Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 6, Page 50

The beginning of 1919 was just upon Hope Valley. All the town was going to Billee's to ring in the New Year! Bill, Lee, Rosemary, Sam and Rick had worked all day to make Billee's festive with colorful balloons and streamers. As usual, there was a buffet table with the food so people could help themselves to whatever the potluck provided. Bill had made sure he had cooked enough chicken pieces on the pit outside, and Sam and Rick made pots of cooked potatoes, carrots, and beans. Minnie had helped with making the coffee and hot water for tea, and pitchers of cold water. Emily brought German Chocolate cake and Gingerbread. Plus, there were bottles of wine for the dinner, and champagne for the toast to the New Year. Pastor Joseph did the honor of leading all in grace before they began to eat.

Fiona decided to stay home with Christy and Timi. She wanted to give a New Year's Eve talk as Mayor, but she just couldn't leave her new guests alone. So, she celebrated with Christy and some food that Bill had sent over.

"Christy, how do you feel?" Fiona asked.

"Better, after that long nap this afternoon. I think both Timi Anne and I really needed the rest."

"Look, we have our own New Year's Eve dinner! Wasn't that nice of Bill to send this over?" Fiona smiled warmly.

"You are missing the party Fiona, please don't let me stop you." Christy felt badly.

"Don't be silly, I'm so tired from all the hair-dos I did today for the party, I just want to put my feet up and relax." Fiona fibbed. "I'll put on some records, and we can just sing a few songs together."

As expected, Jesse and Clara were inside their own home enjoying their little baby Michael. He was such a good baby and Clara found he nursed really well. Everyone in town had been bringing over food and that really helped them out.

Clara was starting to get up, dressed, and feeling somewhat normal again. Jesse would be going back to work after the holiday, so it was good she was out of bed. She wouldn't be helping Minnie at the cafe though for a while, but Emily offered to continue to help for as long as she was needed.

Ladies wore their long dresses and had their hair done up and polished their nails. Men wore suits and shined shoes, looking very dapper, as they escorted their lovely ladies on their arm to their tables. Everyone looked so elegant.

Nathan walked proudly with Dee on his arm. It felt good to not have to wear those uncomfortable long boots that the Mounties dreaded. He was dashing in just about anything he wore, if you asked Dee. They caught everyone's eye as they entered the room. Being such a handsome couple, they really stood out. "Just think in 6 weeks, we'll be here celebrating our wedding!" Dee smiled up lovingly at Nathan.

"I can't wait sweetheart!" Nathan gazed deep into Dee's blue eyes.

Rosemary and Lee were just bubbling over about their almost son, Paul.

"We hated to leave him, but we have Emily Montgomery watching him for us. He took to her like glue." Rosemary explained. Their love for Paul was quite evident in every conversation they had.

They kept their eye on the food, making sure no one went hungry. It was Lee's idea to keep a tip jar by the food. He secretly hoped that any money collected would help the young girl, Christy who had just arrived.

Ned and Flo were playing Bingo and won a few silly prizes, but they were good sports and felt happy to be enjoying their night with their loyal friends.

After serving dinner, Sam had a chance to sit with Elizabeth which they both looked forward to. Anna was taking care of Little Jack, so it was a special time alone together for them.

Dottie and Henry were having fun playing darts which surprised Henry, but Dottie was a really good aim. They seemed to really be striking up a good relationship. Henry realized he was very lucky to have a second chance. With Dottie showing him interest that was the frosting on the cake.

People sitting together talked about the wonderful times they had enjoyed at Billees all year! The back-to-school potluck and talent show, the town Thanksgiving, Dee and Nathan's engagement party, the Christmas pageant, and the Christmas Caroling and Tree Lighting! Now, tonight they were back together again celebrating as one town. Having Billees here, as a great gathering place, just like the sign Nathan made hanging just inside, was just what this town wanted and needed.

The noise of the conversations all around the room was loud, but joyful. Some were eating, some were playing darts, some were playing cards, and there were games like Bingo, and charades going on. Music on the phonograph was playing, if you could hear it.

There was plenty of food and merriment. Bill got on stage with Molly. Knowing beforehand, it just so happened that Rick had ushered Faith and Carson to a table for two near the front of the stage. As Sam and Rick were quickly pouring glasses of champagne and taking them to all the guests, Bill spoke.

"As some of you know, Carson finally asked Faith to marry him! There were surprise and clapping. Both Carson and Faith blushed. So, I'd like you to join me in raising your glass to this couple and wish them congratulations and blessings on their engagement!

"Here, here!" the room cheered as they clanged their glasses to see the couple kiss. Carson put his arm around his fiancé and tenderly brushed her hair away from her face as he bent down and kissed her. Everyone clapped.

Then Molly walked over to their table and began to sing serenading them with "By the Light of the Silvery Moon." Molly was singing so nicely until her heel caught in her long dress! She lost her balance, fell into Carson's lap, and knocked over his champagne unto the floor. Molly was mortified. Carson just laughed.

"Oh, my goodness, what have I done? How embarrassing"! Molly left running for the kitchen.

"It's all right Molly!" Carson called after her. "Nothing broke, come back here."

Bill excused himself from the stage as he couldn't help noticing the snickering.

Rosemary exclaimed, "Oh dear," and ran to the kitchen to console Molly!

Carson decided now was a good of time to play his guitar and sing to his girl. He grabbed his guitar and sang "For me and my gal." Faith was delighted and soon everyone else was singing along with Carson and to their gals. Molly and Bill quietly came back in the room and joined in.

Soon, Nathan grabbed his guitar and so did Bill. Dee reached for Faith and Molly's hands bringing them all up on stage with their guys. Soon everyone was joining in together in a sing-along.

At midnight, they raised their glasses to each other and said, "Happy New Year!" Bill got his kiss from Molly, and Dottie got her kiss from Henry, just like they had been thinking about all day.