A/N - Sorry it took me so long to post this. Hopefully, I will be getting chapters out quicker. We will see. :-)

Chapter 21 – Helping a Friend

Patrick shyly begins, "Well, Hazel was so sad when we met her. I tried cheering her up and played with her, and she started smiling. I didn't want her to be sad anymore, so I told her she can come live with us."

"Don't you think you should have talked to us about her coming to live with us? You can't just sneak people home with you, Patrick," adds Lee.

"I was going to tell you, but I thought you were too busy to take care of her. I thought I could take care of her myself. She could sleep in my room, and I'd bring her food. When we are all out of the house during the day, she could play downstairs and take care of Nanny."

Rosemary chimes in, "How long do you think you could have hidden her? This is a tiny house."

"I don't know. I didn't get to think too far ahead because you told us we had to go. I panicked and told Hazel to hide in the car."

"We will talk more about this later, but first, we need to contact Lillian and Grace. They are probably worried sick about you, Hazel," remarks Lee.

Hazel responds, "Yes, sir."

"I'll go into town to send them a telegram that you are safe. Then we can talk about how you got Hazel all the way here and how we will get her back. Hazel, I'm probably not supposed to tell you this, but the family you have been getting to know is coming to pick you up tomorrow. They want to adopt you and Mary Louise."

Hazel smiles, inquiring, "Really? They do?"

Rosemary chimes in, "Yes, Lillian and Grace told us about them on Friday night." Hazel jumps off the settee, giving Rosemary, Lee, and Patrick a hug. Rosemary claps her hands together. "Okay, who is hungry? I can make blueberry pancakes."

Lee gets dressed and hurries into town to the mercantile. He sends a telegram letting Lillian and Grace know Hazel is at their house and is safe. Lee offers to bring Hazel back if needed. He buys Rosemary's favorite tea she was out of, some milk, and asks Ned to give him a call when the telegram comes in. When Lee gets home, Hazel and Patrick are laughing and eating their pancakes.

Lee inquires, "Where's Mama?"

"Mama is outside. She just ran out there suddenly. She'll probably be right back in, though," replies Patrick. Rosemary comes inside right when Lee is forking some pancakes onto his plate.

"Oh, your back already? Eat up. I have plenty of pancakes to go around." She quickly pours him some hot coffee and notices her favorite tea on the table. "Did you just buy this?"

"Yes, I noticed you were out of it last night. I got some milk too."

Rosemary kisses him on the temple, saying, "Thank you, sweetie." Lee looks her over, wondering if she is okay. Rosemary boils some hot water for her tea and sits down next to Lee. She inquires, "Now, who is going to tell me how Hazel got all the way here and into your bedroom?"

Patrick sips his milk and starts explaining, "I told Hazel to go sneak into the back seat of the car while everyone was distracted with their goodbyes. I told her about the blanket Mama keeps under the seat, so she sat on the back seat floor, covering herself up with a blanket. Luckily you didn't sit in the back with me, Mama."

"When we got to your house, I stayed in the car until Patrick came outside to get me," added Hazel.

Patrick continues, "After you two went to bed, I snuck downstairs and brought her in the house and into my room. Hazel was freezing from being outside for so long. So, I gave her my sweater, nightclothes, warm socks, and extra blankets. I made sure she stopped shivering before I got in my bed and went to sleep."

Rosemary and Lee try to suppress their chuckle. Rosemary presses her lips together for a moment, thinking about how to start this conversation. She starts out with, "Patrick, that was so nice how you took care of Hazel. We are proud of you for that, but you should have never snuck her home with you. You probably worried every person in Brookfield. They were probably looking for her all night. Plus, the family who is hoping to pick up Hazel and Mary Louise today won't be able to do that because she is here."

Patrick looks down at the floor, murmuring, "I'm sorry, Mama, Papa, Hazel. I didn't know what else to do."

"We know you had the best of intentions, but you should always talk to your Mama and me before you make such big decisions," remarks Lee.

"Yes, sir," Patrick responds sullenly.

The telephone rings, Rosemary answers, speaking, "Hello, Florence. Did the telegram come in?"

"Yes, several. Would you like me to read the telegrams to you, or would you rather come to get them?" questions Florence.

Rosemary responds, "If they are from Lillian and Grace, please read them to us." Florence reads the following telegrams:

Thank Goodness. We were worried sick. Thanks for letting us know. Part one of three.

The adoptive family has offered to pick her up in Hope Valley on Monday. Part two of three.

They will bring all of her stuff with them. Part three of three.

"That is wonderful news, Florence." Rosemary looks at Lee for confirmation. "Can you send a telegram back?"

"Of course," answers Florence.

Rosemary speaks the following telegram:

Sounds like a good plan. Hazel will be well taken care of here until then.

Rosemary hangs up, turning to Patrick and Hazel. She remarks, "Looks like you two get another day with each other." Hazel and Patrick look at each other, smiling. "Now, who wants the last of these pancakes? We need to clean up the kitchen and get ready for church." Lee and Patrick take the last two pancakes while Rosemary starts doing the dishes. When they finish eating, Hazel brings their plates over to Rosemary.

Hazel looks down at her feet, quietly mentioning, "I don't have anything to wear to church, Missus Coulter."

Rosemary puts the dishes in the washbasin, wiping off her hands. She kneels down to Hazel's level, reassuring her, "The clothes you wore yesterday will be fine, dear." Hazel meekly smiles, returning to the kitchen table to grab more dirty dishes. "I'll finish up here. You two go get ready for church." Patrick and Hazel run up the stairs.

"Here, I'll help," remarks Lee. She washes, and he dries. "How are you feeling, Rosie? Did you eat any breakfast?"

"Don't worry, I ate a little. You know I don't usually eat much in the mornings."

Lee responds, "Okay, I'll put all the dishes away. You go get ready for church."

Rosemary rubs his chin, leaning in for a soft kiss on the lips. "I love you, Lee Coulter."

After church, Lee suggests they have lunch in the café with Elizabeth, Jack, and Allie. He knew Nathan was out of town on Mountie business. Clara greets the seven of them when they walk in the door.

Clara states, "Give me a few moments to set everything up for the day, and I will be right over to take your orders."

"No worries, we know you just came from church," responds Elizabeth.

Clara puts her apron on, turning on the stove to boil some water for tea and coffee. She walks back over to the café side and up to her friends. She questions, "What can I get for you?"

Clara goes around the table taking their orders when she notices Hazel. She looks at Rosemary with a curious face.

Rosemary responds, "This is Hazel. She's been staying at the New Hope Orphanage." She looks over at Patrick and Hazel. "These two decided to sneak her back to Hope Valley yesterday." Clara chuckles. "The family who is adopting her will be by to pick her up tomorrow. Clara smiles and then moves on to take the rest of the orders.

"I will have these orders out for you shortly," remarks Clara. Clara starts the food and brings out everyone's drinks. Jesse comes in after talking to Kevin. Clara asks Jesse, "I don't like asking you to help, but I really need some right now. Can you please take the orders of the folks who just walked in while I finish cooking these?"

Jesse laughs, "Sure. When does Martha come help?"

"She'll be here in an hour," answers Clara. She kisses him on the cheek, handing him the order pad. Clara finishes up the food, and Jesse helps her carry everything out to their friends. Lee, Rosemary, and Elizabeth can't help but notice how well Patrick and Hazel get along and make each other laugh. They chuckle to themselves, hoping to not call attention to the kids. After they all finish their delicious lunch, they walk home together. Rosemary invites Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack over to bake some cookies. Allie, Patrick, and Hazel join Rosemary and Elizabeth in the kitchen while Lee takes Jack outside to play with the ball. Once Rosemary puts the first tray of cookies in the oven, the kids run out to join Lee and Jack. Rosemary and Elizabeth take their tea over to the sitting area, where Rosemary dramatically slumps on the settee.

Elizabeth joins her, inquiring, "Is everything okay, Rosemary?"

Rosemary wistfully replies, "Yes, everything is fine. Sometimes I just don't know what goes on in Patrick's mind. Sneaking a little girl in our car and bringing her here. Who does that?"

"A little boy who has a big heart and who was an orphan himself not too long ago. A little boy who is loved so much by amazing parents who teach him to be a compassionate little person."

Rosemary smirks at Elizabeth. "Thank you for being such a good friend. I think that credit should go to his birth parents."

"Don't sell yourself short, Rosemary. You and Lee are doing a wonderful job with him. I can tell how much influence you two have had on him in the short time he has lived with you." Rosemary reaches for her arm.

"Our hope is that we help him become the most compassionate, loving, and well-rounded adult I know he can grow up to be," reveals Rosemary. She perks up a little, questioning, "Did you see how Patrick is with Hazel? Do I detect his first crush?"

Elizabeth chuckles, "I think you are right."

"I am worried how he will take Hazel leaving. He is getting attached to her rather quickly."

"Where will she be living?" inquires Elizabeth.

"Edmonton."

"Edmonton is not too far. They can write and maybe see each other once in a while."

"You're right."

The next day, the mood in the Coulter home is one of uneasiness. Hazel is excited she will live with the Andrews family, but she is also nervous about getting close to another family. Patrick has been in her shoes, so he knows how great it is to have someone love him and take care of him. He also knows how hard it is to get close to people again when they could go away too. Rosemary accidentally overhears Patrick and Hazel on the front porch. He tells Hazel, "It will be okay. You like them already, and you won't be alone anymore. Mary Louise will be with you. They will love you as much as my Mama and Papa love me."

Hazel mentions, "Yes, I do like them. They were so kind to me and to all of the orphans. They have two sons of their own, and they always wanted a couple of daughters."

"See, you'll have two built-in brothers and a sister. You will love it there, I promise," remarks Patrick.

"I'm going to miss you, Patrick. Thanks for cheering me up and wanting to help me."

"I'm going to miss you too." Patrick grabs her hand, holding it for a few moments before putting his hand back in his lap. Rosemary wipes a tear from her eye. She couldn't be more proud of her son. Rosemary walks back to the kitchen, preparing them a snack. With a tray in her hand, she carefully opens the door not to scare Patrick and Hazel.

Rosemary singsongs, "I brought you cookies." She sits down on the stair just below them, watching them nibble on a cookie. Detecting the sadness coming from Patrick and Hazel, Rosemary tries to cheer them up by offering, "You two can write letters, or maybe if your family has a phone, you can call each other every once in a while. Maybe, Lee and I can even try to set up a visit for the two of you." They both look up with hopeful smiles.

Hazel inquires, "When will they be here?"

"They'll probably be here in an hour. What would you like to do until then? Play cards, walk around the pond, or I can read you a book?" questions Rosemary.

Patrick speaks up, "Mama's really great at reading books. She does all the voices. It is so much fun!" Rosemary tells Patrick to go upstairs and get a book for her to read. Patrick comes back outside with Wizard of Oz. "Have you ever read this book, Hazel?" She nods her head no. Patrick sits down and hands the book to Rosemary.

Rosemary suggests, "It is cold out here. Why don't we go inside, and I'll read until they arrive?"

The Andrews arrive right on time in an old but fancy, white Buick. The five of them pile out of the car, knocking on the Coulter's door. Lee answers and is shocked to see his old buddy, Milton. Lee clears his throat before giving him a hug. He laughs, inquiring, "Wow. What on earth are you doing here?"

Milton says, "I am here to pick up Hazel."

"I'm sorry, come on in." Lee opens the door, and the whole family comes in. Hazel sees Missus Andrews. Hazel runs to her, hugging her around the waist.

Missus Andrews leans down to her level, wiping the tears off of Hazel's face. "Honey, we have come to bring you home and be a part of our family. Would you like that?" Hazel nods. Missus Andrews gives her a hug and wipes away her own tears. Hazel then gives Mister Andrews a hug. She is barely able to speak, "Thank you, Mister and Missus Andrews."

Rosemary tears up watching this reunion. She questions Lee, "Aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Oh, yes. Honey, this is my old buddy, Milton Andrews. This is his wife, Sarah…"

Milton takes over, "This is my oldest boy, Tony. He is fourteen. This here is my younger boy, Ted. He is eleven. And I believe you already know Mary Louise." Mary Louise runs up to Rosemary, giving her a hug."

Lee introduces his family, "This is my beautiful wife, Rosemary, and our amazing son, Patrick." Rosemary points to the living area, inviting everyone to have a seat.

"I'll bring some coffee, tea, and hot chocolate," offers Rosemary. She boils the water while Lee explains how he and Milton know each other. Rosemary brings over a platter with two cups of coffee for Lee and Milton, tea for her and Sarah, and hot chocolate for the kids. She quickly excuses herself before running outside. Rosemary is relieved when she comes back in, and nobody seems to notice. She sits down next to Lee as he takes her hand, giving it a squeeze. Rosemary forces a smile. Lee and Milton spend the next hour or so reminiscing while Patrick, Hazel, Mary Louise, Ted, and Tony play flinch. When her boys were getting louder and louder, Sarah finally taps Milton's arm, giving him the signal, it is time to go.

Milton clears his throat, telling them, "We still have to drive back to Edmonton tonight, so we better get going.

Lee stands up, mentioning, "It was so good to see you again. It has been too long, Milton, Sarah." The Coulter's walk them out, saying their goodbyes.

Patrick questions, "Mister Andrews, can I write to Hazel?"

"I'm sure she will like that. I noticed you have a telephone. You can call her too if you would like." Patrick's face lights up.

He runs over to Lee, "Papa, can I please call her?"

Lee laughs, "Of course, you can." He looks over at Milton, thinking out loud, "Maybe you can even visit each other?"

Milton chimes in, "I think that can be arranged. In the meantime, our number is Edmonton 7436."

Patrick yells, "Thank you, sir!" He runs over to Hazel, hugging her quickly. "I'll call you tomorrow, okay?" Hazel smiles, kissing him on the cheek. The Coulter's watch as Hazel and her new family ride away. Lee and Rosemary get on their knees, and Patrick runs into their open arms. Patrick steps back, saying, "I hope they love her as much as you do me." He hugs them again.

Patrick wakes up the following morning, running into his parent's empty room. He then runs downstairs, seeing Rosemary cooking breakfast and Lee drinking his coffee at the table. Patrick hugs Rosemary's waist, saying, "Good morning, Mama." She kisses him on the top of the head. Patrick hops into Lee's lap, asking, "Is today the day? Do I get to spend all day with you, Papa?"

Lee responds, "Yes, it is." He bounces Patrick up and down with his legs. "Patrick, you do know that what I do is not necessarily fun?"

"I know, Papa. I like spending time with you, though."

Lee replies, "So do I." Rosemary serves Patrick and Lee eggs and toast with some orange juice. She is anxious to get her boys out of the house, so as soon as they finish, she takes their plates and shoos them from the table. Lee takes the hint, and they get in the car and go into town. Rosemary cleans up the kitchen and sits down at the table, ready to make her list of things to get done and things to buy. Susannah and her family will be here in two nights, and she has so much to get done. But before she goes into town, she decides to check in on Elizabeth. Rosemary knocks and immediately walks into Elizabeth's house like usual. Rosemary announces, "Good morning," then makes herself comfortable, sitting on the floor with Jack. Jack hands her some blocks, and they build a tower together. Elizabeth joins them in the sitting room, taking a seat on the settee. Rosemary gets up, rubbing the side of Jack's little face. "He is always so precious."

Elizabeth smiles and says, "Thank you. I think so, too."

"So, what is new with you and Nathan?" questions Rosemary.

Elizabeth replies, "Nothing new. We couldn't be happier. Let's not talk about me, though. I want to talk about you. Patrick mentioned Lee's sister is coming to visit."

"Yes. Susannah and her family are coming for a week."

"A week? That is a long time to have six adults and one child in a rowhouse."

Rosemary answers, "I think it will be fun. It will be crowded for sure, but I think it is time we spend more time together. I hope we can get Susannah to lighten up some; she always seems so uptight. And I know Catherine will enjoy spending time at the dress-shop."

"Good. What else is going on? How is Patrick taking Hazel being gone?" inquires Elizabeth.

Rosemary laughs, "Patrick is doing fine. He is going to call her tonight when he gets home. I'm the one who is not doing great. I'm sure you know I have been really swamped lately. I've been helping Lucas quite a bit with planning the festival. Clara and I have been busy in the dress-shop. Then I come home and try to spend quality time with Patrick and Lee. Poor Lee. He's had to step up this week with Patrick and the meals. I usually don't get home until dinner time." Rosemary pauses for a moment. "Confidentially, the last couple of weeks have been rough. I love that man more than anything, and he is such a great husband and father, but he has been driving me crazy."

Elizabeth questions, "How so?"

"He's been so messy lately. You know how I keep such a clean house?" Elizabeth acknowledges. "He leaves his dirty coffee cups on the kitchen counter, the already read newspapers piled on the coffee table, and he doesn't even put his dirty clothes in the laundry basket anymore. He leaves them hanging on the back of his chair. I've noticed Patrick is copying him now too. I keep telling Lee to pick up his mess, but he doesn't seem to listen. He'll eventually offer to pick everything up, but I can't sit there and wait until he does finally get around to it, so I'll end up picking up his mess along with mine and Patrick's." She continues mumbling to herself, "And they wonder why I'm so tired all the time?"

"What was that?" Elizabeth asks.

"Oh, nothing. I just have to do everything around here. I don't know what to do, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth tries to hide her amusement. "Don't you like doing everything yourself? You always say you do it better and quicker."

Rosemary thinks about it, responding, "I do say that, don't I? I guess, for the most part, he does help when he can. I can't figure out why it just now started bugging me after all of these years." She hands Jack a block that he was trying to reach under the settee. "On top of that, this is the busiest I have been since becoming a mother. I feel bad I wasn't able to pick Patrick up from school last week. I can tell he missed that time with me, which breaks my heart. When I finally do get home, I pray Lee cooked us dinner. If not, then I make us something quick to eat, and then we have some family time before Patrick goes to bed. We tuck him in and read to him usually until he falls asleep. Then I have to clean up the kitchen and any messes left by Lee and Patrick. By the time I get in bed, I can't keep my eyes open." Rosemary takes a deep breath. "I don't know how you do everything on your own."

Elizabeth responds, "It is called being a mother, and we have no choice. We sacrifice everything for our children, which is how it should be. It is exhausting at times, for sure, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Being little Jack's mother is what I was put on this earth for, and I am beyond thankful he is in my life." Elizabeth reaches out to Rosemary, resting her hand on her arm. "Being a mother is the greatest gift God will ever give you. Even though things are tricky for you right now, you are a wonderful mother. Patrick loves and adores you. Things will get better, and you will learn how to better juggle being a mother, a wife, and a businesswoman."

"Thanks, Elizabeth. The longer I've been one, the more respect I have for all mothers, especially single ones like yourself."

"In the meantime, can someone help you with the festival? Maybe Fiona?"

"I talked to her yesterday, and she'll start helping out," replies Rosemary.

Elizabeth offers, "Great. I wish I could help some, but Jack, Nathan, and Allie are keeping me busy. I'm also trying to get ahead on my lesson plans, so I don't have to think about it during the rest of our Christmas break."

"Elizabeth, don't you worry. I know you are just as busy as me. I am hoping things will die down by the end of the week once we fulfill some more orders."

"Let me know if I can help out anyway," offers Elizabeth.

"Thank you, I will. I better get going. I have so much to do." Rosemary waves goodbye to Jack and Elizabeth as she is walking out.

Rosemary grabs her list and shopping basket off of the kitchen table and walks into town. She hopes that Ned will have some fabric she can make a smaller set of sheets to put on the settee downstairs and in their room, plus a couple of extra blankets if it gets cold. Her plan is for Catherine, nephew Patrick, and Patrick to sleep on the settees in Patrick's room, downstairs, and in her and Lee's room, respectively. Rosemary is overwhelmed just thinking about that many people in such close proximity. She gathers her thoughts, continuing her walk. Rosemary stops first in the dress-shop to see if Clara has everything covered. Clara reports no new orders, which Rosemary happily cheers. Both her and Clara are ready for a break. They have been working so hard. Rosemary's next stop is the mercantile. She buys chicken, steak, potatoes, milk, flour, sugar, and some candy for herself. Rosemary has a sudden craving for something sweet. Next, she finds fabric for sheets and a blanket, a few Christmas ornaments to add to her tree, and a cute toy she thinks Patrick will like. As Ned is filling up her basket, she realizes she can't carry everything home. Rosemary pays Ned and asks, "Can I leave these here for a few minutes?" Ned nods. She takes her basket of food over to Lee's office. Rosemary loudly bursts into the office, surprising Lee, Patrick, and Jesse.

"Is everything okay, sweetheart?" questions Lee as he walks up to her giving her a kiss on the cheek. Patrick drops his crayons, running into Rosemary's waist.

"Hi, Mama!"

"Hi, Patrick! Are you having fun today?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good! I am fine, Lee. Why are you asking?" inquires Rosemary.

"You haven't come bursting in this door in a while. I wasn't sure what to think."

"Sorry, I am in a hurry." Rosemary frowns, asking, "Can I take the car home? I bought too much stuff, and I can't carry it all home by myself."

Lee hesitantly asks, "What all did you buy?"

"Nothing to concern you with. Do you mind? I need to get these groceries home and start sewing."

Lee smirks at her and then offers, "We can drive you home. I need to make a quick run to Benson Hills. I hate to ask this, but do you need anything else?"

Rosemary rolls her eyes, trying to figure out if she needs anything. "I know we have the gifts from the trip we have not given them, but we should probably get your family some Christmas gifts. Maybe you can find something in the book store or their mercantile? Do you think you and Patrick can find a few things for all four of them?"

"Of course, we can, right Patrick?" Patrick nods.

Rosemary raises her arms up together, saying, "Thank you." She messes with Patrick's curls, running out the door and over to the mercantile to get the rest of the stuff she bought. Lee can't help but laugh at his wife's antics.

"Let's go to Benson Hills, little man!" shooing Patrick out the door.

Lee and Patrick drop Rosemary and all of her stuff off at home, then drive to Benson Hills. They park in front of the book store, where Lee suggests, "Why don't we go in here?"

Patrick innocently inquires, "Can I get some more books, Papa?"

"Maybe a couple, but we have to find gifts for other people. I am counting on your help today." Patrick takes Lee's hand, and they walk in the door. "First, I need to get your Mama something."

"What are you getting her? Can I get her something too? I drew her a picture, but I want to get her an actual gift."

Lee reveals, "I am getting your Mama something I will use to make a gift she will love very much. That is if I can get Aunt Elizabeth's help. What do you want to get her?"

"Something small that says I love her," replies Patrick.

"I think she'll love anything you give her." Lee finds the leather-bound book he is wanting, and Patrick finds a leather bookmark with the saying, "Love is like a book…it is always there for you."

"Can I go look at the children's books, Papa?"

"Yes. I don't want you wandering off, so please stay there until I find you," remarks Lee.

"Yes, sir," responds Patrick. Patrick runs over to the children's section while Lee looks for a book about Babe Ruth for his nephew Patrick. Lee is in luck. He finds the perfect book about some of the greatest baseball players, including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Cy Young. Lee walks over to the children's section, and Patrick is not there. He calls out his name, and there is no answer. Lee panics, throwing everything down on a chair frantically searching for Patrick.

Lee asks anyone he sees, "Have you seen my son?" The manager comes up to him inquiring, "Have you checked the outdoor patio?" Some of the kids go out there and read."

"No, sir. Thank you, I will go check," responds Lee. Lee walks out there, finding Patrick sitting in a chair, engrossed in a book. Lee speaks loudly, "Patrick!" Patrick looks up with a smile on his face. "I have been looking for you. You were supposed to stay in the children's section."

Patrick looks around, saying, "I thought this was still the children's section. I saw some kids out here reading, so I came out here."

Lee kneels beside Patrick, revealing, "Patrick, you scared me. I thought I lost you."

"I'm sorry, Papa. Can I get this book? He holds up The Marvelous Land of Oz."

Patrick gets up so Lee can sit on the chair with him. Lee sits down, putting Patrick on his lap. He begins, "You need to always do what you say you will do. I know you said you thought you were, but you need to be more careful. How would you feel if you all of a sudden couldn't find your Mama or me? You would be scared, right."

Patrick looks down, saying, "Yes, sir. I'm sorry. I would be really scared." Patrick turns around and hugs him. "Are you going to tell Mama?"

"Perhaps, we should just keep this between you and me. No sense worrying Mama." Lee chuckles. "Now, let me see this book." Lee thumbs through the pages, questioning, "You can read this on your own?"

"I can read parts."

"Are there any other books you want while we are here?"

Patrick's face lights up. "They also have Ozma of Oz and Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz."

"None of these are in Hope Valley's library?"

"No, sir," answers Patrick.

Lee chuckles, remarking, "Okay, let's go get them and the rest of our stuff I left in the children's section." Lee follows Patrick back inside. "How about we buy all this stuff, get some lunch, I'll take care of my business, and then we can try to find something for Uncle Jake, Aunt Suzannah, and Catherine."

Lee and Patrick get home much later than they expected. They hope Rosemary won't get too worked up since they are bringing home the Christmas gifts she asked Lee to buy. Patrick helps Lee carry everything inside, but instead of smelling food cooking on the stove, the house is completely dark with no sign of Rosemary. Lee turns on some lights, seeing fabric hanging from the sewing machine and lying on the table ready to be cut. Nanny comes running down the stairs meowing. Lee suggests, "Why don't you take care of Nanny while I go upstairs to find Mama."

"Yes, sir."

Lee enters their room to a soundly sleeping Rosemary. He doesn't want to wake her up, so he lights some candles. She still has her apron on, but she did manage to take her shoes off. An almost full cup of tea is sitting on her nightstand, and patterns are scattered all over the bed. Lee watches her for a few minutes, thinking to himself how lucky he is to be married to such a beautiful woman inside and out. He takes off his coat, tie, and vest before accidentally knocking over some books, which unfortunately wakes up Rosemary.

She opens her eyes, realizing it's dark outside. Rosemary panics, inquiring, "What time is it?"

Lee pulls out his pocket watch, saying, "It's 8:30 pm."

Rosemary sits up quickly, grimacing, "Oh, no, Lee. I am so sorry. I was going to shut my eyes for fifteen minutes and then get up and fix dinner. I guess that was three hours ago.

Lee sits down next to her on the bed. He ensures her, "It's okay. I'll heat up the leftover soup from last night. Do you want me to bring some up here so you can rest more?"

"No, that is okay, honey. Thanks. I'll come downstairs and have a small bowl, and then I need to get back to sewing." Rosemary forces herself to get up and wash her face, hoping to wake herself up. "Did Patrick call Hazel?" Lee smiles. "Awe, I am sad I missed it. How long did they talk?"

"I'm sorry. We had some free time at the office today, so I told Patrick he could go ahead and call her. They talked for about five minutes. I think he has a crush on her. Isn't he too young?" questions Lee.

Rosemary chuckles, "I was just talking to Elizabeth about that. It's harmless. I don't think we need to worry."

Lee nods, walking up to her wrapping his arms around her waist. With concern in his voice, he inquires, "Can you do me a favor, sweetheart?"

"Anything," replies Rosemary.

"Can you go see Carson and Faith sometime this week? I am worried about how tired you are, the headaches you are getting, the dizzy spells, and nausea.

Rosemary pats him on the cheek, trying to reassure Lee, "I am fine, but if it makes you happy, I will. He will just suggest I need to stop doing so much."

Lee remarks, "I'd still like you to have Carson check you out anyway."

"Okay, if you insist."

"I do," Lee says into a kiss.

The following day, as Rosemary is dusting the front windows, she notices Allie walking by. Rosemary shouts to Allie, hoping she will hear through the windows. She yells up to Patrick, "If you need anything, I'll be outside."

"Okay, Mama," Patrick yells back.

She steps outside, calling out, "Allie. I've wanted to talk to you about something. Do you have a minute?" Rosemary takes her arm, walking in the direction of Allie's. "Is your uncle home?"

Allie looks at Rosemary with concern, "Uncle Nathan won't be home for another hour or so. Is everything okay?"

Rosemary stops in front of Allie's door, asking, "Can we go inside?"

"Sure, Missus, Coulter."

They step inside, where Rosemary reveals, "I've been thinking you and I need to give your uncle and Missus Thornton a little push. They are going much too slowly for my taste. What do you think? Has your uncle mentioned anything about a proposal?"

Allie smiles, responding, "I think that is a great idea. I would love to help. And I think Uncle Nathan could use all the help we can give him. I've seen the rings he's looking at purchasing. Let's just say he can do much better."

Rosemary announces, "Well, with our help, it will be the best proposal Hope Valley has ever seen." Waving her arms in the air, she states, "I better get to work. I have some wonderful ideas already. I'm thinking of a New Year's Eve proposal including fireworks and dancing under the stars. Talk to your uncle, and we can meet in a couple of days to discuss my ideas."