Later that Afternoon

Rosemary leafed though a catalogue as she partook in a late teatime at a rather vacant Abigail's cafe. The morning had, quite honestly, started off quite chaotically in Elizabeth's class. For starters, no one knew there was to be a substitute so she had struggled to gain control. What ever came over children the final week or two before Christmas was beyond her. Their little bodies radiated with uncontrollable energy as Rosemary explained to them her idea of making care packages to send to the soldiers. They definitely perked up and listened as she explained life for the soldiers up North, something she knew by hearing the stories from her father, a Grand General in the Northwest Mounted Police Force. "Would Mountie Jack be one of the soldiers to receive a care package?" Sweet Emily had asked. At the mention of Jack's name the children suddenly turned solemn. Yes, she answered, if he was not able to come home for Christmas. The once energetic class quieted, their worry for Miss Thatcher evident. Rosemary recognized it as the perfect chance to tell them of their second project. She called Cody up to explain to the children the need of a plan to spread Christmas cheer to their very own Miss Thatcher. The morning had unfolded with the children brainstorming ideas of how to cheer up Elizabeth. Oh the ideas had been wacky- all the way from giving her a new puppy to buying her a new house. There also were the sentimental ideas such as making her cookies or writing her notes. Those ideas they would use, along with their final idea. It had taken awhile, but when the gift was mentioned by one of the children, the excitement had rippled over the entire classroom. Yes, that was the perfect present to cheer their Miss Thatcher.

Now, Rosemary thumbed through the catalogue, wondering if there was anything else for her own personal Christmas shopping list she should add to the order. It was going to have to be a rush order, and she'd willingly pay the extra fee. It was worth it to bring some Christmas cheer to Hope Valley. If only there was a way to purchase Mountie Jack's visit home for Christmas. Ah well, they were doing the next best thing.

Rosemary shifted her legs. She'd been at this for at least half an hour, unaware of anything going on around her. The cafe was quiet, as it usually was before the supper rush started around five o'clock. Where was Bill? She could use a refill on her tea. No bother, she'd just find a teapot and help herself. Standing up she stretched her back, glancing around at the few other customers in the dining room. Wait— was that Hickam over near the corner? When did he slip in? And why in the world was he off work in the middle of the afternoon? Oh, no matter, she was planning to talk with him sometime soon and this was the perfect opportunity since Lee was nowhere in sight. Yes, he would be the key to revealing what mystery her husband had been up to the last few months. She simply would approach him with the topic and hopefully the lad would spill the beans. Usually, he was more than willing to help her out with her endeavors. He'd follow her beck and call like a little lost puppy. But that little lost puppy was looking more like a little lovesick puppy at the moment. What on earth? Rosemary sat back down to assess the situation. Sure enough, Hickam, oblivious to the entire world, was gaping at an unsuspecting Nurse Carter, who was tucked in a corner of the cafe intensely studying her nursing textbook as she sipped tea. Hickam and Nurse Carter? Why it was a perfect match! Simply genius. She should have thought of it herself. Rosemary observed until she was convinced she wasn't seeing things. She stood up and walked over to Hickam's table.

"Hickam, when did you start taking breaks in the middle of the afternoon?"

Hickam startled and peeled his eyes off Nurse Carter and onto Rosemary. Immediately, his cheeks colored. "Oh it just seems an ideal time to have a second cup of coffee."

"And would that coffee usually be taken a few tables away from a very pretty nurse Carter?"

"Mrs. Coulter, I am not sure of what you are implying."

"All I am implying is she is a very attractive, and single girl. I bet she wouldn't say no to taking a little stroll around town with you."

Hickam squirmed but glanced back at Nurse Carter who still had her nose buried in her book, as if he was considering the possibility.

"If you ever need a little help in the right direction, they don't call me Hope Valley's Matchmaker for no reason. I have several successful matchups under my belt. I could help you, you know."

"Oh, it's nothing really." Hickam looked rather embarrassed and was suddenly reaching for his coat. "I just remembered, I got to check in at the sawmill."

"Don't leave yet. Contrary to what you think, I did not come over here to play matchmaker."

"Oh." Hickam's shoulders visibly relaxed. "Well, what can I help you with, Mrs. Coulter?"

"I am needing just a teeny tiny bit of information from you about Lee and the extra project he's taken on."

"Oh the new merge?"

"No. That's not it. He mentioned 'another project'."

Hickam's eyes went wide. "Oh, I didn't know he was going to tell you about that yet. He was adamant that we kept it a surprise."

"Well now that we all know," Rosemary crossed her fingers. God forgive her. "Would you mind telling me where he's working on this certain project?"

Hickam twisted his hands together nervously. "Oh no ma'am. If he hasn't told you that yet, I am not one to ruin his surprise."

"Oh but it wouldn't be ruined per se, as we all know about it, right?"

"Mrs. Coulter, ma'am, for once I am not allowed to assist you."

"Why not?"

"Because Mr. Coulter gave us clear directions. This project is of utter importance to him. We aren't to be accepting any bribes or assisting you in any way to discover what he is up to. If you say you know about the surprise that is between you and Mr. Coulter. But for once, I must put my foot down."

Rosemary's eyebrows rose at Hickam's defiance.

"Good day." And with that, Hickam stood up, tossed his jacket over his shoulder, and even managed to smile Nurse Carter's way as he walked out of the cafe. Goodness! Hickam was no longer that lost puppy. Why, he was transforming into a man before her eyes. Seemingly gone were the days she could order that one about. Perhaps he truly was ready for his first love.

Although the conversation infuriated her, she did find out one huge thing: Lee was working on a surprise for her! It was no longer just an extra project- it was a project for her. And it must be of grand importance if he was to give such specific directions to his assistants about dealing with her. And here she had been overly worried about him and the financial aspect of his business. Ha! Rosemary rubbed her hands together and smiled. If anyone was good at solving a mystery it was her. She'd get down to the bottom of this in no time.