Hope Leads the Heart
Chapter 20 A Beef, A BBQ, and a Bonfire
The six riders returned to the Double M just as the final touches for dinner were being completed. Horses were led into their stalls by the three men, and everyone cleaned up in anticipation of a delicious meal. Joanna, Allie and Fiona joined Minnie and a few others who were bringing all the side dishes out and pouring water or cider into the glasses. It was almost dusk, and colorful lanterns and candles illuminated the surroundings.
Long before the day started, owners of the Double M had made it clear that all their ranch hands, as well as their families, were part of the Double M extended family and were welcome to join in all the fun. Every one of them appreciated the genuine kindness demonstrated by their bosses and the time away from their duties. They had set up the dining tables, chairs, as well as two tents. Before they washed up to mingle with the other guests they had readied two hay wagons for a hayride and put together a huge firepit with plenty of logs for the bonfire, too.
Bill, who had run into the house momentarily, was just rejoining all the guests outside and found Tess and Gustave engaged in a heated argument next to the firepit. From what Bill could gather, the two were butting heads over the best way to roast and serve the side of beef and how best to season it. Gustave's French was becoming more and more animated as Tess would have none of his suggestions. She stood tall, with her arms crossed in front of her, in no mood for the temperamental chef's demands. With one last comment, Gustave turned his back on Tess, marched over to Lee Coulter's car and demanded to be driven back to the Le Veaux where his expertise was more appreciated.
A short while later, as Minnie helped slice and serve the beef, Rosemary was putting all her energy into a conciliatory conversation with Gustave. She encouraged him to experience Tess's cooking skills, enjoy his day off and stay for the bonfire, but to no avail. She finally asked Lee to drive him back to town, as the chef was not to be comforted. Everyone was about to sit down for dinner and the Frenchman was still sulking and casting looks at Tess that would have roasted her whole. Thinking of Robert who was unable to join them because of work duty, Allie thoughtfully fixed a plate of food for him and asked Lee to deliver it to the Mountie office. Gustave turned his nose up at the thought of riding into town with that plateful of "inferior" food, but finally settled down for the drive. As the two drove off, Rosemary breathed a sigh of relief. Problem solved.
The two cooks had outdone themselves with the main course. Platter after platter of savory meat, roasted potatoes, carrots, and onions were placed on the tables, accompanied by all the delicious side dishes and breads brought by the guests. There were potato-cheese casseroles, baked beans, an assortment of freshly baked rolls and biscuits with honey butter, as well as several vegetable dishes. Of course, Minnie's famous apple pies, Gustave's butter tarts and Napoleons awaited the diners for dessert. It was a sumptuous feast. Bill and Nathan wanted their guests to feel like royalty.
Joseph Canfield invited everyone to join him in saying grace. Nathan and Bill thanked everyone for their friendship and for blessing the Double M with their presence, then toasted their guests with homemade apple cider. The sun was almost setting and provided the perfect ambiance. Predictably, conversation was minimal while everyone enjoyed the delicious food. Allie and Joanna shared hostess duties by filling and refilling coffee cups and serving up the desserts.
Bill and Tess were rather weary from all the cooking duties, and were only too happy to sit down and enjoy not only the meal, but some conversation with friends as well. The two had managed to keep disagreements to a minimum on this day, and had focused on the task at hand and the enjoyment that came with each other's company.
"Well, Avery, you held your own with that side of beef," said Tess. "You were smart enough to stay out of my way, too!"
Defensively, Bill replied. "For your information, I am an expert at cooking for a crowd! That comes from all those years of owning the café."
"I don't know why I put up with you, Avery," replied Tess. "I certainly have lots of other things to spend my time on."
Bill answered, rather smugly, "Admit it, Tess. I show you a good time and make you remember what it feels like to enjoy life a little. It's not all about work, you know…..and I am NOT a THING."
"Hmmmm….," was her reply. She failed miserably at trying to hide a smile.
"What do you say to joining the others on the hayride? I think we've earned some rest and relaxation for the rest of the evening, don't you?" said Bill. He glanced at the two wagons that were rapidly filling with other guests.
Without waiting for a reply, Bill got up abruptly and grabbed Tess's hand. He half-guided, half pushed her over to one of the wagons. They climbed in and made themselves comfortable among their friends. He casually put his arm around her, and was pleased she didn't object or react with a comment. It just felt right when she leaned her head on his shoulder, too. Tess had a soft side if you persisted enough to find it!
The moon was full, the evening air was a little chilly, and many of the couples were huddled together with blankets as the wagon took off for the ride. Nathan and Joanna were snuggling together in the back of the same wagon as Bill and Tess, with an old quilt thrown around them to keep warm. Joanna was thoroughly enjoying Nathan's embrace, almost as much as their friends' guarded looks of approval, and looked up at him with a contented smile. Nathan was lost in the moment and enjoying everything that was happening around him, including the happy smiles of Allie and Matthew. He noticed that Matthew was holding Allie's hand and Nathan suddenly had a little twinge of some strange emotion in his stomach. The awareness of seeing his little girl choosing to spend time with another male caused him just a slight bit of jealousy. He was happy Allie was beaming and treated well by Matthew but he wasn't going to like sharing her time with him. With a sigh, he realized there probably was no point in interfering so he better put on his best "dad face" and get used to it.
As the hayride moved along, Bill and Nathan decided the full moon and group of friends needed some music to enhance the beautiful autumn evening. Bill had brought his guitar, and as if on cue, strummed some opening chords while he started to sing along with Nathan. Joanna quickly joined in and it wasn't long before the occupants of the two wagons were singing Shine on Harvest Moon. Some of the wagon passengers were surprised to realize that there were many strong, beautiful voices in the group including Fiona's and Nathan's. When they came to the line, "For me and my gal" Nathan and Bill each gazed possessively at the women beside them. Joanna and Tess were goth giggling like school girls but looked quite comfortable as the men staked their claim. Onlookers could not mistake the mutual admiration that was so evident among the foursome. Allie stole a glance at them, immediately noticing how happy and contented both of her favorite men looked. Two women's faces echoed the same smiles of appreciation. As both of the lawmen looked so genuinely at ease and joyful, Allie realized how rare it was to see the two men publicly display their private emotions. She enjoyed this so much her eyes misted. Looking at Tess and Joanna with an unabashed smile of approval, she decided that she thoroughly enjoyed both "gals" and the effects they had on her uncle and dad. Maybe, just maybe, their loneliness was in full retreat and the men had found good, long-term partners.
As a short pause in the singing ensued, the couples used the momentary lull for sweet conversation and some merriment while the horses plodded along in a comfortable rhythm. Time passed quickly in the moonlight. They completed 4 more songs before they circled back to the roaring bonfire at the Double M.
When the wagons stopped, all the men politely assisted the ladies as they disembarked the wagon. The group paired off to find choice spots around the fire where they comfortably positioned themselves on logs that formed a circular pattern. Nathan's arm was around Joanna's shoulder as she contentedly leaned her head against him. Tess was doing the same with Bill, and even Fiona and Tom were snuggled together seeking the warmth of the fire.
Allie and Matthew headed toward the ranch house for refreshments, as Nathan turned away from Joanna to watch them go in the front door. He was making a motion to get up and follow them when Joanna grabbed his arm to admonish him.
"Easy, dad! You have got to stop worrying about every little movement Allie makes. Matthew is quite polite to her, and a young gentleman. I think you can trust them to make good decisions together," said Joanna. "It's about the right time for you to let her have a little rope, Nathan. She won't disappoint you! I am confident of that!"
He did not like Allie out of his sight, especially after sunset and in the company of a boy! Nathan chose his words carefully, not wanting to upset his lovely companion. "I know she is growing up, Joanna, but she hasn't really had this kind of an interest in boys up until now. I just want her to be all right and to understand that I want her to be happy but cautious in her relationship with Matthew. I'm the only family she has here in Hope Valley. I don't want her to get hurt in any way and I hope she is comfortable talking about this particular subject with me," sighed Nathan. "I mean, my sister always talked to my mother about boys and Allie doesn't have that resource available to her."
Almost indignantly Joanna replied, "And what am I, Nathan? I'd like to think I could help Allie if she had any questions and I am certainly available any time she would like to talk or needs advice. She and I do get along famously, and I think she is comfortable around me."
Softly, and under his breath, Nathan said, "She is not the only one who is comfortable around you, Joanna, and you are not only a resource for Allie." Searching for words and suddenly a little unsure of himself, Nathan stammered, " I…I…..enjoy being with you and spending time together. You make me laugh and remember to enjoy simple things. Everything, every part of my day is so much more pleasant when you are with me sharing it all."
Taking a deep breath, Nathan gently turned her face towards him, searching her green eyes for a response to his words. Joanna was silent but charged with some deep emotion. She looked directly into his blue eyes with a cautious smile on her face, but her expression also conveyed permission and acceptance. Seeing that, he placed his hand under her chin, tilted her face towards him, and placed a gentle whisper of a kiss on her lips. No words were exchanged and the couple fell into a comfortable silence as they snuggled together to watch the glowing embers.
Laughing as they tried to balance refreshments, Allie and Matthew returned to the bonfire circle, arms laden with cider and a jar of corn kernels. They served everyone some cider, and were soon making popcorn, enjoying the last remnants of the fire. Bill again brought out his guitar and goaded Nathan into bringing his guitar out also. The two played some folk songs as everyone joined in and sang.
Around midnight, stifling sleepy yawns, the group dispersed. Most headed back home to Hope Valley but a few decided to take advantage of Double M hospitality and spend the night. The day was proclaimed a huge success, and a good time was had by all.