry was pleased with Luke seeing her daughter Rosaleen. Rosaleen had taken over the library so well and everyone was enjoying her organizing it. She was planning on having a short get-together at the Cafe with the Chickadees to plan for the fundraiser. They all had wonderful, fun suggestions and it would be a great success knowing the Chicks and she was happy to see them attend tonight too.

The Yosts, Shepherds, Flynns, Landochs, Coulters, Fr. Ricardo, Kevin, Bill, and Molly, plus some farm folks were all there. Fiona thanked everyone for coming with her usual warm smile. Tonight, before we officially start our meeting, Mrs. Dee Grant and her students will sing "O Canada". With that Dee went on stage with a few older students and sang a beautiful rendition. The students were very proud of themselves but didn't stay long. It was still light outside and they wanted to practice baseball or go back to the homes where they were helping babysit little ones so their parents could attend the town meeting.

Fiona had everyone stand up and asked them to introduce themselves to the new people. Around the tables, each person gave their name and if they worked, where. Some joked with their friends which broke the ice for Fiona.

"Thank you all for participating. I'm sure most of you might have met our new men in town. Before I introduce them, I want to welcome back Rosaleen Ramsey who is now our new librarian!" People applauded her with a warm welcome. Rosaleen blushed but stood up and grinned. "She graduated with majors in business and literacy, and is doing a fantastic job with our library, so if you haven't seen it, be sure to visit. You'll notice that we need more books! It has been suggested that each family donate a book and Rosaleen will make a donation certificate to be attached to the book in your family's name. I'm sure others will benefit from reading your donation. However, that won't be enough books, so Rosaleen and I will be meeting with the Chickadees and deciding on a fundraiser during our summer Hope Valley Fair! When we decide you will all know what we will do. I promise you, it will be fun!"

"Now, I'd like to welcome back Katie Yost who graduated with an accounting degree and is now an official certified accountant! More applause ensued as Katie stood up and nodded at her folks whose table she was sitting at. "Katie will be helping us with the family Mercantile which is going to be expanding this summer."

Lee looked at the new employees he had just hired and introduced them. We are very busy and I just want to let you know that these fine men have families in other towns, but hope to move here eventually. Please make them feel welcome." More applause followed. "As before, Joseph is our main man, followed by Bob Landoch and Rick O'Neill. Long days ahead for us to be sure, with more hiring."

Henry stood up next and announced his new hires and asked for them to be welcomed. "Same as Lee, I have more positions open. Please let any friends or family know. However, it is my privilege to announce that Archie Grant is now retired. I have been honored to know him and I appreciate his hard work." With that, he held his hand out towards Archie. At first, Archie wasn't sure what to say, but he mumbled, "Thank you!" Henry walked over and put his arm around Archie's shoulders. "It's been my pleasure to have you work for me." Nathan looked up at his dad from his seat and it was hard for him to hold back the tears. This man had not been the best father or husband, for sure, but his was a story of second chances and redemption. He was so grateful to see his dad be recognized in such a great way. Dee put her hand on Nathan's arm and he squeezed it in silent appreciation.

Fiona then took the floor back and introduced, Ben Carson. "Ben is joining Mr. Jenkins at the bank and savings and loan. He comes highly recommended by Pastor Joseph as a good friend from his neighborhood. Ben is well-qualified with his business degree. So, let's give him a warm welcome too, shall we?" More applause.

"Now, it's my honor to introduce, Dr. James Scholl, our new dentist." James stood up and most of the ladies were taken aback by his good looks. Fiona chuckled, "I'm sure he'll have no problems making appointments." The ladies laughed and nodded in the affirmative, but the men had no clue why they were so excited to get their teeth checked. As the town meeting concluded, everyone stayed to talk to the new folk and plan for the summer fair. As usual, there was laughter and joking.

When Nathan crawled into bed with Dee that evening, they talked about Archie and how Henry had acknowledged him which made them both very happy, but not as happy as when they were just falling asleep cuddled together, baby Grant let both of them know, he was there too!

Only the Beginning Chapter 9, Page 56

Emily was busy checking to see if her little garden was growing. When she lived at the farm back in Brook Springs, her neighbor Jack, was doing the planting so she always seemed to have canned tomatoes, carrots, pickles, potatoes and more. Knowing that Nathan was building them a new home, she didn't want to do much gardening this summer, but she always enjoyed watching her seeds grow and produce tasty vegetables for her German cuisine. She had worked a small patch of dirt into a garden but had to make sure that Ella, Ginger, and the rabbits left it alone. Nathan had fenced it off for her, so that seemed to help. As long as Allie took the dogs out for a walk they used up their energy. Emily wished she had half the energy that those pups did!

Allie peeked out the back and surprised Emily with her, "Hello Oma!" Allie giggled to see her grandma startled, but quickly apologized. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"Oh angel, you didn't scare me, I was just in deep thought."

"A penny for your thoughts!" Allie teased wondering what it was that had her Oma so far away from the lovely day outside.

Emily walked over to Allie and gave her a tender hug. Allie seemed to be growing up too fast nowadays and Oma wanted to keep her just like she was now. Allie's hair and her sweet smile reminded her of her mother, Colleen. Colleen was her only daughter and Emily had been delighted when she had a daughter of her own too. She had sewed matching dresses for all three of them one year for Easter. The pastel colors were simple but lovely with ribbons and bows. It was heart wrenching to lose Colleen so young, she would never understand why God took her home, but she was ever so grateful to have her daughter with her now. Allie was the spitting image of her mother.

"Allie, I'm always thinking about you or your dad. You both make me so very happy. Now, I wasn't able to plant a big enough garden this year, but I think we'll make due. Usually everyone has so much produce they all share, so I'm going to think positive that it'll be a good growing season this summer!" Oma laughed.

"I'll fill the watering can." Allie offered.

"Allie, the best time to water is early in the morning or dusk. That way the sun doesn't evaporate the moisture these plants need to grow. So, now is a good time. Thank you for fetching the water."

Allie watered the vegetables in the back and then followed Emily to the front where her beloved flowers were blooming so beautifully! The marigolds, impatiens and petunias were just coming into full blossom and were a sight to behold. The rainbow of colors, gold, pink, and purple were a delight to the eyes.

Allie had grown fond of the flowers like her grandma, "I hope we can have a big flower garden at our new house like you did at the farm Oma."

"Yes, my angel, with my favorite flower of all, the edelweiss."

"Roses too! They're my favorite." Allie added.

Dee came outside to join them. "Looks like you two are watering Oma's gardens. They are growing so well! Allie, your dad wants to take us out to see the fillies at the Peterson farm, but if you're busy, well..."

Allie dropped the watering can, and laughed, "I'm never too busy to see the fillies! When? Now?"

"He's borrowing the Landoch's wagon and hooking up Newton now. Would you like to ride with us Ma?" Dee looked over to Emily.

"No, thank you. I have to help out at the Cafe now, but I'll take a ride if Nathan wouldn't mind dropping me off."

"Sure thing. We'll stop by to bring you home too as we are going to check on Dad when we get back." Dee wrapped her arm around Emily as they headed inside to get ready.

Nathan pulled up to the Peterson farm and waved at Dan and his wife who were both outside walking from the barn. "Hey Dan, Gail! How's the foal doing?"

"Oh hi Nathan!" Gail Peterson greeted Nathan, "the little one is doing good, thanks for asking."

"You're here to see the fillies, and you brought Allie of course and the Mrs. with too." Dan smiled."Good to meet you Mrs. Grant."

"Same here, please call me Dee." she grinned.

"This here is my better half, Gail." Dan introduced his wife. He then led them all back to the pasture. "For starts, let's just take it nice and slow. We'll stand by the fence and wait for them to come over." Dan handed Allie some apple slice out of his pocket.

Soon the two fillies interest got the better of them and sauntered over to see them. Allie held out her hand palm up with an apple slice. The first filly to come to her seemed gentle.

Dan told Allie, "Look into her eyes. See the kindness and gentleness in them?"

"Yes, this one seems very happy and content." Allie was impressed with how friendly and trusting she was.

"Is she eating her apple?" Nathan asked Allie.

"Yes, just like Newton does Dad. Look at her eyes. They are so big and set so wide apart. She's amazing."

"It seems like she likes you as much as you like her!" Dee was grinning.

Allie looked at the other filly, but she wasn't as trusting of Allie, so she snorted and trotted away. "Well, it looks like I'm not her person." Allie shrugged.

"I think you have your answer. What do you say Allie?" her dad asked.

Allie was thrilled. Standing right in front of her, eating out of her hand, was the filly that was going to be hers!

"I am so happy Dad! I already have a name for her. She's got a warm, soft brown coat, that reminds me of the coin Mr. Jenkins showed me at the bank that came from the United States." Allie was grinning.

"What's that?" Dee asked.

"Penny!" Allie declared. "Oh dad, I'm so excited."

"Okay Allie girl, you know what this means, right? You'll be riding your bike here every morning to feed Penny. Mr. Peterson will show you how to groom her and more as the summer goes."

Allie jumped off the fence and gave her a dad a long hug. "Thanks Dad! I promise, I'll be here every day!"

Only the Beginning Chapter 9, Page 57

Emily was busy checking to see if her little garden was growing. When she lived at the farm back in Brook Springs, her neighbor Jack was doing the planting, so she always seemed to have canned tomatoes, carrots, pickles, potatoes, and more. Knowing that Nathan was building them a new home, she didn't want to do much gardening this summer, but she always enjoyed watching her seeds grow and produce tasty vegetables for her German cuisine. She had worked a small patch of dirt into a garden but had to make sure that Ella, Ginger, and the rabbits left it alone. Nathan had fenced it off for her, so that seemed to help. As long as Allie took the dogs out for a walk, they used up their energy. Emily wished she had half the energy that those pups did!

Allie peeked out the back and surprised Emily with her, "Hello Oma!" Allie giggled to see her grandma startled but quickly apologized. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"Oh angel, you didn't scare me, I was just in deep thought."

"A penny for your thoughts!" Allie teased wondering what it was that had her Oma so far away from the lovely day outside.

Emily walked over to Allie and gave her a tender hug. Allie seemed to be growing up too fast nowadays and Oma wanted to keep her just like she was now. Allie's hair and her sweet smile reminded her of her mother, Colleen. Colleen was her only daughter and Emily had been delighted when she had a daughter of her own too. She had sewed matching dresses for all three of them one year for Easter. The pastel colors were simple but lovely with ribbons and bows. It was heart-wrenching to lose Colleen so young, she would never understand why God took her home, but she was ever so grateful to have her daughter with her now. Allie was the spitting image of her mother.

"Allie, I'm always thinking about you or your dad. You both make me so very happy. Now, I wasn't able to plant a big enough garden this year, but I think we'll make do. Usually, everyone has so much produce they all share, so I'm going to think positive that it'll be a good growing season this summer!" Oma laughed.

"I'll fill the watering can." Allie offered.

"Allie, the best time to water is early in the morning or dusk. That way the sun doesn't evaporate the moisture these plants need to grow. So, now is a good time. Thank you for fetching the water."

Allie watered the vegetables in the back and then followed Emily to the front where her beloved flowers were blooming so beautifully! The marigolds, impatiens, and petunias were just coming into full blossom and were a sight to behold. The rainbow of colors, gold, pink, and purple was a delight to the eyes.

Allie had grown fond of the flowers like her grandma, "I hope we can have a big flower garden at our new house as you did at the farm Oma."

"Yes, my angel, with my favorite flower of all, the edelweiss."

"Roses too! They're my favorite." Allie added.

Allie dropped the watering can, and laughed, "I'm never too busy to see the fillies! When? Now?"

"He's borrowing the Landoch's wagon and hooking up Newton now. Would you like to ride with us Ma?" Dee looked over to Emily.

"No, thank you. I have to help out at the Cafe now, but I'll take a ride if Nathan wouldn't mind dropping me off."

"Sure thing. We'll stop by to bring you home too as we are going to check on Dad when we get back." Dee wrapped her arm around Emily as they headed inside to get ready.

Nathan pulled up to the Peterson farm and waved at Dan and his wife who were both outside walking from the barn. "Hey Dan, Gail! How's the foal doing?"

"Oh hi, Nathan!" Gail Peterson greeted Nathan, "the little one is doing good, thanks for asking."

"You're here to see the fillies, and you brought Allie of course, and the Mrs. with too." Dan smiled. "Good to meet you, Mrs. Grant."

"Same here, please call me Dee." she grinned.

Soon the two fillies' interest got the better of them and sauntered over to see them. Allie held out her hand palm up with an apple slice. The first filly to come to her seemed gentle.

Dan told Allie, "Look into her eyes. See the kindness and gentleness in them?"

"Yes, this one seems very happy and content." Allie was impressed with how friendly and trusting she was.

"Is she eating her apple?" Nathan asked Allie.

"Yes, just like Newton does with you, Dad. Look at her eyes. They are so big and set so wide apart. She's amazing."

"It seems like she likes you as much as you like her!" Dee was grinning.

Allie looked at the other filly, but she wasn't as trusting of Allie, so she snorted and trotted away. "Well, it looks like I'm not her person." Allie shrugged.

"I think you have your answer. What do you say Allie?" her dad asked.

Allie was thrilled. Standing right in front of her, eating out of her hand, was the filly that was going to be hers!

"What's that?" Dee asked.

"Penny!" Allie declared. "Oh dad, I'm so excited."

"Okay Allie girl, you know what this means, right? You'll be riding your bike here every morning to feed Penny. Mr. Peterson will show you how to groom her and more as the summer goes."

Allie jumped off the fence and gave her a dad a long hug. "Thanks, Dad! I promise I'll be here every day!"

Only the Beginning Chapter 9, Page 57

Elizabeth finished dressing little Jack in his summer outfit and brushed his hair. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a tight hug. Looking at him tenderly she gave him a kiss, and then helped him learn how to navigate down the stairs to their living room. His steps were a bit clumsy, but they took their time and counted the stairs as they slowly descended. Downstairs Jack ran to the kitchen but fell and started to cry. She knew she shouldn't have let go of his hand that soon, but she did, and now he was upset. As she reached for him, she noticed he had bit his lip with his front teeth when he fell, so she took him over to the sink trying to comfort him until she could wipe off the blood from his lip.

"There, there, Jack, sorry, mommy didn't hold on tighter." As he snuggled into crook of her neck whimpering, he finally stopped shuddering, and looked over her shoulder. Right there straight in his view, was a picture of his daddy, Mountie Jack. He impatiently said, "Daddy" as he reached for it. He struggled, fighting Elizabeth's grip trying to get down so he could go to it.

"All right little man, go say hello to your daddy." Elizabeth told him and then she saw his shirt and hers both had blood on them from his teeth. "Oh dear, Jack, looks like you and mommy need to change our shirts." she told him as she swept him back up in her arms and proceeded to carry him up the stairs crying again.

LJ was not co-operating with the change. He wanted to stay by his daddy's picture so instead began to fuss over taking off his old shirt to put on a new one. His tummy growled and Elizabeth knew he was also hungry too. After changing his shirt, she took him in her room and shut the door so he wouldn't go down the stairs again without her. He continued fussing, trying to turn the knob to open the door. By the time she had changed, he was having a little tantrum. This time she held onto his hand firmly as they navigated down the stairs again.

She never let go of his hand until she could get him in the high chair, but kept a watchful eye the second she let go. Finding his little pony she brought it over to him to play with while she made his oatmeal. Just as she put on her apron, down went the pony on the floor! "Jack, why did you throw the pony down?"

"Uh-oh!" Jack looked wide-eyed at his mommy pointing at the pony. So she picked it up and gave it back to him, when he promptly threw it back on the floor.

"Well, you'll just have to wait so I can cook this oatmeal for you." she scolded him

Jack didn't like that. He began kicking his feet and crying again. Elizabeth blew the strand of hair hanging in her face out of her way and kept cooking the oats with her back to Jack. She didn't want him to see the frustration on her face and the tears. Breaking the sound of crying came a loud knock at the door. "Oh now, who could that be?" Elizabeth moved the pot off the burner, wiped her hands on her apron and stomped over to the door. There stood Rosemary. Elizabeth pulled her in and flung herself into Rosemary's arms and started to cry.

"Goodness gracious Elizabeth!" Rosemary gave her friend a big hug right back while waving to Little Jack who had stopped crying long enough to wave to her.

"Hello little man!" Rosemary put her very big grin on for Jack as she pulled Elizabeth out of her arms and stuffed a handkerchief in Elizabeth's hands. Walking over to LJ, she was making cute neighing noises with the pony and got Jack to smile and clap. Meanwhile, Elizabeth gathered her composure, wiped her tears and walked over to join them.

Rosemary stood up with a look on her face asking what just happened. "I could hear Jack crying outside and I knew something was wrong when I heard it off and on this morning. So, please tell me what happened."

Elizabeth tried to stop blubbering as she told Rosemary the horrible morning she and Jack just had. "He hasn't even had his oatmeal yet. I wonder how on earth Laura does this when I go to teach. School just let out, and I'm beside myself!"

"All right Elizabeth, now just sit there, let me make the oatmeal and you gather yourself together." Rosemary calmed her down and in minutes brought two bowls of oatmeal one for LJ and one for Elizabeth, and a cup of coffee for herself.

"I apologize for being such a whiny friend Rosemary. I don't know what to think anymore. Lucas left me without saying goodbye, now Nathan's married and expecting a baby of his own, and Sam and I can't find enough time to spend together. I just am going to die an old spinster!" Elizabeth moaned.

"Oh please, you know that isn't going to happen. You're beginning to sound like me and I'm suppose to be the drama queen in this town." Rosemary laughed.

Elizabeth joined in the laughter and realized she did sound pretty pathetic.

The ladies stopped their laughter, when they saw Jack had blood again coming from his mouth. "Oh no!" Elizabeth wailed.

"It's probably bleeding again because the warmth of the oatmeal caused the blood to thin out. Maybe you better take Little Jack to see the new dentist, Dr. James Scholl." Rosemary suggested. "I'll clean up the kitchen, you clean up LJ and I'll walk into town with you and Jack."

In a few minutes, the three of them were on their way. Rosemary told Elizabeth, "You know being the new man in town, we don't know much about him, but he is certainly fun to look at!"

"Rosemary, you better not let Lee hear you say that!" Elizabeth scolded her.

"Not me silly, you! You can flutter those eyelashes and smile that sweet smile of yours." Rosemary teased.

"What? Jack needs attention, not me!" Elizabeth protested.

"You know what I mean. Don't be coy with me, you've done it to four men in town already!" Rosemary raised her eyebrows as she nodded affirmatively.

"Huh!" Elizabeth stammered in a haughty reply as they arrived at the dentist office.

"Have a lovely day!" Rosemary smiled as she waved, leaving her friend to go to the Valley Voice office.

Elizabeth hesitantly knocked on the door of the dentist office. Swiftly, the handsome Dr. Scholl was standing there with a warm smile and asked her how he could help, as he welcomed her in.