Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 15, Part 4, Page 97

Emily was very happy to be with her son and granddaughter, so it didn't take her long to feel better and have her stamina back again. She was always up in the morning to get the coffee going and breakfast started. To have someone to cook for again was just what Emily wanted and needed. Nathan noticed his Ma hummed a lot and even whistled tunes while in the kitchen. People walking by also not only heard Emily humming, but could smell the delightful aromas coming from her kitchen.

Emily's days were filled with cooking, cleaning, and laundry. But, this made her happy and what she did best. She enjoyed feeling needed and wanted. Often she would sit outside with Ella and Ginger watching them play while waiting for Allie to come home from school. Allie was always happy to see her Oma and would run up and give her a hug. Emily met a lot of the children walking with Allie. She got to know all of them day by day. Especially Robert. Robert was not in school anymore, but he would sometimes walk with Allie to her house. He seemed very polite and a great friend for Allie. "That Robert is a nice boy Allie, I understand hy you like him!" she said with at twinkle in her eye.

After having some of Oma's sweets, Allie and Robert spent time outside just talking, playing cards, or going to the pond. Emily noticed they were spending more and more time together.

One day Robert asked Allie, "Would you like to sit together at the Hope Valley Thanksgiving dinner at Billees?"

Emily spoke up right away, "I believe this is going to be families sitting together Allie, so you best be asking your father first before you agree."

"Oma, I'll be in the same room with all the town there, nothing is going to go wrong." she looked puzzled.

Emily didn't want to embarrass Allie, so she said, "Of course, but ask your Dad first, and I'm sure you can have Robert sit with us." she smiled warmly.

Allie spent Wednesdays at school with guitar lessons with either her dad or Bill. John too was there as Henry promised. Together they worked at introducing the children to various types of instruments. Dee checked to find instruments to rent or purchase on a monthly fee. John had a big dream of starting a band, but that was definitely on hold for now Dee advised.

Mondays, Dee taught the voice lessons and Karen was in attendance of course. Often times the songs they learned also served as practice for church choir. She had them practicing some Canadian songs for the Thanksgiving dinner. Dee taught them O Canada, the national anthem, and The Maple Leaf For Ever.

Nathan and Dee walked to the livery after Wednesday lessons and would get Newton ready for a ride taking the two of them out to the spot that they always went to by the stream in the country to be alone for a little while. Burnt orange, bright red, golden yellow all of these colors of the trees around them were so stunning.

"It sure is beautiful Nathan!" Dee said in awe.

"Almost as beautiful as you Dee." Nathan replied as he kissed the back of her neck. "Dee, I can't stop thinking of you," Nathan told her with his arms wrapped around her as they rode together. "I feel like we are really good together don't you?"

"I do Nathan. It's the same for me." Dee smiled and leaned her head against his chest.

They found their place under the willow tree by the stream. "I like it here." Nathan looked around and helped Dee down. "It's so quiet and peaceful."

"For sure, I can actually hear myself think." Dee smiled and closed her eyes.

Nathan lovingly looked at Dee with her eyes closed and couldn't help but lean over and kiss her. "Dee, I would like to buy some land and build a home out here."

"Nathan, that would be wonderful. Think of how it would be to sit out on the porch and see the sunset from here!" Dee exclaimed.

"I've known you most of my life, but these last few months I feel that you complete me Dee. I hope to include you in my future." he said softly.

"What are you saying?" Dee asked breathlessly.

Nathan hadn't planned anything, everything just came flowing out naturally, "Dee," his heart was pounding, "You know I love you, I can see us having our family out here. I want you to be my wife."

Dee gazed deep into his eyes that spoke of his love for her. She was overjoyed with his proposal. "Oh yes, Nathan, yes!" she fervently kissed him.

As they stood there in their spot hugging, Nathan snapped a blade of grass and tied it around Dee's third finger left hand and promised her a ring. He started singing the song they loved to dance to, as Dee joined in, Let Me Call You Sweetheart using the grassy meadow for their dance floor as they laughed and waltzed.

As the time came, they got back on Newton and rode to his house. When there, Emily had dinner ready and Robert was just leaving.

"The table looks so pretty. We brought the last of the flowers we found for you." Dee said as she gave them to Emily.

"Thank you dear, and handed them to Allie to put in a vase while Emily got the dinner on the table.

"Smells delicious as usual Ma! What's for dinner?" Nathan asked as he and Dee washed their hands.

"Wienerschnitzel and Spaetzle with Bienenstich cake for dessert." Emily said proudly. I finally have the ingredients I need, so I made something special. Dee joining us, ya?"

"Yes, she is, and we have something special to share with you too!" Nathan said

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