Second Chances for Nathan
Chapter 4B
The weekend was upon Hope Valley! School was out, ranchers were looking after their spring babies, the farmers were tending their fields. Planting season had already begun, but now having the children home provided the fathers some much needed time to tend to the maintenance of their homes and machinery. Children were playing hopscotch, jumping rope, playing catch, and catching frogs at the pond.
The town was bustling too. Lee and Bill were busy making plans for the saloon. The town council had approved their new entertainment idea and it was full steam ahead.
Of course, Rosemary was all excited about the new plans. She was already dreaming and sketching how she wanted the saloon to look like. They were wanting to get rid of the name "Queen of Hearts Saloon", but not knowing what to call it.
Rosemary offered, "I think both of you should have your names in, so let's combine Bill and Lee. Maybe, Bill and Lee's Place? No, that's boring!" Then she had her light bulb moment, "Let's do a play on your names – how about Billees?"
"Not bad" Lee nodded.
"Clever, Rosemary!" Bill agreed.
"Then Billees it is" declared Rosemary. It didn't take her long to put an article in The Valley Voice with the headline, "Billees takes center stage!"
The men talked about all the logistics of how to make Billees a family-friendly gathering spot. They would have to hire an assistant manager, a cook, and a waitress, and arrange for entertainment on Saturday nights. No Ravenous Roxy, instead some good local entertainment. There was still Bill and Nathan and, hopefully, soon Dr. Carson would join them, who all could strum some rousing songs, a few others in town who played instruments, of course, Rosemary would be thrilled to do some dramatic readings and direct some plays, and Angela Canfield, without a doubt, could play the piano with her exceptional talent.
"I'll be happy to ask for volunteers, no wait better yet, we'll have a talent contest!" Rosemary bubbled over with excitement. Yes, that's just what I'll put in the paper!"
Lee knew this was his signal to get the plans drawn up for the stage. The two men put their heads together and designed a floor plan.
"I'll get the lumber, so we can start next week," Lee offered. "I've got some men who I can pay to help get this stage up in no time."
"I want to pretty up this place" Rosemary chimed in. "It's too drab, I think we need some bright colored curtains with matching table cloths and vases with matching ribbons with fresh flowers! I'll ask Flo to gather a sewing circle" and off she went bustling out the door.
Lee chuckled, "Life is never dull with my wife!"
Bill agreed, "She definitely can light up a room. I love her enthusiasm!"
"I love her" Lee smiled.
As the men mulled over who might they be able to hire as an assistant manager since they both had jobs already, Hickam and Jesse's names came up, but they both had jobs too. However, they were both reliable and it would only be temporary until they found someone, so Lee planned on talking with Jesse and Hickam that weekend.
"Now, food." Bill piped up. Aren't we going to offer food? How will I run Abigail's cafe and this place at the same time? I'd have to give up Abigail's on the weekends for sure. Maybe Minnie would like to take it over, at least for now. I'll talk to her and see if she is interested or we'll just have to close Abigail's on Friday and Saturdays. I know Clare and Fiona will be continuing to help her, so now I have to find others to help here..."
"I think we can change our way of serving here" Lee suggested. "Why don't we replace the bar with a type of buffet? We wouldn't need waitresses, but instead, help to keep the food dished out, dishes cleared off, and washing and drying of the dirty dishes, pots, and pans. I bet we could get some of the older boys and girls who just graduated school, to do this, especially if they got paid."
"This sounds like it's coming together! I counting on Billees being a great place for everyone here in Hope Valley!" and with that Bill and Lee clanked their coffee cups, "To Billees!" they laughed.
Rosemary wasted no time. After speaking with Flo and checking off her list of a sewing circles. She left the Mercantile practically bumping into Nathan's head first. She went right to work on "The Valley Voice" to get the news out after Church Sunday and cheerfully sang a song as she typed.
Meanwhile, at the Mercantile, Nathan sent out a telegram to his mother letting her know about his plans to bring Allie up for a visit. He asked when might be a good time and being the sweet son he is, signed it 'Love, Nathan'.
Sunday was also a lovely day. Robins were singing. There was a gentle breeze coming through the windows of the church. Pastor Canfield prayed for good weather for the crops and thanked God that some unsavory characters had left their little town. His sermon was about forgiveness and Nathan shifted in his seat as he watched Elizabeth with LJ. He knew in his heart that he needed to let go of the bitterness he felt, but seeing her made it very difficult.
Elizabeth too was squirming and pretending LJ was the reason. She had sat in the back as she didn't want the town folk pitying her or angry with her. When they all stood and recited the Our Father, Elizabeth was thinking of Lucas and Nathan was thinking of Elizabeth, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass us." One day at a time they both thought.
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After church, it was so lovely out, that Nathan invited Allie and Bill to go fishing with him. The sun was out and the breeze was so inviting, that they all planned to meet at the pond. Allie ran all the way home racing Robert. Robert pretended to stumble so she ran right past him. Not a bit out of breath she asked him if he wanted to go fishing and he said he'd come along. Robert went home to change clothes and then said he'd look for worms. When Nathan arrived she had already changed her clothes and started making sandwiches to take with her.
"Dad," Allie called out.
Nathan was realizing that she meant him. "What do you want, Allie my dear?" he laughed.
"Just letting you know, Robert is coming too!"
Nathan knew he had to have 'the talk' with Allie soon but was hoping it could wait until they were up at her grandmother's home. Maybe he'd get a reply to his telegram tomorrow on Monday, he thought.
What a great time Bill, Nathan, Allie, and Robert all had trying to catch the biggest fish, and laughed at the ones that got away, but in the end, it was Allie who got the largest one.
"Looks like we have enough for all of us to cook for dinner after all," Bill smiled.
Nathan invited Bill to come over and they'd cook outside and bring his guitar with him.
"Now that sounds great!" Bill agreed, "You and I can enjoy some strumming around the bonfire."
As they all returned home, Robert said he had to get back to his folks but would come back later if he could. As they walked up to the rowhouses, Molly just happened to catch Bill's eye. Her red hair was shining in the sun. "Molly!" he called out, "what are you doing for dinner?"
Molly, caught by surprise, turned around and answered, "Why Judge Avery, whatever are you proposing?" she flirted.
"Fish, just fish," he winked. "We are going to be singing and plucking a few strings, so maybe you want to join us in song?"
"Oh, well I'll pass on the fish, but I'll stop by for the singing!"
Nathan and Bill chopped a few more logs for the bonfire. After eating their fill of fish and fried potatoes, they took 2 pieces of bread, smothered them with strawberry jam in between, and fried up cowboy pies. "Oh, yummy!" Allie licked her fingers. "Mm Mm, the best pie I ever had!"
"Don't let Mr. Avery hear that Nathan teased. I don't want him to be getting our recipe for Billees."
"Nathan, I have a lot to figure out with Lee on this, but I'm really looking forward to opening up as soon as the stage is built, the ladies' sewing circle finishes their curtains, tablecloths, and other frilly stuff Rosemary is decorating with. She's so excited about this that it's fun to hear her. Get's my blood going too!"
"Who's going to manage it all? You and Lee are busy with your full-time jobs, aren't you?" Nathan inquired.
"Actually no, I don't worry about it as my caseload has been low and Lee is looking for something 'more'. But, I'm going to check with Hickam and Jesse. We're hoping to tap into the older students for help serving and cleaning. I never saw a kid turn down a chance to make some money! Entertainment well, no Ravenous Roxy for us, although I could just see Ned and Hickam both squirming in their seats!" he laughed.
"Yea, that would be a sight to behold, that's for sure. But, I doubt Pastor Canfield would appreciate it." Nathan concluded.
Before the sun was starting to set, Nathan and Bill started tuning their guitars. Families up and down the row houses peeked out to see where the music was coming from. It didn't take long at all, and Rosemary and Lee snuggled together and joined the duo. Then Molly came over and sat right next to Bill, and Flo and Ned warmed their hands by the fire. The Canfields joined right in singing and clapping away. Robert came back and found Allie so they were grinning at each other from ear to ear. Mike picked up Fiona and even Elizabeth and LJ walked over for a few minutes before LJ needed to go to bed. They all sang a rousing rendition of "Hail, hail the gang's all here" and ended with "Keep on Smiling". Everyone watched as the stars came rising up sparkling high in the sky. Robert pointed out the Big Dipper to Allie who pretended to be surprised. No one wanted to go home, but as the fire slowly burned down they all went home happy and content. What a heartwarming night it had been!
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Allie was ecstatic! Her grandmother was thrilled to know Nathan and Allie were coming up to visit. It had been about 3 years since she saw her son and granddaughter and the sooner the better. That's exactly what Allie agreed. Nathan cautioned her that he had to telephone the Mountie headquarters first and obtain their approval. He gave her a hug and hopped back on Newton to return to town.
"It's a go!" Nathan told Bill. "My mother is happy to have Allie and I come up for a visit. She reminded me that it's been about 3 years since she saw us."
"Did you call headquarters and let them know I was happy to step in?" inquired Bill.
"Yes, they approved, but they are going to send Gabe down here to check on things for a day or two."
"How long are you planning to be gone?" asked Bill.
"I'm not sure," Nathan answered, "but not for too long. I want to make sure my ma is doing okay as I think Allie would like to stay longer than when I have to leave to return to Hope Valley. I'll have to go back to get Allie later, but that should only take a few days there and back. How's Billees' coming along?"
Bill told him that Lee ordered the lumber and they expected the shipment at the end of the week.
"We need to work on the remodeling of the bar to a buffet-style serving area and the ladies are over at the dress shop. Seems Rosemary and Clara already have some material that Rosie envisioned for the curtains on the windows and the matching tablecloths. She had Flo order 10 new cut glass clear vases for the tables, so she's definitely on a roll."
"Who's helping you with the remodeling?" Nathan questioned.
"I'm sure Lee got some of the guys working at the lumber company and hopefully a few men in town. I think once the word gets out, we'll have enough help." Bill replied.
Nathan left Bill's office and walked over to the Mercantile. He slowed down as someone caught his eye. There was a man a bit nervous looking and not familiar. He followed him over to the Mercantile. Nathan timed it just right so they'd run into each other.
"Oh, excuse me," Nathan apologized. The man just nodded and went in as Nathan was holding the door open. Whatever the man wanted, he seemed to be avoiding Nathan. Nathan kept his eye on him for a little while and then went up to Ned.
"Hello Ned, I need to send a telegram to my mother, would you please take care of this as soon as possible?" he asked as he handed Ned the written message. "Have you seen that man over there in the green shirt and grey trousers?"
"No, can't say that I have, why?" Ned asked.
"Nothing in particular, I just noticed him this morning and I've never seen him here either. His demeanor seems a little odd. If you find out anything about him, just let me or Bill know. Thanks for getting that telegram out, Allie can't wait to go see her grandmother!"
"We know she is excited, she already told Flo that she might not be able to help out with the switchboard when she leaves. And, don't worry, if I find anything out about that fella, I'll be sure to let one of you know. Oh, and I should tell you that Flo and I really enjoyed the songfest by the bonfire last night. It felt great to relax and hear some fine guitar playing and singing!"
The rest of the day went by without incident. Nathan stopped by Lee's office and asked him how Rosemary was doing with the sewing circle and to let him know that he'd be leaving for his mother's the next day. Lee assured him that everything was going along as planned and wished him safe travel.
Nathan made one last stop by Bill's to let him know he'd be leaving in the morning when the stagecoach came into town. He mentioned that stranger he saw earlier and asked Bill to keep an eye out just in case. He was going to make a quick night round with Newton which reminded him to ask Bill for one more favor.
"Bill, would you mind feeding and riding Newton for me while I'm gone? I should be back in a week."
"All right, now go, get out of here before you think of one more thing I need to help with." Bill laughed. "Take care and have fun."
After the rounds, he gave Newton lots of attention with a long brushing and cleaning. "Listen, Newton, Bill will be here to feed you and take you out, okay buddy? Don't give him a hard time, I'll be back before you know it." With that, Nathan gave Newton the last of food for the night and a kiss on his nose. Newton replied with a soft whinny.
Nathan picked up some dinner from Abigail's Cafe. It had been crowded as people were quite happy with Minnie's cooking. He was lucky there was some stew and cornbread left. When he got home, Allie was just about done packing her duffle bag. "C'mon down Allie, I've got Minnie's stew and cornbread!" he called.
Allie ran down and burst out, "I'm almost ready Dad! What time do we leave?"
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In the morning, Allie and Nathan stopped by the livery and fed Newton his morning meal with a few carrots and sliced apples. After they said goodbye to him, Allie ran to the stagecoach stop. Nathan was happy to finally get going. He hoped that Allie wouldn't chatter all the way, but he reminded her to bring her book, "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" that Mrs. Thornton had given her to read over the summer.
Nathan waved to Lee through his office window and Lee saluted. Then he stopped to talk to Bill outside of Abigail's for a few minutes before he heard the click-clack of hoofs of the horses bringing in the stagecoach.
"Have a great time and don't worry about anything," Bill reassured him.
Ned and Flo wished them safe travels as they hopped up on the stagecoach. Allie called out to Robert on the other side of the street waving.
Nathan looked over there too and saw that strange man he had seen yesterday walking the other way. He couldn't see his face, but from yesterday he remembered that he looked about his late 20s, on the short side, slim yet well built for his age, and donned a cowboy hat that covered his unruly blonde hair.
Bill caught Nathan watching him and nodded when Nathan looked back at him. He silently mouthed, "I'll keep my eye on him." With that, Nathan settled back in his seat, and off they went. They were the only ones in the stagecoach and Allie watched the town fade away as they left Hope Valley.
Bill eyed the stranger for a few minutes as he walked around the saloon. Unfortunately, he had to get back in the cafe and help Clara finish serving breakfast and clean up, but his curiosity peaked.
Meanwhile, Rosemary was working on the article for the talent show to put in The Valley Voice and really hoped it would draw a lot of attention.
Lee looked over her shoulder to see why she had a furrowed brow and a determined look. "Are you putting this in the paper now?"
"Darling Lee, I want this to be a great social event for all the town to enjoy! Please don't rain on my parade. I want it to be the highlight of the summer!" Rosemary exclaimed.
"Yes dear," Lee explained, " it's just too early, we haven't even had the lumber delivered for the stage yet."
"Well, I suppose you're right, but I want to be prepared. Oh, I really should check with the sewing circle, maybe we can finish up today" Rosemary said as she gave a kiss on Lee's cheek, and off she went to the dress shop.
The ride in the stagecoach was bumpy and windy. Allie couldn't read so she asked Nathan. "Do you care if I call you Dad? I mean, I'm happy to, if you don't mind."
Nathan was tickled and couldn't help his smile from taking over his face. "Allie", he assured her, "you are the light of my life, and I'm honored to be your Dad, so please do. I love you, Allie!" With that, he sat right next to her and gave her a long hug. "Hey there, no tears now. We're both lucky to have each other" he wiped her face.
"Dad, what should I call grandmother, it sounds so formal?"
"In the old country, Germany, grandmothers are called Oma. Would you like to call her that? Or, just Grandma?"
"I think she'd like Oma", Allie said.
"Me too". Nathan agreed. "I call her Ma, so just add the O and you have Oma" they both laughed.
Bill stopped by his office, checked on his paperwork, and then grabbed the keys and walked over to the saloon. He wanted to explore and check out if that stranger was hanging around there. When he got there he quietly walked outside around the building but saw no one. He continued to the front, unlocked the door, and walked in still as quietly as he could, listening for sounds that might sound strange. As he walked around and checked every area of the main floor he thought he heard something coming from upstairs. He stopped, and looking around he listened intently. Deciding to go upstairs he was relieved to feel his gun hanging from his gun belt. Looking into each room he closed the door behind him. Just as he was opening one of the last two rooms left, he heard that noise again, like a chair scraping the floor. He thrust the door open and who was sitting at the desk, none other than...the stranger. He was scared and jumped up looking for a fight.
"Whoa, settle down, I'm not going to hurt you. I need you to sit back down right now." Bill commanded. "You've got some explaining to do."
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Bill watched the man sit down slowly with his hands up. Checking to see if he had a gun or a knife, Bill put his gun back in his holster and stepped into the room.
"Who are you?" Bill questioned, "and why are you here?"
The stranger replied, "I have nothing to hide. I am looking for Wyman Walden. He told me he was investing my money and last I heard, he was buying this saloon."
Bill interrupted, "Well that's true, he did buy the saloon, but this place is no longer his. The town objected to his proposal and two of us bought him out. He is no longer here. So, go on."
"Damn, just my luck. Now all my money is gone," the man shook his head and continued "My name is Sam Tremblay and I come from Brookfield. I was helping out the ladies at the new orphanage with repairs so they could pass inspection."
Bill stopped him again, "So if I talk to Lillian or Grace, or better yet, Mountie Gabe, will any of them verify this for you?"
"Yes, yes we became friends. Before I met them, I was looking for work. I'm a prospector and always looking for odd jobs to make some cash. They hired me right on the spot, and I'm beholden to them."
"How did you come across Walden?" Bill inquired.
"He was in town looking for people, dumb like me, to put money in for investment purposes. I figured it was a mighty good idea and so I gave him almost all the money I had. I've been following him by foot and took a few jobs here and there along the way. People told me he had been trying to buy businesses and property at most places I was at." Sam informed Bill.
"Listen here Sam, Bill explained, "Walden is a very sneaky character, I'm afraid you were swindled by him. One of the men here in town gave him all his savings, but luckily we got it back for him. I don't know if we can help you out, but you need to give me some receipts and I'll talk with Mountie Gabe. He's supposed to be by here sometime this week. However, I will call him and check on your story with him first. Now, explain to me how you got in here!"
"I saw a window open on the second floor in the back, so I climbed up and looked around. When I saw it was vacant, I just found a room and slept in the bed. I figured Walden owed me at least that." Sam said.
"A window was open?" Bill looked puzzled. "How in the world did we miss that? I want you to come with me to my office. I'm Judge Bill Avery and I will call Mountie Gabe now."
Sam stood up and followed Bill over to his office. Lee noticed through his window the two of them walking across the street and asked Rosemary, "Do you know who that is with Bill?"
Rosemary replied, "No, Lee I don't know, but we should go find out!" and like a flash was out the door and walking with purpose headed for Bill's office.
"Wait, Rosemary!" Lee pleaded. "It's better we let Bill handle this. If we need to know, he'll tell us. Come on back."
"Oh, but I can't miss a tip on a newsworthy article" Rosemary stammered but reluctantly heeded Lee's advice.
Bill was able to reach Gabe and confirmed that Sam did indeed help the ladies at the orphanage with repairs and seemed like a trustworthy man, but he didn't know much more about him. Bill thanked him and told him he was looking forward to seeing him later that week.
"You do know that I could arrest you for trespassing, but I won't seeing as how you had no idea that Walden was no longer here. I do want to get to the bottom of all this. If you have no work right now, I have an idea. Let's walk over to the Coulter Lumber Company."
Bill and Sam walked into Lee's office. "Hey Lee, I've got a situation that we need to discuss. This is Sam Tremblay." with that he proceeded to give Lee the lowdown on what he knew and his idea to allow Sam to stay at Billees tonight. "I think we can put Sam to work for his room and board. We've got plenty to do at Billees. What do you think?"
"Sounds like a good plan!" Lee confirmed. "I think we can let him in through the door so he doesn't have to sneak through the window now."
"Yea, I can't figure out how we missed the window being open!" Bill muttered.
Rosemary had been listening intently to their conversation without saying a word. She had to get the details correct for The Valley Voice. Then she heard them say that Sam had gotten in through a window. Was that her fault? She remembered when the sewing circle was upstairs measuring for curtains, it was warm and stuffy. Rosemary opened the window to let air through, but never closed it. OH NO she thought, it was her fault.
"Lee, darling," she wiggled her finger to come over to her. "I was the one who opened the window, but I didn't mean to leave it open, I just forgot."
Lee smiled at his lovely wife, "Honey, right now I'm glad everything is fine. Don't worry your pretty little head over this." and kissed her on her forehead.
"Lee, I'm not going to write about this." she smiled. "I will introduce Sam with a positive article."
"Good idea," Lee assured her. Then he, Bill, and Sam walked over to Abigail's to get some lunch and discuss what Sam would do at Billees.
Second Chances for Nathan
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Allie jumped out of the stagecoach and ran to hug her grandmother. "Oma, Oma, it's so good to be with you!" she exclaimed. Emily Grant was just as excited to have her precious angel and her son back home with her.
"My angel, how you have grown, you look so much like your mother, God rest her soul. Nathan, my boy, come here and give your mama a big bear hug." With no hesitation he did just what his mother ordered. Emily had tears running down her cheek and wiped them off with her lacy handkerchief. "It's so good the see you!"
Nathan knew his mother would be ecstatic to see them and he was beginning to feel that himself and he could tell Allie did too. Yes, this was a long overdue visit.
"Ma, I am sorry we didn't come earlier, but when we get home, I'll try to explain what took us so long," and with that grabbed his and Allie's bags. "How did you get here?" he asked Emily.
"Aww, the boy next door he enjoys my Sauerbraten I make with Knodels (dumplings) and red cabbage, so I feed him, and while he's eating, asked him for a favor. He drove me here and he's waiting to drive us back. While in town I bought some more food for the three of us. I hope you're hungry!" she smiled.
"Ma, do you have anyone helping you with the farm?" Nathan asked after he helped his mother in the neighbor boy, Jack's car.
Jack quickly spoke up, "I help your mother on a pretty regular basis."
"It's a good thing Jack is right there," Emily nodded. "He's a big help for sure. I had to sell the cattle when you left, but I still have a dairy cow and chickens. Jack plants now for me. You know, feed corn and hay, and I sell what I can. I make do."
"Oma, I want to milk the cow again, but I forgot her name." Allie admitted.
"How could you forget old Berta?" Oma laughed. "I bet Berta will be happy to see you too. It won't take long and you'll remember how to milk, so just in case your uncle will help you." Nathan looked surprised.
"Ma, I wanted to tell you some good news, but it's much better in person, I adopted Allie a little while ago!" he said as he wrapped his arm around Allie.
"Oh my, thank you sweet Jesus!" Emily exclaimed. "This is cause for some apple strudel!"
They all walked in the cozy cottage and smelled the aroma of something sweet. Nathan breathed it in and his stomach growled. Allie laughed and ran upstairs with her duffle bag to her bedroom she had slept in before. Oma had put fresh linens on and opened the window so the breeze cooled off the room. She stuck her head out and saw Berta, the chickens and a DOG!
"Dad, dad," she called to Nathan, "Oma has a dog!" as she ran down the stairs and out the door and right to the DOGS! "Oh boy, two dogs!" The female golden retriever was kissing and lapping her face. Allie giggled as the male German Shepherd, was barking and wagging his tail. Allie was on the ground rolling around with the two of them when Nathan and Emily came out.
"What have we here?" Nathan chuckled. "Ma, when did you get these two?" as he got Barrett to quiet down as he petted him.
"Oh, they were strays, actually they found me." Emily answered. "They were starving, so thin, and neglected. Both of them were joined at the hip, so I kept them both. They like German cooking" she winked at Allie. The Golden retriever is Ella and the German Shepherd is Barrett. Ella is a little pudgy right now."
"Pudgy? Or Pregnant?" Nathan inquired as he looked closer at Ella.
"Well, the vet is coming by sometime soon. He has to check out Berta and make sure she's not drying out. So, I'll bet he'll hear several heartbeats in Ella's tummy."
"How exciting!" Allie said. Off she went to the little barn. "Berta?" she called out.
Berta heard Allie and mooed. "Oh there you are Berta, it's me, Allie, remember me?" Berta looked at her and kept chewing her hay. "I've missed you." and gave her a hug. Off to the chicken coop she went. Emily and Nathan were there gathering eggs.
"My little dumpling" Emily said, "you will be busy collecting eggs and milking Berta in the morning. The chickens have been laying quite a few so I've been able to sell some in town. The more they lay, the more trips I make, but I'm not complaining, I thank God every day for those eggs" she chuckled.
"Let's get Oma back inside so we can rest with some cool lemonade." Nathan suggested.
Back into the house the three of them went. Allie couldn't sit still, she had to walk around and inspect her grandmother's home. Memories came flooding back to her as she smelled the sweet bread, looked out the window to the back yard where her swing was still hanging from the branch of the old oak tree, and the wooden hutch Nathan had built for her from mahogany that held all of her little glass knick-knacks that she had brought here from the old country.
One of the most beautiful things she had ever laid eyes on was the wind up ballerina, that moved to the music of Swan Lake. She was enchanted with the slow moving of the ballerina and the lovely music. Oma had warned her to be very careful of it because it could break, so if she dared to wind it up she always did it above a pillow. There were so many delicate and beautiful objects that caught her eye and she was never allowed to touch. Maybe now that she was older, Oma would let her.
Nathan was sitting at the table and Emily was serving him up some potato soup and hearth bread with thick slices of butter. Apple strudel was on the stove. Allie came as soon as she heard them call her. As they sat at the table and crossed themselves, Oma grabbed Allie's hand, Nathan bowed his head, and they asked God's blessing for their food. Oma added, and thank you Lord for my family coming home!