Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 10, Part 7, Page 64
Sunday in Brook Springs was a bright and beautiful day. After the church sermon on loving thy neighbor, which was very appropriate for the festival starting, the choir broke into song, "Jesus loves me." Dee announced at the end how proud she was of the children in the choir and thanked them and ended with soloing "Amazing Grace" with Allie playing guitar. Nathan beamed at Allie's playing and was entranced with Dee's clear, beautiful voice. As he watched, he couldn't decide if it was her voice or her beauty, or both, that attracted him.
Afterwards, Emily and Nathan complimented Allie for her spotless performance.
"I am so proud of you Allie!" Nathan said as he hugged her.
"I have to play again later on at the festival with Dee," Allie informed, "but now I have to get Barrett all spruced up for the best of show dog contest as she tugged at Nathan. "I have to get my pie too," Emily remarked.
"All right, let's find Jack and see if he can give us rides back," Nathan suggested, "but first let me say hello to Dee and Walter." Nathan walked over to Dee's family and as soon as Nathan saw Walter he shook his hand and told him how great it was to see him again. Walter was all smiles when Nathan welcomed him back home. "Thank you Walter, for serving our country overseas. I know how proud your family is!" as he looked around at all of them.
"Thanks Nathan, it's good to be home and it's great to see you again after all these years!" Walter replied.
Nathan nodded at Walter's parents, Marie and Robert. "Hey, it's our pleasure to see you back here," Robert said as they shook hands. "Yes, your mother and Allie have been teaching Dee German cooking, and invited us over for dinner when Walter returned," Marie smiled.
"Hello to you, Dee," Nathan gave her a brief hug. Dee felt his warm hands around her waist and blushed inside. "You sing so wonderfully!" he praised. "I hear you're coming home with Allie and me to Hope Valley for an interview to teach."
"Why yes, I'm very excited. I really want to teach!" she answered.
"If it was up to me, you'll get the job!" he grinned. "See you all at the festival, my ladies are waiting for me." and off he went.
When they arrived back at the church grounds there was much excitement all around. The first thing on the agenda was Dr. Herrmann looking over all the animals for best of show. Of course, Allie pranced around with Barrett who put on a good performance. However, there was a yellow Labrador who tied with Barrett. Allie was happy to have a ribbon to hang in the barn for Oma. While the rest of the animals were shown, Jack was over where the vegetables were being brought in for his inspection, and he gave blue ribbons out to the children who had the biggest tomato, corn, pumpkin, and lettuce head to name a few.
All along the picnic was being set up so the smells were attracting people over for lunch. Cold dishes were on the main table along with breads of all kind. There was even a campfire where dishes could be kept warm or the children could roast sausages, plus lemonade and coffee were provided. When the Pastor was done with the blessing, everyone came over to get food and eat their lunch. Allie brought Karen over to meet Nathan and soon her mom came over to introduce herself. "Karen is so happy to have a friend in Allie, they both hit it off so nicely."
"Very nice to meet you. Allie has been talking non-stop about Karen, so the feeling is mutual." Nathan responded. "Is it your husband who is looking for a new job?" he asked.
"Yes, he is." she answered.
"Well, we have a oil business and a lumber company looking to hire in Hope Valley. If he's interested, make sure he stops by." Nathan encouraged.
Emily was quite happy with her Bavarian apple pie, but there were so many flavors to taste and choose from. Without wasting any time, people voted for their favorite pie, so they could enjoy a slice. Did anyone doubt that Mrs. Grant's pie would win first place? "Hey Ma, that pie was better than ever!" Nathan hugged Emily. "I knew it Oma, you are the best baker around!" Allie laughed.
Allie grabbed Nathan's hand again, "Let's go join in the games, remember we are in the 3-legged race first and then the wheelbarrow race." The two of them could barely make the long stretch without laughing and falling over, but they finally crossed the finish line and took 2nd place in the 3-legged race. Now, the wheelbarrow race was not working right as Allie was not as strong as the boys who were participating, but they tried their best and had fun doing so. All along Dee kept a watchful eye on both, but mostly Nathan.
When Walter called all those who wanted to play ball, he chose one team and Kenny Blockhan chose the other. Luckily, Walter called heads, and heads it was, so his first pick was Nathan. After all the men were chosen, Walter chose his sister, Dee and soon they had 9 players each. "Play ball!" the pastor shouted as he was also the umpire. At first the girls were not doing well at all being in their skirts, but Dee told her team, "Let's show them all we got girls!" It didn't take long for the game to get very interesting with the girls scoring some runs. Nathan and Dee collided with each other trying to catch a fly. They lost that catch, but Nathan scored some extra points helping Dee back up off the ground. In the end, Walter led their team to a win!
The day concluded when the campfire turned into a bonfire and Nathan took over Allie's guitar and Dee joined in singing. None of this was missed by Emily. She just smiled the whole day through.