Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 6, Page 56
Henry was right on time when he picked up Dottie for dinner. Thinking they would go to Billee's for dinner Dottie was surprised when instead he drove her to Brookfield for a nice dinner away from town. He was hoping to make a good impression for Dottie. The place was a little but elegant Italian restaurant run by Mr. and Mrs. Romano who Henry had gotten to know from his visits to town. It proved to be a hidden gem for those who enjoyed dining on Italian cuisine. Dottie was delighted to enjoy a good pasta and even better company.
"This food is so delicious!" Dottie was quite pleased. "I miss having Italian food."
"I'm glad you like it. It tastes better when I have a lovely lady to enjoy it with." Henry smiled.
"Henry, I hope you enjoyed yourself on New Year's Eve as much as I did." Dottie looked curiously at him.
"I sure did especially at midnight!" Henry's eyes sparkled. "What was it that you wanted to talk to me privately"?
"To be honest Henry, I hesitate asking but I just wanted to check with you about something that you took from the attic of the dress shop." Dottie was watching Henry's expression very closely.
"What about it?" Henry's mood changed to annoyance.
"Well Henry, it's a shame that those wedding clothes are just lying around when the dress in particular could be used for someone very special."
Henry eyes her skeptically. "Get to the point Dottie, who are you talking about?"
"Dee Gleixner, the music teacher who's marrying Nathan. Her wedding gown hasn't arrived yet, and..."
"And, you sweet talked me to see if I would let you have the wedding dress?" Henry was getting upset.
"Henry, I'm not sweet talking you, I enjoy your company! The situation might be desperate and when desperate times come, desperate measures might be needed. That's all. I'm merely seeking a second option in case the gown doesn't arrive in time." Dottie explained.
Henry thought for a minute and soon he was more relaxed. "All right Dottie, I understand. I hate to be so cynical but I've had to prove myself to many in town that I'm no longer a 'bad guy'. I didn't mean to imply that about you Dottie."
Dottie nodded and reached over for Henry's hand. As she held his hand, she told him that she indeed was leery of asking him being that he was so upset when talking about the wedding clothes before, but appreciated his understanding. "It's just a back up plan. Chances are we won't even have to talk about this again."
With that handled and dinner finished, Henry asked Dottie if she wanted to dance to the tune playing on the radio. The two of them got up and joined hands as they waltzed around the room. It was a sweet night for the two of them. When Henry brought Dottie home he walked her to her door and gave her a goodnight kiss. Dottie grinned as she could hear through the door Henry whistling as he turned and walked back to his automobile.
The next morning Emily was busy back at the cafe with Minnie. She loved helping out as it gave her a chance to get to know more people. It was working out well as her bakery orders had slowed down after the holidays, and Clara was still taking a leave from the cafe while enjoying her newborn baby, Michael. Emily noticed that quite a few women were meeting over a cup of coffee or tea with their babies or as seniors. She suggested to Minnie that after the breakfast hour and before lunch that they offer the place for the ladies to meet there for developing friendships and support.
"Minnie, maybe we can invite like minded groups of women to have a get together for a particular interest. I would like to show any of them how I bake my German desserts or German dishes. Barbara might be willing to teach us Italian cooking and Debbie likes to make special cakes. You, Minnie, might like to host a ladies' Bible Study. I met Teresa who is very crafty and could share some holiday crafts throughout the year. Margaret who always has a book in her hand might want a book discussion. Then there's Diane who likes to exercise and can show us some to do, and Jane who loves to dance and can show us some steps..."
"That's plenty of things or hobbies to learn! I couldn't agree with you more! This is the perfect place to provide a chance for the ladies in Hope Valley to meet for any of these ideas, or even just to visit and talk. I love this idea Emily! I'll run it by Bill and if he agrees we can ask Rosemary to put an article in the paper and print up fliers. Sounds exciting!"
Rosemary was busy inviting the ladies from town to Dee's bridal shower for Dorothy. With Nathan starting on building a new home for them this coming spring they had need of a few things, so for suggestions Rosemary included a list. When they moved to the new house then Emily could stay at their townhouse, but they would need to go up to Brook Springs and bring back Emily's furniture as they would be taking Nathan's to their new house.
Dottie told Rosemary that she had Henry's approval of using the wedding dress from the attic that was his wife's if absolutely need be, but she was still hoping on the dress they ordered for Dee to arrive.
Rick had been thinking about his daughter Timi Anne. She was so adorable. He never thought about being a father, at least not at his age yet. As much as he was dreaming about raising her, he was questioning what he was ready for. He knew he had a good job coming up this spring working for Lee Coulter, but would he make enough money to support Christy and Timi? Would he be able to find them a place to live on his income? He didn't even know what his salary would be. He wanted to do right by Christy, but would Christy want to get married? If they gave Timi up for adoption, how would he feel? How would Christy feel? This was so confusing.
He really needed to talk to Christy. So, he went over to Pastor Joseph and asked to talk with him first. Joseph agreed to go over to Fiona's with him and see if Christy had enough time to think and if she was ready for more discussion. Life in Hope Valley was certainly not boring!
