Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 13, Part 2, Page 82

There was a brief cold snap coming in the town of Brook Springs. Emily could feel a nip in the air and in her bones. She went to see her doctor, James Wigginton, about her arthritis. It was acting up again. When he checked her out he told her that she was going to have to let up on some of the harder tasks she had been doing all these years as it had all caught up with her. Her stamina was waning and her aches and pains were advancing. He suggested that maybe she should consider retiring.

"What?" Emily was stunned. "Whatever for?"

"Mrs. Grant, you are a hard worker and no one knows any different, but it's past time you take better care of yourself." Dr. Wigginton cautioned.

"I don't know what in the world I would do all day! I can't just sit and crochet, I'll go crazy!" Emily gasped.

"There's plenty of folks like you that would love your company. Perhaps you could join the ladies' group at church?" he suggested.

"To do what? Sit and gossip? No thank you." Emily started to get up to go.

"Emily, if you don't take it easy, you'll be sorry you didn't listen to me. Not only your arthritis is worse, but your heart needs a rest too." Dr. Wigginton cautioned.

"Oh gingersnap!" Emily sighed.

"Emily, tell me what's bothering you really? We've been friends for years and I can tell there's more to it than meets the eye."

"The old gray mare, just ain't what she used to be." Emily started and James stopped her, "Emily, please, how can I help you?"

Emily paused, closed her eyes, and then the tears started seeping out. Her body started to shake with her sobs. "James, I have been alone for so long, I never thought twice about being independent, now I feel useless. But now I must admit that my days are long without someone to talk to. I've resorted to talking to my dogs for heaven's sake. I just miss my family so much!"

"There, there Emily. I understand. As we get older we feel left behind. Alone. It can feel so empty inside. By all means, go visit your family and waste no time. It'll be getting cold for traveling soon. Once there you will perk up. I'm sure there must be something you enjoy? Think about it and dream!" Dr. Wigginton insisted when he handed her a note on from his prescription pad that ordered her to retire and relax!

Back at home with Dee, Nathan and Allie grabbed their guitars and sat on the porch. The two of them tuned their guitars and started to strum. Nathan was surprised how much Allie already knew. It was fun for him to play a song with his daughter. He taught her to play a little by ear. They laughed and made up a song together. Dee was covering her ears, pretending it was just awful.

Bill heard them playing, grabbed his guitar and he and Molly joined them. He caught on right away and blended right in. As Jesse and Clare came down the road from town to their home, they stopped to listen and even sang with them. It didn't take long and Lee and Rosemary couldn't help but walk over with Elizabeth and LJ. Rosemary was a natural, singing with Elizabeth. Lee bowed out of the singing, opting instead to dance around with LJ. Of course, Karen heard them and she just had to sing with everyone and her parents came too. At last, Faith was walking up the road and she too stopped by. It didn't take long and Fiona and Mike arrived bringing some hotdogs and sticks. Mike, Jesse, and Bob gathered some firewood and started a bonfire. Minnie, Pastor Joseph, Angela, and Cooper showed up also. The ladies ran back and got some of the leftovers from the potluck and soon everyone was gathered together eating.

Fiona stood up and said, "This is our town. We welcome each other, we support one another, and we have several new folks joining us in this town of Hope! As mayor, on behalf of our town, I officially welcome Miss Dee our music teacher who has a crystal clear beautiful voice! Also, I officially welcome the Landoch family, Bob, Marie and their daughter Karen!"

"Here here!" Lee cheered, while everyone applauded.

"Oh I have to write this up for the Valley Voice!" Rosemary exclaimed.

Looking straight at Dee and Karen, Rosemary informed them that any news should be given to her for the paper and that she was available at the dress shop along with Clare. "Come any time and look at the new fashions!" she invited.

"Ladies, by the way, if you need any help, be sure to come to me. I used to have a column helping those who needed my wise advice. Unfortunately, I don't have the time on a regular basis for that now, but don't hesitate to ask me anything!"

Dee looked astonished at Nathan who just winked and grinned.

It was getting late and everyone headed for home after putting out the fire. Nathan walked Dee home, after Faith left, and when they got to the door, Nathan gently pulled Dee in his arms. He couldn't resist kissing her and then he held her and took in the smell of her hair and the tenderness of her face. "Sweet dreams!" he whispered. "I love you!"