Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 12, Part 7, Page 77
Dee melted in Nathan's arms. As they hugged, Dee heard his heart through his shirt and it was beating fast like hers. Nathan smelled her hair and the softness of her face. The two of them clung to each other for a brief moment and then Nathan whispered to Dee that he had wanted to kiss her earlier, but he waited. It was the same for her she answered.
When they looked at each other a big grin washed across their faces and Dee took off running. Nathan chased after her, but they were laughing and Dee found herself stepping in the stream. Nathan swept her up before she fell in. He carried her back to the blanket and they collapsed with laughter. "Look at the sky Nathan," she smiled, "the clouds have different shapes. What do you see?"
"Clouds." he laughed.
"Silly, look at the one to the left, doesn't it look like a heart?" she asked.
"Yea, I suppose it does." Nathan agreed.
"It's a sign, nature is confirming our courting!" she nodded. At that, Nathan reached over grabbed her hand and kissed it.
Sunday morning Nathan and Allie were dressed and ready for church. As they were walking there, Nathan shared with Allie that he was going to be courting Dee. "You are! That's just great dad! Dee is so nice and she's so pretty too!" Allie skipped ahead of him. "This is good news. I can't wait to tell Oma!"
"We'll call her later, but please don't go sharing it all over church today. It's really Dee's and my decision when we make it public." Nathan directed.
"All right, but I'm about to burst!" she said as she ran ahead.
When they arrived, Dee was there already and speaking with Pastor Joseph. He was hoping she would be willing to start a choir for the church services. He knew what she had accomplished back in Brook Springs and that in Hope Valley she should have more participation, especially when they would hear her sing and being the music teacher.
"That is a challenge I will be thrilled to accept!" Dee assured Pastor Joseph.
"I want you to meet my family," Pastor Joseph walked her over to the pew where they were all sitting. "This is Minnie, my wife, who is the main cook over at the Cafe. She cooks mighty fine, ask anyone."
"Don't listen to his silliness, Dee, I have heard nothing but good things about your music, your perseverance, your dedication and we are thrilled to have you here."
"Why thank you Mrs. Canfield. That is very kind of you." Dee replied.
"Please call me Minnie, and sitting next to me is Angela. She is a pianist," she said proudly "and her brother, Cooper."
"Hello Miss Gleixner." the children echoed.
"Please call me Miss Dee. I can't wait to hear you play today Angela. I heard how lovely you play."
When Nathan and Allie walked into church they sat at the pew they usually did. Nathan caught Dee's eye and waved. She gave them both a smile and joined them. Dee casually sat next to Nathan. "Hello Miss Dee!" Nathan teased.
At the end of the service, Pastor Joseph asked Dee to come up. She humbly walked up to join him. Pastor introduced Dee and asked the congregation to welcome her to Hope Valley with a warm round of applause. He then asked her to sing a closing song of "Oh Precious Savior".
Afterwards many families welcomed her and were looking forward to hearing more about the music classes at the potluck. Elizabeth noticing all the activity centered around Dee prompted Elizabeth to join her right by her side. "Good morning Dee." Elizabeth called.
"Oh hello Elizabeth, it's exciting to meet so many families today. I'll be needing name tags for the children." Dee suggested. "Is this your little boy, Jack?"
Jack was smiling at Dee and even reached for her. "You want to come by me, Jack" she asked. "May I?"
As Dee was playing and singing with Jack, Elizabeth looked at Nathan and asked, "Are you and Dee a couple now?" she asked bluntly.
"Hello to you too Elizabeth," Nathan stated and walked over to talk to Bill.
"Bill, I just want to tell you so you hear it from me first, I asked Dee yesterday if I could court her and she said yes!"
"Hey man, that's great news! I'm happy for you." Bill clapped Nathan on the shoulder.
"I learned the hard way, not to be hesitant and it worked. I am so happy right now." Nathan acknowledged.
"It shows." Bill winked. "You're a lucky man my friend."
"Take my advice to heart Bill, don't hesitate. You've got Molly just waiting, but for how long?" Nathan warned with a laugh.
Outside Dee and Nathan walked around together and Dee just giggled as they let people watch. "This is so much fun Nathan," as she put her arm through his. "I am so proud of you," he told her as she smiled and looked up at him.
"Let's get Allie and walk over to Billees. Allie made German potato salad yesterday for the potluck, while we were on our picnic.
The three of them walked together to town where they saw Archie. "Dad, do you remember Mary Grace Gleixner? She is Colleen's best friend, Dorothy's younger sister."
"If I dust off the cobwebs, I think I do, but she was a little girl. Are you saying this lovely young lady is she?" he asked.
"I am Mr. Grant, but please call me Dee." she smiled warmly.
"Grandfather, she is going to be the music teacher here now." Allie clapped.
"That makes two of us new to town. It's good to have you join me Dee." he laughed.
As they talked they went inside to Billees where everyone was gathering.