Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 7, Part 3, Page 43

Dee came to give Allie her guitar lessons and was happy that she was easily catching on. It was just as she had hoped. Allie was truly enjoying herself and was actually a natural with picking up tones. Every once in awhile when Dee started to sing, Emily would stop whatever she was doing and join them.

"Allie, has been practicing every day Dee." Emily said proudly. "At first I was a little concerned she wouldn't keep at it, but it's been a very good decision! In fact, we call Nathan or he calls us every Sunday, and Allie played for him the last time we all talked."

"That's wonderful!" Dee smiled. "By the way how is Nathan?"

"Oh, he's working on a surprise for his friends Lee and Bill. They're opening a community gathering place in Hope Valley and Nathan loves to carve and wood-burning, so he's making them signs. Their grand opening is this coming weekend" Emily informed. "He's also busy preparing places for the wounded and sick coming home from the War in a few weeks. They don't have enough nurses, but he's hoping to get enough help from the townsfolk. Hope Valley is a very tight community and the people there take care of each other. Right Allie?"

"Yes Oma, we love it there. I hope we stay. I'd like to keep the friends I have." Allie agreed.

"Sounds like a great place to live." Dee said.

"You should come and visit!" Allie sparked up.

"That would be nice, but I have to tend to the music shop here." Dee sighed. "But, if I get some time off, I could visit and bring your Oma with."

"Now that's the best idea I've heard!" Allie laughed. "Dad would like to have a friend he knew before to come and visit."

Emily turned to Dee and said, "I hope your brother, Walter is all right, any word from him?"

"My parents did get word that he is wounded, but nothing life threatening, so they are sending him home. We are so grateful. Luckily, he can stay with us. Mom is home and she can take care of him."

"Thanks be to God." Emily proclaimed.

In the meantime, keep practicing Allie and I'll be back in a few days. Please say hello to your Dad when you talk to him for me, will you?" Dee requested.

Nathan asked Bill and Lee to come over to his office for a cup of coffee and talk with him about the soldiers coming home in a few weeks. Sure enough, the men came in together. Nathan was in his red serge and polished boots, when they arrived, but he had just finished changing out of his work clothes. "What's up?" Bill asked.

"I take it Henry talked to you both about the soldiers coming home in a few weeks, but did he tell you that he offered to open his cabin for anyone who needs a place to heal. He even has tents and cots to use." Nathan started as he handed them both a cup of coffee.

"Yes, he did and we are impressed with his offer." Lee stated.

"Of course, Lee and I are more than happy to offer any rooms upstairs that the fellas might need too." Bill included.

"Great, than we should have enough accommodations. Every town must fend for itself according to Headquarters. Faith is hoping to hear back from Carson if he can be released for a time, but we need to get help to care for the wounded. If you have any suggestions it will be very much appreciated. So please spread the word." Nathan requested. "Now, step over to the jail cell with me please."

"What? Did Bill get in trouble again?" Lee teased.

"Not me, my halo is on straight, today anyways" Bill countered.

"I want you to see your new signs gentlemen," Nathan said as he unveiled just one sign.

"BILLEES" was carved on one sign vertically on a 6 ft. board to be mounted on the outside. The wood-burnt lettering was very attractive contrasted to the light oak colored stain around the edges.

"Wow! This is just so perfect!" Bill said admiringly. Lee nodded agreeing.

"Glad you like it, but there's something else you should see." Nathan pulled off another covering of a smaller sign. "This is for just inside your entrance when people walk in."

"WELCOME TO HOPE VALLEY'S GATHERING PLACE" was carved in the wood with painted lettering on a white background with scrolling on both sides.

"Nathan, you really outdid yourself!" Lee whistled. "That's a beaut!" Bill gushed.

The three amigos clapped each other on their backs and walked across the street with the signs. "Hey Sam, we've got a few signs for you to hang!"