Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 3, Page 25

While Nathan was on rounds in the morning he and Newton rode out by the area that he and Dee often went. He stopped by the tree where he had carved their initials in. The stream that was running by the tree attracted all the creatures, but this morning he stopped Newton long enough to watch the 3 deer that were drinking. He was not a hunter, unlike his other friends, instead, he appreciated the stature of the buck standing tall and stoic, and the way he walked like he owned the land. His doe was at his side and his young buck with them. They were a pleasure for him to watch. As he was taking it all in, appreciating nature at it's finest, a gunshot rang out. The buck startled and ran back into the woods with his family, but the little buck was grazed with the bullet.

Nathan looked around and caught a glimpse of a red and black lumber jacket. He nudged Newton to ride in that direction. They caught up with young man who stopped when he heard Nathan to stand still. "Excuse me, who are you?"

"Rick O'Neill, Constable." he answered.

"Do you know that you almost maimed a young buck? I hope you have better aim next time, I wouldn't want to see one of them hurt. Do you live around here?"

"Yes Constable, I live with my parents out at the farm, not too far from here. I'm not that good of a shot. My older brother used to hunt for us, but he came back from the war with the Spanish flu and..."

"Your brother was Timothy O'Neill who we just buried this summer? I'm so sorry, that was so tragic. After serving his country and then to get sick, well that just was a very hard blow. How are your parents doing?" Nathan was very concerned.

"Not good. My dad is depressed and has let the farm go. Mom is so upset with him and doesn't know what to do. So, I couldn't leave them to go to college or to a city for work, the way they are." Rick explained.

"I'll be sure to check on them." Nathan assured Rick. "I highly suggest you better get some more target practice before you hunt again." Nathan tipped his hat and rode off.

As Nathan was headed to the farm, he spotted a grove of trees that caught his eye. In the grove was the prettiest, best formed tree, that would make be the perfect town Christmas tree! Nearby were others just as nicely formed but smaller. He knew exactly what he wanted to do.

When he got to the farm, he checked on Rick's parents. Mrs. O'Neill invited Nathan in and asked if he wanted a cup of coffee. Nathan nodded and thanked her. The cup warmed his hand and the warm liquid warmed him up. He found Mr. O'Neill sitting in his chair in the living room, just listening to the radio. "Good morning!" Nathan greeted. "I just wanted to tell you again that I'm very sorry for your loss and I'm asking if there is anything I can do for you?" Nathan offered.

"Constable." Mr. O'Neill nodded. "No, nothing. Unless you can bring back Timothy."

"Sorry, Constable, we've had quite a shock so forgive us, but we're just fine." Mrs. O'Neill said quietly.

"Well, I ran into your son, Rick, hunting. He was telling me that you have not been doing well. So, if you need help, please let me know, that's what I'm here for." Nathan urged.

"Thank you for stopping by, Constable." Mrs. O'Neill said as she ushered him to the door.

Nathan made a mental note to get back there after the holidays. He didn't like what he saw.

When Nathan got back to town he sauntered into Nichols and Dimes. "Good morning Fiona!"

"Hello there Nathan!" she greeted him in return. "You're not here for a cut as you just had one, so what can I do for you?"

"Well Mayor, I found our town's Christmas tree! It's in a grove of trees that I passed by. It's perfectly shaped and tall. Do you want to see it?" Nathan asked.

"No, Constable, if you say it's the right tree, I'll take your word for it." Fiona laughed. "Just ask Lee to have one of his employees to cut it down and bring it in! Thanks, that's one less thing I need to do!"

Nathan walked Newton back to the livery and brushed him down. Then, he walked over to Coulter Lumber and found Lee in the office. He relayed to him about the tree and Lee assured him he'd get right on it.

"Hey, Lee I have a favor to ask of you. There are two trees that are right next to this tree, would you mind cutting them down too and hauling them in with your truck?" Nathan asked.

"Sure, no problem. Just tie a rope on the trees, so I know which ones and then we'll bring all three." Lee smiled.

"Thanks! Lee, look I'm wondering if you are still looking for workers. I have a young man who might be interested in a job as long as he can stay here in the Hope Valley area." Nathan inquired.

"Not right now, but in a few months we'll be busy building, I'm sure. Who are you talking about?" Lee was puzzled.

"Remember the funeral we had this summer for Timothy O'Neill when the soldiers came back home? Nathan asked. "Well, his brother, Rick has been worried about his parents who are not doing so well after the funeral. He needs work, but he wants to stay close so he can keep an eye on his folks."

"Hmm, I'll keep him in mind. Lee agreed. "Tomorrow, I'll send some guys out for the Christmas trees. Rosie will be happy. She's been after me to get going on a tree. You just saved me!" he laughed.