Chapter 12 - Food For The Soul

Allie couldn't stop herself from rushing all over the house. There were so many things still to do before her grand dinner. The table still needed to be set, and some laundry needed to be cleared from the living room. There was the welcome mat which was caked in dust, and she wanted to taste test the stew before serving to make sure that it was seasoned to her liking.

Just as she gathered the wicker basket of laundry in her arms, the front door opened, and Uncle Nathan entered.

Allie tightened her grip on the basket, giving her uncle a frown.

"Uncle Nathan! Where in the world have you been?"

Nathan gave her that familiar look, a cross between shock and amusement, as if he were merely a boy with his hand caught in the cookie jar, as he hung up his hat by the door.

"Hello to you, too," he said. "I was out running some last-minute errands." As he fully entered the living room he caught the aroma of Allie's stew as it simmered on the cast-iron stovetop. He made a bee-line for the pot. "Hey, that smells delicious!"

"Don't you dare touch my stew!" Allie warned. "It still needs some seasoning."

She hurried to the stairs as Nathan reassured her that he wasn't going to touch anything. All he needed was to boil the kettle for a few minutes.

"Alright," said Allie. "As long as it's just that. There's so much left to do."

"I'm not going to touch your stew," said Nathan, though he peeked over the edge of the pot and took in a deep breath. "I'm tempted though! This smells delicious. Where did you learn how to cook this?"

"Mrs. Thornton showed me," Allie replied.

Nathan raised his eyebrows for a moment in wonder.

"Elizabeth is full of surprises," he muttered. Then he set to work filling the kettle with water. Once it was on the stove, preparing to boil, Allie came back into the kitchen and started peppering the stew with a few spices. She looked over at the steaming kettle with a frown.

"What's this for?" she asked.

"Oh, it's nothing really. Just something that Faith gave me. It's some sort of tea that calms your nerves."

Allie gave him an over-the-top look. "Is there enough for both of us?" she asked with a roll of her eyes. "I can use whatever help I can get."

Nathan laughed. "Come on. It's not gonna be that crazy. It's just a simple dinner with the boy you have a crush on."

"Then why are you nervous?" Allie asked. "It's easy for you to say that, but you're not the one trying to make a great first impression."

"I hardly think this is a first impression," said Nathan. "You and Robert have known each other for a while now. Your first impression happened a long time ago."

"Yes," said Allie. "But I've never had him in my home. I've never cooked for him. This is a big step. What if he doesn't like my cooking? What if I get it wrong?"

Nathan stopped her, reaching out his hands to place gently on her shoulders.

"Allie, calm down," he said softly. "This isn't about impressing Robert or making a perfect dinner. It's about you two having a chance to connect with each other in a way that you haven't been able to before. That's all it is. Just enjoy the moment and be yourself. Everything else will work itself out."

Allie nodded, taking a deep breath as she tried to calm her nerves.

"You're right," she said with a smile. "I'm just over-thinking things again. I'll be fine."

"I know you will," he agreed. "You're not going to mess it up. This is already way more than I'm sure Robert expected. If he really is as good of a man as you say he is, then he will be appreciative no matter what. And trust me, I've eaten plenty of things I did not like so that I didn't insult the woman who cooked them." He gave her a wink.

"You're not talking about my cookies, are you?"

Nathan held up both hands and quickly walked away. "Oh no, I would never say anything about your cookies!"

The joking seemed to lighten the mood. Nathan took it upon himself to clean up the rest of the downstairs. Their home was warm and inviting, with soft colors on the walls, cozy furniture scattered throughout, and a pleasant aroma of freshly cooked meals in the air. The dining and living rooms both shared an open space, while the bedrooms were tucked away upstairs. Every room was tidy and well kept, a reflection of the Hope Valley values of hard work and hospitality. Tying everything together was the steady sound of a ticking clock in the background, offering a calm sense of rhythm to the house. This was often accompanied by the sound of their laughter as they did chores together.

With the aroma of Allie's cooking filling the entire space, Nathan couldn't have asked for more. By the time he was done tidying up the kettle was whistling on the stove. He retrieved two tin mugs from the cabinet and filled them with the boiling water. Then he put enough of the lemon balm in each for him and Allie. She took one of the mugs with a feeble smile.

"Cheers," said Nathan. "To a great dinner that will go off without a hitch."

"I can toast to that," said Allie, and the two of them clinked their mugs. Allie took a sip of hers and found it to be a pleasant balance between tart and sweet. The lemon added an acidic bite to the sugary spice that, when combined, warmed her chest like a comforting hug. There was an underlying note of something herbal, but it was subordinate to a delightful citrus-sugar combination. She blinked a few times and held the mug away from her. "Wow. That really is calming!"

"I sure hope so," said Nathan as he took a sip of his own. "Like I said. I had to get that specifically from Faith."

Allie raised an eyebrow.

"You and Faith seem to be getting pretty close." It was such a tease of her to say, and she didn't do it to torture him. It was merely a playful observation. There was no denying that Faith had been warming up to Nathan ever since he was turned down by Elizabeth. Perhaps that was because the two of them had both been turned down by the people they cared about, but even so. Allie wasn't gonna miss the chance to push her uncle, and now her adopted father, towards a new love. Towards a new beginning. He deserved it.

She had been angry with Elizabeth when the school teacher chose Lucas, but as with most things with Allie, her anger was short-lived. She couldn't hold it against Elizabeth. The teacher had to do what her heart told her to. Allie was grappling with the same thing.

It seemed like no matter what anyone said to her, Allie could not shake her feelings for Robert. Therefore in the end she understood that no matter what anyone said to Elizabeth, including Allie herself, Elizabeth had to be true to herself. It was an unspoken lesson the Allie had taken to heart.

Life was full of tears as well as laughter. It was those times in between that were the moments she cherished. Plus it was also nice to see her uncle Nathan picking himself back up.

Nathan took another sip of his tea, looking as if he were winding up after taking some crazy tonic. Allie laughed.

"Come on, uncle Nathan. It's not that strong! I thought this was supposed to make you calm!"

"Oh, it's working," said Nathan. "I'm just excited that it is. I don't need to be a bundle of nerves when Robert arrives."

"Wait a minute. I was only kidding before. You are worried about being a bundle of nerves?" Allie placed her mug down and crossed her arms. "Why should you be nervous? Robert is my date."

"Yes," Nathan explained. "But I think you underestimate all the stress that gets into family members when someone that they love is starting to become interested in relationships. There are a million ways that I could embarrass you. Now I don't want to do that, but I'm just saying, there's a real possibility. So I figured finding something to calm me down would help me not to say something out of nervousness that would set you off."

Allie held him in her quizzical stare for a few more moments before turning back to the stew.

"Alright Uncle Nathan," she said. "I'll trust that you will let me lead the conversation."

"It's your date," Nathan smiled. "I'm just along for the ride."

Allie took one of the large wooden spoons and sampled some of the stew. It was hot, but the flavor was exactly what she had hoped for. The beef stew had a rich and savory flavor, with a hint of sweetness that was balanced by the hearty vegetables. The smoky notes of the beef paired well with the earthy vegetables and the subtle spiciness of the broth. The texture was creamy and smooth, with a touch of warmth from the stew's heat.

"Wow. I know that I just made this, but even I am surprised."

"Let me try some."

Allie held up a spoon to him and he tasted a mouthful, eyes widening.

"Allie! This is great! Are you sure you don't wanna be a cook once you graduate?"

Allie waved at him dismissively.

"No talking about what I want to do when I graduate! I have enough to worry about right now. But I appreciate the compliment."

Suddenly a knock sounded at the front door. The two of them turned, with Nathan glancing over at Allie.

"Sounds like he's here."

Allie brushed off her skirt and hurried over to the door. There was a moment of her composing herself, then she took a breath and opened up the door. Robert was on the doorstep, as expected. His familiar, friendly smile greeted them both.

"Hello," said Robert in his usual cheerful tone. He was dressed up more nicely than usual. Allie wasn't sure where he had gotten a jacket and tie, but she had to admit that she liked the way they looked on him.

"Hello Robert," she said, breaking into a wide smile. "You're right on time."

Robert glanced to the side sheepishly.

"Actually, I'm here a little early. I hope that doesn't mess you up. I was kind of nervous. I didn't want to be late."

"That's fine. Please, come in."

He stepped inside and looked around the entryway. You could see the whole downstairs from the doorstep. It was nice and open.

As Allie shut the door, Robert breathed in deeply and his eyes slid shut.

"What did you cook us? He asked. This smells wonderful."

"Does it?" Allie brushed her hands together. "It's beef stew. I got the recipe from Elizabeth. I hope you like beef stew."

He opened his eyes and looked over at her warmly. "I love beef stew. I don't get to have it very often. Mostly I just have sandwiches because I'm always on the go for my job. This dinner is going to be like heaven."

He took a few steps into the living area and caught sight of the small dinner table already laid with plates and a platter of bread with butter.

"You even have bread to dip in it!" His smile was from ear to ear. "You are trying to spoil me."

Allie laughed softly and then hurried back to the stove to remove the pot from the heat. Nathan came over to Robert and held out a hand to shake.

"Robert. I'm glad you made it in one piece."

"Hello, Constable Grant," said Robert, returning the handshake.

"Please, you can call me Nathan."

Robert smiled nervously. "I'm not sure that I can get used to that. But I'll try."

Nathan grinned. The fact that Robert was nervous was a good sign. That meant that he was taking this dinner seriously.

Allie took the pot from the stove and brought it over to the table where she placed it on a thick place mat in the center of the dishes.

"I think we're ready!" she said.

"Yes we are," said Robert. "I know I said this already, but everything looks amazing. I can't believe you did this only by following Mrs. Thornton's instructions."

"I agree," said Nathan, sitting down in his chair. "You should cook this more often! We sneaked a taste just before you got here, Robert."

Allie gave her uncle a challenging look. "You're making requests now? I think you've been sleeping on my cooking skills. I see how you sneak snacks and eat it all before I can get a bite."

"Hey, I don't do that on purpose!" Nathan said with a laugh as he started ladling stew into each of their bowls. "I'm just always really hungry."

He passed the bowls to each of them before taking his own. Then they took each other's hands and bowed their heads to say grace. Once the Amen's were said, it was time to dig in.

After a minute or so of solid eating, Allie decided that it was time to lead the conversation. She knew that if she waited too long, Uncle Nathan would grow impatient and say something. But, what to talk about? There were only so many times she could accept compliments on her cooking.

"So...Robert," she started. "You've been delivering the news every day. Is there anything exciting going on?" She added quickly, after a look from Nathan, "I don't take the time to read Rosemary's paper."

Robert dipped a slice of bread into his stew before taking a bite.

"Nothing too scandalous," he said, thinking. "Most people are talking about the Mayoral race. Who do they think should win, which is understandable. It's a big position to fill since Abigail's been gone. I know Sheriff Avery has his heart set on it, but if you want to know my honest opinion, I don't think he has a shot."

"Is that so?" Nathan wiped his mouth, his expression amused. "And who do you think will be the big winner?"

"If I had to bet money on it, I'd say Mr. Coulter."

Nathan raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think that he's the best candidate?"

Allie had to keep from rolling her eyes. Leave it to Uncle Nathan to grill her date on his political leanings. She had a feeling that before long it would be her job to reel these two men in.

"He's a businessman," Robert said. "He knows numbers, he knows how to get the job done. He's a hard worker. But he isn't afraid to step in and earn his pay. I think those are all good qualities we could use in a Mayor. I think he'll understand the problems of everyday citizens."

"Sounds like he'd be a good choice," said Allie. "He also seems to have a lot of support. I saw Rosemary and a few of the other ladies painting some campaign signs for him."

"Oh really?" said Nathan. "Interesting. I had my money on Fiona."

"She's also a great choice," Robert agreed. "Fiona knows technology. I agree that she'd be good for Hope Valley, especially with everything moving into the future. You know, there's talk that soon enough everyone will have their own motor vehicle?"

Nathan scoffed. "I like my horse, thank-you very much."

Allie rolled her eyes. This was the strangest date. It wasn't going at all like she'd imagined, but that didn't matter. She was just happy that Robert was here.

"What about you, Robert?" she asked. "What do you think?"

Robert swallowed a mouthful of soup before responding. "It would be pretty neat. I wouldn't mind getting behind the wheel of a car someday. I'm sure it would be an interesting experience."

Nathan waved a hand. "That's the problem with everything nowadays. Everything is moving so fast. Even in Hope Valley we can't seem to get away from the noise and the cars and the lights. I'm not ashamed to say that I'm old fashioned. I wouldn't mind getting rid of all the nonsense and going back to the way things used to be. Simple. No buttons. No levers. Just mutual trust and understanding."

Allie watched her uncle go back for seconds. He couldn't stop eating her stew. It was clear he loved her cooking. She wondered what he would think of her other cooking abilities once this night was over? Maybe there were other occasions that she could use her skills for. That led her to her next topic of conversation. It was time to turn the tables.

"Robert," she said, giving him a hard look. "I was wondering what you knew about Faith and Carson? I'm sure with all the running around you do around town, you must know something."

At the mention of Faith, Nathan nearly choked on his stew. "Excuse me, what?" he spluttered.

Robert shrugged at the question. "I really don't know much. She's doesn't really talk about him since he moved away for work."

Nathan tried to interject, to stop the subject, but Allie wouldn't let him.

"Hmm," she said loudly. "Maybe she didn't love Carson as much as I thought she did."

"Just because she doesn't talk about him, doesn't mean she didn't love him," Nathan interjected. She was devastated when he left."

"I'm sure that she will get over it," Allie continued, giving her uncle a mischievous look. "All she needs is the right company to take her mind off Carson."

Robert set his spoon down with a clank.

"Wait a minute," he said, his eyes darting to Nathan. "You like Faith?"

Nathan tried to shake them off in his typical way, but it didn't work.

"I did not say that I liked Faith -"

"But you do!" Allie glowed with delight. She clapped her hands together. "I can tell."

Both Nathan and Robert frowned.

"How?" they said in unison.

"Really? What kind of a question is that?" Allie replied. "I'm a girl. Girls can always tell these things. We sniff it out like bloodhounds - and I have to say that I'm in full support of you pursuing Faith."

"Really?" Nathan frowned. "I should have known that you'd try to corner me. I already told you that I'm done putting my heart out there. I'll just get rejected again, just like with Elizabeth."

"That's not the same!" Allie protested. "This is different!"

"How is this different?" Robert asked, looking between the two of them.

"Do you really want to get in the middle of all this?" Nathan asked.

Robert shrugged. "I dunno. It's kind of exciting, considering."

"Considering what?" Allie raised an eyebrow.

"Well, considering that it's not every day that I get to witness such a fight of passions. Allie's arguing that you should go for it, and you're arguing against. This might be more interesting than that race for Mayor."

Nathan jabbed a finger at him. "Don't you dare! If I find anything about this in Rosemary's paper -"

The sudden accusation caused Robert's eyes to widen. He held up his hands in surrender. "Oh, no! Of course not! Off the book..."

"It better be!"

Allie couldn't help but laugh. This date may not have been going the way that she thought it would, but one thing was for sure: it was a lot more amusing! The conversation continued, turning to Robert and what his ambitions were. There was the talk about buying land and eventually building a house. Soon the talk of Faith was forgotten by the two men, but not by Allie.

She knew that there was something more going on with her uncle when it came to Faith. It would just take some time for that romance to blossom.