Second Chances for Nathan Chapter 15, Part 7, Page 99

Dee walked in Faith's house and saw Faith sitting on the sofa reading. Faith looked up and smiled, "What are you so happy about?"

Dee could hardly contain herself and ran over to Faith and showed off her left hand.

"What!" Faith looked up at Dee astonished and asked, "Nathan proposed?"

Dee nodded yes, "Isn't it beautiful? This is an heirloom from his grandmother! Emily even stopped serving food to whisk him away to give it to him when she knew we were talking about getting engaged. When he came back downstairs he raised me to standing, then he knelt, and asked me to marry him!"

"Oh how exciting!" Faith gasped. "Go on!"

"While Emily was warming up our dinner, she asked Nathan to pour some wine, and we all toasted to love!" Dee was practically dancing.

It was quick, but Dee caught Faith looking a little sad and her heart went out to her new friend. "Aw Faith, I'm sorry, here you are waiting to hear from Carson and I'm..."

"Don't be silly Dee," Faith put on her biggest smile, "I'm very happy for you. So, did you set a date?"

"No, it just happened. He wasn't planning on it, he said love just took over. I still have to call my parents after school tomorrow and let them know and my sister. We also have to tell his Dad, Archie." Dee was making a list in her head.

"I'm sure we'll plan a date really soon. I want to have my family here for the wedding and check with Pastor Joseph!" Dee's list was growing. "I wonder how Archie and Emily will handle this?"

"Look, don't you worry about all that now, or you'll never get to sleep." Faith laughed.

"One more thing," Dee looked at Faith, "Do you know yet when Carson will be here next?"

"No, he hoped for a few weeks around Christmas, why?" Faith asked.

"I was just hoping you and Carson would be together again when we do get married." Dee explained. "You are my first good friend here in Hope Valley, and I really do appreciate that. I want you to really enjoy yourself that's all." With that she gave Faith a big hug.

Nathan walked back to his house where his Ma was still up. "Ma, I got to do quick rounds now and take Newton back to the livery. So, don't wait up for me. We will talk more tomorrow." he winked.

"Ya, ya, be careful son. Gute Nacht!" she smiled.

Fall was definitely making it's appearance known. Not only were the trees and shrubs displaying gorgeous colors but when the sun shown on them they seemed to pop out even prettier. The air was cooler and the days were growing shorter. Rosemary was on top of her game overseeing the skit with the children for the town-wide Thanksgiving dinner.

Elizabeth had planned with Sam, much to his delight, to talk to some local hunters about providing a few turkeys. Bill offered to roast them outside on the pit he used for the pig which was delicious.

As expected, families would bring side dishes, and Emily would make some Oktoberfest dishes. Word had gotten around town about her German cuisine and bakery goods, so folks were eager to try some of the food they had smelled coming from Nathan's home!

Dee was working with all the school children, practicing a few national songs to sing which would be used in church too. Nathan had agreed to play guitar with Allie, and Angela and Timmy would play a duet that John was working on with them. A few of the children decided to try playing the flute or clarinet, but they weren't ready to perform a whole song, just a few notes here and there. This was just a fun time, so no one felt pressured.

Nathan was going about his usual business, when he realized school was letting out soon. He hadn't seen Bill all day and wanted to make a point of catching him before he picked up Dee at school. He set his coffee down, and went to the judge's office, where he saw Bill just going inside coming back from helping at the Cafe.

"Hey Nathan, Minnie is wanting to talk to your Ma about possibly doing some baking for the cafe. Bring her over tomorrow so they can chat between breakfast and lunch. Okay?" Bill rattled off.

"Sure Bill, I'll bring her." Nathan agreed. "Listen Bill I have to tell you, I want you to know before anyone else." Bill stopped and looked at Nathan in a quizzically manner. "It's all good news, I asked Dee to marry me!" Nathan blurted out.

Bill looked at Nathan and a big grin swept over his face. "Well, you son-of-a-gun, congratulations!" he tapped him on the shoulder. "I take it she said yes?" he teased. "You lucky guy!"

"I have to pick her up from school, so we can tell Archie." Nathan said anxiously.

"How do you think that's going to work with your Ma?" Bill asked.

"I'm not sure, but she won't make a scene as she won't want to cause Dee any stress. She loves Dee." Nathan explained.

"I'll be happy if you would just take Archie to dinner at Billees, on me and celebrate with your dad too! Bill offered.

"Thank you Bill. I'll have to see if I can get out of Ma's dinner for that." As Nathan was turning to leave, he looked back at Bill and said, "You're a great friend Bill" tipped his hat and left.

*********One more page of this story, then the continuation will be**********

"Let Me Call You Sweetheart"