Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 11, Part 5, Page 69

Allie wanted to see her grandfather. So, when Dee left on the stagecoach Nathan mounted Newton and rode back to their home. Allie was teaching Ginger how to sit and shake paw. "Dad, look at her, she is so smart and cute!"

"Yes she is honey, I'm glad you are taking on the responsibility so well." Nathan smiled. "How about you put her in the back yard for a little bit. Then hop on up with me and we'll ride into town. Would you like to see your grandfather?"

Allie was excited to see Archie. It was quite a while since he left. Now with him back and staying in Hope Valley she could look forward to getting to know him. Nathan told her how they talked and were both working through some heartache so they could start their relationship anew. He was trying to protect her from any hurt, but he knew he would regret it if he didn't allow them to try.

"I sure do!" Allie took Ginger in the backyard and then ran to Nathan and jumped on Newton's back. When they got to town, Allie looked around and saw some of the children, waved and called to them. "Hi! I'll be right there, I've got to talk to my grandfather first."

Allie hopped off Newton and Nathan and her walked over to the Gowen Petroleum office. Henry opened the door and welcomed them in and then left so they had privacy. Sitting at a desk next to Henry's was Archie. He was busy on the phone, but when he looked up and saw who was coming in, he smiled the biggest grin from ear to ear and waved to them to sit down across from him. When he hung up, Archie stood up, walked around his desk, and straight over to Allie giving her a big hug. Laughing, Allie told him how happy she was to see him.

"I sure missed you Allie!" Archie told her. "It is so good to see you!"

"Grandfather, I am very happy to see you're back! I want to tell you all about my visit with Oma, and talk about my mother, and what you are doing here..."she babbled excitedly.

"Allie," Nathan called to her, "we'll ask your grandfather to come for lunch and you can interrogate him then," he laughed, "let's just go to Billees and we can talk there, if that's all right with you Dad?"

"Yes, I'd like that." Archie answered. They all walked over to Billees and found a quiet table in the back. Sam asked if they wanted stew for lunch and they all agreed that sounded good. "Where do we begin?"

Allie started naturally. She was so wound up about her summer and told her dad and grandfather all that happened. Nathan had heard all about it before, but she knew Archie hadn't and didn't leave anything out of her story. Archie was quite attentive and was especially keen on hearing anything that she shared about Emily. So many times she wanted to ask him why he just didn't go up to Brook Springs and see Emily, but she knew that he had his private reason.

"I really enjoy playing guitar now Dad." Allie said, "maybe we can both play together for grandfather."

"Hey, now that's a great idea!" Nathan nodded. "We have some time tonight, so after dinner, we can try a tune or two."

"Grandfather, I want you to see Ginger. She is the sweetest pup ever. Her mom and dad live with Oma. In fact her dad was tied for 1st place in the best of show contest at the festival. You should go up there sometime and see how nice dad fixed up the farm for Oma." Allie suggested.

"Well now Allie, I have a new job here in Hope Valley with Mr. Gowen. He's been so nice to hire me, I have to stay put and get myself settled here." Archie explained. "But, I'd love to see your Oma someday. I want to get to know you more. We have a lot of catching up to do."

Sam sent Andy out with the stew. Nathan asked him how he felt about helping out at Billees. Andy said he was doing fine, but it wasn't the work he expected as a Mountie recruit. Nathan invited him to do rounds with him tomorrow morning. Andy was really looking forward to that and agreed. It would also give him a chance to ride his horse for some exercise.

The 3 soldiers that were still there, Mark, Luke, and John were all ready to leave to go home so that meant Andy would be leaving to go back to training when they left. It also meant that 3 able-bodied men were mended and ready to find work. Since they were eating together at the next table, Archie went over and introduced himself and explained that he worked for Henry at Gowen Petroleum and they were looking for help with the new pipeline. He encouraged them to come by and talk with Henry to see if maybe they would be able to work for him.

When he finished, Allie and Nathan walked back outside while Archie walked back to the Petroleum Office. "Dad, I'd like to stay for awhile and talk to my friends now, okay?" Allie asked.

"Just for a little, while I'm in the office checking through the mail." he answered her but she was already running towards the children ready to play and talk.