Chapter 21: Around the town

Back at the infirmary, Ruby and Molly were doing an inventory of supplies for the next order. The bell above the door alerted them that someone had walked into the office. When they turned around from their task, Molly was surprised to see Bill standing there. He gave her a wave and a subtle smile.

"Bill, what are you doing here? I thought you were going to stay at home and try to do some writing today," Molly inquired.

Bill came closer to them and gave Molly a peck on the cheek. As he drew back, he chuckled in response, "It's good to see you too, Molly." He gave her a wink and continued, "I was going to try to write, but I am having a bit of writer's block, so I thought I would get out for a bit of fresh air. I thought I'd come to see if my wife would like to join me for lunch at the cafe. " Molly's face brightened as she smiled at Bill in response, "I'd love to join you for lunch, Bill!"

Molly turned to Ruby and said, "Ruby, why don't we close up the office for lunch and come back, say around 2 o'clock, and we will finish this task then." Ruby smiled, nodded, grabbed her things and exited the infirmary. Molly followed suit by grabbing her own bag off the hook, changing the sign to closed and turning off the lights as she and Bill exited the office. She put her arm through Bill's and leaned in a little towards him as they started walking towards the cafe. "Thank you for this, Bill. I always enjoy spending time with you. And now, with a little one at home who keeps us truly on our toes, these moments alone are few and far between. But, I wouldn't change things for the world. I am glad that Rena has the opportunity to be at the preschool and play with other children around her age.", Molly told Bill.

Bill patted Molly's hand with his other hand and smiled, "I am too! I want you to know how much I love doing life with you two girls. You've given my life a new meaning since I've retired. I never knew how much I missed being so wrapped up in my career until you and Rena became a huge part of it. I wouldn't change things for the world either. "

The two chose a table outside the cafe, and this time, Minnie greeted them with two glasses of water at their table. She chatted with them for a little bit before getting their orders.

"How is Rena doing at the preschool?" Minnie asked her friends.

Bill cleared his throat, looked at Molly, smiled, and answered, "Rena loves going to the preschool and playing with Marshall Montgomery each day there." He chuckled and continued, "She has no hesitation leaving us every morning, knowing where she's going and that she'll be seeing Ms. Cat and Marshall."

Minnie smiled in response and nodded. She excused herself to get their orders going. Bill and Molly continued to chat as they enjoyed the beautiful July afternoon outside of the cafe. After lunch, Bill informed Molly that he was going to meet with Judge Bleakney, Nathan, Lee, and Mike for a brief consultation meeting about town affairs.

"I'm glad that they have your wisdom to lean on." Molly reached out and held his hand across the table. She was puzzled when Bill snorted back after her comment. In response, Bill said, "I'm not sure if they necessarily want it, but I think it's good that we all have one another to bounce things off of. I think it keeps us all accountable. "

After they finished their meals, Bill walked Molly back to the infirmary. Once again, he gave her a peck on the cheek as well as a hug and then headed off to the office of the judge to meet with the others. Molly watched as he walked away and smiled. She was thankful for the quiet, simple life that she had here in Hope Valley with Rena and Bill. They were what truly brought joy back into her life after the tragedy back in 1910 and even since the epidemic this past winter. Her heart was full, and that's all that mattered. She sighed, unlocked the infirmary door, and stepped back inside.

As Bill arrived at the office of the judge, Mike Hickman was arriving as well. They walked in together to find Judge Earl Bleakney sitting at his large desk looking over some files. He looked up at them and muttered a quick greeting as he closed his file folder and pushed it aside. He stood up and extended his hand to each of them. He gestured for them to take a seat in front of the desk. As the other two men were sitting, Lee knocked on the door and then walked in. He came over to the desk and shook all three men's hands and took a seat next to Mike. As the men sat and chitchatted, Nathan walked into the room. He waved to all of the men and sat down next to Bill. Once everyone was situated, the meeting commenced. They discussed the transitions between the roles of judge and mayor and how the town was now that the epidemic was over. When they finished discussing matters of business, they simply visited, discussing life in general. Before they knew it, the clock chimed at 5 o'clock. The men excused themselves from the office and went their separate ways.

Earl put his files away in the drawer except for the ones he was taking home with him. He placed those into his leather case and walked over to the coat rack. He put on his fedora, turned off the lights, and closed the door behind him. Earl decided to have dinner at the inn that evening and made his way there as he left his office.