Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 6, Part 4, Page 37

Emily stopped to talk to Dr. Herrmann about Barrett. She was hoping that his surgery would be taken care of before Ella had their puppies. He was in from livestock appointments so luckily was available to talk and they decided this Friday would be Barrett's lucky day. After that was settled, Emily went straight to the music shop.

"Good morning, Mary Grace." Emily greeted.

"Oh, hello Mrs. Grant, how can I help you?"

"Well, I've been thinking that you might be able to help me with something. I want to find a used bicycle I can buy for Allie. She needs some time with children her own age and not just with her old Oma!" Emily said.

Mary Grace walked around the counter and over to Emily. "Well, we might have my old bicycle still. I'll check in the shed when I get home later."

"Wonderful, just let me know if you find it, if you decide to sell it how much you want for it." Emily asked.

"For Allie? You can have it." Mary Grace laughed.

"Oh my, that is so sweet of you, danke." Emily walked around the music shop and she was inspired with another idea. "Mary Grace, what instrument would you suggest for Allie? I think it would just grand if she and Nathan would have something in common you know what I mean?"

"What a wonderful idea!" Mary Grace smiled. "Does she like to play guitar like Nathan? Or would she like a wind instrument like a clarinet? Hmm. Why don't you wait and see if I find the bicycle, and if I do, I will ride it over to your house and I'll talk to her and find out what she thinks."

"Please do not say anything to Allie, but I'm not sure how long she'd be interested at her age. Right now, she has her eye on a boy, Robert, but she's in between growing up and staying a little girl. So, until I know she'll put in the work required, let's start with a used instrument ya?"

Rosemary was creating her poster about the upcoming Grand Opening and Talent show. Come One, Come All to the Greatest Talent Show of All! Her headline hopefully would attract many applicants. This was going to be so much fun!

Bill was planning the food for the event. What about a pig roast? The whole town would be coming and this would help feed the crowd. If the ladies made a side dish and/or desserts that would be perfect. Lee offered to buy the champagne for a toast and to 'christen' the doors to Billees. Dishes were already left there from when Lucas owned the place. Now, who could manage the seatings and oversee the food? Ah yes, he knew.

"Sam, would you come over here to the kitchen for a minute please?"

"What's up Bill?" Sam asked as he walked over.

"Your work is wrapping up this week, and I noticed how hard you worked and it seems to me that you'd make a fine manager of this place. How would you like a permanent job here in Billees?" he asked with a smile on his face.

"That is mighty kind of you Bill!" Sam answered. "I'd like to stay on. I've met some good people here in Hope Valley and I'd be foolish not to accept your offer." Sam nodded.

"Great, that's what I was hoping to hear." Bill shook his hand. "Some weeks will be slow but I expect with me closing the café for dinner now, there will be more and more business. Friday and Saturday nights will be busier at first, and probably Sundays will be open for early dinners."

"That sounds like a good plan," Sam agreed.

"I'm sure down the road we'll have a few men bunking here once the gas pipeline is a go. In the meantime, you're more than welcome to stay here. I feel relieved to know you'll be here to keep an eye on things around the clock." Bill said.

"Lee and I will sit down with you and hammer out the details and discuss with you your wages tomorrow, okay?"

After Nathan rode with Newton and did his rounds, he went over to Fiona's Nichols and Dimes to get a haircut.

"Hi Fiona! Do you have time for me to get a haircut and shave?"

"Sure do, I've been saving you a seat." Fiona replied.

One thing about working in a barber shop was keeping up with all the happenings going on. People just started talking once they hopped in the chair and Fiona draped the cape around. It was the same for Nathan. Fiona got an earful about Allie and his Ma. She even heard about his 'old friend'.

"So, it sounds like you had a busy but well-deserved visit!" Fiona remarked. "How long before Allie comes back?"

"We didn't decide, but I'll miss her, so maybe sooner than we think." he chuckled. While Fiona was giving him a shave, he was quiet and was thinking of the outside sign for Bill and Lee. I've got to get to work on that soon, he thought, if they're waiting for the sign.