Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 11, Part 1, Page 65
The day that Emily was dreading came and she didn't want to get out of bed. She knew her angel Allie was leaving for home with Nathan to Hope Valley. She also knew that Dee was riding with them and might be hired to teach music there. So she wouldn't be teaching her, or Allie, how to cook German dishes, or listen to Allie practicing guitar, or hearing Dee's lovely voice. Her thoughts were turning to tears and she felt so sad, but Emily always was a determined lady. She sat up in bed and prayed for strength and then grabbed her robe and headed down the stairs.
She quickly checked on Berta, who was fine, just not producing milk any longer, so out to pasture Emily let her go. Then Emily gathered the eggs and was happy to know that at least they were producing so she could have some pocket money. She wanted to send Allie home with a dime to maybe get an ice cream treat after the long dusty ride home. The doors were secure and keeping the coyotes out of the barn. The puppies were all grown up enough now to find a home. How she would miss these sweet little faces. Now, don't cry again she told herself. One day at a time, after all isn't that what she told her son, Nathan, not so long ago?
Back inside, she started breakfast. Warming up the cinnamon rolls, cooking oatmeal, and brewing coffee was enough tempting smells to wake up Nathan and Allie. "Good morning Ma!" Nathan called.
"Guten morgen!" Emily gave her son a kiss on his cheek and hugged Allie. "Hope you're hungry. I have fresh eggs to cook too, so tell me how you'd like them."
"Scrambled for me," Nathan answered. "Me too," Allie agreed. "I'm so spoiled Oma, what will I eat when I get home?" she laughed.
"Right Allie, it'll be you and me cooking, but you have no excuse from what I hear. You've been cooking quite a bit with Oma." Nathan winked.
As they all ate breakfast together the stories from the summer were revisited, especially the festival. Emily told them how much she would miss Allie. Allie walked over to her Oma and told her that she would always remember her summer with her and that she promised she would come back and stay with her the next time she could. Oma gave Allie a dime, "for an ice cream when you all get to Hope Valley."
The puppies were yapping outside so Allie looked to see why. It was Karen just going in to see them all, but settling down to play with Dusty. "Oh hi Karen!" Allie called to her.
"Allie, mom said I could come here to say goodbye and to bring home Dusty, if that's all right." Karen said.
"Of course, I wouldn't leave without seeing you first."
The two girls hugged and laughed about the summer together. Allie told Karen that Dee was riding on the stagecoach with her and Nathan because she had an interview about teaching music and voice in Hope Valley and Brookfield. "Oh, I'm going to miss my voice lessons with Dee, but not as much as I will miss you!" Karen sadly shared.
"I will be back, I promise. But, don't forget to write!" Allie reassured. Karen left with Dusty after their long goodbye.
Inside, Nathan helped his mother clean up and then checked around the bedroom and made a good look around to make sure they had everything. When he got downstairs with their bags, he saw his mother sitting in her rocking chair. "Ma, are you all right? You look like your a million miles away."
"Never mind me. I am going to be fine. I want you to make your heart happy again. Remember son, you are young and handsome and any young woman would be very lucky to have you by their side."
"I don't know about that Ma." Nathan laughed.
"I think Dee noticed." Emily winked. Just then they heard Jack outside waiting to take them to town. "Wait, I have some hearth bread with my homemade raspberry jam, a few cookies, plus apples, and a jug of lemonade for all 3 of you to have on your way back to Hope Valley."
At the stagecoach stop Dee was waiting. Emily clung to her granddaughter and when the coach arrived, she couldn't hold back the tears. Allie hugged her Oma very tightly and even she shed a few tears. Nathan held his mother and whispered in her ear, "Ich liebe dich!" Ginger gave Emily her paw and then jumped in the coach next to Allie. Nathan helped Dee in and sat next to her. Off they went while Emily waved until she could no longer could see them and then slowly walked to Jack's car.
Dee and Nathan enjoyed talking about their escapades as children and what happened when they left to pursue their occupations. Dee had been a star student in Music studies and excelled quickly through the courses. She had studied under some famous singers who recognized her talent. Dee could've gone on to perform on stage, but her love of teaching was her preference. This opportunity was what she was waiting for.
Nathan shared how much he enjoyed working as a Mountie, especially in Hope Valley. Both Nathan and Allie told Dee all about the people that lived there. Nathan told her about the latest venture, Billees, and how all the townspeople came together and helped remodel it, and the super fun talent show at their grand opening. Allie was disappointed she missed it, but Nathan reassured her that Rosemary will no doubt have another community event for the holidays. He also filled them in about the soldiers who came back and how Henry offered his cabin for the soldiers who were not ambulatory and that the others were staying at Billees. Again the town did everything they could making it another successful community effort. Dee was very impressed with these wonderful stories. The more they were together on the ride, they relaxed and rediscovered their friendship. It was a lovely beginning to a possible new life for both of them.