Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 12, Part 3, Page 73

As luck would have it, Robert, now known as Bob, was hired by Lee Coulter for Coulter Lumber! He practically skipped back to Billees to pack up his bag and inquire about a place to move into. Bill was there and suggested that he check with the Hanlon family as the last he heard they were moving to be with family in Hamilton. It was perfect timing and Bob couldn't have asked for anything better. He would be on the next stagecoach home to pack up his family out of the small apartment they were renting before school started. It was meant to be.

Nathan asked Bill if all the soldiers who had recovered from their injuries staying at Billee's went back home. Bill told him the last one just left for home. "All right, then I can release Andy back to the Mounties. Headquarters just called. I know he's been a big help for Sam, but he's needed now."

"He's worked out very well here, I'm sure he'll do fine during his duty as a Mountie." Bill nodded.

"I took him out on rounds this morning and he was grateful to get an up close and personal experience and he's ready!" Nathan shared. "I'll let him know."

"Lee hired that Robert fellow, goes by Bob." Bill let Nathan know.

"That's great Allie will be excited for sure. I can just hear her asking if Karen can sleep over!" he laughed.

"He'll be back soon with school starting." Bill said.

When Nathan went home for a bite to eat. Allie was outside talking to Robert. They were sitting on the porch passing the time of day catching up on what had happened over the summer. Robert had missed having Allie around and told her so. Allie was flattered. Just when Robert was about to hold Allie's hand, Nathan walked up. "Oh Hello Constable Grant," Robert stood up.

"Hello Robert, what are you two up to?" Nathan asked.

"Um, nothing." Allie replied. "Maybe we'll go fishing."

"Yeah, that right." Robert nodded.

"First tho I think you might like to know that Karen will be moving here. Her dad got a job working with Mr. Coulter." Nathan grinned.

"Yay, that's the bee's knees!" Allie clapped her hands.

Just then, Dee stepped out of Faith's house. Nathan saw her walking and his face lit up.

"Hello there Dee! Where are you heading to?" Nathan smiled as he joined her.

"Off to see Elizabeth. We have to coordinate our plans for the children. I'm so excited." she said eagerly. "I can't wait to see which of the children have an interest in music!"

"You know that Angela Canfield plays piano like a professional! She's Pastor Joseph's daughter." Nathan mentioned.

"Yes, I heard that. Allie had mentioned her to me. I heard she is blind. Often times if we have one sense that isn't doing well, another one is better, to help compensate. She's a natural for playing music. It will be a wonderful challenge!" Dee was enthusiastically.

"Dee, I'm fascinated! You are such a joyful woman who finds the silver lining in everything. I really need that myself. Would you like to go with me for a ride on my horse, Newton? I could show you around the area so you get to know the area, and we could stop for a picnic." Nathan suggested.

"Of course Nathan, that sounds delightful!" Dee agreed.

"All right then, what about tomorrow? Say right before noon. I'll be taking time for lunch then, so I'll come by to pick you up." Nathan asked anxiously.

"Looking forward to it!" Dee smiled as she went up the school stairs.

Elizabeth frowned as she saw through the open door the two of them walking together and the merriment in their voices. It was becoming clear to her that there was indeed more to them then just old friends.

Rosemary ran over to talk to Bill about the back-to-school potluck. She was planning it after church on Sunday. The two of them decided the food being potluck wasn't something they didn't have to fuss with. Rosemary asked if they could use the stage for the teachers to introduce Dee and have her sing. She wanted to make sure the children were encouraged in the arts. This was going to be so exciting to have another woman who appreciates the benefits of art, music, and theater. Well, at least one of them. Her next stop was to talk to Minnie at the Cafe to see if Angela would be willing to play piano. She also hoped Minnie would be willing to bake a cake or two to welcome Dee, and now Bob who Lee told her was bringing his family to Hope Valley, which meant another student to welcome. This was exactly what Rosemary would write in her Valley Voice edition for tomorrow.