Hope for Tomorrow
Chapter 30
Page 88
Fiona looked dazzling in her lovely red gown and black heels. Even though she was tall, she still needed her heels as Dr. James was also tall and Fiona liked being on a more even keel with her date. Her hair was drawn up and back by a gem-filled barrette, and her jewelry was newly bought from Dottie's, completing her exquisite style. With a final touch of spray from her perfume bottle and a blot for her lipstick, she was ready!
Humming to herself, she quickly and lightly pranced downstairs, when she heard a door knock. Her feet practically ran to the door, but she stopped herself and took a deep breath, looked at the door while waiting for her heartbeats to slow down, and proceeded to walk the rest of the way. Opening the door, was Dr. McDreamy! With a warm smile she invited him in and offered him a drink.
Looking at his watch, he let out a sigh, "Sorry Fiona, I need to get to the Inn, but can I take a rain check for later?"
How could she resist him, "That's perfectly all right, I don't want to make us late!" she flashed a smile.
"I must say, Fiona, you look stunning!" he grinned.
Reaching for her wrap, James picked it up and placed it on her shoulders with his fingers brushing her neck sending a tingle down her spine. She told herself, to stop acting like an awestruck school girl, but his cologne which was musky and masculine stirred her.
Oncethey were on the way to Benson Hills, she relaxed as they talked about the upcoming Hope Valley Thanksgiving Celebration. Fiona described to James all about the huge spread of food, but what everyone was really looking forward to was another talent show. The town had such an enjoyable time last year that it would be a challenge to have another one that good again, never the less, better.
"What are you going to do?" James asked Fiona.
"I was thinking I'd like to dress up like a flapper and dance to some of the new jazzy songs. I still might have time to practice, but it's only a week away."
"Now, I definitely will come to see you dance, that would be a highlight of the day for me!" James winked.
"James, you have to sing! Everyone needs to hear your voice. Oh, what a treat that would be!" Fiona replied excitedly.
"Sure that's about my only talent, besides pulling a tooth!" James laughed. "Do we have any instrument players in town?"
"Yes, Dee has been working with the students, with help from Bill and Nathan who both play guitar, and Dr. Carson plays guitar too. Also Matthew helps when he can get off of work. He was in a military band while in service. Angela and Molly both play piano, and I play the flute!"
"Well, that's a good start, I'd say! Maybe we can do something musical?" James was thinking out loud. Fiona could tell that he was starting to get interested.
"Did you know that Mr. Landis will be teaching music now, so Dee is finally able to stay home and take care of herself? I'm sure he'd be willing to create a musical of sorts," she suggested pensively as she wasn't sure where James was thinking.
James tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as if that was helping him think. Then abruptly he asked, "Do you plan on having a town Christmas pageant this year Fiona?"
"Yes, I'm sure. It turned out so good last year. The littlest children were animals in the cave or were sheep that came in with the shepherds. They made their animals sounds, sometimes stealing the show," she laughed as she remembered.
"I'd really like to help with the Christmas pageant this year. I've got an idea, that I think would be especially poignant for this year!" James said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"James! You have to tell me!" Fiona pleaded.
James didn't budge, he had to ask before he could elaborate, but he promised, "As soon as I get the go ahead, you'll be the first to know."
"I'm holding you to that!" Fiona declared.
"You can hold me any way you want!" James winked.
When they arrived at the Inn, James held Fiona's hand and brought her backstage to meet the band and the woman he sang with, Dianna Starr. Mr. Landis was there and surprised, but happy to see the two of them together as a couple.
James told her that he would be sitting with her at a table up front and they could have dinner first while there was only instrumental music during the dining. Anyone looking at them, saw a classy and beautiful couple sitting together. The room was rapidly filling up which didn't surprise Fiona being Saturday night.
She quickly thought for a moment that Hope Valley was having a moving picture tonight hosted by the Hopefuls and she heard most of the town would attend, but she was so happy to be with James, it didn't matter to her. When she looked at his beautiful blue eyes, she got lost in them.
James quickly thought for a moment that back in Hamilton his parents were probably at some fancy prestigious theater making the rounds with all the elites, but he was so happy to be with Fiona, it was just a faint memory. When he looked into her beautiful brown eyes, he got lost in them.
The dinner was delicious and both of them enjoyed the time with a toast of wine and candle light flickering on their faces. When it was time for James to sing, he excused himself and walked backstage.
As the music played, he came out of one side of the stage and Dianna from the other. They sang beautifully together, "Keep on Smiling", and "By the light of the silvery moon". James left the stage while Dianna sang, "A good man is hard to find." When she finished, James came on the stage as Dianna left, and he sang "When you look in a heart of a rose."
When that part of their performances was done, James was able to sit back down with Fiona for awhile. Now that there was just instrumental music playing, he was able to enjoy a dance with Fiona. The surrounding guests were watching the two of them on the floor gliding around the dance floor perfectly suited to the other. The lovely couple were enjoying the time alone away from the busyness of town and just relaxing and getting to know each other. The small talk was exactly what was needed for them to learn more, and the more they learned about each other, the more fascinated they were.
The final time James was on the stage was with Diana Starr again, "After your gone," and "Till we meet again." They bowed to thunderous applause. James stayed on stage to sing one more song, he walked over to the stage that was closest to their table, and while looking at Fiona sang, "A pretty girl is like a melody."
Page 89
Bob dropped off his daughter Karen, Harper, Robert, and Allie at Billees to enjoy the moving picture, "Alias Miss Dodd". He reminded them that he'd be back before the film was over. As soon as Bob turned the car around and headed back to his house, the boys didn't hesitate to tell the girls how cute they looked.
"Allie, you've really grown up to be well...pretty!" Robert smiled as he blurted the compliment.
"Thank you, Robert. I think the same about you too."
"What? That I'm pretty?" he chuckled.
"No, gosh, I'm just saying that you have grown so tall and handsome." Allie couldn't believe she just said that.
Robert's smile grew as he pulled a chair out for her to sit and he quickly sat down right next to her.
Harper wasn't quite ready to say much to Karen as he wasn't sure how personal he should be, but he did tell her, "You sure look nice, Karen!"
Karen blushed right along with Harper and just smiled, "Thank you Harper."
After the four got their seats, the boys checked with the girls and they both agreed that popcorn always smells and tastes so good, that they would enjoy some. When the boys left to get their refreshments, Allie and Karen were both giggling about the boys.
"I remember Robert pulling my pigtails when we were in school a few years ago. Now, here I am getting all excited just listening to him talk!" Allie confessed to her best friend.
"I came here not that long ago," Karen began, "and Harper seemed quiet, so I never thought I'd be asked to come here with him!" Then, Karen leaned over to Allie and whispered, "It's all going so fast, this puberty thing!"
"Well, I'm just glad the boys are finally catching up!" Allie laughed. "Shh, here they come."
As they brought the popcorn and lemonade they were beaming at the girls.
Just in time, they sat down joining the girls and started watching the moving picture. It was such a funny film they all enjoyed it, but Allie was more interested in Robert putting his arm around the back of her chair. During the intermission, Robert reminded Allie that he asked her to write to him when he leaves for Mountie school and she agreed. "You know Allie, I've been thinking that I won't always be able to write as often as I'd like. The cadets are busy with lots of new things like body building, strength endurance, spotless quarters, and shining their boots!"
"So, what are you saying, Robert? You don't want me to write you now?" Allie was puzzled.
"No, I want you to write, I just don't want you to be disappointed if I don't write back right away. From what I can tell they really keep us moving in boot camp."
"Oh, that's all right, I know you'll be busy. I'm just so happy you want me to write." Allie was feeling bolder about letting Robert know how much she liked him.
Robert slowly grabbed Allie's hand as they walked back to their seats. Allie was thrilled when he did, and she began feeling butterflies in her tummy. When they sat down, Robert never let go of her hand. Feeling his hand around hers, Allie found it hard to concentrate. Her palms grew sweaty after awhile and she finally had to let go of his hand. As she tried to subtly wipe her hand on her dress, Robert just smiled at her and put his arm on the back of her chair again. Allie let out a little sigh, feeling at ease now. She could relax and truly enjoy herself. The foursome laughed throughout the film and it seemed to end much too quickly. As Karen's dad told them, he was right on time to pick them up.
As Bob planned, he dropped off the boys first, than Allie. Robert had hoped to kiss Allie that night, but it wasn't meant to be, it would have to wait for another time, but soon, before he left for boot camp.
Allie ran into her home all happy with a grin on her face that wouldn't go away. Nathan greeted her as she walked in and saw Allie's grin knowing full well that she was, as Dee said, in 'puppy love.' "So, you look like you had a good time, Allie."
"Oh, I did, I did. The film was really funny." Allie didn't want to divulge any more so she quickly kissed her dad and said good night to her grandparents. Dee was upstairs in her bedroom.
"Mom, what are you doing here?" Allie asked.
"Just thinking about you and baby bun. I won't have as much time as I have now, and I want to talk with you. Is that all right?" Dee asked softly.
"Sure, Mom. What do you want to talk about?"
"Allie honey, I can tell you have feelings for Robert. He is your first boyfriend and a good young man. Your dad knows that, but he's a little protective of you because he knows what young men, like Robert, might do," Dee started. Dee didn't want to share with Allie how her dad and her were interested in each other and when he left for Mountie school he never came back for her. Robert was different, Dee could tell. He wasn't shy and awkward like Nathan was at his age.
"Can do?"
"They can get so involved in their career, they tend to forget about home. So, he's only thinking of you honey when he seems overbearing, he just wants to protect you from getting hurt." Dee continued.
"That's just how dad is. I know." Allie was very understanding of Nathan. "Tell him not to worry. Robert already told me tonight that he'll be busy as a cadet in boot camp. He wanted me not to get upset with him if he doesn't write back right away, and I told him it was all right."
Dee was a bit surprised by Allie's handling of this possibility. She definitely had her feelings in check right now, but she suspected when and if it happened, her feelings wouldn't stay under control, but that would be dealt with then.
Dee lifted Allie's face up and stroked her cheek, "Allie I am so proud of you and I am also so honored to be your mom. When I see you, I see my best friend, you look so much like your mother. I am confident that you are growing up to be just like her and that makes my heart smile."
Allie hugged Dee tightly and it brought tears to both of them. Dee whispered, "Allie dear, if you ever need to talk to me about anything, anything at all, I am here for you. I promise."
Standing just outside of Allie's bedroom was Nathan. He heard their conversation and was not only relieved, but happy to see his wife with their daughter bonding with a heart-to-heart talk. Nathan quietly slipped to his bedroom and waited for Dee.
Page 90
As Lisa hoped, she met Trevor at Billees to watch "Alias Miss Dodd." She saw most of the Hopefuls there too and they were helping with the refreshments. When Trevor looked up from behind the buffet table he spotted Lisa and stopped pouring glasses of lemonade, walked around the table and came over to her.
"Hello Lisa! I'm glad you made it. I wish I could've picked you up, but I still don't have an automobile of my own, which is pretty sad being the new mechanic in town."
"Oh, I understand. Really. You've got to make money first to buy one," she laughed. "I'm just happy you asked me to join you."
Trevor was relieved she was so understanding. It was embarrassing for him but Lisa seemed to be a good sport about it. "Have you seen a moving picture before?"
"Just once when the Hopefuls had hosted one earlier. Practically the whole town comes. I'm sure this place will be full, let's find a seat. Sam is going over to the projector so the lights will be turned off soon."
As they joined a few friends they were both tickled to see the teenagers sitting in front of them as they navigated what probably was their first double-date. It was obvious to those around them that it was quite a significant move when one of the boys put their arms around one of the girls.
"Classic move," Trevor said with a smile as he leaned in closer to Lisa and put his arm around her, causing them both to laugh.
The film was funny and enjoyable. At the end the people all applauded. As usual, the Hopefuls gathered together after everyone left. This was a huge incentive for the Hopefuls to keep sponsoring films on a monthly basis. As long as they kept getting donations it would work. So, they looked at the catalog to see what film they could get for next month. Luke, had a calendar with as they went through plans for the next few months. It had worked out better than they expected with alternating dance nights with film nights.
"It's going to be very busy the next few months," Katie reminded them.
"Yes, there's the Thanksgiving celebration with the talent show next weekend, to start." Rosaleen nodded.
Gunther added, "I'm looking forward to the Christmas tree lighting and caroling myself."
"It's going to include a Christkindlmarkt this year!" Maggie added, "If the Chickadees and any others can get enough items completed in time,"
"There's the Christmas pageant too. That was so cute last year with the children I think it's the best part of the town Christmas," Lisa joined in.
"Well, we better write all these down on the calendar and post it by the door on the bulletin board. We might not have much chance for a dance," Sam looked around at the rest of the group. With everyone putting on their thinking caps, it was Matthew who came up with an idea.
"Why don't we have a New Year's Eve dance?"
"Hey, that a great idea!" Sam agreed.
Andy, being the new Mountie in town asked, "Does it get rowdy here?"
"Not at all. Although the town is growing, so who knows?" Ben shrugged.
Then they decided they better get busy right then and plan the dance for New Years Eve.
"I know, we should ask Dr. Scholl and Mr. Landis to provide the entertainment," Lisa suggested.
"I doubt they'll be free. Most likely they'll be performing that night at Benson Hills Inn," Maggie spoke up.
"Dang, that would have been perfect," Trevor said disappointingly. "Lisa, why don't you ask anyways, it's worth a try."
"Me? Why me?" Lisa acted surprised.
"It's no secret Lisa, I let the cat out of the bag, sorry. I told them you applied to be the receptionist for Dr. Scholl," Trevor said apologetically.
Lisa didn't know what to say except, "Well, since you all know now, I might as well tell you that Dr. Scholl hired me just this morning!"
The Hopefuls all clapped and congratulated Lisa. "When do you start?"
"Monday morning. I can't wait. It's been so lonely with Lana gone. I will finally have something to do, and make some money."
"Yeah, and buy me an automobile," Trevor joked.
"Ha ha! One thing is I'm really looking forward to Lana coming home for Christmas. She's taking the train back home in a few weeks. I can't wait for you to meet her Trevor," Lisa smiled.
"It would be nice to have live entertainment, but if not, we always have the good ole Victrola. Now, what should we do about food?" Sam asked.
Everyone put their heads together and tossed around a few ideas from just appetizers to a full meal. There were advantages to both and finally after a long debate decided to ask Bill when he got back from his honeymoon.
"He should be in a great mood!" Gunther snickered.
"Men! Rosaleen rolled her eyes. "Okay, we better clean up. I want this place to look really nice for when mom and Bill get home tomorrow."