Chapter 10: Catching Up with Friends

Elizabeth takes a sip of tea and begins, "Well, you already know the week leading up to when you and Lee left, I was trying to stay out of the public eye. I didn't want to talk about what happened because I didn't know how I actually felt about the hug. Or at least I didn't think I knew."

Rosemary puts her hand on Elizabeth's arm, "I am so sorry we left you like that. I wish I could have been here to help you."

"Oh, Rosemary. Don't feel bad at all. I think it was good that I was able to work through everything on my own. Now you would have helped me come to my senses quicker probably, but I think I needed to process everything in my own time."

Rosemary gives her a half-smile.

Elizabeth continues, "I feel bad that I kept both Nathan and Lucas waiting, but I honestly didn't know what I really wanted. One Saturday morning, I asked Laura to come and watch little Jack for me. I wanted to take Sergeant out for a ride and clear my head after a long week of teaching. As I was coming back from my land, I see Nathan riding in my direction. For some reason, at that moment, I knew the reason why I hugged Nathan. I knew why I kept making it clear to Lucas this was not a date. I knew why I hesitated when Nathan asked me to dinner. I knew why it was so important to me that Nathan knew he was shutting me out. It was because I was falling for Nathan. When he asked me to dinner, I hesitated because I knew that he intended it to be a date, and I secretly wanted it to be, but I was afraid of what that would mean going forward. Next, I thought about the hug. When I heard that it might be Nathan who was shot, I was in shock. I thought about all the conversations we have had, about the flowers he gave me, about Allie's slumber party, about us picking out and decorating his Christmas tree. I couldn't imagine him not being there in my life. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone in red walking up, I turned and saw that it was Nathan, and my first instinct was just to run into his arms. We both stayed in that embrace for what seemed like many minutes until I heard Bill shouting Nathan's name. We both slowly backed away, and I realized pretty much the entire town just witnessed the hug. I got embarrassed, and I immediately ran home. I heard Nathan calling my name, but I couldn't turn around and face him."

Rosemary lets out a soft giggle as Elizabeth continues, "I finally broke out of my thoughts when I heard Nathan calling my name. I saw him riding in my direction and waving at me. He comes galloping up and asks what I am doing out here. I tell him I just wanted to get out into nature and clear my mind. He was out doing his rounds and was on his way back. I was trying to figure out what to say when he asks if everything was okay. Before I could stop myself, I blurt out I will have that dinner with you…if you are still offering. He gives me his crooked smile that gets to me every time and offers to pick me up on Friday at 6 pm."

Rosemary laughs and says, "Finally!"

Elizabeth rolls her eyes and continues to tell her story, "He picked me up right on time with a beautiful rose and crooked grin. He arranged for Allie to spend the night with Opal and for Laura to stay and watch little Jack. We walked arm-in-arm to town. I am pleasantly surprised when I walked into the café where the lights were dimmed. All the tables, but one, were pushed off to the side of the room. There was one table at the center set with a single candle, a vase of wildflowers, two place settings, and two glasses filled with wine. He pulled out the chair for me, and I sat down while he excused himself for a moment. Nathan went back behind the curtain and came out with a tray full of delicious food. He put down a plate of pot roast, mashed potatoes, and green beans for me and one for himself. Nathan also brought fresh homemade bread for us to share. He sat down and picked up the wine glass and offered up a toast. 'To many more nights like this one.' I smiled and clinked my glass with his. It turned out that he convinced Bill to let him cook in Abigail's kitchen for the night. He was a much better cook than I ever imagined. He even made a blueberry pie for dessert. We enjoyed our dinner and dessert. I think both of us were too nervous to talk about our feelings, so we spoke about Allie, little Jack, and the school children. Afterwards, he walked me home, and we were standing at my door when he took my hands. I could tell he wanted to say something, but then he backed away and told me he didn't think he could do this. He turned and walked away."

Rosemary shrieks, "No!"

"I called out his name, and he stopped, so I walked up to him, and I confronted him. I took his hands and asked him what he couldn't do? He told me he couldn't put me through that again. I already lost Jack, and he didn't want to put me in that position yet again. He cared for me too much to ask me to love another Mountie and to risk little Jack losing another father figure. I asked him, isn't that up to me? I'm the one who makes the decision on what I am willing and able to handle. I told him that he mattered to me, and I wanted to see where this could go. I outright asked him, don't you think we should give this a try? I left him with that one final thought, and I turned and walked away.

Rosemary responds, "Elizabeth, I am so proud of you for being willing to open up your heart and let someone else in. What happened next?"

"I didn't see him for a few days, and then one evening, Nathan showed up at my door with flowers. Luckily, I had just put little Jack to bed. I invited him in and asked if he wanted some tea. He nods, so I took the flowers from him and put them in a vase. I told him to take a seat as I put some water in the kettle to boil. I sat down next to him on the settee and asked him what he wanted to talk about. Nathan told me he had done a lot of thinking about what I said…he felt conflicted because he cared about me and wanted to see where this could go. But at the same time, he worried about how being a Mountie was dangerous, and he could be taken away at any time. He asked how is it good for anyone to live that way? I told him life was short. Anyone could be taken away at any time. Just look at the scare with Lee. I knew what being with a Mountie was like. I had done it before, and I had no regrets. I learned how hard it was, but I also knew the joys of being with the person I cared about. That far outweighed any of the negatives. Nathan smiled and took my hands and asked me one more time if I am sure. I gave his hand a squeeze and said one-hundred percent yes. He slowly leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips."

Rosemary squeals with delight!

Elizabeth continues, "I knew with that kiss that I definitely had fallen for him. I hoped there would be a lot more where that came from. Over the next few weeks, we spent quite a bit of time together. He picked up Allie and me from school and walked us home. He'd spend quality time with little Jack. Little Jack just thought the world of Nathan. I cooked him and Allie dinner a few nights a week, and it felt so right…like we could and should be a family of four."

Elizabeth gets some more tea, and Rosemary impatiently says, "Is that all you are giving me?"

Elizabeth smiles and says, "There is nothing more to tell."

"Uh-huh. I have a feeling there is more."

"Isn't Clara waiting for you at the dress shop?"

Rosemary looks at the time and says, "You are right. I am not letting you off the hook, by the way." Elizabeth gives Rosemary a smirk and walks out the door with little Jack in her arms.

Lee just happens to look out his office window and sees Bill walking down the street. Lee runs out and calls his name. Bill stops and turns around, waiting for Lee to catch up with him. He shakes Bill's hand, "It is good to see you."

"When did you and Rosemary get back? I assume you two had a good time."

"We had a really great time. I probably can't be gone that long again, but I think we really needed the change of scenery. Speaking of which, there is something I want to talk to you about privately. Do you have some time now? Can we go to your office?"

"Well, now, you have my attention. Is there something wrong?"

"No, as a matter of fact, it is something really great. Long story short, Rosemary and I are in the process of adopting a little boy from Brookfield. We have only told you and Elizabeth at this point because we are not sure if this will indeed happen. Lillian and Grace told us we have to wait for some paperwork before he can come live with us. Do you have any idea how long these things take? Is there a chance we won't be able to bring him home and eventually adopt him?"

"Congratulations! You and Rosemary are going to be great parents. As far as I have seen, paperwork can take anywhere from a week to a couple of months. The timing depends on how busy they are in Hamilton."

Lee's face fell, "A couple of months?"

"Let me see what I can do. Maybe I can speed up the process. You and Rosemary are ideal parents for any child, so it shouldn't take too long. I will get back to you as soon as I find out."

"Thanks, Bill. We both really appreciate anything you can do. Oh, please don't mention this to anyone else for right now."

"It is not my news to share." Bill grunts, "Are you up for some poker tomorrow night? I can see if Henry, Carson, Mike, Jesse, Lucas, and Nathan can join us."

"Sounds good. Thanks again, Bill."

The dress shop has been busy since Rosemary returned. So many ladies were interested in her new designs and flocked to the shop to order. Finally, after a lull in the crowd, Rosemary sneaks off to the infirmary. She is hoping to talk to Carson about developing her pictures from the trip. She finds Carson eating his lunch at the table. He looks up and says, "What can I do for you, Rosemary?"

"Carson. I hope I am not bothering you. It will only take a few moments. Did you develop Clara and Jesse's wedding pictures?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"Oh, Lee bought me a camera on our trip, and I want to get the rest of the pictures developed. Can you help with that? We will pay you generously."

"I can do that for you and Lee. If you just pay for the supplies, I will take care of the rest."

She hands him the film and says, "Thank you, Carson!"

As she walks out the door, Carson asks, "Do you need them by a certain date?"

"Whenever you get to them is fine with us."

Later that night, Rosemary is setting the table, waiting for Lee to show up with dinner. He wants to talk to her about his conversation with Bill, so he offers to bring home some food from Abigails. He is pleasantly surprised when he opens the door, and the place is only lit by candlelight. Lee puts the food basket on the table, and their lips meet each other for a long and lingering kiss. He pulls the chair out for her, and she sits down with a smile on her face. He serves her the chicken, vegetables, and fresh bread and then pulls out two pieces of just out of the oven apple pie.

Rosemary takes his hand as he sits down at the table, "This is wonderful, Lee. Thank you." She takes a bite of chicken and then remembers, "Oh, I spoke to Carson today. He will develop our pictures for us. We just have to pay for the supplies."

"That's great. I almost forgot that we still need to finish developing the rest of the pictures. When will they be ready?"

"Since he is doing this basically for free, I told him just whenever he gets to them is fine with us."

"Before I forget, do you mind if I play poker with the guys tomorrow night? Bill suggested a game. You can invite the ladies over and catch up with them. What do you say?"

Rosemary smiles and says, "I think that sounds like a great idea." They finish eating their dinner and dessert and wash the dishes together. He tells her to sit down, and he will bring over some tea. He joins her on the settee and pours some tea for her. She scoots closer, and he wraps his arm around her, and she rests her head on his shoulder.

"I talked to Bill today."

"What did he say?"

"Bill told me that we shouldn't worry about not bringing Patrick home and adopting him. He said he is happy for us, and we are the perfect couple to adopt any child. Bill said paperwork can take anywhere from one week to a couple of months, but he is going to call the folks in Hamilton and try to speed up the process."

"That is great news, Lee. I am still a little nervous, though. I miss Patrick so much. I can't wait for him to be here so we can read him bedtime stories and tuck him in every night, wake him up for school in the morning and fix him breakfast, walk him to and from school, and watch him play with little Jack and the other children."

"I know, sweetheart. We just have to be patient and believe that Patrick will be a part of our lives very soon."

"I do believe that with all of my heart, Lee." He intertwines her hand with his. She lifts her head up and says, "I love you with all of my heart, Lee Coulter."

Lee gently rests his head on her forehead and softly says, "I love you too, sweetie." He pulls her into an embrace, and they quietly enjoy being in each other's arms.

Bill, Lee, Jesse, Mike, Carson, Henry, Nathan, and Lucas all meet in the saloon for poker night. All the men get their beers and take their seats at the table. This is the first time Lee has seen Mike, Carson, and Lucas since he got back. They were interested in learning about the trip, what Chile and Brazil were like, what it was like spending that much time cooped up on a ship, and did Rosemary drive him crazy? Lee laughs, "Surely, that is not all you want to talk about. I would rather hear about what was happening here."

Bill clears his throat and chimes in, "Time to play." He deals the cards out, and Mike goes first.

Lee wins the first few rounds and offers to buy drinks for the table, "So, what have I been missing?"

Lucas says, "With Henry's help, Mike and I were able to save Gowen Petroleum. It is not entirely out of the woods yet, but we are confident it will be profitable again.

Henry clears his throat and says, "Well, it was their thing."

Lucas adds, "We couldn't have done it without him. In fact, I'm hoping to meet with you next week about coming back on board.

Lee deals the next round of cards, "Lucas. Mike. Henry. You probably helped save the town as well. Gowen Petroleum is a big employer in town. Carson, how is Faith? When does she return?"

Carson answers, "Her studies are going well. She should be completely done with her classes at the end of the summer, so I am looking forward to her staying in Hope Valley permanently."

Mike asks, "How was it being cooped up on a ship for so many days? What was there to do?"

"There was plenty to do. I was able to play quite a bit of poker, darts, and billiards. They had music to listen to and play, books and newspapers to read, and games on the deck. The ship was relatively large, so you could get outside in the fresh air and walk and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. We even had a run-in with an iceberg. We were stuck for a few days. I never thought I would say this, but I would be willing to go on another cruise…just not for that long."

Lucas asks, "What was your favorite destination?"

Lee answers, "Our favorite destination was Rio de Janeiro." He didn't want to tell them it was because they helped Diogo and his brothers. "We were able to spend more than the original two days there because of the iceberg, so we were able to enjoy the city a little more. We met some incredible people and had a lot of great food."

Rosemary invites Elizabeth, Clara, Fiona, Molly, and Florence over for a lady's night. She prepares finger sandwiches, fruit, cookies, muffins, and tea for everyone to enjoy. She hopes they can play pinochle, but she anticipates that everyone wants to hear about the trip and see the photos. Just as Rosemary is pulling out the muffins, all the ladies happily walk in the door. Everyone hugs each other, and she tells them to find a spot and make themselves comfortable. "I am so happy you all are here. I will pour everyone some tea, and you all are welcome to get whatever snack you would like. Would you ladies like to play pinochle?"

Florence chimes in, "Pinochle? We have been dying to find out about your trip, Rosemary." Fiona and Molly nod their heads in agreement. "I heard you even have pictures."

"You are correct, Florence. Let me get them." She runs upstairs to grab the pictures and comes back down and sits between Fiona and Molly. "I wish I had all the pictures, but Carson is developing the pictures we took in New York the last couple of days and on our way home." Rosemary holds out a picture of Cerro Santa Lucia and explains how it is a remnant of an ancient volcano in Santiago's center. The ladies all look at the picture in awe and pass it around for everyone to see. Rosemary does this for the next hour when the photographs finally run out. The photos of Diogo and his brothers solicited the most response. The ladies ask lots of questions about them, and Rosemary is delighted to tell them about the perfect home they found for the boys. She decides to leave out how the boys inspired them to adopt after that experience. "Now I have questions for all of you. What have I been missing? Fiona, what have you decided to do for work? Florence and Molly, how is it working at the switchboard?"

Fiona meekly smiles and begins, "I started out helping in the infirmary since Molly took over for me at the switchboard. It wasn't really something I enjoyed, but I felt like I needed something to do, so I tried to stick with it as long as I could. Then one day, I was talking to Clara, and an idea came into my mind."

Rosemary says, "Oh my, what was it?"

"I was thinking about the fun times we had at the hair booth at the Founder's Day festival and then when we did our hair for Clara's wedding. I thought…maybe I should open up a hair salon. I love doing hair, and it will still allow me to chat with people, which I absolutely love. So, I did! I opened up about a month ago, and it is going very well. I have even had some men come in for a trim."

"That is wonderful, Fiona," replies Rosemary. "I can't believe I didn't notice the salon when I went into town yesterday. So, how is Kevin?"

"Oh, he is a nice guy, but I really didn't feel a spark with him. We are still friends, though."

Clara teasingly asks, "Do you feel a spark with someone else, Fiona?"

Fiona blushes and tries to change the subject by asking, "Who wants more tea?" She starts pouring tea for everyone hoping some other topic will come up. Rosemary watches Fiona from the corner of her eye and tries to gauge whether she should prod her on Clara's question. She decides to just ask Clara at the dress shop tomorrow. Clearly, Clara knows something, and Rosemary intends to find out as soon as she can.

Rosemary grabs the deck of cards and invites everyone to the table so they can play pinochle. They all sit down, and Rosemary teaches Clara and Elizabeth how to play. Luckily, Fiona, Molly, and Florence already know how to play for the most part. After going through all the rules, Rosemary deals the cards, and the ladies attempt the first round. They have fun playing pinochle and gossiping for a couple of hours before Elizabeth realizes it is late and should get home to relieve Laura. The rest of the ladies decide to leave, and before she knew it, Rosemary was alone, sitting on her settee, waiting for Lee to get home. Rosemary cleans everything up and goes upstairs to change into her nightgown and robe before deciding to read a book downstairs. She didn't think she could fall asleep until Lee came home. She has gotten so used to spending so much time with him, eating breakfast and dinner together, talking about their day, taking their walks, going to bed, and waking up together. Her thoughts wander to Patrick like they often did. Rosemary imagines teaching him to play the piano and Lee teaching him to ride a bike. She can't wait until Patrick comes home to live with them and they start their new lives together as a family. Finally, around 11 pm, Lee walks through the door and is surprised that Rosemary is still awake.

He sits down next to her taking her hand and asking, "Is everything okay? Did you have fun, sweetheart? Why are you still awake?"

Rosemary answers, "I had a lot of fun, but I couldn't sleep without you next to me."

Lee smiles and asks, "Are you ready to go to bed? It's late." He stands up and offers his hand to her. Rosemary takes it, and he leads her upstairs.

Rosemary is nervously tidying up the house and preparing dinner for their guests coming this evening. She invited Elizabeth and little Jack to dinner after Lee called, telling her Bill will be joining them. He mentioned to Lee he had some news about the paperwork. Lee walks in the door and sees Rosemary frantically setting the table. She finally looks up and says, "Oh, hi, Lee. How long have you been standing there?"

"Don't worry. I just walked in the door about a minute before you looked up." He can tell she is a little frazzled. He walks up to her and tells her to sit down on the settee for a moment.

"Lee, I don't have time. I am not finished setting the table, and I want everything to be perfect."

"Why do you want everything to be perfect? It is just Bill."

"Bill, Elizabeth, and little Jack. I hope you don't mind; I invited them over as well."

"I don't mind at all. Do you want to tell me why?"

She twists the napkin she is holding and takes a deep breath, "I am nervous about what Bill is going to tell us. I want to adopt Patrick so much, and I don't think I can bear it if Bill says that we cannot or that it will take many months. I thought with you, Elizabeth, and little Jack here, it would help with my nerves."

"Rosie, don't be nervous. I don't think God would show us this amazing little boy and give us the heart to adopt if he is not meant to join our family. You believe that, right?"

"I do, but I can't help being nervous."

"How can I help you get ready?"

"Can you finish the table while I finish up the rest of this food?"

"You bet!" Lee helps Rosemary with setting the table and getting the food brought over. She goes upstairs to freshen up some while Lee lets their guests in. First, Elizabeth and little Jack, followed by Bill. Lee announces, "Rosemary will be right down. She is running a little late this evening."

Rosemary comes running down the stairs to greet everyone, "Thanks for coming, Bill, Elizabeth." She takes little Jack from Elizabeth and tickles him until he is laughing uncontrollably.

Little Jack tries to get away through bouts of laughter, "Mama…Mama."

Elizabeth smiles and says, "You want my help, sweet boy? I think I want to join Auntie Rosie in tickling you." She starts tickling him as well, and little Jack laughs even more.

Little Jack tries to get away again. This time he looks in Lee's direction with his big beautiful blue eyes desperately pleading for help.

Lee laughs, "I don't think I can help you. I don't want Auntie Rosie tickling me. She knows all my ticklish spots."

Little Jack reaches out for Lee one more time, "Wee!"

Lee says, "Okay, but if Auntie Rosie tickles me, then I have to tickle you back." He takes little Jack out of Rosemary's arms and puts him in his highchair. "There you go, young man."

Rosemary announces, "It's time to eat." Everyone sits down to the wonderful aromas of pork roast, potatoes, and vegetables. She quietly listens to the conversations being had while picking at her food. Everyone notices how quiet she is, but they don't want to say anything. Lee takes her hand under the table and gently rubs her fingers with his thumb. She smiles and mouths, "Love you," while he gently squeezes her hand.

Rosemary tries to get up, but Lee stops her, "Let me clean up the dishes and put everything away. Why don't you all go sit down and talk?"

"Thanks, sweetheart. You are the best."

Elizabeth sets little Jack on the floor with the blocks that have found a new place in the Coulter home, while Bill sits on the floor ready to play with his godson. Rosemary brings over the coffee and tea along with the cups and saucers to the coffee table. She pours some coffee for Lee and Bill and tea for her and Elizabeth and then sits down on the settee.

Lee finally joins them and takes a sip of coffee before inquiring, "So what did you find out, Bill?"

"I talked to the folks in Hamilton who deal with adoptions. They had just received your signed paperwork but have not had a chance to look. I offered to help in any way I could. I even offered to take the paperwork off of their hands. I told them I have known you both for many years, and I could personally vouch for what good people you are, what great parents you will be, and how much you are looking forward to adopting that little boy." Lee and Rosemary both wipe a tear from their eye. He adds, "They said thank you for contacting them, and they will take all that into account when making a decision. Unfortunately, they have to process the paperwork themselves, but after hearing about you two, they feel a quick decision will be in order. They will keep me updated."

Lee says, "Thanks, Bill. We really appreciate you contacting them. We are more than ready to bring that little boy home and as quick as we can."