A/N - Happy Thursday! I just wanted to thank all of you who are reading my story and reviewing or commenting. It means so much to me. I decided to take a writing class, so, unfortunately, there will be a break in my story. I probably won't be able to post for about 10 or 11 weeks. I'll try to get something out there sooner, but I don't know how much time I'll have during the class. I hope you understand.

I look forward to continuing this story with our beloved Lee, Rosemary, Patrick, and Pumpkin. In the meantime, have a good rest of your summer.

Chapter 37 – Hope, Inspiration, Love, and Laughter

Lee sits down on the settee in their bedroom and sulks. He racks his brain on what needs to be done with the stage and getting ready for the trip. Lee doesn't want Rosemary having to pick up his slack. She already does enough in his mind. He takes a moment and watches as she peacefully sleeps. Finally, after a few minutes, Lee stands up to leave when Rosemary stirs, opening her eyes. She catches a glimpse of the worried expression on his face and asks, "Is everything okay?"

"Oh, it's nothing. It's just raining. Go back to sleep. I know you were tossing and turning last night."

"No, it's okay. I need to get up and start my day. I have so much to do today. Is the rain going to delay your project?" inquires Rosemary.

Lee answers, "Yes, but don't worry. I'm sure it will all work out."

Rosemary offers, "I hope so. I will be spending the day in the office after I drop off Patrick at school. I have more details to work out for Chicago."

"Thanks for helping out, Rosie. I know I can always count on you. Hmm, now that I am thinking about it, why don't I leave you the car? I don't want you and Patrick getting wet. You can drive him, Elizabeth, Allie, and anyone else you want into town."

"Are you sure, honey?"

Lee responds, "Of course, I am. I don't mind getting a little wet myself. I need to get going, though. I'll see you later." Lee kisses her goodbye, saying, "I love you."

"I love you, too," remarks Rosemary.

Lee goes across the hall and into Patrick's room, opening the drapes and announcing, "It's time to get up."

Patrick sleepily replies, "Good morning, Papa. Why is it so dark in here?"

"Oh, it's a rainy, gloomy day out there. I need to get to work early, but Mama will drive you to school. Can you do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

"Mama has to do so much for us already, so can you try not to get dirty today? In the mud?"

"Yes, sir. I'll try really hard," remarks Patrick.

"I'll see you tonight. I love you."

"Love you too, Papa." On his way out the door, Lee grabs an umbrella and checks the car to see if he has everything he might need for later, on the off chance he can work on the stage. Then, he quickly walks to his office and starts on some paperwork. Lee hopes the rain will stop, and they can still go out and work this afternoon. After today, he only has one more full day before they leave for Chicago.

Right on time, Rosemary comes waltzing into the office. She saunters up to him, excitedly saying, "Lee, I have an idea for you today. You can go to each of the businesses around town and talk to them personally about what you want to do as mayor. Also, you can ask them for any ideas on how you could make the town better. You have some time now, right? Since it is raining?" Rosemary grins ear-to-ear, waiting for his response.

"That's not a bad idea, Rosie."

"You very well know I don't have any bad ideas."

Lee chuckles, mentioning, "I do know, and you are right."

"So?" Rosemary inquiries.

"Yes, I will go. Would you care to join me? With you by my side, how could anyone not want to vote for me?"

Rosemary thinks about it for a few moments and replies, "You're right. Plus, it will allow me to scope out ideas for my next issue of the paper." Rosemary clasps her hands together, saying, "Let me get my notepad." Lee chuckles and waits for her to get ready. He offers his arm, and she gladly accepts. Lee grabs the umbrella, and they stroll down the boardwalk to each business. The townspeople all have great ideas that Rosemary jots down for Lee, including some ideas she can write for the paper.

They go back to their office, and Lee thanks Rosemary for the idea. Then, Lee asks, "Could you write an article about the ideas from today and what I think of them?"

"It would be my pleasure…hmm," she pauses for a moment before continuing, "Wait…yes…no…I don't know."

Lee inquires, "What do you mean you don't know?"

"It's not exactly fair to the others that you have a special connection with the paper. I don't know, Lee. I want to do this for you. I really do, but I also want to be taken seriously as editor-in-chief."

"I see," mentions Lee.

Rosemary takes a couple of steps towards Lee, questioning with a furrowed brow, "You know I would do anything for you, right?" Lee nods, and Rosemary takes in a sharp breath, stating, "I know. I'll get Bill, Michael, and Fiona to comment on those ideas as well. Then I can print the ideas with all four opinions."

Lee responds, "Great idea, honey. Besides, I don't want to put you in a bad spot."

Rosemary grins, stating, "I think this could work. I better get started typing these up for everyone."

Rosemary gets quiet, suddenly staring off into space. Lee can see her going off in her little world again. He questions, "What are you thinking?"

Rosemary embarrassedly laughs, revealing, "Oh, this being impartial is a lot harder than I thought it would be. Especially since I know what a great mayor you will make."

"You think I'll be a great mayor?" questions Lee innocently.

Rosemary giggles, remarking, "Oh, sweetie. You will be the best mayor in the history of all mayors. And it doesn't hurt that you're adorable."

Lee walks the rest of the way, kissing her and responding, "I know you'll figure it out. Now, if only this rain would go away. I need to finish this project, so we go on our vacation."

"I have a feeling it will work out, Lee. And as much as I don't want to say this. If we need to postpone a few days, then we postpone. I know we will get there eventually."

"Have I told you how amazing you are?"

"Hmm, let's see. Maybe," replies Rosemary with a giggle.

"Are you ready for the trip? Do you need help with anything?" questions Lee.

"We are good. I have started packing some things for Patrick and me. I am a little nervous because I have never had to pack for a child or travel with a child, for that matter. I usually worry about having enough clothes for myself, and now I need to make sure Patrick has enough. And eventually pumpkin. Oh, Lee. I cannot wait to meet our bundle of joy." Rosemary rubs her bump. "If you can believe it or not, I am enjoying pregnancy more than I thought I would. Now, don't get me wrong. It is hard, the morning sickness, headaches, and dizziness in the beginning. Then the multiple trips to the outhouse at night, the aching back and feet, the not fitting in my clothes, and the emotional rollercoaster, and I still have a long way to go. But, Lee, it is all worth it to bring our miracle into the world. I am so grateful to be able to experience this…with you…and Patrick."

"Me too, sweetheart."

Later that night, Lee decides to read Patrick's bedtime story in their room for a change. Everyone gets in their nightclothes and climbs into bed. Patrick lays right between them with his head resting on Rosemary's arm. Before Lee starts, Rosemary reveals, "Today has been a wonderful day. I am so glad you took some time off, Lee."

Lee smiles and reminiscences, "You're right. The rain ended up being a blessing in disguise. I finally could pick up Patrick from school with you and come home to spend time as a family. We played with the train set and the fort. And then you two made up that fun adventure for us to go on in Patrick's room."

"Then you got your bright idea and left me upstairs by myself," remarks Rosemary with a pout.

Lee chuckles, inquiring, "You mean when Patrick and I made you a Banana Cream Pie, and you kept trying to spoil the surprise?"

Patrick giggles, adding, "Yeah, Mama. You kept trying to sneak downstairs and get us to tell you what we were doing."

Rosemary messes with Patrick's curls, saying, "I did, huh?"

"Yes, Mama. You were silly."

Lee states, "You were, honey." Rosemary rolls her eyes and giggles. Lee continues, "When we finally let you come downstairs, and you saw the pie, you had the biggest grin on your face. What were you thinking about?"

Rosemary replies, "I was just thinking about all the times you have insisted if I want to keep eating lots of desserts, they must have some food value, meaning they must contain fruit."

Lee laughs, suggesting, "Fruit is good for our daughter and you."

"You think the baby is a girl?" asks Patrick.

Rosemary responds, "Oh, it's just a feeling Papa and I have. There is no telling until pumpkin is born."

Patrick giggles, revealing, "I think it would be fun to have a baby sister…or a baby brother."

Rosemary responds, "Patrick, you are going to be the best big brother ever to this little one." Patrick giggles, carefully laying his head on Rosemary's tummy, waiting for his sibling to move.

Lee inquires, "Are you two ready for me to read the story?" Patrick nods yes and gets comfortable laying up against Rosemary. Lee begins reading, The Emerald City of Oz, and by the time he gets to chapter two, he looks down at Rosemary and Patrick, and they are both sound asleep with Nanny right beside them. Lee doesn't have the heart to wake them up, so he puts the book on his bedside table and turns out the lamp, snuggling up with his family.

The following morning, Lee wakes up early again. He opens his eyes and sees the sun shining through the window. He gets out of bed, trying not to disturb Rosemary and Patrick. Lee opens the drapes, and it is a beautiful, clear morning. He quietly gets dressed and leaves a note for Rosemary, saying, "I had some work to do this morning. I'll see you three later today. Love you, your devoted husband.

Lee meets Nathan, Jesse, Bill, Kurt, and Michael at his office at 7:00 am. Lee drives half of them up and then comes back for the others. The six of them split off in pairs and get to work. Lee and Bill start hammering the floorboards. Jesse and Michael measure and cut the rest of the wood for the roof. Kurt and Nathan help Lee and Bill with the floor and then start on the roof. They work for most of the day until the rain comes back with a vengeance. The guys wait it out to see if the rain will subside and when it doesn't, after an hour, Lee offers to drive them back to town around 4:00 pm. Lee tells Kurt and Jesse to take the rest of the day off while Bill, Nathan, and Michael return to their jobs. Lee climbs the stairs to his office, feeling dejected. He did not get the stage done in time, and he hates to disappoint Rosemary. Lee opens the door, and he sees Rosemary and Patrick sitting at her desk. She is showing him how to use the typewriter. They both look up at the same time and smile. Patrick runs up to Lee and jumps in his arms. He inquires, "Hi, Papa. Are we really going to Chicago tomorrow? I am so excited." Lee looks at Rosemary, and his face falls.

Lee opens his mouth to answer, and Rosemary chimes in, "Papa needs to do something real quick. Why don't you and I see if Nicholas is at Dottie's? Rosemary lightly kisses Lee and whispers, "I'll take him to the dress shop, and I'll be right back."

Lee nods his head and quietly replies, "Thanks." While they are gone, Lee sits down and tries to figure out what to do. He thinks to himself, "Well, the stage is complete, except for the roof. Hmm. Maybe, I can still show it to Rosemary. I'm sure she'll understand the roof not being done. And I think I'm finally feeling comfortable enough to leave." Lee leans back and feels a significant weight lifted off his shoulders. Eventually, Rosemary walks back in, and it's the moment of truth. He sees three options: show her the stage as is, postpone the trip until he can finish the roof, or wait to show her after they get back, once it's ready.

Rosemary can see Lee deep in thought. She pulls up a chair next to him and reaches for his hand. Rosemary questions, "Do you want to tell me what is going on?"

"Where is Patrick?"

"He is playing jacks with Nicholas in front of the dress shop. He'll be okay." Rosemary squeezes his hand and encourages him to tell her."

Lee takes a deep breath and begins, "Well, you know the secret project I have been working on?"

"Yes."

"It is something for you." Rosemary grins. Lee continues, "I wanted it to be ready before we left, but with me getting sick, the snowstorm, and now the rain, it's still not complete."

"Lee, it's okay to postpone our trip. I understand."

Lee mentions, "I thought we might have to postpone, but then I realized the project is far enough along for me to show it to you."

Rosemary giggles, questioning, "What is it? Can I see it now?"

Lee chuckles, "If you want, we can go now. It is not too far out of town."

"In the rain?"

"We can wait if you would like."

Rosemary changes her mind quickly, exclaiming, "Let's go now!"

"Okay, are you sure?"

Rosemary laughs, remarking, "Yes, please." She brings him his coat and helps him put it on, and then leads him out the door, grabbing an umbrella.

Lee holds the car door open for Rosemary. She gets in, and then he runs across the street for Patrick. Lee announces, "Come on, Patrick. I want to show you and Mama something." So, they run back across the street and get into the vehicle.

Patrick inquires, "What did you want to show us?"

"I have a surprise for you and Mama that I have been working on for some time. It is why I have been gone so much." Lee reaches for Rosemary's hand, and he puts the car in gear. They drive the three miles and park on the side of the road. Lee intertwines their hands and gazes directly into her crystal-clear blue eyes. He explains, "I promised you something a long time ago, even before we were courting. You graciously let me out of my promise for the good of the town, and you never once pressured me into building you one since. I always intended to build you what I promised and what you deserved, but it was never the right time. So, I thought this would be a great compromise. I am and always will be your biggest fan, and I want you to have this opportunity to get your creative juices flowing again. I hope you will be as excited as me. Lee gets out of the car and opens Rosemary's door, extending his hand to her. Rosemary accepts, and he helps her get out of the vehicle. Lee takes one hand while Patrick takes the other, and they walk down the hill. Thankfully, the rain stops as soon as they get out of the car. The moment Rosemary sees the stage, she lets out a gasp.

"Oh, Lee. What is this?"

"This is an amphitheater. You can produce your plays, hold concerts, talent shows, or whatever you want."

Rosemary walks in front of her boys, admiring the scenic location and charming stage at the bottom of the hill. She remarks, "This is amazing, Lee. I cannot believe you kept this a secret from me. It is perfect. I couldn't ask for anything more." They continue down to the stage and up the stairs, out onto what she believes is a dream come true. Rosemary points out at the hill, speaking, "I can see the whole town sitting on blankets, or maybe we can build seats in the future. They are laughing at the comedy or crying at the drama. I can see them applauding after the concert or a talent show. I can even envision people wanting to get married out here." She gasps again, thinking Elizabeth and Nathan.

"I see the same things, sweetheart. When I saw this spot, I knew it was the perfect location for our amphitheater." Lee excitedly mentions, "You won't believe how we got this land."

Rosemary inquires, "How?"

Lee answers, "Well, I talked to the man who owns all the land out here; his name is Chester. He was impressed with how we became a family. See, Chester and his wife had adopted three siblings, and it was the greatest gift to ever happen to them. Long story short, he decided to give us the land for free. And there is more. I wanted this to be something Hope Valley and its citizens can use without paying. So the town will donate a penny a year in exchange for all Hope Valley citizens using the theater for free. If people from other towns want to use the theater in the future, they will pay a fee, and all proceeds will go towards the town."

"Oh, Lee. You are spectacular! I know I have said this before, but you are the best husband ever."

Rosemary kisses him deeply and passionately until they hear Patrick whining, "Ewe!"

Rosemary and Lee chuckle and Lee responds, "Patrick, you have got to stop saying ewe when people kiss."

"But it's gross," remarks Patrick.

"You won't always think kissing is gross. But, in the meantime, keep it to yourself."

"Yes, sir."

Rosemary questions, "So, what do you think of this place, bud? Papa did this for us, and I'm sure you'll get to perform here a lot."

Patrick hugs Lee and then Rosemary and states, "Thanks, Papa, Mama." Then, Patrick runs down the stairs and into the field, cheering.

Rosemary asks, "Have you thought of a name yet?"

"I thought you would want to name this place." Rosemary grins and takes it in from all angles. "I need to think about a name. I'll let you know when I come up with the perfect one." Lee walks up behind Rosemary, wrapping his arms around her and pumpkin.

Lee looks up, mentioning, "The only part left is the partial roof. It will cover about three-fourths of the stage. I am hoping the guys won't mind finishing it up while we are gone."

Rosemary kisses him on the cheek, remarking, "I think they'll be more than happy to help. You outdid yourself, honey; this location is beautiful."

Lee whispers, "Not as beautiful as you." Rosemary hits his arm and then rests her hands on top of his and their baby. He pauses for a moment and then suggests, "I thought you would want to produce a play in a month or so before you get too far along and uncomfortable. Is it something you would like to do, Rosie?"

Rosemary turns her head and whispers, "Of course, I do." She turns around to face Lee, revealing, "I've been dabbling with writing a play for Patrick and me to star in."

"Patrick will love that. You are still planning on giving other people a chance to play some of the starring roles, right? You have to be impartial and all." Rosemary and Lee chuckle.

"Yes, I know I have to give other people opportunities. Speaking of which, there is a part just for you, my honey-bunny."

"Awe, do I have to be in your play?"

Rosemary pouts, inquiring, "You don't want to disappoint your one-and-only, do you?"

Lee chuckles, answering, "No, I don't. But you know I don't like to get up in front of people and act or sing. I only embarrass myself in front of my family."

"What if I promise to make your part small?"

Lee rubs his stubble, "Okay, as long as I don't have to sing."

Rosemary jumps into his arms, saying, "Thank you," repeatedly. Then they sneak in another kiss while Patrick is not looking. Finally, Rosemary turns and looks out at the location again, gasping, "I know what to call this place."

"I am all ears."

"The Hill Amphitheater, where there is Hope, Inspiration, Love, and Laughter."