Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 13, Part 9, Page 89
The ride to Benson Hills was fun as having great company made it seem a lot shorter too. As usual Bill and Nathan were both joking around and kidding each other making the ladies laugh. When they arrived in town, the two couples parked in front of the Benson Hills Inn. When Bill opened the door for Molly and she stepped out, Bill told her, "You look absolutely gorgeous," in her emerald green dress that complimented her red hair. The men walked proudly into the Inn with their lovely ladies on their arm.
"Judge Avery dinner for 4," Bill told the hostess. She guided them to their table and gave them their menus. They had several different entree choices, but the men told the ladies, to choose first. After ordering their food and a glass of wine for each, they started talking excitedly about the concert with the Benson Hills Symphony.
"I know the Symphony star singer, Lois Humphrey, she was a teacher at the University where I studied music." Dee informed them. "Several of the people in the symphony were also teachers."
"I can't wait to hear them!" Molly said excitedly.
"It's going to be a wonderful night." Nathan nodded.
The dinners were brought in hot and steamy and the wine was perfect temperature. As the candles flickered on the tables the warmth of their flame made the atmosphere warm and romantic. The ladies jewelry sparkled when the candlelight touched the gems. It was such a warm and cozy time all together.
The men shared more Mountie stories and Nathan told them about his rounds just that morning. "I heard a scream at the Henderson Farm. Newton galloped to the farm. When I checked the house, it was empty and quiet. Then I heard a gunshot coming from the barn, only to find out that Mr. Henderson was trying to shoot a coyote that's been stalking his livestock."
"Oh no!" Dee shivered, "I'm so glad that it wasn't something worse." She grabbed his hand and squeezed it
"Oh please," Bill teased, "That's nothing. I have stories that would make your blood run cold."
"Well, I don't think we need to hear any of that now, do we?" Molly suggested.
The conversation continued throughout the dinner with the men still sharing stories, but they kept them tame.
Dee talked about going to college to study music and how hard it was to learn how to play as many different instruments. "Sometimes, I didn't think I could handle learning all the distinct instruments, with string, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. I really learned a good deal. Now, it's so fun watching the fascination all the children have about them and how they too can make music or sing!"
"That sounds like fun." Molly spoke up. Molly was a source of news telling them all that Dottie might be returning to Hope Valley. "Yes, I heard that from Rosemary. When I was in shopping for this dress, she had just finished talking with Dottie about coming."
"For a visit or to stay?" Bill inquired.
"I'm not sure, Rosemary didn't know." Molly replied.
After their dinner they drove to the concert hall. Their seats were close up and they could see really well. Dee especially was taking it all in. She watched closely the teachers she knew and their music was just perfect. She got swept up in the melodies so much so that her feet were tapping in time and her body was swaying in the rhythm. Nathan watched her and wished he could sweep her up on her feet to take her in his arms and whirl her around on a dance floor. He was tickled that she was enjoying herself so much.
During the intermission the ladies went off to the ladies room which was such a treat with indoor plumbing. There they put on another touch of lipstick and checked their hair. Their evening had them giggling.
Lois Humphrey, the soloist, opened the second half. She began with, "I'm always chasing rainbows," "By the light of the silvery moon," and ended with, "Till we meet again." Dee was enthralled with all of her songs and she sang along as she watched her sing. When Lois finished, she had a standing ovation.
After a few minutes the orchestra played a few more songs and before they knew it, the concert ended. Again another ovation ensued. As they left down the stairs, to the automobile, there was such lively chatter all around them. On the way home, they all sang together some of the songs they heard at the concert. Nathan had his arm around Dee not only to keep her warm, but to just feel close to her. He had been so proud to escort her tonight.
Bill dropped off Dee and Nathan in front of Faith's house. They thanked Bill for driving and assured him and Molly that it was a marvelous evening. When Nathan walked Dee to the door, he looked at her in the moonlight and it took his breath away. "Sweetheart, it was truly a wonderful night with you at my side. I couldn't have asked for a nicer time!"
"Nathan, thank you for asking me. I truly enjoyed this evening tremendously, but just being with you made the night special!" Dee looked at Nathan lovingly.
"You were the loveliest woman there," Nathan pulled her close to him. With that he cupped her face in his hand and kissed her. Dee wrapped her arms around his neck as the kiss lingered. "I love you Dee."
"I love you too Nathan. I'll see you tomorrow." and with that Dee reluctantly turned to open the door. When she walked inside, she danced around the room singing to the music she heard in her head from the concert feeling like a princess.