Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 2, Page 15
After church, Pastor Joseph made the announcement that he had talked with several ladies about Advent coming soon. Being a father himself, he felt it important that the children re-enacted the story of the Lord's birth for everyone.
So, he asked Dee to make arrangements for music lessons to be focused on the upcoming nativity pageant. Looking also at Rosemary, he asked her to help provide the wardrobe and props, and Elizabeth, to go over the script based on the Gospel of Luke. Bill and Lee had already happily approved that the church service would be held at Billee's as they had a stage and more room for everyone. He asked if any of the men would help with props for the stage and any of the ladies to help with any sewing of costumes and the like. Sam had offered to supply refreshments as did Minnie, and of course Emily raised her hand and offered too. Sam asked the older children for help preparing the place and serving. Joseph was delighted at the positive response and gave them all a blessing before they left.
As expected, the ladies were all congregating afterwards and talking about who would do what. Rosemary was right there happily taking control and writing it all down to the ladies' relief.
Dee told both the adult and the children's choirs that they would get sheet music during the week and they would have to have a combined choir rehearsal on a weekend or two before the pageant.
Elizabeth talked to Pastor Joseph about the nativity pageant asking if he had a script or if she would be needed to write it. "Of course, I'll be happy to write it, as you know, that's my favorite pastime!"
Sam, Minnie, and Emily all gathered to discuss what refreshments they would provide. Since Minnie and Emily both decided on Christmas cookies, that was an easy decision. Sam would provide coffee, hot chocolate, and eggnog.
Fiona went up to Joseph, "Pastor, what do you think if this coincides with our annual Christmas wishing tree town lighting? We could really make a very festive day for our town!"
"Fiona, that's a wonderful idea. Christmas carols around the tree too! I agree that would be a joyful event to end the day!" Pastor Joseph was very happy as were all the others planning and laughing at the thought of the holiday!
Lee came up to Elizabeth and took her elbow to lead her aside. "Honey, we need to have some lunch soon before we take our drive." he suggested.
"Oh, for sure!" Rosemary told the ladies, I'm sorry, I have to go, but not to worry, I'll be getting in touch with you all, thank you," as Lee whisked her out the door.
In the car, Rosemary was all excited. "This is going to be the best Christmas pageant ever! I'll make sure I have all the material and props ready for the sewing circle and the knitting-quilt circle."
"Let's just ride straight up to Brookfield and have lunch there before we visit the Orphanage." Lee suggested.
"Leave it to you Lee, you are a man after my own heart!" she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "Now Lee, one more thing, I want to stop at Dorothy's home, that's Dee's sister. I need to talk to her, and you'll have a chance to meet her before the dinner party next weekend!"
"All right, but let's not make it a long visit, shall we?" Lee shrugged. It was a very lively discussion on the way there, or should we say, a lively monologue?
When they got to Brookfield, Rosemary knocked on the Dorothy and George's door. "Dorothy, I'm sorry to come unexpectedly, but I really need to talk to you."
"No problem at all, we love company, come on in." Dorothy opened the door to welcome her in. Rosemary turned around and waved to Lee to come too.
"Dorothy, this is Lee, my husband, proprietor of the Coulter Lumber Company" she proudly put her arm through Lee's.
"Hello Lee! This is George, my husband, and my children, Robert and Roberta. Welcome," Dorothy smiled. "Can you stay for lunch?"
"Oh no..." Lee started. "Sure, we can," Rosemary finished.
As George took their coats, Robert grabbed Lee's hand and Roberta grabbed Rosemary's and led them both to the dining table.
"Aren't they adorable?" Rosemary asked Lee with a wink.
"It's not much, just leftovers, chicken soup and a ham sandwich." Dorothy apologized. "I do have some plum pudding for dessert though."
"Leftovers can often be better the second time around," Lee assured her.
"Now, tell us, what brings you here?" Dorothy asked curiously.
"We're going up to visit the Orphanage. I was keen on a little boy, Paul, who seems very shy and uncomfortable. It just broke my heart to see him all alone not participating, so both times, I went to him and tried to break through the wall he had around himself. I was lucky, I did, but he would immediately withdraw when I left his side." Rosemary explained.
"That's really sad," Dorothy sympathized.
"I want to talk to Lillian about him and find out more. Lee and I are without any children now," Rosemary said painfully, looking away.
Lee jumped in, "but we love children and maybe we are meant to adopt." as he grabbed his wife's hand.
Rosemary, looked back up, "Yes, maybe. It seems that Paul likes me, so that's half the battle, now I want him to meet Lee."
George nodded, "Sounds like a good start. Some of these children have been alone far too long. I'm sure they all have a sad story somewhere but Lillian is doing wonderfully."
"Karen, Allie's friend was adopted from there by the Landoch family and they just moved to Hope Valley. Her father, Bob works for me." Lee informed them. "It's been a rewarding experience for them all. Gives us hope."
"Good luck, I hope it works out for you. But, why did you come to our home" Dorothy asked.
