Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 6, Part 6, Page 39

Mary Grace was busy all week with calling other local towns to see if she could find a guitar for Allie. She never let up until she found one. Allie was so lucky to have a devoted music teacher who went out of her way for her. Mary Grace was very excited to use her teaching skills now, and was looking forward to begin. Looking for the right songs in guitar sheet music was important so Allie wouldn't get too easily discouraged. Emily was just as anxious as Mary Grace to get started. When she came over with the guitar, Allie immediately wanted Mary Grace to start, so all 3 of them sat around the living room and listened to the music that Mary Grace was playing. When Mary Grace started to sing, Allie and Emily sat frozen in their seats and listened with awe. Mary Grace did have a voice of an angel and always touched everyone's heart with her gift. "That was so amazing!" Allie exclaimed. "Please don't stop."

Mary Grace laughed. "I love to sing, and it's a wonderful chance to. Look Allie, I will come over and teach you how to tune your guitar and the different chords. It won't take long for you as you've seen your dad. Won't he be surprised?"

"Oh yes, I love it when he plays with Mr. Avery. They just played their guitars around the bonfire the Sunday night before we left home. Maybe, by the time I get back home, I'll be able to join them for a tune! Thank you, Oma!" Allie said as she hugged her grandmother and then Mary Grace.

"Bitte my angel," Oma answered, but it's Mary Grace you should thank. "Oh, of course I am thanking Mary Grace too."

Mary Grace replied, "Great, then do me a favor, call me Dee. You too, Mrs. Grant." Dee nodded. "Allie, you promise me that you will practice consistently and take care of this guitar. Instruments are to be treated like gold. They provide the way to making music that tickle the ears."

"Yes, I will Mary Grace, I mean Dee!" Allie smiled.

"This is going to be an exciting summer for Allie, danke. If I call you Dee, you can call me Emily." Emily was thinking that between the bicycle, the guitar, the anticipated puppies, and babysitting, the summer would whiz by for her angel!

Hope Valley was quiet for a change. Nathan had some free time and was busy carving the sign for Lee and Bill. Nothing too exciting was going on at least nothing to speak of right at the moment.

Rosemary was busy as usual talking to everyone about what they were going to do for the talent show. That had all of the townspeople busy thinking and practicing. She had the list of acts and was trying to provide a variety of talent throughout the show. This all came naturally for Rosie as she had previously been an actress. The show had to be just perfect or Rosie would not accept anything less, yet it had to be fun, a celebration of the community of Hope Valley.

They had been strong, surviving the coal mining disaster which caused many women to become single parents. Many of the widows had united in a bond only those who lost their loved ones could understand. Flo was one of the first to get remarried and she and her new husband, Ned were going to do a silhouette act together behind a curtain suggested by Rosemary so Ned didn't have to memorize any lines. "That's a great idea." Flo agreed.

Clare had remarried too with Jesse and now they were going to be new parents. Clare had been excited to make clown costumes for their comedy act and Jesse asked "I don't know how to be funny, so what do we do?" Clare laughed and answered, "Just be yourself Jesse!"

Fiona and Mike decided to work together too, working on a mime act. Mike told Fiona, "Uh Fiona, I'm not sure about this idea." Fiona wouldn't take no for an answer and told Hickam to relax, she had it all figured out.

Naturally, Bill and Nathan were going to play their guitars and sing together. Bill told Nathan he would pick out some songs and they'd have to practice in for a few days.

Sam always had a trick up his sleeve and would do few tricks and a surprise drumming demonstration on pots, pans, and buckets and cans.

Dr. Faith and Molly were undecided, but were thinking of doing a dance routine. "I've never danced before," Faith told Molly. "Anyone who has a left foot and a right foot can dance," Molly reassured her. "I think I have 2 left feet!" Faith muttered as they practiced the Shimmy.

Of course, Angela Canfield was very talented and Rosemary asked her to play a piano solo, and then the rest of the family and townsfolk would join in a sing-along.

Elizabeth was working on a dramatic reading and co-leading the children's play with Rosemary's help. Rosemary really had been a busy lady! Now she just had to talk Lee into being the Master of Ceremonies.

Henry was back in town and Bill Hickam was grateful to have him home. Henry had stopped to see his son, Christopher and was so happy they had made amends. Christopher was relieved that Lucas had left, so he promised his dad he would be back to see him in Hope Valley. Henry was rested so his blood pressure was much better and ready to get to work on the oil rig and pipeline.

Nathan stopped working on the first sign and then started preparing the wood for a second one. He thought to himself, I think these signs are going to make them very happy!