(Chapter Eight)
A Day to Remember
It was a refreshing morning and Abigail was busy in her kitchen when there was a firm rap on her door. Little did she know that that knock would change her life.
She walked over to the door and opened it. There stood Hope Valley's former pastor.
"Frank!" she sang in delight as she threw herself into his arms. "Why didn't you send word that you were coming?" she questioned after she pushed away and looked up into his deep brown eyes. She was sure she could drown in them.
"Well, I didn't think a letter would arrive before I would."
"How long are you here for?" she asked eagerly.
"For good," he replied, a smile playing around his lips.
"What about the children's hospital?" she asked, a bit concerned.
"Another preacher came through and took over so I could come back to Hope Valley." He sounded extremely grateful.
"That's wonderful, Frank!"
"Do you know what else is wonderful?" Frank tried to conceal his secret for one more moment, but was unable to cover the smile playing around his lips.
"What?" Abigail teased him carefully.
Frank moved forward a step and a little head popped around the corner.
"Philip!" Abigail's face glowed as she embraced the small boy. "We've missed you so much! It's so nice to see you again!"
"Hello Mrs. Stanton. I've missed Hope Valley too; and all of my friends."
"School is still in, Philip. I can walk you over if you wish."
"Could we?"
"Of course. Let's go, shall we?"
He nodded excitedly, and Abigail told Frank that she would be back as soon as she dropped the boy off at the school.
There was a knock on the schoolhouse door, and it creaked open.
Elizabeth turned from her chalkboard; and along with her, turned the heads of all the children.
"Philip!" Elizabeth squealed.
"Hello Miss Thatcher," he began, then suddenly remembered. "I'm sorry, I forgot – Mrs. Thornton."
"That's alright Philip. You've been gone for such a long time! I can't believe you're really back!"
"I'm so glad to be back with all of my friends again!" Philip enthused.
"And we are very glad you're back. Would you like to take your seat?" Elizabeth asked spilling out her happiness that the little boy had returned.
"Yes, ma'am," Philip excused himself politely.
"Welcome back Philip," Opal, who was sitting next to him, said sweetly.
"Thanks Opal."
"Welcome back, Philip!" Everyone said almost in unison.