Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 15, Part 1, Page 94

As promised the Grants stopped at the Brookfield stagecoach stop where Dee was waiting. The driver waited a few extra minutes while Nathan, Allie, and Emily got off and stretched allowing too for Ella to mind her business. Dorothy and Nathan were so happy to see each other after many years. They were briefly talking about old times when the driver told them that they must get back on the road.

So, Dee gave her sister and family a hug and she joined the Grants on the way to Hope Valley.

After the long trip, they were hungry and thirsty so they went right in to the Cafe and ate. Allie took Ella outside as soon as she was done eating. Henry came by as a little bird told him that they had arrived. He picked up their luggage and offered them a ride back to the row houses. They were quite crowded, so they were laughing as Allie was running along side of the car with Ella. She stopped at Karen's house to get Ginger.

When they got to Nathan's house, Emily was relieved to be able to go inside and put her feet up. Nathan and Henry brought in the luggage while Dee grabbed her overnight bag and went inside by Emily.

"it's so good to be with you Dee!" Emily smiled. "I hope I'm not going to be in the way here."

"Oh my, don't think that for a minute." Dee shook her head. "Nathan and Allie are so happy to have you here. Me too. We missed you."

"Ma, are you comfortable?" Nathan came in to check on her and let Ella greet her puppy, Ginger.

"Yes, I'm just fine. I am happy that you and Allie have such a nice home!" Emily got up and walked around. "It's a bit small, but then again, I'm used to our farm house. Are you sure I won't be in the way?"

Nathan walked Emily and Dee outside and laughed at Ella and Ginger playing together as they romped around happy to be together again. "Aww, would you just look at those two!" Emily grinned.

"Ma, it's good to know you are safe and sound here with us. Now I can relax and not worry about how you are doing! Besides, your German cooking is going to be filing our home with tantalizing smells and our stomachs with great satisfaction!" Nathan laughed.

"Ah, that's why you brought me here!" Emily winked at Allie and Dee.

Allie put on the teapot to make tea for her Oma. Soon, Dee went inside and quietly said to Allie, "Let's let Emily rest today, and we can make a small dinner later. Perhaps some soup. I don't think anyone will be too hungry since we just ate at the cafe."

When the tea was ready, they walked into the living room and sure enough found Emily asleep on the sofa. Nathan held his finger over his lips to suggest they be quiet so his Ma could rest.

Dee and Nathan took their tea with them and went back outside where Dee filled Nathan in about the music lesson at the school in Brookfield. "I felt so bad that I wouldn't be back for two weeks and told Dorothy I must do something to fill in that void. So, Saturday I went over to New Hope Orphanage and met Lillian, who was caring for about seven orphans and most of them were in my class. I took the time to talk about the music lessons and how I offered after school lessons but just on the Fridays could I be there."

"What did she say?" Nathan asked as he listened intently.

"Well she wasn't a teacher, but she knew how to play piano. They had one at the orphanage. She offered to teach piano to those who were interested, which was really wonderful! I was hoping for some help, so this will help for sure, but not enough." Dee sighed.

"Dee, honey you can't do it all. I'm concerned that this is going to be a situation that will be too hard on you. So, I'm hoping you won't mind, but I had an idea that I looked into." Nathan started. "I went to Henry to inquire if any of the soldiers that were working with him now had been involved in the military band. He called them to his office, and we found out that John in fact did."

"You what?" Dee couldn't believe what he just told her.

"Please don't be mad, I am just trying to help." Nathan pleaded.

"Nathan dear, I'm not mad at all. I am so thrilled that you thought enough to help me that you went the extra step and actually found someone who can provide assistance." Dee reassured him as she grabbed his hand.

"Dee, you are so concerned about your students and it shows. Maybe John can help you with the instrument lessons here in Hope Valley. I will also help with guitar lessons and I bet Bill would too." Nathan offered.

"I'll be interested in what John suggests. Oh, Nathan thank you for thinking of this." as she reached over and kissed him tenderly. Nathan hugged her and Dee rested her head on his shoulder as they sat and drank their tea.

In a little while Emily woke up and walked upstairs to unpack her bags. Soon, she heard the dogs barking, and Nathan and Dee in the kitchen. Allie came running up the stairs, "Oma, oh there you are!"

"Here I am indeed, my angel." as they hugged.

"Oma, Dad and Dee made some soup. Would you like to come down and have some with us?" Allie inquired.

"Of course my angel, that sounds good about now. I'll check out the pantry afterwards and see what your dad has. We probably will have to make a trip to town for some items no doubt, ya?" she laughed.

Downstairs, the table was set and the soup was hot. Nathan had set out some freshly sliced bread. As they sat at the table, Nathan ladled out the soup in the bowls, but before they ate, Emily grabbed the hand of her granddaughter and as everyone held hands, she prayed. Thanking God for the safe trip, food, and the love of family they bowed their heads and said together, "Amen."