Chapter 60 – An Award (Seven Months)

Tuesday, February 4th, 1919

Lee runs into the office, hangs his coat up, and theatrically speaks. "There you two are, my breathtaking wife and beautiful daughter. How are you on this fine morning?" Lee kisses Rosemary and then Isabella.

Rosemary chuckles. "We are fine, my darling. Why are you in such a good mood?"

"It is a gorgeous, sunny morning. My family is safe and healthy, and…wait for it." Rosemary perks up. "The car is back to normal, and by looking at her, you would never know she was in a ditch."

"Great news, sweetheart!" Rosemary turns her attention back to her daughter, showing Isabella her small mirror again. Isabella watches herself, giggling.

Lee remarks, "Oh, no, it's already started."

"What's started?"

"Our daughter, like her mother, is spending time in front of the mirror."

Rosemary rolls her eyes. "There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good. Is there?"

"No, sweetheart. I'm just teasing you."

Rosemary smirks at her husband. "This is something new and fun for her." Isabella squirms and tries to get out of Rosemary's grasp. "What do you want to do, pumpkin? Do you want to play with your toys?" Isabella blows raspberries with her mouth in response.

Lee hops up, offering, "I'll get the blanket."

"Thank you, sweetheart," responds Rosemary. Lee lays one of the blankets they keep in the office on the floor between their desks. Rosemary sits Isabella down in the middle of the blanket and sits beside her with the basket of toys. "What toy do you want, sweetie?" Isabella babbles, sticks her hand in the basket, and grabs a stuffed dog. She drops the dog and sticks her hand in again, finding a small rubber ball, which immediately goes to her mouth. Rosemary gasps, realizing the ball is from Patrick's Jack's set and shouldn't be in her toy basket. She tries distracting Isabella by making her laugh and catching the ball when it falls from her mouth. Rosemary hands her the stuffed dog, and Isabella almost immediately whimpers in dislike. She looks at her mother and rummages through the basket for another toy. This time she chooses the Raggedy Ann Doll, which they got her last week. Isabella plays with it briefly, allowing Rosemary time to hide the ball on her desk. But before she can get there, Isabella screeches, getting Rosemary's attention. She turns around and sits on her knees between the blanket and her desk, accidentally dropping the ball on the floor. Rosemary scoops it up as quickly as possible and sets it on her lap. Isabella glances up at her mother and drops Raggedy Ann, loudly squealing. She leans forward and lays on her belly, watching Rosemary reach over her head and behind, placing the ball on her desk. Isabella bounces her arms and legs up and down a few times. "Lee, you better come here." He hurries over and sits next to his wife. Isabella brings her arms out in front of her and pulls herself a couple of inches, dragging her legs behind. Lee and Rosemary encourage her to try again. Isabella reaches in front of her, dragging her body a little farther. Now she's only a few inches away from them. Isabella looks up at her parents and whimpers. "You're almost here, pumpkin. You can do it." Isabella's face turns determined, and she puts her two arms out and drags herself the rest of the way to her mother. Isabella raises her arms, and Rosemary picks up her little girl. "Look at you, princess! You crawled for the first time! I am so proud of you." Rosemary kisses her chubby cheeks while Isabella babbles "ba-ba-ba" repeatedly and extends her arms to Lee.

Rosemary gives her to her father, and he coos at her. "Did you just crawl over here for your big brother's ball?" Isabella squeals and kicks her feet, resting her head on her father's chest. "You love your papa, don't you?" She pats him and closes her eyes for a moment. "I think it's time for your morning nap, sweetie." Isabella's eyes don't open, so Lee kisses her forehead and prepares to get up.

Rosemary questions, "Would you like me to take her?"

"No, let me." Lee carefully stands up and walks her to the playpen, laying her down. "I love you to the moon and back, squishy."

Rosemary giggles. "You haven't called her that since she was born."

"It feels good to call her squishy again."

"So, are we going to finish talking about the letter you received and whether you want to go?" inquires Rosemary.

Lee and Rosemary sit on the settee, and he takes her hand. "You know how we started giving to different children's charities and orphanages around Canada after we returned from our cruise?"

"Right, and some in Brazil and Chile?"

"Correct. And do you remember the lumber order from Vancouver Jesse had to escort?"

"The one they wanted you to deliver when I was nine months pregnant?"

Lee chuckles. "That's the one. He was building a surprise tree house for his six adopted kids." Lee squeezes her hand. "Well, the same man contacted me around the time I went back to work after Isabella was born and asked if we would consider donating the rest of the wood needed to complete the new wing of Hope House, an orphanage in east Vancouver which has been around for almost twenty years. It turns out he and his wife are the founders, and they desperately need to finish the new wing by this June, much earlier than he anticipated. We had donated to Hope's House before, so I didn't think twice about it. I, however, had no idea my friends Jasper and Katie Morgan ran it. They are the ones who sent the letter informing me they are naming the new wing of Hope's House in my honor, the Leland Coulter Wing."

Rosemary smiles. "Why do you think they wanted to name the new wing after you?"

Lee's face turns red. "Isn't it obvious? We made it possible for the wing to happen."

Rosemary gets suspicious. "I feel like there is more behind that decision." Rosemary intertwines their hands, encouraging him to tell her the whole story.

Lee pauses for a moment and tries to figure out where to start. "I've known Jasper since we were teenagers. He and his family had moved to Loveland at the beginning of that summer, and we became inseparable. Every day, it was me, Jasper, Susannah, and her best friend Katie getting into mischief. One day, we were walking along O'Bannon Creek and saw an abandoned canoe. I got the bright idea we should paddle it down the creek a few miles. I had no idea Jasper couldn't swim, nor the creek was much higher than normal because of all the recent rain." Lee stops and looks at Rosemary, who can tell where this story goes. She instinctively cups his hand with hers, supporting him in what he is about to say. "Everything is going along fine. We were paddling and having fun when we saw the rapids approaching quickly. None of us knew how to maneuver, so we did our best to paddle away from the large rock in front of us. We barely missed, but Jasper and I ended up in the water. Susannah and Katie fell in thirty seconds later as the canoe shot out of the water. Susannah, Katie, and I struggled as we swam to the edge. I screamed for Jasper, who I heard yelling, 'help, help!' Katie saw his arms waving in the air, and his head bobbing under the water and back up. Suddenly I got the idea to run farther ahead of Jasper to create a human chain out to him. I told the girls the plan, and we found a good spot to catch him. We linked hands, and I went out first, Susannah next, and then Katie anchored herself to whatever she could find near the edge of the creek. I got out far enough to grab Jasper before he went under again. We brought him to shore, and he miraculously only had a few cuts and scrapes on his face and arms. He told us he wouldn't have lasted much longer if we hadn't caught him." Lee sighs. "I'm sure I don't have to mention, but the four of us got into a lot of trouble. We were all grounded and had to pay for the broken canoe, but it bonded the four of us for life. Jasper and Katie ended up dating a couple of years later and married when we turned eighteen."

Rosemary inquires, "And you've kept in touch?"

"For the most part. Jasper and Katie became missionaries, so tracking where they were was sometimes hard. However, I always received a letter from them on the anniversary of that day, no matter how long it's been or how far away they were."

"Do you mean the day you saved his life?"

"Rosie, all three of us did."

"You came up with the idea to save him, and you were the one to catch him physically."

"I couldn't have caught him without my sister and Katie. And don't forget; it was my brainless idea to commandeer the canoe and get us into the situation in the first place."

"I don't think any of them think that way."

"I know. I just don't like getting credit for saving Jasper's life when it was my fault, and we all had a part in the rescue."

"Are these the friends you've always wanted me to meet?"

"Yes."

"So, what do you think, sweetheart? Should we attend the dedication of the Leland Coulter Wing at Hope House? And I can finally meet your friends?"

"I am not sure. Do you think it's a good idea to go? After our last trip with the kids."

Rosemary contemplates the question. "Well, it's not until June. Isabella will almost be a year old. It will be warmer and not as far. I think we should go."

"Okay, then let's go!" Rosemary giggles and kisses her husband.

Friday, February 14th, 1919

Lee is driving his family to Benson Hills. They are all crammed close together in the front seat to keep warm on this cold night. Isabella is in the sling, warmly cuddled up to Rosemary's chest, nestled inside her mother's coat, and Patrick is between his parents. "Are you sure this is what you want to do on Valentine's Day? I could have gotten Allie to watch the kids, and I could have planned something romantic for us."

Rosemary smiles at her husband. "Yes, this is what I want to do. I have many fond memories from last year with the steak dinner and the play. So, this year I want to do the same as a family. I wonder why there isn't a show this year."

Lee chuckles. "It is probably a good thing because we both know there is no way our precious little girl would ever be silent for two hours."

"You're correct," responds Rosemary as she kisses her sleeping daughter's cheek. "Hopefully, she'll love the theater like her big brother and I do. Right, bud?"

"Right, Mama."

They pull up at the Benson Hills Library as it gets dark. "Our reservation isn't for another thirty minutes. What would you like to do, Rosie?" inquires Lee.

"Let's window shop for a bit."

"Are you sure? It's pretty cold out there. I'm sure the restaurant will let us sit inside."

Rosemary giggles. "Eh! A little cold air won't harm us."

Lee remarks, "If you insist." He hops out of the car, jogs to the passenger side, and helps Rosemary and Patrick get out. Lee grabs the buggy from the back seat, and Rosemary carefully lays their sleeping daughter inside and covers her up with a couple of blankets, one of which is a pretty pink.

Rosemary asks, "Would you like to help me push, Patrick?"

"Yes, ma'am." Patrick stands between his mother and the buggy, grips the handle with his gloved hands, and walks in sync with Rosemary. When they reach the end of the row of shops, Isabella starts to whimper and cry.

Lee gladly lifts her, cooing, "What's wrong, princess? Why are you crying?" Isabella eyes her father for a moment and stops crying. Rosemary stares at Lee and Isabella, completely in awe of how fast he can stop her crying. "Shall we head back to the restaurant?"

Rosemary and Patrick answer simultaneously, "Yes, please." They turn the buggy around while Lee carries his daughter. As they saunter back, they see a young couple walking and holding hands, who also seem to be watching them closely.

Rosemary taps Lee's arm, discretely pointing to the couple. "Look, that was us exactly one year ago."

Lee questions, "How do you know?"

A car drives by and shines a light on the young couple. Rosemary asks, "Didn't you see her rubbing her pregnant belly?"

Lee grins. "I did, and you're right. I wish we had known how much better our lives would be once Isabella joined our family. Do you think we should say something to them?"

"No, Lee, let's keep going." Lee nods, and they continue heading toward the restaurant. They exchange friendly smiles with the couple as they pass. Rosemary glances back again as the man and woman kiss and keep walking. She giggles. "I suspect they are much closer to meeting their little one than we were last year."

Lee remarks, "I think you're right, honey." She parks the buggy in front of Ruth's Steak House, and they go inside.

Wednesday, February 19th, 1919

After school one day, Rosemary, Patrick, and Isabella are playing in Patrick's room. Isabella has been working on her crawling every day, even getting up on all fours. Thankfully, she hasn't gotten too adventurous as of yet. Rosemary inquires, "Can you watch her while I fold and put the laundry away?"

Patrick replies, "Yes, ma'am."

Rosemary stands up and kisses her two kids. "Great! Mama will be back in a jiffy. Listen to your big brother, princess." Isabella coos back and continues to play with her stuffed dog. "If you need anything, yell for me."

"Okay, Mama."

A few minutes later, Lee enters the front door, yelling, "I'm home! Is anybody here?" When no one answers, he jogs upstairs and is surprised to see Isabella crawling on all fours in the hallway. Lee scoops her up, kissing her all over. "What are you doing out here, princess?" He steps into his room, greeting his wife. "Rosie, what is Miss Isabella doing in the hallway?" questions Lee.

Rosemary panics. "What do you mean? She's in Patrick's room."

"Actually, she was in the hallway…by herself…crawling."

"Patrick said he would watch her while I did some laundry. I've only been in here for a few minutes." Rosemary rushes to Patrick's room across the hall, with Lee and Isabella following. They see him on his bed, lying on his stomach with his nose in a book. "Patrick, why aren't you watching your sister?"

Patrick turns around and sees Lee holding Isabella. His expression turns guilty, and he glances down at the floor. "I am sorry. I didn't think she could get out of my room."

"What were you thinking, Patrick? She could have gotten hurt?" inquires Rosemary. She grabs Isabella from Lee and hurries out of the room.

Lee watches Patrick's face fall. "It's alright, buddy. Mama is fine, and your sister is fine. Let me go talk to her." Patrick nods, and Lee follows Rosemary to their bedroom. She is rocking Isabella in the rocker, slowly luring their daughter to sleep. "I should have been watching her, Lee. She could have fallen down the stairs and hurt herself." Rosemary squeezes Isabella. "I am sorry I am such a horrible mother."

"Rosie, no, you are not. I would have done the same thing. If Patrick said he would watch her, I would believe him." Lee sits down on the bed near the rocking chair. "I will talk to Patrick, but in the meantime, we need to be more careful with her now that she's more mobile. What can we place in front of the stairs?"

Rosemary suggests, "Maybe you can build something out of wood that is not too heavy for us but is for her."

"Great idea, sweetheart. I am sure I can come up with something."

Rosemary says, "I'll go talk to him and apologize."

"Can I join you?" questions Lee.

"I'd like that. Thank you, honey."

Friday, February 21st, 1919

Lee, Rosemary, and Isabella make it to the school just in time for the science fair. The judging is complete, and the parents are free to roam. They rush over to Patrick's display, and her eyes widen because of what she sees. "Wow, Patrick. You did this?"

"Yes, ma'am, with Papa's help!"

Lee adds, "He did almost all the work. I helped a tiny bit."

"I am so impressed! Where did you come up with the idea to do a Solar Eclipse?" asks Rosemary.

Patrick answers, "Do you remember when we watched the solar eclipse together on June 8th last year, and you were teaching me why it happens?"

"Of course."

"And when you showed me the stars for the first time?" Rosemary nods. "Well, ever since then, I've wanted to learn more. So, when I had to decide on a science project, I knew I had to do something about the solar system. Solar and lunar eclipses popped into my mind, and I knew it would be the perfect topic. Do you like what I chose?"

"I love it, bud!" exclaims Rosemary. She kneels to hug her son.

Elizabeth raises her voice, saying, "If I can have your attention, please. It's time to announce the winners. We will have six places, three for the lower and three for the upper grades, including an overall winner." The judge gives her the stack of certificates and a card with the winner's names. "I'll start with the lower grades. Third place is Nicholas Martin, and second place is Opal Weise."

Rosemary wraps her arms around Patrick, whispering, "No matter what. You will always be my winner. But I think you have a good chance of getting first place."

"And the winner for the lower grades is Patrick Coulter!" exclaims Elizabeth. Rosemary cheers louder than everyone else in the room. She is in awe of her son and how far he has come in school. Patrick runs up to Elizabeth, accepts his blue ribbon and certificate, and then returns to his family. "Now, let's go on to the upper grades."

Patrick hugs his father, and Lee says, "Congrats. You're amazing, buddy."

Patrick whispers, "Thanks, Papa."

Elizabeth announces, "The final two awards, second place and first place-overall winner for the upper grades, ended up being very close." She pauses for effect. "So, without further ado, second place is Allie Grant." The crowd cheers as Allie jogs to her mother, hugs her, and takes her red ribbon and certificate. "Now, for first place and overall winner, Emily Montgomery." Emily receives her certificate and blue ribbon and hurries back to her family. "Thank you so much to those who participated and those who came to support them. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend." The crowd breaks up, and Elizabeth hugs Allie again. "We're so proud of you, Allie." Nathan and Jack join them, and Allie hugs her dad and brother.

Nathan offers, "I knew you would place."

"Thanks, Dad," remarks Allie. Elizabeth brings the four of them in for a group hug, crying happy tears.

Patrick hands his mother the certificate and jumps into Rosemary's arms. "Can you believe I won, Mama?"

"I always knew you had it in you. You can do anything you set your mind to do."

"Thanks, Mama. Do you have time to bake some sugar cookies to celebrate?"

Rosemary grins. "They are already waiting for you at home."

"You're the best, Mama!" Rosemary admires the certificate and hands it back to her son.

Rosemary calls the Grants over, insisting they get pictures with their winners. Rosemary snaps photos of Patrick and Allie together, separately, in front of their projects, and with their families. After Rosemary is finally satisfied, she lets the Grants celebrate independently.

Lee inquires, "Can I see your certificate?"

Patrick smiles and hands it to Lee, who comments, "All your hard work paid off. You deserve this." Isabella babbles nonsense and reaches for the certificate with her sticky, drool-covered fingers. Unfortunately, she crumples the edge before Lee can grab it from her.

The grin on Patrick's face immediately falls when he sees what Isabella did. He sternly shouts at his baby sister, "No, Isabella. Bad girl." Patrick runs out the school's side door, shutting it louder than he should have, causing Isabella to cry at the top of her lungs.

Lee gives the certificate and Isabella to Rosemary. "Let me talk to him, sweetheart."

Rosemary nods, cooing to Isabella, "Okay, precious. You're alright. Your big brother didn't mean it. He's just sad you messed up his certificate."

Lee follows him outside, leaving the side door open and sitting beside him on the steps. He asks, "What is going on? I've never seen you act out before."

"I am sorry, Papa."

"Do you want to explain why this upsets you?" asks Lee when he notices Rosemary and Isabella hiding behind the door.

"It's the first certificate I have ever received, and she ruined it before I could even get it home. And you and Mama won't be able to display it at home or in the office." Patrick looks up at Lee timidly, pleading with his eyes. "You would have hung it somewhere, right?"

Lee wraps his arm around his son. "Yes, of course." Patrick hugs Lee but doesn't let go. Lee clears his throat. "Something similar happened to me when I was about your age. You probably won't believe this, but I used to be good at spelling." Patrick giggles. "I won the county spelling bee that year, but your Uncle Patrick scribbled all over my certificate. And as you can imagine, I was devastated."

"What did you do?"

"I was mad about it, then sad, but my parents explained how Patrick didn't know any better. They also reminded me I still won the spelling bee, and no one could take it away. Just like you won the science fair, and no one could take it away from you. So, you may not have a pristine certificate anymore, but you'll always be the winner."

"Thanks, Papa. Can we go home now?"

"Of course. But first, there is something you need to do."

"Apologize to Mama and Isabella," suggests Patrick. Lee nods and Rosemary takes that as her cue to step outside and join them on the stairs. "I'm sorry, Mama, Isabella. I didn't mean to yell."

"We understand, and I hope you realize we will always love you with all our hearts, no matter what."

"I love you too, Papa, Mama, Isabella."

Rosemary shows Patrick the certificate. "I think I can fix this, and then we can frame it and display it in the office or home. You name the place." Patrick hugs his mother, and Isabella reaches out to him. He sets her on his lap and tickles her until everyone laughs.

Saturday, February 22nd, 1919

After putting Isabella to bed, Lee and Rosemary sit down with Patrick on his bed to read his bedtime story. Lee questions, "What do you want to do for your birthday next week? We recognize things have been hard on you lately, buddy, so we want the day to be extra special." Patrick smiles and thinks about what he wants to do. "We can do anything you want," Lee offers.

Patrick's face lights up, asking, "Anything?"

Rosemary replies, "Anything."

Patrick hurries downstairs and back, handing The Valley Voice to Lee, pointing at an advertisement. "Can we go there?"

Lee looks at Rosemary and shows her the paper. "Um. Can Mama and I talk about it first?"

"Yes, sir," replies Patrick. He gives the book to Rosemary. "Your turn, Mama."

Later that night

Lee and Rosemary are in bed talking about what Patrick wants to do for his birthday. "What do you think, sweetheart?" inquires Lee.

"I would love to, but I don't think it would be good for Isabella."

"Hmm. We could all go to Calgary. You and Isabella can do something while Patrick and I go to the hockey game?"

"Yes, or perhaps you and Patrick can go by yourself?"

Lee looks at her quizzically. "You would be okay with us leaving overnight?"

"Maybe? I don't know." Rosemary sighs, and Lee opens his arms for her to cuddle beside him. "I think having one-on-one time with you would be good for him."

"Well, let's sleep on it and decide in the morning." Rosemary nods, promptly falling asleep in her husband's embrace.

Sunday, February 23rd, 1919

The following morning, Patrick and Isabella are playing in the sitting room. Rosemary and Lee are happily watching from the settee. Patrick crawls a few feet, followed by a laughing Isabella and a playful, barking Laika. They keep repeating this until Isabella is tired or bored and sits there. Lee pats the seat next to him. "We've decided about your birthday." Patrick perks up and jumps onto Lee's lap. "Mama and I have talked about it, and we think it is a good idea. But it will be just you and I traveling to Calgary. We'll see the exhibition game like you wanted, and maybe we can even go ice skating too. Would you like that?"

Patrick grins, hugging both of his parents. "Thank you, Papa, Mama!"

Rosemary questions, "Is there anything else you want for or on your birthday? Do you want a party with your friends again?"

Patrick thinks about it for a moment. "Can we have a small party? Allie, Jack, Hazel, Vincent, Nicholas, Aunt Elizabeth, and Uncle Nathan?"

"If that is what you want, then that is what you'll get." Rosemary smiles. "Are you sure?" Patrick nods his head up and down.

Thursday, February 27th, 1919

Lee walks up to the school as all the kids rush out. Patrick jogs into his arms. "Hi, Papa!"

"Happy Birthday, buddy! Did you have a good day?"

"Yes, sir."

Lee signals to Vincent, and he comes over. "I'm here to pick you both up from school."

"You don't have to go back to work?" Patrick asks with a grin.

"Not today, on my son's birthday!" Lee ruffles Patrick's curls. "Do you two boys want hot chocolate before we go home?"

"What about Mama?"

"I talked to her earlier, and she said as long as we brought her one too," mentions Lee.

Patrick's face lights up. "Then, yes, sir!"

A half-hour later

Patrick, Lee, and Vincent enter the rowhouse with Rosemary's hot chocolate. Rosemary stands there with Isabella in one arm and a "Happy Birthday, Big Brother"sign in the other. Rosemary cheers and exclaims, "Happy Birthday, Patrick!" Laika barks, and Nanny meows and bolts upstairs.

Patrick runs to his mother and sister, hugging them. "I love you to infinity, Mama, Monkey!"

"We love you to infinity times two."

Patrick giggles and searches for Hazel. "Where is she?"

"Oh, sorry, bud, Hazel couldn't make it today. We talked to her parents this morning, and she has chickenpox. She wants to call you later."

Patrick frowns for a second, disappointed his best friend isn't here. "I hope she is alright. It's not bad, is it?"

Rosemary fixes a curl hanging in his face, reassuring him. "She's fine. She's just itchy. Sarah said her spots aren't too bad yet." Patrick looks a little less worried. "Why don't you and Vincent play up in your room while I finish decorating your cake."

"Yes, ma'am." Then, he and Vincent skip up the stairs.

Lee and Rosemary chuckle as Lee embraces his wife and daughter, handing her the hot chocolate she has been waiting for all day. Rosemary sips the tasty treat. "Mmm, hot chocolate. So good. Thanks, my love."

A few hours later

Patrick's small party is in full swing. Dinner is complete, and Rosemary brings over his chocolate cake with "Happy 9th Birthday, Patrick" written on top and nine lit candles flickering. Rosemary, Lee, Elizabeth, Nathan, Jack, Allie, Vincent, and Nicholas sing Happy Birthday, and Patrick blows out the candles. Isabella squeals in delight, and they all look at her and laugh.

Saturday, March 1st, 1919

Early Morning – Hope Valley

The Coulters are up early on Saturday morning, preparing for Lee and Patrick's trip to Calgary. Rosemary packed Patrick's overnight bag and fixed them snacks for the road. She thought she would be alright with her boys being away for one night, but now she is doubting herself. It will be the first night she'll be entirely alone with Isabella, and she is not sure she is ready. The closer they get to leaving, the more nervous Rosemary gets. Lee finally pulls her aside and takes her hands. "You two can still go with us. I am sure Patrick won't mind."

"Don't tempt me," responds Rosemary with a half-smile.

"I made arrangements at the hotel for all of us in case you want to join us."

Lee wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her in close. Rosemary rests her hands on his chest. "You thought I would change my mind?" questions Rosemary.

"I thought you might want to come since you don't like when we are away. I am good either way. So, it is up to you, sweetheart."

Rosemary looks contemplative. "No, it should be a boy's trip like you planned. Isabella and I can do some mother-daughter bonding here and maybe spend time with Elizabeth."

Lee kisses her. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure. You go have fun with our son."

Lee and Patrick put their coats on and finish loading the car while Rosemary gets Isabella all buttoned up. Then she slips on her jacket and carries Isabella out to say goodbye. She kneels in front of Patrick. "You be a good boy for Papa."

Patrick nods and tells his baby sister, "You be a good girl for Mama." Isabella loudly babbles, and Patrick bops her on the nose. "I love you, Monkey, Mama." Patrick hugs Rosemary and hops into the front seat of the car.

Rosemary stands up and hands their daughter to Lee, who bounces her up and down. "I am going to miss you, sweet pea. You and Mama have fun together, and I will see you tomorrow afternoon." He blows on her tummy, causing Isabella to laugh out loud. "I love you, angel."

Lee gives Isabella back to Rosemary and embraces his wife. Rosemary pats his cheek with her free hand. "I love you, Lee Coulter."

"I love you too, sweetheart." Lee kisses her again before cranking the engine and jumping in the driver's seat.

Rosemary and Isabella wave as their boys drive off. She coos to Isabella, "I guess it is just you and me until tomorrow." They step inside, and Rosemary takes their coats off and places Isabella in the playpen with her toys. She is unhappy and cries out to her mother, so Rosemary lifts her back up. "Yeah, I miss them too. What shall we do to pass the time, princess?" She gasps. "I know. Let's take Laika for a walk, and maybe Elizabeth, Jack, and Allie will accompany us." Rosemary puts Isabella's coat back on, in addition to her hat and gloves, slipping her into the sling. Next, she buttons the jacket around herself and her daughter and then puts on her own hat, gloves, and scarf. Rosemary is thankful Lee gave her the oversized purple coat last year. It has come in handy many times this winter, allowing her to wrap Isabella inside with her. "Are you ready to see Aunt Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack?" Isabella trills her usual nonsense, and they head to the Grants.

Rosemary knocks, and Allie opens the door. "Hello, Missus Coulter, Isabella. Please come in." They follow Allie into the house, and Elizabeth and Jack greet them.

"Hello, Rosemary. I thought you would visit us today."

"I didn't last very long after they left. It's strange not having them home." Rosemary chuckles. "Would you three like to walk to the pond with us? We thought we could get some fresh air."

"I would love to go for a stroll," answers Elizabeth. "Allie, Jack? Do you want to go?"

Allie asks, "Can I stay here? I want to finish my book." Elizabeth acknowledges.

Jack shouts, "I wanna stay with Allie."

Elizabeth looks at Allie and then at Jack. "I think you'll have more fun with us, my sweet boy."

Allie mouths, "Thank you, Mom."

Rosemary tries to excite Jack, suggesting, "You can play fetch with Laika."

"Okay, I go, Mama," responds Jack.

Elizabeth smiles at her son and then Rosemary. "Let us get ready, and we'll meet you outside."

Mid-afternoon – Calgary

Lee and Patrick arrive in Calgary and check into their hotel. They enter their room, and a bouquet of roses is on the table. Lee had forgotten he had arranged for the flowers to be there for Rosemary. Patrick inquires, "Why are these here, Papa?"

"Oh, I thought your Mama would change her mind and come. I guess I forgot to update the hotel." Lee sets their luggage on one of the beds and sits down, thinking, "I wish our girls were here."

Patrick senses Lee is sad, so he sits beside his father, hugging him and not letting go. "It's going to be quiet without them."

Lee responds, "Yes, it will be." Then, he looks at his son and decides no more wallowing. Lee grins and claps his hands together. "Who's ready to see the Seattle Metropolitans and the Montreal Canadiens?"

Patrick laughs, exclaiming, "I am!"

"Good, we better get going, but first, let's call and check on Mama and your sister." Patrick nods, and Lee calls their house. He has Florence ring next door when nobody picks up, hoping they will be there. Allie answers the phone, telling Lee they are out on a walk and will be back soon. "Can you let Rosemary know we got here safe and we will see them tomorrow afternoon?"

"Yes, sir."

Lee and Patrick shrug into their coats and head to their car for the twenty-minute drive to the newly renamed Victoria Arena. They park and go inside, where they are immediately overwhelmed by all the people and noise. It's cold, loud, and crowded, but they also feel the excitement in the arena. Patrick holds Lee's hand tight, and they find their seats near the center line, twelve rows behind the player's bench.

Patrick loudly yells into Lee's ear, "It is a good thing Mama and Isabella aren't here. This noise is not good for a baby."

"You're absolutely right," Lee yells back in Patrick's ear.

Late Afternoon – Back in Hope Valley

After Rosemary and Isabella return home from spending time at Elizabeth's, Rosemary feeds Isabella some carrots and puts her in the playpen for a nap. Isabella immediately cries, so Rosemary grabs her and she rests her head on her mother's shoulder. Rosemary walks Isabella around, humming a lullaby, hoping she'll fall asleep. It only takes a few minutes, but she is out cold. Rosemary pads over to the playpen to lay her down, but Isabella clings to her. "I wish your Papa were here too. Why don't we go upstairs, and I'll rock you." She carries Isabella to their room and sits in the rocking chair, humming another lullaby and rocking her slowly. Isabella eventually falls asleep, and Rosemary lays her in her crib, covering her with a blanket. A relieved Rosemary plops on her bed, curls up under a blanket, and falls asleep.

Late Afternoon – Calgary

Patrick and Lee have fun at the game, cheering for the Canadiens. Patrick has many questions because he has never been to a hockey game. Lee explains everything he knows, and in the end, the Metropolitans win five to two. Afterward, they wait around for most of the crowd to leave. Then they head out to their vehicle. Lee chuckles. "I can hear again. It sure was loud in there, wasn't it, buddy?"

Patrick wiggles his ears with his fingers until his hearing returns to normal. "Yes, sir. Are professional hockey games always like this?"

"I think so," replies Lee.

"Thanks, Papa, for bringing me here for my birthday."

"You're welcome. I am glad we are finally having some father-son time again."

"I am too, Papa. Can we do our father-son days again like we used to?"

"You bet. I miss those too." Lee ruffles his hair. "How about? Once you've had more lessons with Uncle Nathan, we can go horseback riding again, and I'll let you ride by yourself. Would you like that?" Patrick grins with his whole face and hugs his father.

Early Evening – Hope Valley

Rosemary is in a deep sleep when a loud sound suddenly wakes her.