Chapter 9: Coming back to Hope Valley
Lee and Rosemary spend most of the trip back home in companionable silence. They both miss Patrick and keep replaying their interactions with him in their minds. Lee sees the Hope Valley sign and gets Rosemary's attention, "We are almost there, sweetheart!" She turns her head, lovingly giving him a smile that melts his heart. "Rosie, are we going to tell people about Patrick?"
She takes his hand, "I don't think we should be telling people before we know we can truly adopt him. Do you? Besides, I don't think I can handle people knowing if he can't be ours. I think it will be okay, though, if we tell a select few. I really would love to tell Elizabeth. I know she will be thrilled for us. Is there anyone you want to tell?"
"I'm thinking Bill. Since he is a judge, he might have some insights into what we should expect with the adoption. Maybe he can even help it go faster."
"I love that idea, Lee," Rosemary smiles with her whole face. "I cannot wait to get home to our little row house and see little Jack and Elizabeth. It has been a really long time."
"Should we stop and pick some things up at the mercantile? Or if you rather, I can make a trip by myself later once you come up with a list."
"I need to pick up some things now. Let's both go in. Hmm…why does Main Street looks so empty? How odd." Lee parks Henry's car in front of the Mercantile, and they both get out and start walking up the stairs.
Just then, everyone comes out of the Saloon and yells, "Surprise! Welcome, Home!"
Rosemary looks at Lee and inquires, "Did you have something to do with this?"
Elizabeth reports, "No, it was me. He wired yesterday telling me you will be home this afternoon."
Rosemary gives her a big hug and asks, "Where is little Jack? Has he grown a lot? Is he talking more? Did you get my letters?"
"Yes, I got your letters. Yes, little Jack is getting bigger and more talkative each day. I will get him for you. He has been talking about seeing his Wosie and his Wee since I told him you were coming home." She brings little Jack over to Rosemary, and she gives him a big hug.
Little Jack kisses her on the cheek and squeals, "Wosie!" She is overcome with emotions thinking about how long it has been since she has hugged little Jack, and he is finally saying her name. Plus, the fact she had to leave Patrick behind this morning. She hands him over to Lee to hug. Little Jack proudly states, "Wee!" Lee lets out a nervous laugh to help mask the emotions coming over him. Lee hands little Jack back to Rosemary and walks over to hug Jesse and Clara. Rosemary can tell Lee is struggling as much as she is.
Elizabeth notices the emotion all over Rosemary's face and asks, "Are you okay?"
Rosemary forces a smile and tells Elizabeth, "Yes, I am okay. It has just been a long day." Her mood changes quickly, and in her naturally perky voice asks, "Well, what about you? I am sure you have a lot of things to tell me!"
"I do, but this is not the time. We will talk tomorrow, okay?"
The next morning, Lee sneaks downstairs and starts making Rosemary's favorite breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. She comes down with a smile on her face and says, "What are you doing down here, Lee?"
Lee replies, "I thought I would fix my beautiful wife breakfast on our first morning home! He motions for her to go back upstairs, "I will bring it up to you."
Rosemary sniffs the incredible aromas coming out of the kitchen and kisses him on the cheek. "It smells so good, sweetheart. That is not necessary. I can eat here at the table with you. Thanks, though." They sit down to eat and immediately start talking about how wonderful it is to be home and see all of their friends. The talk quickly turns into what a great kid Patrick is, how much they miss him already, and the hopes he will soon join their family. "Do you think he misses us as much as we miss him? You don't think he thinks we are abandoning him, do you?"
"I think he knows we are not going to disappear on him. I think he feels our love even though we couldn't tell him we are trying to adopt him. He has lived through so much in his young life, but I think he will be happy for any time we can spend with him. How about this? If we don't hear from Lillian and Grace, why don't we plan a trip to Brookfield in a few weeks?"
"I like that plan, Lee." She kisses him tenderly on the lips. "I really hope he will come to live with us as soon as possible. Just being with him brightens my day. He is so much fun, and I can't wait for him to be in this house with us so we can spoil him and give him all the love he needs and deserves!"
Lee tenderly says, "I know, sweetheart. I couldn't agree with you more." Rosemary gets up to clean off the table and do the dishes, but Lee shooed her away. She smirks and goes to sit on the settee with her tea. Lee finishes cleaning the dishes and putting them back in their spots and then comes over to Rosemary and kisses her on the head, "I'm sorry, Rosie, but I have to go work now."
She frowns and asks, "Do you really have to go now?"
"I do have to go back to work, Rosie. Jesse is expecting me this morning. He is going to show me what all I have been missing."
"I have just gotten used to being with you all the time."
Lee joins her on the settee and says, "I know. I have enjoyed spending all this time with you. I think it is just what we needed. Hopefully, this part of our journey will end with us as a family of three with the most perfect little boy." She giggles with the thought and gently rubs his chin. He smiles and suggests, "Why don't you go see Elizabeth and then go to the dress shop. I know that will make you happy. I really have to go now, but I'll try to be home early."
Rosemary responds, "I will hold you to that," as he runs out of the house. After Lee goes to work, she decides to go over to Elizabeth's house and give them their gifts. She knocks and comes in the door, "Good morning!" Rosemary immediately walks over to the playpen and kisses little Jack on the top of his head.
Little Jack hands her a toy and happily states, "Wosie!" She loves he is now trying to say her name.
"Good morning, Rosemary. What brings you by this morning?"
Rosemary can't contain herself anymore and blurts out, "So Elizabeth, who did you pick? Did you pick? What is going on? I need all the details!"
"Yes, I did pick, and you will find out later."
Rosemary rolls her eyes and asks, "Later, why? You're going to have to give me more than that."
Elizabeth smiles, "Because we will have you and Lee over for dinner. You can tell us about your trip!"
"Well, okay."
"Are you going to tell me what was happening last night? I can tell there is something you aren't telling me."
Rosemary tries to hide the smile that is crossing her face, "We might have some exciting news, but you cannot tell anyone yet."
"My lips are sealed!"
With tears starting to well up in her eyes, Rosemary says, "Lee and I are trying to adopt a 7-year-old boy. We found out about him from Lillian and Grace. He is currently at the New Hope Orphanage in Brookfield. While we were on our trip, we discussed adoption since a baby was not coming for us. Then we met these orphan boys in Rio and just felt like we were supposed to help them somehow. We were able to find them this absolutely perfect group home. The home was funded by a Christian couple and run by an amazing lady named Luiza. We found they have an excellent track record with finding families for the orphans who end up in their home. The three boys really tugged at our heartstrings, and I think if we didn't discover the group home for them, we just might have brought them back to Hope Valley with us. As soon as we dropped off the boys with Luiza, Lee snuck off and sent a telegram to Lillian and Grace asking if they knew of any children who needed a home. Lillian and Grace had just brought home this young boy who they thought was perfect for us. They were actually going to approach us about him when we got back from our trip. So, right before we left New York, Lee told me about contacting Lillian and Grace and about a young boy who they thought would be perfect for us. They wanted us to come and meet him. I was completely shocked and overwhelmed, but something inside me told me we needed to meet this little boy. Next thing I know, we are at Lillian and Grace's, and we are getting introduced to this wonderful little boy. We all fell in love so quickly. His name is Patrick!"
Elizabeth responds, "Oh my goodness, Patrick?"
"I know, can you believe that? We wanted to bring him home with us, but we have to wait for some paperwork. Lillian and Grace told us they would bring him to us when the paperwork came through."
"I am so happy for you. No one deserves this more than the two of you."
"Thanks, Elizabeth. It is an answer to our prayers. Oh, before I forget, I want to give you and little Jack a couple of gifts we picked up in Santiago and Rio."
"Rosemary, you didn't need to get us any gifts." Elizabeth picks little Jack up out of the playpen and puts him on Rosemary's lap.
"It's our pleasure." She hands little Jack the first gift and helps him unwrap his present.
Little Jack looks up at Rosemary and shouts, "Ball!"
Rosemary replies, "Yes, ball. But in South America, it is pronounced futbol. Can you say futbol?"
Little Jack answers, "Ball!" Rosemary chuckles and hands little Jack the next present, and he rips the paper off as fast as he can and yells, "Blocks!"
Rosemary says, "You have just gotten so smart." She tries to show him what is on the side of the blocks, but he just takes them and the ball and sits on the floor to play with them.
Elizabeth reminds little Jack, "What do you say?"
Little Jack gets up and hugs Rosemary and signs, "Thank you," and goes back to playing with his gifts.
Rosemary asks Elizabeth, "What was that?" She repeats what little Jack signed.
"Oh, I've taught him a couple of signs. It means thank you. I read about them when looking for new teaching methods. It is a way for children who don't talk much, to communicate."
"That is great, Elizabeth! You will have to teach me all of his signs. In the meantime, here are your gifts."
Elizabeth takes the first gift, a satin shawl with vibrant blues mixed in with rose and lavender, and opens it up. "Oh, Rosemary. It is beautiful. I love it!"
Rosemary puts her hands together and smiles fully, "I just saw the shawl at the market in Santiago, and I knew it was meant for you. It complements your eyes."
Elizabeth opens the next gift and sees a beautifully carved wooden jewelry box. "Rosemary, you shouldn't have. I have never seen anything like this before."
"Isn't it beautiful? I saw it in Rio, and I had to get it for you. You are like the sister I always wanted growing up, and I want you to have something special to put your jewelry in. One that will last a long time and can be passed down to future children and grandchildren I know you will be blessed with in the future."
Elizabeth gets up to hug Rosemary and responds, "Thank you. You are like a sister to me as well."
"I better get going. I'm planning on going into the dress shop for a few hours. I will see you tonight. Should we bring anything?"
"No, just yourselves."
Rosemary runs next door, grabs her sketchbook, and cheerfully makes her way into town. She is happy to see everyone going about their day. Rosemary loves Hope Valley and the people who have become her family. She decides to stop in and say, "Hello," to her husband.
Lee smiles as soon as she walks in the door, "Hello, sweetheart. What do I owe the pleasure?"
"Oh, I just wanted to see how your day is going. I had a good talk with Elizabeth, and now I am going to the dress shop for a little while. She invited us for dinner, so be home on time."
"Yes, dear."
Rosemary walks up to kiss him just as Jesse walks in the door. He apologizes for interrupting. She tells him not to worry; she is just about to leave. She quickly whispers in Lee's ear, "I've missed you today, and I can't wait to see you tonight." She waves to both Lee and Jesse and walks out the door. She walks across the street and into the dress shop where Clara is busy hanging dresses on the racks.
They hug, and Clara says, "I am so glad you are back. It hasn't been the same around here without you."
"I am so glad to be back as well. I have lots of designs to show you. Inspiration struck on the cruise, and I came up with so many fun skirts, blouses, and dresses. Here look through these and tell me what you think." Rosemary and Clara spend the next few hours talking about Rosemary's new designs, newlywed life with Jesse, and of course, Lee and Rosemary's trip. "Once I get the rest of the film developed, I will show you all the pictures I took."
"Pictures? Wow! When did you get a camera?"
"Lee bought me one when we were in Santiago. It is very similar to the one Carson has."
"I cannot wait to see all your pictures."
Clara is showing Rosemary some fabric in the back when they hear someone come into the shop. She goes upfront to see who came in and is surprised to see Lee. He smiles and puts his finger in front of his lips, so Clara doesn't say anything. Clara points to the back of the store, so Lee walks in that direction to surprise Rosemary.
Without looking up, Rosemary asks, "Who is it, Clara?" Lee clears his throat to try and get her attention. "Oh, Lee! What are you doing here?"
"I finished up at the sawmill early, and I thought I would see if you were still in town. Are you done for the day? I thought we could walk home together."
Rosemary responds, "I love that idea." They walk up to the front and say goodbye to Clara, "I'll see you tomorrow." Lee opens the door for her, and they walk home hand-in-hand. On their way home, she asks, "How was your day, sweetheart?"
"It felt weird to be back at work. I am definitely glad to be back, though. Jesse did a great job running things while we were gone; I am so proud of him. I must say, being at work is a great distraction from thinking about Patrick, though. How was your day?"
"As you already know, I missed having you around all day. I did, however, have some great talks with Elizabeth and Clara. Until today, I didn't realize how much I missed being around my friends. It definitely helped keep my mind off of Patrick as well. I miss his little laugh and his smile so much."
"I miss his energy and his stories. Kind of like someone I know and love." Rosemary lightly hits his arm. Lee kisses her on the cheek, "Those are some of the many things I love about you." They both chuckle, "Did you tell Elizabeth?"
"Yes, I did. I also told Elizabeth a little about Diogo and his brothers. She is thrilled for us. It was hard not to tell Clara, but I can manage. Did you get a chance to talk to Bill?"
"No, the day got away from me. I am hoping to have some time tomorrow. Lee opens the door for Rosemary as they go into their row house. "Do you need to freshen up before we go over to Elizabeths?"
"Yes, I do. I am so excited to find out who Elizabeth picked. He will be joining us tonight. I will be ready in ten minutes. Can you please grab the pictures? I want to show them what we have developed so far." He nods and follows her upstairs. While she is getting ready, Lee pulls the pictures out of the dresser drawer in their room. He takes them downstairs and looks through them as he is waiting for her to get ready. She comes downstairs with a grin on her face, "Are you ready to go?" He puts the pictures in his coat pocket and then holds out his arm for her to take, and they walk next door and knock.
Allie happily answers the door and invites them in. Elizabeth is finishing up with the food while Nathan is setting the table. They both turn and say, "Hello. Sorry, we are almost ready."
Rosemary looks over at Lee and can't help but smile. They both hug Allie, and Rosemary whispers to her, "About time."
Allie nods and sarcastically says, "Tell me about it."
Elizabeth puts the last of the food on the table and hugs Rosemary and Lee. Nathan does the same. Rosemary asks, "So…when did this happen? I need all the details."
Lee puts his hand on Rosemary's arm and suggests, "Sweetheart, why don't we just eat? You can ask all your questions later." He looks at Nathan and mumbles under his breath, "Preferably when we are not here."
Rosemary pouts and says, "Lee Coulter, what did you just say?"
"Nothing. I just thought everyone would want to eat first."
Rosemary hits his arm and responds, "Well, okay."
Everyone sits at the table, enjoying their food as well as the lively conversation. Elizabeth and Nathan fill Lee and Rosemary in on what has been going on in the town, with Allie chiming in if they forget any details. Elizabeth mentions, "You know Fiona was fired from the telephone company, right? Well, she has opened her own hair salon.
"That's great news," replies Rosemary.
Elizabeth smiles and mentions, "Molly and Florence are operating the switchboard now. They really have taken the job seriously and don't use it for gossip."
Lee chuckles, "That's surprising."
Nathan adds, "The O'Rourke's have been convicted and are in jail now. I kind of feel sorry for Jenny, though. I don't think she meant to kill the Mountie, and I have heard she is taking it really hard."
Trying to change the subject to something more positive, Elizabeth suggests, "Who is ready for dessert? I made a cherry chocolate cake." Rosemary helps her put the dinner dishes in the kitchen and grab the cake, tea, and coffee. Allie and little Jack devour their cake, and she offers to take him upstairs to read him a story and put him in bed. Little Jack gives everyone a good night kiss and follows Allie upstairs. Elizabeth rests her hand on top of Nathan's and reveals, "She loves to read him a story, and he just follows her everywhere she goes now."
Rosemary says, "How sweet!" Elizabeth gets up to clean off the table. "Here, let me help you, Elizabeth. Then you can tell me what happened with you and Nathan." Lee and Nathan take their coffee to the sitting area while the girls wash the dishes and put everything away.
Nathan asks Lee, "Did you catch any baseball games while you were in New York City?"
"As a matter of fact, we saw two games while we were there."
"You got Rosemary to see two baseball games in one week?"
Rosemary adds, "If you can believe it, I had so much fun during the first game, I suggested we go to the second game." Both Nathan and Elizabeth look at her in disbelief.
Lee laughs and reveals, "She is telling the truth. You should have seen how excited and animated she got when the Yankees scored or got an out or she didn't like the referee's call." Elizabeth and Rosemary finish up and join the guys with their tea. "Rosie, aren't you going to show them the pictures from our trip?"
"Oh, yes." She walks over to Lee's coat and grabs the pictures. She tells Elizabeth and Nathan to sit on the settee and hands them the photos one by one as she explains where it was taken.
Elizabeth reports, "Rosemary, these are great! How did you learn to take such good photos?"
"Why Elizabeth, I am good at everything I do." Rosemary is surprised when everyone chuckles. "What?" Lee guides her to sit down on the chair. "We actually have a lot more photos to be developed.
Lee takes out his pocket watch and realizes it's late, "Rosie, we better get home. I am sure we took enough of their night."
Nathan says, "No, not at all. I enjoyed hearing about your trip and looking at the pictures. I better get Allie home, though." He goes upstairs to get Allie. She is in little Jack's room reading a book, "Are you ready to go home?" She checks on little Jack and then follows her uncle downstairs.
Elizabeth hugs Allie and tells her, "Thank you for reading to little Jack and putting him to bed."
"You're welcome, Mrs. Thornton." Allie hugs Lee and Rosemary and steps outside, waiting for Nathan.
Rosemary hugs Elizabeth and whispers, "I am so thrilled for you! I can tell he makes you very happy! You still owe me your story. You know I won't forget."
Elizabeth whispers back, "He does, Rosemary. I know you won't forget. I'll come by tomorrow, and we can talk." Rosemary takes Lee's arm, and they walk out the door.
As Lee opens the door to their row house, they both take another look and see Nathan giving Elizabeth a goodbye kiss and Allie watching and beaming.
The next morning, Rosemary wakes up before Lee and sneaks down to make him breakfast. She wants them to continue having breakfast together every morning as they did on their trip. Rosemary decides to make some omelets with bacon and veggies and French toast with maple syrup. She sets the table and arranges all the delicious food just as Lee is coming down the stairs.
He gives her a kiss and states, "I can get used to this." He holds the chair out for her and tells her to sit down with him. She obliges, and they sit down to eat together.
"Lee, I know you usually like to get to the office early and just pick up something from Abigails, but I want to start a tradition with us sitting down together for breakfast and dinner, if possible. I think it will be important when Patrick comes to live with us. What do you say?"
He takes her hand and responds, "I like the sound of that, sweetheart. So, what are your plans today?"
"I will probably spend most of the day in the dress shop. I think Elizabeth is going to come over as well. Are you going to talk to Bill today?"
"Hopefully, I will be able to sneak off and talk to Bill sometime today. Do you want me to help you with the dishes?"
"No, that is okay. You need to get to work."
"Thanks for breakfast, honey!" He gives her a quick kiss on the lips and runs out the door. Rosemary laughs and starts to clear the table and wash the dishes. She has a couple of hours before she needs to be at the dress shop, so Rosemary decides to give the downstairs a thorough cleaning before she goes to the dress shop. Just as she finishes the dusting, she hears a knock at the door. Elizabeth comes in with little Jack on her hip. Rosemary instantly smiles and grabs little Jack from Elizabeth.
"Oh good, you are still here. Do you have time to talk?"
"Of course. Would you like some tea?"
"I would love some." She grabs little Jack from Rosemary and puts him on the floor with his blocks.
Rosemary brings the tea over and sits next to Elizabeth. She rubs her hands together, "Do I finally get to hear how you and Nathan got together?"