Chapter 50: Mended Hearts

Allie and Nathan were walking back from their favorite fishing spot early that following Saturday morning, after the Thanksgiving holiday. All of the family and friends who had visited over the holiday had gone home during the week, and all was back to normal in Hope Valley. Nathan had had some pretty important conversations during those visits, but he knew the most important one that he needed to have was with his daughter.

About halfway back to the rowhouse, the two of them stopped to sit on a log along the tree-lined path. After setting down their fishing gear, they sat there quietly for a few moments, admiring the autumn colors that filled the trees and were scattered along their path.

"Dad, what's up? You're quieter than usual today. That usually means that something is on your mind. You and Mrs. Thornton seem like you're doing well, So, what's got you so deep in thought?", she finally said, as she turned to fully face her father straight on.

Nathan smirked and shook his head. This girl of his knew him so well. He took a deep breath, shifted on the log to face her, and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Allie, I've been wanting to talk to you about something important. I wanted to do it at a time when we were alone together. So, it would give you an opportunity to talk more freely.", Nathan said, as he started to explain.

Allie looked at her father as she listened, but was a bit confused. "Is everything OK with you and Mrs. Thornton? Why would you want to talk with me alone and where I could speak freely? I thought everything was going fine in our counseling sessions with Pastor Joseph.", Allie asked with a slight rise in her voice.

Nathan moved his hand from Allie's shoulder to grab her hand, and he gave it a little squeeze as he held it. "Allie, Mrs. Thornton and I, we are fine. The reason I wanted to speak with you alone is that I wanted to see how you felt about the fact that I would like to ask her to marry me in the very near future. Allie, your opinion matters, and I don't want to take another step without seeing where you stand. I want to include you in this process, because you and I, we are kind of a package deal.", Nathan answered, as he looked intently into Allie's eyes.

As Allie processed what her father had just told her, the look in her eyes went from one of deep thought to pure joy as her face lit up and there was a new sparkle in her eyes. "You're going to ask Mrs. Thornton to marry you? Oh my goodness, this is the best news ever! When? How? I mean, of course I'm absolutely thrilled! I'm going to have Mrs. Thornton as my mom and Jack as my brother. That's been my dream for what seems like forever. And now, it's finally coming true! ", Allie responded excitedly.

Nathan chuckled and said, "So, you have no hesitation whatsoever?"

Allie shook her head vigorously and answered instantly, "Not in the slightest. This time that we've had together with one another and our meetings with Pastor Joseph, I think they've truly helped heal what was broken from that time before. I'm excited about our future! "

Nathan smiled in response and said, "I am too, Allie. And like you, this has been my dream for a very long time. One that, at one point, I thought would never happen. But, here we are. "

Allie listened intently to Nathan and responded, "So, when are you thinking of doing this? Do you want me to help like I helped with your first date? "

Nathan thought for a moment and then answered, "I have a few ideas and I'm thinking I would kind of like that to be a surprise, if you wouldn't mind. But, along the way, if there's anything I need, do you mind helping then? "

Allie shook her head and said, "I understand, Dad, and yes, you can count on me to help you with anything that you need. I'm so excited! I can't wait to tell my friends! "

"Um, Allie, about that. I really want to try and surprise Mrs. Thornton when the time does come. Do you think that this can stay between you and me? Well, there are a few others that know as well; Pastor Joseph, the Thatchers, Ms. Abigail, and now you. I'm thinking of maybe not even sharing it with the Coulters, but I'm still thinking about that one.", Nathan responded, and looked at Allie seriously.

Allie's face dropped as she listened to her dad, but she slowly nodded her head. "Ok, but you better make it good since I have to sit on this news!", she told her father, as if she was scolding him by crossing her arms and scowling at him.

Nathan laughed and pulled her into a bear hug. "Allie, I plan to make it very good. Just wait and see. I think everyone will be pleased. Be patient; you'll be able to share the news about it soon enough. "

After their hug, the two rose from the log, gathered their fishing gear once more, and headed back down the leaf-strewn path towards their rowhouse.