Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 1, Page 5

Dee and Nathan walked into town, happy to be together holding hands and talking about their engagement party.

The first place they stopped was at the Church. Pastor Joseph was there setting up for the Sunday service tomorrow. "Well, look at you two on this fine morning!"

"Hello Pastor!" Nathan replied. "Can we talk to you for a few moments?"

"Yes, of course, come on in. I assume you want to talk about your wedding?" Pastor asked.

Nathan and Dee stepped inside. "That would be the right assumption," Nathan started smiling. "We would like to be married on Valentine's Day if that works for you."

"Consider it a date." Pastor let out a deep laugh. "I'm so happy for you both. Do you have songs, readings, vows all planned, or do you want my help?"

"If you don't mind," Dee started, "I'd like to pick out the songs. Nathan and I would like you to suggest a few readings to choose from, and of course we'll need to write our own vows."

"Perfect, may I suggest your consider the readings I have given other couples before," and handed them the list. "Do you have a singer for your songs since you'll be otherwise busy. Rosemary, Molly, or Elizabeth all have lovely voices as you might already know. Perhaps one of them would be willing."

"I don't want to ask Rosemary to put any more on her plate, and it would be somewhat awkward for Nathan to have Elizabeth singing, so I think we'll be asking Molly, especially since Bill will be the best man, then she'll have a part too." Dee was thinking of her friend. Nathan, nodded giving his approval.

"All right folks, we'll talk again soon. Congratulations on this next step in your life. May God bless you." Joseph said as he blessed them. "See you tomorrow."

From there they went to the the Cafe to give Minnie Emily's fried donuts. Minnie was cooking and Clare was serving. Dee took notice of Clare's silhouette growing larger and smiled. Minnie was happy to see them. "Oh great, these donuts look delicious! Your Ma's baking is really a big hit! I would love for her to come here and bake so I can learn some recipes."

"Ma doesn't feel comfortable yet. She has a pretty thick German accent, but back in Brook Springs we all lived there, and Ma for most of her life. Here she feels she might not be accepted, especially with the war just ending."

"That's a shame, I don't think people would hold that against her. After all they love her baking!" Minnie sounded surprised. "Please tell her to come here any time, she's more than welcome, and I would be pleased to have her come."

"I will, thank you." Nathan grinned.

"Now, I must say, Congratulations you two! How wonderful, a wedding to look forward to." Minnie smiled, "Let me see your engagement ring Dee."

Dee proudly held out her left hand and smiled widely at Nathan as Minnie admired her ring. "Gorgeous, just gorgeous!"

"We want to ask you and your family to our engagement party dinner. I'm sure Rosemary will be talking to you soon." they both said as they left.

They knew Rosemary had all the plans under control for the engagement dinner party, but they needed to make arrangements at Billees for Dorothy and her family to stay there during their visit for the engagement party. Sam was there and had the place running smoothly and taking care of the guests. Nathan was glad to find out that there was a family birthday party coming in an hour, which was encouraging. Billees was still going strong.

Next stop was for Nathan to talk to Bill. Dee thought it best that the men talked by themselves, so she asked Nathan to pick her up at the dress shop.

Nathan walked into Bill's office and asked, "Why aren't you working at the cafe?

"Hey, what are you checking on me now?" he scoffed. "I can't be at both places at once. Besides, it's Saturday, I have to help over at Billee's. We usually have family parties or entertainment going on. Speaking of which, I could certainly use some help with that. Any chance you would like to strum a few tunes with me from time to time on a Saturday night?"

"I don't know, I'll have to check my busy schedule." Nathan laughed. "Of course, it would be fun. Let me know when."

"I'm hoping to have a Saturday night in November before Christmas time and after your engagement dinner party." Bill informed him.

"Sounds okay. Look Bill, I really appreciate you always having my back and being such a great friend and confidant. So, I would be very happy if you would be my best man at Dee's and my wedding."

Bill stood up and shook Nathan's hand, "My honor, Constable!"

Nathan chuckled. "Great, thanks! You are bringing Molly to the dinner, right?"

"We wouldn't miss it for the world." Bill nodded.

Nathan found Dee looking excitedly through the dress rack and spinning around while she held each dress she selected looking at the mirror. "Seems you found more than one." Nathan looked at how Dee's blue eyes sparkled.

"Maybe you shouldn't see which one I choose Mr. Grant." she said demurely.

"Well, that's up to you Miss Gleixner." he teased back as he gave her a kiss.