Bill looked at the multiple pans he had going desperately trying to figure out which pan had been started first. Friday nights were usually busy at the café but Bill would swear that his neighbors and friends had conspired against him tonight. Never had he had everyone descend on the café at the same time.
Poking the pan fried chicken in one of the pans to see if it was done yet, Bill was aware of Clara coming toward him.
"If you have another order turn around," Bill said, without looking up as he glanced at the orders he was trying to fill, trying to figure out what needed to go on what plate.
"Just need a refill on the coffee," Clara said holding up the coffee pot. "Coffee will make them happy while they wait."
Bill grunted as he started lifting some of the finished food from the pans. One by one, he got the orders filled and Clara took the plates to the customers. Finishing the last order, Bill wiped the back of his hand across his forehead, grateful for a break.
No sooner had the thought of a break cross his mind then Bill heard the door open. Bill looked toward the door ready to tell whoever was coming through that the kitchen was closed for the next half hour. The sight that met him pushed all thoughts of the words from his mind.
Nathan, who was holding Little Jack, held the door as Elizabeth and Ally walked in. Ally was excitedly telling Elizabeth something who had a smile on her face that reached her eyes and made her cheeks glow. As he followed Elizabeth and Ally inside, Nathan wore an easy smile himself. The Mountie had even put on a tie with his white shirt and black slacks, though he wore no suit jacket. The other three were dressed up a little as well.
Bill found himself watching the four of them, as they found one of the few empty tables in the café. Nathan held a chair for Elizabeth, managing to do it with one hand as he still held Jack. Ally took the chair next to Elizabeth. Instead of handing Jack to Elizabeth, Nathan kept the boy with him as he settled in the chair across the table from Elizabeth.
This was how things were suppose to be. This is the happiness that Bill wanted for his friends. Though he knew he shouldn't, Bill kept watching as Clara came, filled coffee cups and took their orders. Even after Clara gave him the orders and he was cooking, Bill cast glances in their direction. There seemed to be a lot of easy conversation and laughter going on.
When the orders were ready, Bill waved Clara away, choosing instead to deliver the plates himself. As he approached the table, Bill noticed that Jack had been persuaded to move to the chair next to Nathan on which a booster seat had been placed.
"You all seem to be having a good time," Bill commented as he started handing out plates.
"We are!" Ally answered quickly.
Elizabeth and Nathan nodded as Nathan changed the subject. "Seems like it is a busy night for you, Bill."
"It is, but I still managed to chap things up better than someone I know," Bill told him, causing Nathan to chuckle. "You all enjoy your meal," he told them.
Before leaving the table, Bill leaned close to Elizabeth and whispered, "this is what Jack would have wanted for you."
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied just as quietly as Bill left the table. He hoped this would be the first of many dinners the four would have at the cafe.