CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
"Nathan, I'm going to run in and get us all dinner at Bill's. If I can keep a straight face, that is! I called and checked with Rosie, so the girls know not to cook. Bill's putting something together for all of us now. Sound okay?"
"Lee, that sounds great. Let me pay."
"No, Nathan! I've had so much fun today. This one's on me; you can get it another time. Good grief, what am I talking about? You're sharing your new cabin with us. I think that's more than enough!"
"I still can't believe it, Lee. It's surreal. I love that place. That's where Elizabeth took the kids for refuge, and now, with last night, it's become really important to both of us, thanks to you and Rosemary! Bill and Gustav, too, of course! I can't believe it's really going to be ours!"
"Nathan, you're a smart man, already talking like a couple!"
"That's because I can't even imagine my life any longer without Elizabeth in it. I have never been this happy!"
"It shows, my Friend. You both are positively glowing! Why don't you come with me and help me carry all the food? I've got the car parked in front of the Mercantile. Want to drive?"
"It's almost dark!"
"Well, the car does have lights, you know! Come on. It's only fair. You taught me how to drive a sleigh today, so I'll start your driving lessons!"
"If you're sure, Lee!"
"In fact, I might as well tell you this, Elizabeth is determined to go with you to Buxton tomorrow to take the sleigh back. How were you planning to get back here?"
"The only real option on Sunday is the train. See, I can't take Newton and Sargent, because they're not used to being around a sleigh. It's too dangerous. Are you sure Elizabeth is going to be up for that? I thought she'd want to rest up for her classes on Monday."
"Well, the girls say they've already rested up today, while we've been out here playing, working, whatever! And the thing is Rosemary wants to go too, so we can take them out to dinner in Buxton. Would you be okay with that? Rosie and I can drive there in the car while you and Elizabeth take the sleigh. Then we'll all meet up to eat, and come back together in the car."
"Sounds like fun. I wasn't particularly looking forward to the train ride back, alone. But, wait a minute, I'll have to figure out something for Allie!"
"That's already done, my Friend! When these women get an idea in their head, they take action, and we just have to go along with it, pretending like it's our idea, of course!"
"Oh, of course," Nathan laughed.
"Anyway, they've already checked with Allie to see if she would stay with Laura and help with Little Jack. She's all in if you're okay with it."
"As you said, Lee, go along with it and act like it's our idea!"
"See, I knew you were going to be a quick study! After these past few years with Rosie, I feel like I have a doctorate in wives!"
Nathan laughed, "I bet you do! Don't be shy in sharing some of that hard-earned wisdom! I'm going to need all the help I can get!"
"There you guys are. Okay, these baskets are yours. I've got some bread in the oven. Should be ready any minute now. Have a seat and rest a minute. Don't think I've forgotten anything."
"Aren't you even going to give us a clue as to what we're going to be eating?" questioned Lee.
"Let's see. I put in a huge Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, a new Corn Soufflé I'm trying. Still having trouble getting it to rise just right, but it's got a mighty fine taste. Uhm, let me think. Oh, there's also a new Broccoli Casserole with four kinds of cheese. You're going to love that, Lee! It's even better than the one we used to make. And there's a huge Fruit Salad with Butterscotch Meringue Pie for Dessert."
"Wow, sounds perfect, Bill!"
"Thanks, Nathan. There's the timer for the Bread. Let me get it, and you're ready."
"Hey, Bill, can you sneak away and come eat with us?" asked Nathan.
"Only if I eat and run. I've got a lot of prep work to do for tomorrow after we finish with this crowd. Saturday nights have gotten crazy, and Sunday's are maybe a bit worse!"
"Well, come on then. I've got the car, and I'll even run you back!" urged Lee.
"Deal! Truthfully, I could use the break. Let me grab my coat!"
Nathan and Lee loaded up, but Bill insisted that he was transporting the Pies.
"They're beauties," he announced proudly, "and we're keeping it that way!"
So, off the three men went to the car.
"Nathan, you want to wait till we're not so loaded down?"
"Perfect Lee, that's a great idea. Honestly, I think I'd feel better starting out in daylight, so I can see where everything is located clearly. And Lee, I think I need a diagram, so I can study before you actually put me behind the wheel!"
"You're right. I'm so familiar with where everything is in this thing that I hadn't even thought of that!"
"So, Hope Valley is going to have a 'driving' Mountie?'" Bill questioned from the back seat, a little sarcastically.
"Oh Bill, just if it's needed. You never know what might come up!"
"No, just teasing. I think it's a great idea! And it appears you're going to be a family man soon, so it makes sense to me." Bill was chiding Nathan a little and gave a deep-throated laugh.
Nathan figured he was blushing, but it was dark by now, so thankfully, no one could see. He was going to have to get used to the ribbing because there was going to be a lot of it!
But if it meant that's what it took to be with Elizabeth, he would welcome it!
Elizabeth and Rosemary decided it would be easier with the children, to just eat at Elizabeth's. Also, Laura would be there tomorrow to clean up any leftover mess, in case they didn't have time to spotlessly clean everything tonight!
Elizabeth heard the car first and ran to let Lee and Nathan in.
"Bill, what a nice surprise! So glad you could sneak away!"
She took their coats as Nathan helped her put them away, and they stole a quick hug and kiss.
"Missed you this afternoon. Did Lee tell you about our plans? Are you okay with it all?"
"Of course! If you're sure you won't be too tired, I'd love the company. We've got so much to talk about! And thanks for thinking of Allie! Actually, I was dreading spending the day alone, with you back here. So, it's all perfect. We'll have a great day now!"
They shared one of their gazes as he put his arm around her and led her to the table.
"Bill, have I got everything out?"
"Rosemary, it looks perfect! Oh, where's the Bread? Check the smaller basket!"
"Here it is, Bill," she called from the kitchen, searching for the butter.
"Rosemary, I set the butter out beside the stove to soften a little."
"Got it, Elizabeth! Bill, the Bread looks delicious."
"Where's Jack?" Nathan asked as he bent to give Allie a kiss.
"He's in bed. I think we wore him out with the sleigh ride!"
"You're right about that, Allie. He went right to sleep with no fuss, and has been sleeping soundly ever since! Bill, would you lead us in prayer?" asked Elizabeth.
Everyone joined hands as Bill prayed.
"Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the day of fun we've had with the children of Hope Valley. And with very grateful hearts, we thank You for the marvels of modern science that continue to shed light on what we ourselves can't comprehend. We thank You for the answers and the peace You have brought to us, and we ask You to bless the food before us to the nourishment of our bodies. In Your Name, we pray. Amen."
The men were ravenous but politely waited for the ladies to be served first.
"How nice to have such a delicious meal before us, without being in the kitchen all day. Bill, thank you so much. Once again, it appears you've outdone yourself. Although I don't know how you're going to top lunch. Rosemary and I are serious about wanting that Stew recipe!"
"Elizabeth, how about I just show you and Rosemary together some night?"
"That's even better, Bill!" piped in Rosemary, who couldn't believe she and Elizabeth were getting the recipe, much less a cooking lesson from the pro, himself!
"Could I learn, too, Uncle Bill, please?"
"Only if you promise to not tell my secrets, young lady!"
"Oh, I promise!"
"Then, that's settled!" pronounced Elizabeth, as she and Rosemary smiled at Allie.
"See, I knew there had to be a cook somewhere in the family, and I think I've found her. Allie, you just might end up being my sous chef!"
"I would love that, Uncle Bill!" Allie beamed.
Nathan smiled proudly at Allie.
"She's actually pretty good, Bill."
"Don't doubt it a bit. And Allie will be a pro by the time I get through with her!" Bill threw Allie a quick wink.
"Thanks, Uncle Bill! And thank you all, Uncle Bill, Uncle Lee, and Uncle Nathan for today. The kids loved the sleigh rides and the snowball fight. They said it was the best day they ever had!"
"You are more than welcome, our beautiful Allie! Don't tell the kids, but I think we had just as much fun as they did!" exclaimed Lee.
Bill and Nathan agreed with their smiles.
"You know I don't know when Rosie and I've ever had so much fun! That sleigh has brought a lot of joy to a lot of people today, Nathan!"
"Glad to have been able to share it, Lee."
Elisabeth beamed, remembering their romantic sleigh ride from last night.
"You know, Bill, we've got to get you away from work like this, more often. You work too hard! Sometimes, I worry!" fretted Elizabeth.
"Oh, no, you don't. I know that look. Don t you and Rosemary even think about fixing me up. I'm quite happy with things just the way they are!"
Both Nathan and Lee could see the ladies' wheels turning to the same tune.
"Bill, better watch out. It seems not only misery loves company, but love too!" Lee laughed out loud.
Nathan just grinned, wanting to laugh, but knowing better. He had to work with this man every single day!
The men, except Bill, of course, were willing to bet right here and now, that Bill would eventually lose this one!
"Bill face it, this is one you won't win. I know Elizabeth, and I sure know my wife, so you better just agree and thank them now!"
"Pshaw! Don t you two dare! Pass me some Meatloaf, please! Besides, there's not a Lady in Hope Valley I'd be interested in. Seems the good ones are taken!" opening his hands toward Elizabeth and Rosemary while smiling smugly.
Big smiles and a collective "aww" from both ladies were his thanks for the compliment.
"But who said anything about Hope Valley? There are other places, you know!" Rosemary retorted.
Everyone at the table, except Bill apparently, knew Rosemary never met a stranger. She was very well connected!
"What's your type, Bill?" whispered Elizabeth.
"Ladies, please, there's a child present, and she happens to be my Niece. So let's just clean this conversation up!"
"Well, Mrs. Thornton and Auntie Rosie do make some good points, Uncle Bill. Why would you want to be alone, when you could have someone to do things with and go places with?"
Nathan was getting a little worried. Allie definitely wasn't ready for Boys. Not yet. She was just a little girl! No, she couldn't possibly be ready for that!
Elizabeth heard the low groan that unknowingly escaped Nathan's mouth and couldn't help letting out a little laugh.
"See what you ladies have caused! A lot of discomfort, that's what! I'm ready for Dessert! And if you've got to fix somebody up, there are lots of other people in this town who would welcome your help! This Judge is very happy as he is and busy, too! Thank you!"
And that was that.
Or was it?
Elizabeth and Rosemary looked at each other thoughtfully, smiled, and silently agreed to take a different approach next time.
"Bill won't know what's hit him!" they both thought silently.
Suddenly, as if a lightning bolt had struck both Elizabeth and Rosemary at the exact same time, they both knew Bill's perfect match. And she wasn't even that far away!
This was going to be so much fun!
After thoroughly enjoying their delicious meal, Lee had taken Bill back to the Cafe, and Rosemary had gone home to prepare for their trip to Buxton tomorrow.
"Elizabeth, I should go and get Allie tucked in. It's going to be a long day tomorrow, and you need your rest as well!"
Nathan glanced at Allie, who was busy gathering her things.
He then looked into Elizabeth's face and whispered, "Do we do this in front of her?"
"I think your Daughter understands more than we give her credit for," Elizabeth whispered back.
So Nathan pulled her close and gave her a real good night kiss, right on the mouth.
"Nice job, Uncle Nathan! I knew you had it in you."
"Allie, you do know when two adults care about each other, and they kiss, that's something private just for family. Not something that is talked about to people outside that family."
Nathan was trying hard to maintain some degree of privacy for them, as well as let Allie understand that some things, such as him and Elizabeth kissing, weren't to be discussed with others.
"Of course, I understand that Uncle Nathan, but I don't see what the big deal is. I think it's sweet."
"That it is Allie, but don't forget it's private, just for family. If it needs to be discussed, you do that with Mrs. Thornton or me, okay? Not anyone else!"
Her eyes brightened, "Deal! That's more than fair."
"Come on, Sweetheart, we need to go home. It's almost time for bed!"
Elizabeth reached up for one last quick kiss, and Nathan grabbed her hand, only letting it go till he could hold it no longer.
With huge smiles, he and Allie turned to cover the short distance to their home.
It wasn't anytime at all after they had entered their front door that Nathan sensed something was a little off with Allie.
"Allie, are you okay?" he asked gently, with a hand on her shoulder, turning her to look at him.
"Uncle Nathan, I know it's getting late, but could we have a quick Family Conference? Something is really bothering me. It has all day."
"Of course, Allie!" Nathan couldn't hide the concern on his face.
"Here, let's set on the settee together. What's wrong, Sweetheart? You know you can tell me anything. You do know that, right?."
"I know, but this one is really important, and I'm not even sure I should say...anything."
"Allie, you can always say anything to me, anything at all. There's nothing you should feel uncomfortable about with me. We're family Allie, and I love you more than life itself. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you."
"I know, Uncle Nathan, but this is really big. And I don't know what you'll think or how you'll feel about it!"
"How about you talk and I'll just listen. Will that make it easier?"
"I think so. The problem is, I was so happy today to get two new Uncles and an Aunt. I've always loved Uncle Bill, Uncle Lee, and Auntie Rosie, so it feels right to call them that. But, Uncle Nathan, as much as I love them, I love you the most in the whole wide world, and now, it doesn't feel right to call you the same as them."
Allie was sobbing and starting to shake.
He took her in his arms, lifted her to his lap and held her tightly.
She put her arms around his neck and held on tightly too, as though she would never let go. They just sat like that for a few minutes, until Allie felt calmer.
"Allie, what do you want to call me?" he whispered gently.
"I want to call you, Dad! All the kids say you're my Dad!"
Allie was still holding on as tight as ever, to his neck.
Nathan just held her close, but now he was crying too.
He gently pulled her back the slightest bit, so they could see each other's faces.
And he looked directly into her eyes, through his tears.
"Allie, you mean the world to me. You are my Daughter in every sense of the word, and I am your Father in every sense of the word. Nothing would make me prouder than for you to call me Dad. It would be my highest honor. I love you with all my heart, Allie Bean. I always have and always will."
"I love you too, Dad, the most in the whole wide world!"
"Allie, you want to know a secret?"
She nodded expectantly.
"When we first came together as a family of two, I was scared that I wouldn't know how to give you everything you needed. Then I remembered my favorite poem from Emerson, you know, the author who wrote the quote I carved for the library."
Allie nodded.
"I took a pen, wrote the poem down on paper, and slipped it under the front cover of my Bible. Allie, I've read it every single night since we've been together, to remind me of all the things you needed in your life. All I wanted to do, Sweetheart, was make sure I gave them to you. You want to hear the poem, Allie?"
"Yes!" she was now starting to smile through her tears.
Nathan held her head to his chest and spoke softly, just above a whisper.
"This is my wish for you:
Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,
Hugs when spirits sag,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Faith so that you can believe,
Confidence for when you doubt,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
Love to complete your life."
Ralph Waldo Emerson (7*)
"Allie, every day, I try to see that you have those things in your life: comfort. smiles, laughter, sunsets, hugs, beauty, friendships, faith, confidence, courage, patience, love, and even the promise of beautiful rainbows."
"Oh, Dad, you give me all those things and more, each and every day! I'm so lucky to have you. I love you so very much!"
Nathan kissed the top of her head, as Father and Daughter sat together, just holding each other.
And Nathan was hoping with all his heart, that Colleen was watching them from above.
(7*) Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) "This is My Wish for You" (written in the mid-1800s), Public Domain