Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 4, Page 33

Just as Molly said, Bill brought over a Christmas tree for Faith. All three of them set up and decorated the tree. The ornaments and popcorn strings were placed carefully, but Faith wanted to save the angel ornament that Carson gave her for when he was there with her, and that wasn't soon enough.

Ned and Flo were very busy with packages arriving every day. Orders for Christmas gifts were being fulfilled and the townspeople were shopping for food and picking up their gift orders. The rehearsal of the Christmas pageant was held on Tuesday when the choirs weren't practicing. The town of Hope Valley certainly was quite a flurry of activity.

Nathan stopped by Bill's office with a huge smile on his face. "Here you go Bill, I just stopped at the bank and have money for you to purchase that parcel of land we agreed on."

"Nathan, this is a pleasure! I'm happy for you and Dee. Good luck on your new venture." Bill said as he handed him the deed to the land.

As they shook hands, Nathan replied, "This has been my dream Bill. All along I only wanted a home of my own for my woman and my family. I thought I had lost that dream when Elizabeth told me she wasn't in love with me, but Dee has been an answer to prayer, and I'm better off with her. She will make this a reality!"

It just so happened that Dee was over at Dottie's dress shop looking through pictures of bridal gowns. One was prettier than the other. "I don't know, should I go with long sleeves being February and probably cold?" Dee thought out loud.

"It all depends on what catches your eye and when we can get it here." Rosemary informed.

"If I go with short sleeves, then I will need long gloves. Should I wear a veil or a headdress? Can I wear my shoes from the engagement party? Should I wear my hair up or down? Then, I need something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something new." Dee was feeling overwhelmed all of a sudden.

It was ironic that Rosemary was telling her good friend to slow down and breathe. "Let's take it one step at a time. Just start by looking through this catalog and let me know what dresses interest you. Don't mind any if they are short or long sleeve, or any other details. Right now, just focus on the design of the dress and the way it appeals to you."

As Dee was combing through the catalog Dottie came in. "Why hello there Dee? Looking for a dress I see."

"Yes, they are all so lovely! How does a woman pick just one?" Dee asked incredulously.

"Take a good look and picture yourself in the dress. Imagine standing next to Nathan in his red serge, and find a few that compliment the look you want." Dottie advised.

"Now, Rosemary, I just came back from speaking with Henry and he agreed that we need to expand. He's going to hire more men to work the petroleum business and Lee for the lumber company, among other industries that are coming."

"Yes exactly what Lee said. Go on." Rosemary nodded.

"So, until Lee starts building in spring, we need to expand what we already have. Since Henry owns this building he gave us the go ahead to move some of our merchandise upstairs." Dottie sounded encouraged.

"That's great, but did he say anything about all the furniture and belongings upstairs?" Rosemary asked.

"What," Dee stopped and looked up at the ladies talking "are you two talking about?"

Rosemary looked at Dee and said, "We are going to bring in men and children's clothing and need to open the upstairs for that. When we went upstairs we found a chest of drawers with ladies' belongings and a trunk with men's belongings, plus other various items." Then looking back at Dottie she asked, "What did Henry say about them?"

"He didn't want to discuss them. He said, he'd be over here to get the clothing and such, but he'd leave the furniture here for us to use. He should be coming by today or tomorrow." Dottie informed them.

"C'mon up with me Dee!" Rosemary waved her to join her at the stairs. "You should see the wedding gown and accessories we found before Henry takes them away."

Dee was very curious as she followed Rosemary upstairs. Dee was stunned as Rosemary gently lifted out of a drawer the wedding gown and veil. "That is simply gorgeous! Who's is it?"

"It's divine, isn't it? Henry obviously doesn't want to divulge any information about it, or the groom's suit." Rosemary stepped over to the trunk and opened it up and revealed the contents.

"Oh goodness, these must be the remains of a wedding. I wonder why anyone would leave them in this attic?" Dee pondered.

"That's what we want to know!" Dottie said as she came up the last stair up into the room. "Henry wouldn't say a word. It's a mystery to us."

After Rosemary hurriedly showed Dee the rest of the discovery, they went downstairs. "I'm glad you showed me. It helped me. I really love that dress, so I'd like to find a dress in that style." Dee remarked.

"Well now, we're getting somewhere." Rosemary was relieved that Dee knew the style of dress she wanted. "Let's focus on that style shall we?"