Chapter 30 – Valentine's Day
Rosemary wakes up to a gentle kiss on the lips. Lee softly says, "Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart." She opens her eyes and smiles at the love of her life. Rosemary slowly sits up when Lee brings her a tray of French toast with lots of syrup, some fruit Rosemary canned this past fall, and some peppermint tea.
"Is Patrick ready for school?" inquires Rosemary.
"Oh, he is already there," mentions Lee.
"What time is it?"
"It's 10:00 am."
"You let me sleep to 10:00 am? I need to get to the dress shop. I have so much to do." Rosemary stuffs a few bites into her mouth, trying to eat a little faster.
"Whoa, Rosie. I'm sure Hannah is taking care of everything at the dress shop. Enjoy this relaxing morning and then start your day."
Rosemary grins, saying, "Well, okay, if you insist."
"I do insist." He kisses her one more time before mentioning, "I better get to the office."
Rosemary frowns, inquiring, "When will I see you again?"
"I'm sure I'll be around, but I need to go, or I will be late." Lee turns away from her before he grins. He has a memorable night planned for her and wants it to be a surprise. Rosemary finishes her breakfast and gets out of bed, rummaging through her closet. She grabs the green skirt she let out and tries buttoning the long-sleeve green blouse, but the last two buttons won't stay closed no matter how hard she tries. Rosemary turns sideways and looks in the mirror, shocked at how much her belly seems to have grown overnight. She still hasn't told anyone yet. Surprisingly, no one has caught on or at least said anything to her. Rosemary finds a scarf and wraps it around her expanding waistline, hoping to hide her partially unbuttoned blouse. She places her hand on her tummy and glances at herself in the mirror again.
Rosemary thinks to herself, "This will have to do. There is no hiding it now." She gently rubs her belly, speaking to her bundle of joy, "I think I am ready for Hope Valley to know about you, Baby Coulter. Are you ready, ma chère?" She feels some movement, almost like bubbles floating around in her tummy. Rosemary squeals and gives the baby a couple more rubs. She giggles, asking, "Are you kicking your Mama?" She waits for more, but nothing happens. "That's okay. Maybe we can show Papa later." Rosemary quickly applies her make-up and does her hair in a simple updo. She slips on her black shoes and green jacket, which luckily still fits, and saunters down the stairs and out the door.
Rosemary bursts into Lee's office, only to find Jesse by himself on the phone. She waits for him to get off, questioning, "Good morning, Jesse. Do you know where Lee is?"
Jesse reluctantly answers, "I don't know. He said he was going to check on something."
"Thanks, Jesse. Can you tell Lee I am looking for him?" Jesse nods and then picks up the phone when it rings.
Sadly, Rosemary walks over to the dress shop. She walks in the door when she sees Hannah, Clara, Faith, and Fiona talking. Rosemary remarks, "Oh, my. What did I miss?"
Hannah replies, "Clara came in to tell me what Jesse did for her this morning, and I think Faith and Fiona saw her and came in too."
Rosemary responds, "What did he do, Clara?"
"I'll fill you in later. I'm much more interested in what Hannah is about to tell us." All four girls look at Hannah in anticipation.
"Can you give me a moment? I want to put my things in the back and get out of this coat. It is hot in here, right?" Rosemary quickly puts her things away and is back out with the ladies in less than a minute. She inquires, "So, what happened?"
Hannah mentions, "Michael wants to cook dinner for Nicholas and me tonight."
"I had no idea he could cook, but it shouldn't surprise me," remarks Rosemary.
"I am not sure he can cook, but he wants to try." Hannah notices Rosemary's scarf, mentioning, "It's so pretty. I like how you wrapped it around your waist." Rosemary models it, spinning around in a circle.
All four ladies gawk at Rosemary, and Clara inquires, "Is there something you aren't telling us, Rosemary?"
Rosemary smiles, "What possibly could I be hiding from you?" She spins around again, giggling.
"Well, it looks like your stomach grew overnight." Fiona inquires, "Are you expecting?" Rosemary grins from ear to ear, nodding her head. Then, they all squeal in delight. "How far along are you?"
"Oh, I am a little over four months."
"Four months? Why haven't you told anyone?" asks Clara.
"Lee and I just wanted to make sure everything's going well before we shared the news with the whole town."
"I understand. Nicholas's mother was the same way," mentions Hannah.
A confused Rosemary inquires, "Nicholas's mother? So, you're not his biological mother?"
Hannah answers, "He is what I like to call my "best son," because he is the best gift my friend could ever give me." My best friend and her husband passed away in a train crash when Nicholas was five, and she had secretly named me his guardian. I adopted him a year later, and we've been a team ever since."
"Wow, I am so sorry," remarks Rosemary.
Faith questions, "Why have you been keeping that a secret? Does Michael know?"
"Yes, I told him when he asked to court me. But, enough about me, it was a long time ago. I want to hear about this baby. Is Patrick excited?"
"Yes, he is more than excited. The night before we told Patrick, he told us he always wanted to be a big brother. Hannah, I am not sure if you know this or not, but Patrick is our adopted son. He came to live with us this past July. Lee and I didn't think we could have children, so we decided to look into adoption. Some friends of ours run an orphanage in Brookfield, and they told us about Patrick. Lee and I both knew he was supposed to be our son the first time we met him. We thought Patrick completed our little family. Then right before Christmas, we got the unexpected news that this bundle of joy will be joining our family this summer." Rosemary lightly rubs her bump and then looks up at her friends with a tear in her eye. They take turns hugging Rosemary and telling her how excited they are for her, Lee, and Patrick. And how she and Lee will melt over this miracle created by God and their love.
While Hannah is still hugging Rosemary, she reveals, "I had no idea Patrick was adopted. I would have never guessed you three have been together less than a year. You seem like you've always been together.
"Thank you. I don't think I could love Patrick any more than I already do. You and Nicholas are just as special. You are doing great with him. I'm sure your friend and her husband are grateful you are taking care of their son."
Lee comes into the office out of breath, asking, "Did she come by looking for me?"
Jesse laughs, "She did, and she didn't seem too happy you were not here."
"Where does she think I was?"
"Checking on something."
"Good, so she is not expecting anything." Jesse nods no. "Are you doing anything special for Clara today?"
Jesse smiles coyly, mentioning, "I made her breakfast in bed, and tonight we are going to have a nice dinner in the saloon. Lucas is closing it up early, and he and Fiona, Carson and Faith, and Clara and I are going to have a nice dinner and maybe a little dancing."
Lee responds, "Good," and is interrupted when the phone rings. He picks it up, announcing, "Coulter Lumber. How can I help you…? Yes, we can deliver there…When do you need it?" Lee pauses for a moment, thinking about something, then adds, "Yes, someone will be able to accompany the order. We will get everything set up and get back to you. Thank you for your business." Lee hangs up the phone, looking at Jesse.
Jesse inquires, "Someone has to accompany the order? Why?"
"The man said it's for a special project he wants to keep hidden. We will deliver the wood by train like we always do, but I need someone to go along and make arrangements to get it from the train station to this man's house in the dark of night." Lee clears his throat. "I hate to ask, but the man insisted on it being a manager, and I can't go."
Jesse curiously asks, "When and where is this?"
"It is in Vancouver in early July."
"Vancouver? Why didn't he order from somewhere closer?"
"We came recommended by some friends of his."
"So, why can't you go?"
"I think Rosemary would be upset with me."
"Why?"
"I didn't want to tell you like this, but Rosemary is expecting. So, we will be parents again…in July."
"Congratulations. That is amazing. I had no idea."
"Well, Rosemary and I decided to keep it hidden until now, so not many people know."
"Of course, I will handle the order." Jesse holds out his hand to shake, and Lee brings him in for a hug.
The school kids are getting restless and cannot sit still after all the cookies they consumed an hour ago. Elizabeth had asked Clara to bring in valentine cookies for everyone during the last hour of school, but she was busy and had to bring them earlier. So, Elizabeth improvises and has the children work on some artwork while they each have a few cookies. The plan seems to work great for an hour or so, but the kids get distracted talking to each other and staring out the windows, wishing the school day is over. Then, an idea pops into Elizabeth's mind that she thinks will work out perfectly. She announces, "Who wants to tell the class something exciting going on in their lives?" Quite a few hands shoot up, and Elizabeth first calls on Robert.
Robert gets up and tells the class, "My dad is teaching me how to ride a horse, and I cannot get enough. It feels like you are flying above the horse and can conquer anything. My dad told me if I earned enough money, I can buy a horse of my very own." Next, Elizabeth calls on Opal.
Opal stands up and speaks to the class, "My parents told me we are going to Winnipeg to see my aunt and uncle and cousins this summer. They have a zoo there, and we will get to see some bears. I can't wait to see a bear in person." All the kids ooh and awe. Patrick raises his hand next, and Elizabeth motions for him to go ahead.
Patrick starts talking fast, "My parents took me to the circus in Edmonton, and I got to see my friend Hazel. We saw people flying on the trapeze, juggling hoops, clowns being silly, a magician who pulled a rabbit out of his hat like Mister Bouchard. And the magician made a tiger disappear. My Mama had Hazel and me playing a game all day, and then she told me she is having a baby." Patrick's eyes get as wide as can be, his hand covers his mouth, and he runs out of the school. The kids all start talking at once.
Elizabeth calms everyone down and goes out to find Patrick, who is sitting on the front steps, wiping his tears.
Patrick looks up at Elizabeth, saying, "Mama and Papa are going to be so disappointed in me. I wasn't supposed to tell anyone."
Elizabeth thinks about what to say because she knows Rosemary is still not telling people for some reason. She tries to assure Patrick that it will be okay even though she is unsure how Rosemary will react. Elizabeth suggests, "Why don't we go back inside and hear some more exciting things?"
Patrick sniffles and replies, "Yes, ma'am." Patrick follows Elizabeth inside and sits in his spot.
"Who's next?" questions Elizabeth.
It is almost time for school to be out for the day. Rosemary walks over to find Lee, and no one is in the office, which she thought was weird. So, she walks over to the school to pick up Patrick and bring him to the dress shop for a couple of hours. Rosemary gets there just in time for Elizabeth to ring the bell. Patrick comes running out and into Rosemary's arms. The first thing out of his mouth is, "I'm sorry, Mama," and he bursts into tears. Rosemary pulls him back so she can look at him, inquiring, "What's wrong, Patrick?"
"I accidentally told the whole class about our surprise. Missus Thornton asked who had some new and exciting news to tell the class. So, I told them about the circus, and it just came out that I would be a big brother. Immediately after it came out of my mouth, I remembered I wasn't supposed to say anything, and I was so embarrassed I ran out. I am so sorry, Mama."
Rosemary tucks his curls behind his ears before assuring Patrick, "It's okay. I know you didn't mean to announce the news, and I know how hard it is not to say anything when you are excited." Rosemary chuckles, revealing, "I have something to confess to you too. I might have told some of the ladies at the dress shop today, so we are both guilty. Hopefully, Papa won't be too disappointed. I know he wanted to be around when we told people." Patrick and Rosemary giggle.
Patrick hugs Rosemary and pats her belly, inquiring, "How is my little brother or sister?" It melts Rosemary's heart every time Patrick talks to his new sibling.
"He or she is good. You want to hear something neat?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"I didn't get to tell Papa yet, but I think I felt the baby move."
"Really? How?"
"I felt these little movements in my tummy."
"Can I feel?"
"I am not feeling them right now, but I will let you know when I do." Elizabeth and Allie walk up to them, and Rosemary stands back up.
Elizabeth giggles when she sees Rosemary's bump on display. She remarks, "I guess you are not hiding it anymore?"
Rosemary chuckles, stating, "Yes. I don't think I have any say in the matter, though. I seem to be getting larger each day."
Elizabeth questions, "Did Patrick tell you what happened today?"
Rosemary nods and ruffles his hair, revealing, "I told Clara, Hazel, and Fiona earlier today at Dottie's. They noticed my not-so-flat stomach when I spun around modeling my scarf."
"I guess this is good timing then. The whole town will probably know soon," remarks Elizabeth. Rosemary looks unsure but chuckles anyway.
Allie questions, "So, it's true, Missus Coulter? You are having a baby?" Rosemary shakes her head, yes, and Allie hesitantly hugs her, not knowing how delicate she needs to be with Rosemary. She turns to Patrick, mentioning, "You and I both will have a younger sibling come this summer." Patrick grins ear to ear.
Elizabeth suggests, "Allie and I are on our way home. Do you want Patrick to come with us?"
Patrick questions, "Can I, Can I? Please?"
"You don't want to go to Dottie's with me?" inquires Rosemary.
"No, ma'am."
"Well, okay. You can go home with Allie and Missus Thornton."
"Thanks, Mama. I love you."
"Love you too," replies Rosemary. She kisses Patrick on the top of his head and watches as they walk towards the rowhouses. Rosemary frowns and walks back to Lee's office, trying to find him again, but no one is there.
Patrick runs up ahead of Elizabeth and Allie, so Allie offers, "Missus Thornton, I can watch Patrick and Jack tonight."
Elizabeth ponders for a moment before asking, "You want to watch them? You know how much of a handful they are?"
"I do." Allie pauses for a moment before timidly questioning, "Don't you think I should get used to watching Jack since he will be my cousin or brother sometime soon."
Elizabeth wraps her arm around Allie, responding, "He will be your brother, Allie." Allie smiles. "If you are sure you want to watch the boys, I don't mind. We'll need to ask Lee and Rosemary, but I am sure they will be okay with you watching Patrick."
"When are you, Uncle Nathan, and Mister and Missus Coulter leaving?" inquires Allie.
Elizabeth answers, "I think we are leaving around 4:00 pm, and I am hoping we will be back before 11:00 pm. Don't forget, Missus Coulter still doesn't know about tonight."
Allie responds, "How fun." She pauses for a moment, then asks, "When will the baby be here?"
"Oh, I think in July."
"I hope she has a little girl."
"You do? Why?" questions Elizabeth.
"Well, she will be kind of like my little sister, right? Jack and Patrick are already like my little brothers, and I have always dreamed of having a little sister. I don't know if they see me that way, though."
Elizabeth chuckles, "I am positive both Patrick and Jack already think of you as a big sister." Allie grins and runs up to Patrick to catch up with him.
Lee walks into Dottie's with something draped over his arm. Rosemary is busy pinning a skirt on a manakin, so she doesn't hear him come into the shop. He calls out her name, startling Rosemary, who turns around to face her husband with her arms crossed and a pout on her face. Rosemary questions, "Where have you been all day? I tried finding you three times. I had some fantastic news to share with you, and you were gone."
"I'm sorry, sweetheart." Lee puts down his things and offers his hand to Rosemary. She accepts it, even though she is still a little mad at him. Lee spins Rosemary into him, where she feels a tug, and they both hear a rip. Rosemary's scarf gets caught on the pins sticking out of the skirt she's been working on all day. The scarf rips along with her blouse and the pockets she just finished pinning. Rosemary looks down and sees the torn scarf barely hanging on and her blouse halfway open, exposing the top of her bump. Lee waits for the dramatic tears to fall since she has been so emotional lately. Instead, Rosemary laughs in embarrassment. Lee looks into her eyes, revealing, "Rosie, you are beautiful inside and out."
Rosemary smirks, "Thank you, honey, for trying to make me feel better."
"No, I mean it with all my heart, Rosie," responds Lee.
Rosemary pats his cheek, revealing, "I know." Lee grabs his things and follows her to the back. Rosemary is relieved her blouse didn't rip like the scarf. She buttons what she can of her blouse and tries to see if she can salvage her scarf and cover herself back up.
"Wait, why don't you change into this?" He hands her the blue dress she made the other day, suggesting, "It would mean a lot to me if you would wear this."
Rosemary chuckles, "Okay, but why?"
"We are going somewhere special, and I thought you would want to dress up a little."
Rosemary giggles, "Where are we going? Will Patrick be coming with us?"
"Patrick is going to stay here with Laura, Allie, and Jack."
"You aren't going to tell me where?"
Lee laughs, "No. What I will say, though, is Nathan and Elizabeth will be joining us." Rosemary smiles and takes the dress. She comes out five minutes later with a grin on her face. "This is one of the dresses you made, right…one which will expand with you?" She nods. "You look amazing. It brings out the blue in your eyes, too."
Rosemary giggles, responding, "Thank you. Did you happen to bring my make-up or anything I can freshen up with?"
"Oh, right. I did." He hands her a bag with various things she will need to get ready.
"Thanks, honey. Just give me another five to ten minutes, and I will be ready to go." She turns back around, questioning, "Did you bring my blue coat to match this dress? Oh, I hope it still fits."
Lee responds, "Of course, I did."
Lee parks their car in front of Elizabeth's house, and he opens the door for Rosemary, extending his hand. She accepts the kind gesture, and they walk up the stairs, but before they knock, Rosemary inquires, "Does this jacket look okay? It is pretty tight. I might have to unbutton the bottom one after dinner."
"You look fabulous, Rosie. No one will notice. I promise," replies Lee.
Rosemary quietly mentions, "I need to let out some of my jackets and soon." Allie answers the door and invites Rosemary and Lee inside.
Patrick comes running and hugs Rosemary and Lee, with Jack following, shouting, "Wosie! Wee!" They each hug and kiss Jack, and he runs back to play with his toys.
Lee questions Nathan and Elizabeth, "Are you two ready to go? We have a fun evening ahead of us."
Nathan clears his throat, mentioning, "Allie wants to watch the boys by herself tonight if you two are okay with Laura not being here. Elizabeth and I think it is a great idea for a trial run." Lee looks over at Rosemary, and she gives her nod of approval. Lee consents for the both of them, thanking Allie and offering Laura a ride home.
Laura responds, "That's okay, Mister Coulter. I think I'll stop by and see what Emily and Anna are doing." She gets her things and walks over to Emily's. Nathan and Elizabeth write down some final instructions to Allie and kiss her and Jack.
Elizabeth reminds them, "You two, be on your best behavior."
"We will, Missus Thornton," remarks Allie.
"Allie, you can call me Aunt Elizabeth when we are at home if you like."
"Thank you, Missus…I mean Aunt Elizabeth." Allie hugs her, and she picks up Jack. Rosemary and Lee hug Patrick, telling him to be a good boy, listen to Allie, and help her with Jack.
Patrick answers, "Yes, ma'am, sir." He hugs them both, not wanting to let go.
"Is everything okay, bud?" inquires Rosemary.
Patrick quietly replies, "Yes, ma'am. It's just the first time you are both going out of town without me."
Rosemary opens her arms to Patrick, and she hugs him, whispering, "Papa has not told me where we are going yet, but I can assure you, we will be safe and come home to you tonight. Okay?" Patrick nods into her chest. "Now, Papa needs a hug, and then we need to get going. The sooner we leave, the sooner we will be back to you." Patrick finally lets go of Rosemary and jumps over to Lee, hugging him with all his might. Lee picks Patrick up and tickles him until he can't stop laughing.
Lee suggests, "We better get going." Nathan and Elizabeth get in the back seat while Rosemary climbs in the front. Rosemary scoots over next to Lee and pats his leg, inquiring, "Are you going to tell me where we are going, sweetie?"
Lee chuckles, replying, "Nice try. You will just have to wait until we get there." The four of them wave to the kids and head out of town to their destination. "How about you tell me your exciting news from earlier?"
Rosemary looks back at Elizabeth and Nathan, stating, "Maybe later. I do need to tell you two things, though. First, I told the ladies at the dress shop today. They were so excited for us. And second, Patrick told the whole class at school today." Rosemary expects Lee to be silent, but instead, he laughs, which catches her off-guard. Rosemary sighs in relief, "Oh, good. I was afraid you would be sad you missed out on telling people.
"I have a confession to make as well. I told Jesse. I had to tell him because a customer is insisting on a manager accompanying the delivery to Vancouver in July." Rosemary laughs. "I told him you would probably be upset with me if I left you and Patrick alone and nine months pregnant.
Rosemary chuckles, speaking, "You are a smart man, Lee Coulter."
Lee drives up to the front of the bookstore and parks the car. Rosemary looks out the window, inquiring, "You brought us to a bookstore in…where are we?" She takes another look and says, "Benson Hills?" Rosemary looks at him quizzically.
"What if I did?" Lee asks sarcastically. Rosemary smirks. "Do you trust me, Rosie?"
"You know I do."
"Great." Lee and Nathan get out of the car and open the doors for Rosemary and Elizabeth, offering their hands. Rosemary and Elizabeth gladly take them, and each couple walks arm-in-arm down the street. Lee tells Nathan and Elizabeth, "We'll see you there." Nathan and Elizabeth nod and wave to their friends.
Rosemary questions, "Where are you taking me, Lee Coulter?"
"We got here a little early, so I thought we could walk around a little. Are you warm enough?"
Rosemary smiles, replying, "I know you'll keep me warm along with our little one." They stroll down Main Street hand-in-hand, looking in the shop windows, and at the other people out walking. Both Lee and Rosemary notice a family just ahead of them. The little boy is helping the mother push the stroller when they stop for a moment. They see the father picking up the crying baby, wrapped in a pretty pink blanket, from the stroller with the mother looking on as her husband and daughter bond. Rosemary lovingly looks at Lee, and they both smile as they walk past the family.
Lee voices what Rosemary cannot, "I'm thinking the same thing, honey. That will hopefully be us in a matter of months.
Rosemary grins at Lee, asking, "Do you think Patrick is doing okay with Allie and Jack by themselves?"
"Of course. Allie loves both of them, and they adore her as well." Lee looks at his pocket watch, suggesting, "I hate to break this up, but we need to get back, or we will be late."
"Late for what?" Rosemary tries to get information out of Lee again.
"You'll see soon enough," remarks Lee. Rosemary huffs, and they continue walking until they stop in front of the new steak restaurant Rosemary wants to try. She's hinted for the last few weeks that their cutie-patootie wants a nice juicy steak. One that you cannot get in Hope Valley.
Rosemary laughs, "You finally took the hint."
"I would have brought you here sooner, but I wanted it to be a special occasion," Lee says with a chuckle. Lee and Rosemary join Nathan and Elizabeth back in a private room Lee had reserved for the four of them.
They sit down, and Rosemary reaches for Lee's hand before announcing, "We've wanted to tell you something exciting, Nathan. I am not sure if Elizabeth has let it slip or not, but we wanted to be the ones to tell you together in person. We are going to have a baby this summer!"
Nathan gets up, hugging them both, saying, "Congratulations. I've been expecting this news to come sooner than later. Elizabeth didn't have to tell me. I figured it out on my own a while back."
Rosemary looks mortified, inquiring, "You did?"
Nathan laughs, responding, "I am a Mountie, after all." Everyone laughs, including Rosemary. "You two are already the best parents to Patrick, and I have no doubt you will welcome this child into the world with all the love and happiness every child wants and deserves. I only hope that one day, I'll be as good a parent as you two are to Patrick."
Rosemary remarks, "Thank you, Nathan. That means so much to us. Nathan, you are a great father to Allie and will be to Jack and any other child you and Elizabeth bring into this world in the not-too-distant future." Lee nods his head and agrees.
Elizabeth adds, "They are right, Nathan."
"Okay, this wasn't supposed to be about me. It is about you two. Let's talk about something else," suggests Nathan. He sees the waiter coming with their dinner and is relieved when the conversation turns to the delicious food they are all enjoying, especially Rosemary, who indulges in a rather large piece of carrot cake for dessert.
When Lee tries to take a bite, she swats his hand away, revealing, "I love you, Lee Coulter, but please get your own." Lee laughs and just watches her eat every bite and then lick the icing off her fork and the side of her mouth.
"Do you need anything else, sweetheart? I have one more surprise for you, and I don't want us to be late."
"No, we are full." She smiles, asking, "What's next, my love?
"You'll know soon enough. Nathan, Elizabeth, are you two ready to go?"
Nathan answers, "I believe we are." Lee pays the bill, and the four of them head outside.
"It's a few blocks north of here. We can walk or take the car. What do you think, Rosie? Are you up to walking?" She nods. Lee mumbles under his breath, "How tight is your jacket?" Rosemary frowns and undoes the bottom button, hoping no one will notice. She wraps her arm around his, and they lead the way, with Elizabeth and Nathan following close behind. Lee had arranged for them to go in through the back, so Rosemary wouldn't see where they were going. The closer they get, the more Rosemary is questioning where Lee could be taking them. Finally, Lee stops in front of a weathered steel door with no windows.
Lee taps four times, and a young teenage boy opens the door, inquiring, "You must be the Coulter group?"
"We are. Did we come to the right door? What is your name, young man?" Lee questions.
"Yes, sir. My name is Ryan. You can come right through here, and we can seat you."
"Thank you, Ryan. We appreciate you helping us tonight," responds Lee. Rosemary grins with her whole face and takes Lee's arm before walking into the building.
Rosemary whispers, "Where are we?"
Lee asks, "Don't you want to be completely surprised?"
"No, half the fun of a surprise is knowing what it is ahead of time," Rosemary and Lee both laugh. Ryan takes their jackets and leads them into a theater, pointing to the third row, where their seats are right in the middle. The four of them sit down with Rosemary and Elizabeth in the middle. Rosemary looks around and notices the theater is not as grand as the one in Union City, but it's not entirely without character. The seats match the curtains, which are a lovely shade of maroon. Matching wallpaper covers the walls with vertical stripes in various shades of maroon. She watches as the people start coming in and taking their seats. Rosemary looks up at the stage, thinking the stage decorations look familiar, but she cannot place them. She turns to Lee with the biggest grin on her face, patting his chin, questioning, "What is showing here, my darling?"
"I'll give you one clue. It's one of your favorites, and I promised to bring you to see this." He hopes she lets it go and doesn't guess, but he knows his wife can't help herself.
Rosemary begins to spout off names of operas, ballets, and musicals when Lee tries distracting her by talking to her stomach and rubbing gentle circles around their unborn child. Rosemary melts when Lee kisses his fingers and then touches her belly, quietly speaking, "Happy Valentine's Day, my little miracle." Lee's face lights up when suddenly he feels something under his fingers.
Rosemary rests her hand on Lee's, whispering, "Did you feel it? That is what I wanted to tell you earlier today. I thought I felt our precious angel moving."
Lee whispers back, "Are you sure?" Lee rubs circles again, but no movement this time.
"Rosemary answers, "Uh, huh. I do. Today is the first time I have felt anything, and Faith mentioned I might be able to feel some flutters or bubbles once I hit the four-month mark." The lights flash and dim, letting everyone know the performance is about to start. Rosemary glances one more time at the crowd, and there is not a single empty seat. People are finishing up their conversations and turning their attention to the stage. Then, the curtains open, and Rosemary gasps when she hears the line, "I learn in this letter that Don Pedro of Arragon comes this night to Messina," [6] from her favorite play, Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Rosemary tries to contain her excitement and turns to Lee, taking his hand into hers, kissing his cheek, and whispering, "I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest."
Lee squeezes her hand and mouths, "I love you, too." Rosemary doesn't let go of Lee's hand the entire five acts, during the intermission or even on their walk back to the car.
Rosemary states, "I had no idea Much Ado About Nothing is showing here. Thanks, sweetie." Rosemary whispers in his ear, "If we weren't in public right now, I would jump into your arms, giving you a proper embrace and a kiss we can get lost in for the rest of the night."
Lee whispers back, "I don't think anyone will notice," and he plants one on her awaiting lips. Rosemary giggles, and they continue to walk towards the bookstore.
"I can't believe you brought me here. I didn't think you would ever watch this with me again."
"Why not? I said I would."
Rosemary chuckles and then turns to Elizabeth and Nathan, inquiring, "Did you two like the play? Had either of you seen it before?"
"It was wonderful. I have never seen it before. Thanks, Lee, for inviting us," remarks Elizabeth.
Nathan adds, "Thanks, Lee, for including us on this special night. I am glad I could experience my first Shakespeare play with my fiancé and the best friends anyone could ask for."
Rosemary giggles and states, "That's my Lee. I am glad you two joined us." Rosemary tells Lee, "Good job, sweetie," in her cute voice. "Now, let's get back to our son. I miss him."
Lee finally pulls in front of their rowhouse, and they get out of the car, walking up to Elizabeth's porch. The four of them walk into what appears to be an empty house. Elizabeth calls upstairs, "Allie. Are you guys up there?"
Rosemary shouts, "Patrick? Are you there? Patrick?" She thinks to herself, "Please don't be missing again. I cannot handle another scare like before." Rosemary takes a deep breath, yelling once more before racing upstairs with Elizabeth and checking the rooms for any sign of the three kids. Jack's favorite blanket is missing as well as a couple of his books. When they come downstairs in a panic, Rosemary notices Patrick's bag is no longer on the chair. Rosemary questions, "Why aren't they here? Where would they go?"
Lee offers, "I'll go check in our house, Rosie. Do you think they would have gone over there?"
"I'll go with you, Lee," remarks Rosemary. A couple of minutes later, Lee and Rosemary come back with no kids and a worried look on their faces.
At this point, Elizabeth starts to panic right along with Rosemary, questioning, "Where can they be? I know Allie was taking this seriously. She would never run off or do anything irresponsible. Would she?"
"What if someone kidnapped them?" Rosemary questions in a terrified tone.
Nathan chimes in, "Come on now, ladies. We are in Hope Valley. No one is kidnapping anybody. I'm sure there is a perfectly valid explanation." He pauses for a moment, inquiring, "Do you think Allie would take the boys to our house? I'll run over there first, and then we can start knocking on doors if they are not there. I will be gone for five minutes, so you three stay here and try not to panic."
Rosemary sarcastically states, "Why would we panic? We don't know where our children are." Nathan is still unsure how to handle a pregnant Rosemary, so he excuses himself and runs out the door.
[6] William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing