Chapter 40: Back in Town

The Grants had been on the road back to Hope Valley for awhile. Allie sat in the wagon seat with a cigar box in her lap. After she collected her things from Rock Creek to take back with her to Hope Valley, she searched all over to figure out what to put the items into to carry back with her to Hope Valley. In the process of her search, her grandfather offered the old cigar box that he had used to store odds and ends.

Nathan looked at Allie in the seat next to him and smirked. It had been a good visit with his parents, and he was thankful that he had used his vacation time this year and joined Allie. Looking back on the path ahead of them, he reflected on how he and his father had truly reconciled, even more than they had a few years before. He loved playing his guitar regularly once more. He was excited to take it back to Hope Valley with him. Playing a song for Elizabeth would be one of the surprises that he'd share with her during their date. Lost in thought, he smiled wholeheartedly as his eyes twinkled. Just then, Allie looked over at her dad and caught the glow about him. Although confused, she loved this too.

"Dad, what are you thinking about? "You are, can I say, absolutely glowing."," Allie inquired with a curious glance.

Nathan peeked over at his daughter and chuckled wholeheartedly. "Glowing?" "Interesting description, Allie girl," Nathan responded, still chuckling.

Allie rolled her eyes and continued to stare at her dad, awaiting a real response. Feeling the intensity of her eyes on him, Nathan once again looked over at his daughter and smiled that crooked smile. "I'm just happy, Allie. It was a really good visit with Grandma and Grandpa. Also, I'm really looking forward to getting back and seeing everyone again back in Hope Valley.", Nathan answered.

Allie nodded her head, looked at him suspiciously, and responded, "Mmm-hmmm, yeah, you're looking forward to seeing Mrs. Thornton, aren't you?"

Nathan laughed wholeheartedly this time and looked at Allie. "Ok, you caught me! Yes, I'm excited to see both Elizabeth and Little Jack too. But, I know that you are too." he responded.

Allie shook her head enthusiastically as she smiled really big and answered, "Oh, I am thrilled to see them. I mean, I love Grandma and Grandpa, but I really have missed them a lot! "

Nathan smiled and nodded as he focused on the path. Allie's smile turned into a thoughtful gaze, and she turned to her father. "Dad, now that we will all be back in Hope Valley soon, what does that mean for all of us? For the two of you? "," Allie asked her father with a concerned tone.

Nathan placed the reins steady in one hand and reached over to Allie's hands that were holding the box and gave it a big squeeze before he placed it back on the reins. Allie, I don't want you to worry one bit. Ok, I think that Mrs. Thornton and I are progressing nicely. In fact, I hadn't gotten a chance to tell you, but we will be having a date sometime in the very near future, just me and her. Would you like to help me set it up? I kind of want to do something special and it would have to stay quiet so that it's a surprise. Do you think you'd be interested in that and could keep quiet?", Nathan answered while stealing a glance over at Allie.

Allie's face lit up into the biggest smile, and she responded, " Finally! You're having your date! Of course I'll help and he's, I'll keep it a surprise! I'm so excited! "

Nathan laughed and gestured to his daughter. "Looks like we are just about home. Let's stop at the rowhouse, drop off our things, and then return the wagon and horses to the livery. "Does that sound like a plan?" Nathan asked Allie.

Allie shook her head on agreement. The Grants arrived at the rowhouses shortly after and offloaded their things. Next, they headed to livery for their final task. After they had finished up with Newton and Sergeant, the two headed to the cafe for dinner. They figured that they would get the necessary items for home the next day at the mercantile.

As they entered the cafe, they were greeted warmly by Millie and Anna. Anna showed them to a table as several Hope Valley neighbors waved happy greetings to the Grants. The two sat and Anna took their orders. While they waited for their meal, Joseph walked in and over to the Grants. He greeted them with a friendly handshake.

"Good to see you both. "You look well." I trust that you had a nice time with your family at Rock Creek. When are the Thorntons due back?", Joseph asked as he looked between the two.

"Their train is due in tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. "We can't wait! ", Allie responded quickly and cheerfully. Nathan and Joseph chuckled in response.

"I take it that you will both be picking them up from the train station?"," Joseph asked, looking at Nathan.

Nathan nodded and said, "Yes, we will borrow the wagon from the livery again to pick them up." He and Joseph exchanged a smile, and Joseph noticed the sparkle in his friend's eyes as they spoke.

Joseph spoke to the two for a little longer and then said his goodbyes to the family just as Anna brought out their food. The two ate together and continued to chat about their plans for the next day. Once they were done, the father and daughter pair walked back to the rowhouses hand in hand.

Allie went up to her immediately to unpack as Nathan remained downstairs. He took out the guitar case that he had brought back from Rock Creek. He stood thoughtful as he looked between the guitar of his youth and the one that he kept there in Hope Valley. Then, he came up with an idea and called for Allie. She came down the steps and stopped as she saw her father looking between the two guitar cases.

"Allie, I want to give this old guitar to you. It's what I learned to play in, and it brought your mother such joy. I'd like to teach you to play on it, if you'd let me.". Allie smiled brightly and nodded excitedly.

"Well, OK then. We will figure out a schedule for lessons. I'm sure that I could enlist Bill's help too, if you'd like.", Nathan answered.

Allie came down the rest of the way to stand next to her father. "Thank you so much, Dad! This means so much to me! I can't wait to learn! I've seen how much playing brings you so much joy and peace this summer, more than just the occasional playing guitar with Uncle Bill did. "You discovered that this summer, and Dad and I would love to share it with you!" responded Allie. She reached up and gave Nathan a bear hug and kissed his cheek. Then, she ran back upstairs to her room, and Nathan put the two cases away in the closet for the evening.