Hope for Tomorrow

Chapter 32

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It was turning windy and most of the leaves had fallen off the trees. There was a cool nip in the air reminding the residents of Hope Valley that old man winter was knocking on their door. As the days went by they were slowly losing daylight which meant that the carpenters were finishing up the last of the outdoor construction. Fortunately, Lee's foremen had the men working on schedule, so it looked like the the row houses were now complete. Just in time, the last of the folks living in tent city were in their new row houses. The electric and phone lines were completed and what was the best news was that everyone now had their own indoor plumbing in the new row houses.

The older row house were either completed or in the works, but by the first of the year, if the weather held off just long enough, everyone would enjoy their own plumbing. It was such a wonderful new way of life to have a phone, electricity, and indoor plumbing. Hope Valley was finally joining the rest of the 20th century.

New roads needed were being built but that meant that during winter the construction of roads came to a halt also. So, fortunately when driving during the winter, Trevor had snow tires he had ordered for sale at his station. Luckily, he had found an empty building that he bought up right away when he opened his station, so he could house tires, batteries, oil, and parts that he knew he would need at his disposal to repair an automobile. Trevor's business was starting to prove profitable and he hoped to save for his own automobile.

Sargent Grant walked into the NWMP office with Gunther and Andy. "Good morning men," he greeted them handing them each a cup of hot coffee.

Andy still hadn't tasted coffee yet and so far no one had noticed. He accepted it and quickly sat it down asking a question, "Sargent Grant, is there something in particular you would like to go over with me?"

"Seems like you and Gunther have good instincts. When I asked you both about the 'what-if' scenarios, you both had fast and intuitive answers. Right now, I'd like you to tell me, what it is that you want to learn," Nathan answered.

Nathan watched as Andy walked around the office and jail checking out every detail he could absorb, reading the posters, looking at the ledgers, unlocking the steel cabinet with the guns, rifles and ammunition. "I'm not sure what to do when walking through the town, just keep an eye out?"

Nathan spoke, "Like Gunther, you'll come to know who the people are. What their names are, what they do, who they are related to. Once you get a feel for the folks themselves, the way you approach them will start coming to you naturally."

Then Gunther spoke up, "For instance, Mr. Henry Gowen is an interesting person. He has a baffling past, and a son, Christopher. Once he was working for a deceitful mining company, and yet also as the town mayor."

Nathan added so as avoid gossip, "Mr. Gowen has had a turn of heart. People now trust him and have accepted him. He has been under a lot of stress, but nevertheless, has not caved in to the easy way out, shall we say. I don't want to elaborate about one particular person now, but as I was saying, their stories will add to your understanding. By the way, Mr. Gowen has a very successful oil business in town."

Gunther jumped right in continuing, "There's Florence and Ned Yost who manage the Mercantile. Florence is the operator of the telephone system in town. They have several children from previous marriages, but one, Katie Yost is their accountant. You've met her at the Hopeful's meeting after the moving picture Saturday night".

"Listen, instead of just rambling off names and who's who, let's just all take a walk and introduce you as we go," Nathan directed. "Andy doesn't need our input right now."

The three of them headed out with a last sip of coffee, as Andy's cup sat there getting cold. As they were leaving, Bill came out of his office whistling a tune.

"Hey there, wait up," Bill called.

Bill hadn't met Andy yet and when he saw him in his red serge and polished boots, he knew he was the new cadet. "Who have we here?"

"Well, there is the honeymooner himself, good to see back!" Nathan grinned. "Lunch later?"

"Billees, 1:00."

Andy looked questioning at Gunther.

"Great, I'll see you then. This Judge, is Constable Andy Roberts. He is here fresh from boot camp." Nathan winked at Bill.

"Oh, well now, I have someone finally to shine my boots, and clean my office." Bill winked back.

Andy missed the winks as he was staring at Gunther with a puzzled look on his face. "Pleasure is mine Judge," Andy stammered.

"Turn around Andy," Bill commanded.

Andy was totally confused, "Sir?"

"You heard me, I want to see how well you fill out this uniform."

Nathan looked away trying not to laugh.

"Hmm," Bill began, holding his hand to his chin. He added, "Now turn to the left for me."

Gunther knew now that Bill was giving Andy a welcome to Hope Valley Judge Avery style and he too stopped his smile from taking over his face.

Andy turned to the left, and squeaked out, "What are you looking for?"

"Did I say you could speak?" Bill demanded still checking Andy up and down.

"Ah, no sir."

"Then why are you continuing? All right turn and face me now." Holding out his hand he shook Andy's. "Welcome to Hope Valley!" Then he saluted.

Andy quickly tapped his heels together and returned the salute.

Nathan put his hand on Andy's shoulder, "Andy, you've been initiated by Judge William Avery also known as Inspector Avery. His bark is worse than his bite, but so far, you've passed the test," and with that they all laughed.

"I'll catch up with you later Sargent Grant." Bill said.

"You will indeed. Glad you're back!"

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As the Mounties strode through town, they went in each business where Andy was introduced to the people inside. He found the townsfolk very friendly welcoming him with warm smiles and shaking his hand.

At the Mercantile, he met Katie Yost in the backroom busy with her ordering and billing. She stopped long enough to look up and noticed that although Andy had a younger look with his slight build, he was obviously a good-looking young man with clear light green eyes that twinkled when he smiled lighting up his face. A good crop of brown hair and deep dimples brought out his boyish charm.

Andy noticed that Katie seemed quiet and a bit shy, but attractive with her big brown eyes and long lashes. Her brown hair was long, down to her shoulder, but it wasn't fancied up, just pulled back and very practical. Her look reflected her occupation as an accountant. They definitely were opposites, but caught each other's interest.

Gunther noticed the silent exchange between the two and took note. Ned was his usual happy self-greeting Andy with a firm handshake. Flo was busy on the switchboard yet waved and smiled.

Then they went to the Hardware and Garden shop and found Kevin. He was busy waiting on a rancher who was ordering snow fencing. Mr. Henderson turned to see them and Nathan introduced Andy. "Nice to meet you, we can always use another pair of eyes!" Ken Henderson greeted.

Nathan explained to the others that he had heard a gunshot coming from Ken's barn while on his rounds and when he arrived, found him shooting at a coyote through the window. If there wasn't a harsh winter to keep the coyotes from starving, like the previous season, their population would continue growing by leaps and bounds, and too many had been hitting up his baby lambs.

Andy was happy to see Rosaleen at the library. She was just getting ready for the preschool story hour. There were more children attending now that the families had joined their men who were living in the tent city and now in the new row houses. Rosaleen had spread out a huge blanket on the floor for the little ones and set out chairs for the mothers. The activity gave the mothers time to talk and relax while their children were sitting fascinated listening and participating in story time.

As the children were coming in, the Mounties were leaving. The children were thrilled to see them all in their red serges, black boots, and campaign hats! Rosaleen asked the men to stay for a few minutes so she could introduce Andy and even Gunther if they hadn't met either before. The children were fascinated with their uniform and they got to touch their hats and boots.

"Like these hats?" Nathan asked with a kind smile.

One of the boys came over and Nathan put his hat on his head which covered his face, but he began to laugh. "Ha-ha! Call me Con-t-bull!"

Rosaleen laughed, "Joey, you say it like this, Con sta ble."

Laura had brought little Jack who said proudly, "My daddy was a Mountie. His name was Constable Jack Thornton."

Gunther whispered to Andy, "We'll tell you later."

Andy showed off his shiny leather boots and Gunther his black leather gloves, hoping not only to impress the children, but Rosaleen. Gunther tipped his hat at Rosaleen as they were leaving.

"Weren't some of these pretty ladies at the moving picture Saturday?" Andy asked.

"Yes, but Sargent Grant wasn't there, so he didn't know that. Besides, now you know what they do and where they work," he nodded.

Dr. Scholl was busy with a patient, but Lisa Peterson was there, his brand new receptionist. Andy was introduced and told her he had to make an appointment soon for a check-up which caused Gunther and Nathan to laugh out loud once they got outside.

Stopping at Nichols and Dimes both Christy and Fiona were there. Andy had been told that the mayor was a lady, but no one warned him just how pretty she was!

"Welcome to Hope Valley Constable Roberts!" Fiona held out her hand to him with a warm smile.

"It's great to be here," Andy answered returning her smile, "Andy at your service Mayor."

"That just earned you a free haircut at your convenience!"

"Thank you!" Andy replied. "I'll stop by soon."

"If I'm not here, remind Christy." Just then Christy stepped in from the back room.

A big grin from ear to ear swept across Andy's face. "How do you do Christy?"

"Great. Welcome to Hope Valley!" Christy answered.

As they let themselves out, Nathan grinned, "Christy is off limits. She's happily married with a baby."

"Guess it's a good thing I am meeting everyone in person," Andy sighed.

Over at Minnie's Cafe the Chickadees were finishing up the lovely quilt. The men came in briefly and just smiled, quickly introducing Andy. The chattering women flashed smiles and said hello then went back to listening to Molly telling them all about Vancouver and her honeymoon.

"Let's go to Billees for lunch, my treat." Nathan offered. I have a meeting at 1:00 with Judge Avery afterwards, so you both can go back to the office then.

Walking in, they saw mostly men of the town having lunch while the ladies were over at Minnie's Cafe. Andy was introduced to Lee Coulter and Henry Gowen. Gunther had given him a little background on Henry. He was indeed a quiet man and hard to figure out, but seemed amicable. Lee on the other hand, was co-owner of Billees with Judge Avery and was just the opposite of Henry. Lee seemed like a very friendly outgoing man who clapped Andy on his shoulder and shook his hand with both of his. Nathan needn't had offered to buy Andy's lunch this time as lunch was on the house courtesy of Mr. Coulter.

"I'll be talking to you and Bill later," Lee told Nathan, "now that Mr. Honeymooner is home, we've got to go over the Community Thanksgiving dinner here. Talk to you in a little while."

Looking at Andy and Gunther, Lee beamed, "Enjoy your lunch!"

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Everyone seemed more than ready for their Thanksgiving celebration. Bill was roasting the turkeys outside on his barbecue pit and it filled the air of Hope Valley. The businesses were closed as folks were gathering together filling Billees to capacity. It was a good thing that Bill and Lee had added on to their gathering place especially for times like these.

The original street of row houses was now known as First Street, while the families in the the second street of row houses lived on the aptly named Second Street which now included street lights. The new families were going to be celebrating Thanksgiving with the town which was a great way to get to meet everyone. For most, this was a perfect time to get to know their neighbors.

Mayor Fiona was so grateful for the help of the Hopefuls who really pitched in with their youthful energy and helped wherever Rosemary directed. Lucky for Rosemary that they stepped up to the plate as she was not feeling her usual self while her pregnancy progressed. Some days she was full of vim and vigor and other days she dragged herself out of bed.

Luciana was right on top of the food co-partnering with Millie. The side dishes were varied and had a little ethnic taste from recipes that each cook had passed down from her family. Luciana had the whole table full of scrumptious dishes to choose from as Bill and Lee brought in the carved turkey to place right next to the dishes and cutlery.

Emily had been in charge with Debbie and Kathie helping to make sure several types of dessert were provided. Emily usually planned to bake her German Apfelstrudel for the town, which was a sure hit. Debbie and Kathie loved baking fancy cakes and of course they made sure there were pies and cookies too. No one would go hungry that was for sure.

Father Ricardo and Pastor Joseph called attention to everyone to bow their heads as they would say grace together as one big Hope Valley family for Thanksgiving. Not only the food they were going to share, but most of all for each other.

After the grace, the Hopefuls went to their stations to make sure the food was rotated, the dishes, cutlery, butter, salt, and pepper were available and the drinks were poured. Emily had another table laden with delicious mouth-watering desserts, coffee, and drinks.

The chatter and laughter were at times very loud, but it was a joyful noise. Rita had hung up the beautiful quilt that the Chickadee ladies had worked so hard on together and took the raffle money while handing out raffle tickets.

There was not a quiet moment until Mayor Fiona asked for silence for just a minute. Everyone looked over to hear her speak from the stage. She was accompanied by Bill and the two of them asked all the new families to stand up and introduce themselves. Each family was welcomed with warm greetings and clapping. Even some of the ranchers and farmers from out in the surrounding country who rarely came into town, stood up per Bill's encouragement.

When the Morettis stood up some of the town had not met them before and were welcomed. Luckily, they had already been asked by Dee to sing today and they came on stage. Gino introduced his wife, Carlotta who introduced the children; Maria, Giuseppe, Lucia, Natalia, Giovanni, and Vincent. The younger children were home schooled by their mother, and the older ones helped around the house and farm. Gino worked for Lee, so the older boys were counted on to help with the little farm.

When the introductions were done, Molly sat at the piano and played while the Moretti family sang, "By the light of the silvery moon." Fr. Ricardo also asked them to sing "Amazing Grace" and he was delighted with their harmony. The crowd cheered and they somewhat embarrassed sat back down at their table.

Nathan made sure everyone who hadn't met Andy would meet him when he called on Andy to stand up. Some of the young ladies took note and smiled sweetly.

Molly helped with the music entertainment, asking Angela to help play piano, but Mr. Landis was the one who offered to lead the children in singing. Once he took over teaching music for Dee, he was working with the children on singing songs for this celebration and the upcoming Christmas caroling and pageant. Dee was so proud of how hard the children were practicing. When they saw her they all greeted her with big hugs.

"I haven't been gone that long, for heaven's sake," she laughed.

"We know, we're just happy to see you," Opal told her speaking on behalf of the children who ran over.

"Not as much as I am to see you. I miss you all, but I know you are in good hands with Mr. Landis. I'm excited to hear what you sing!" Dee told Opal.

As the children all gathered on stage they sang "Keep on Smiling." Their antics made the song so enjoyable that the audience stood and applauded with hoots from the Hopefuls to boost their confidence.

Dr. Scholl taking Dee's hand helped her on stage as the two of them sang a duet of "How Great Thou Art." Upon completion, they bowed to thunderous applause and Allie, Nathan, Emily, and Archie were bursting with pride as well as Fiona.

Now, it was time for those who won bids at the summer Hope Valley Family Festival to have their bids for a dance or serenade fulfilled. Lana Peterson who had won the bid for Ben Carmon, gave her prize to her sister, Lisa when she left for nursing school. Her request was for a dance. Mr. Landis pleasantly provided the music for a Charleston dance, which Ben was totally shocked to hear, but really got into it causing everyone to cheer.

Next, Katie Yost had won the bid for a serenade from Kevin Townsend. Andy was closely watching Katie's response when Kevin sang "Singing in the rain," per Katie's request, as Angela accompanied with piano. Kevin was delightful to watch as he added some soft shoe dance steps while singing, although he was a bit off key. Katie was definitely delighted.

Rosaleen won the raffle for Mike Hickam, who was trying his best not to be found. He had exited to the kitchen and was elbow deep in water washing the dishes. Bill spied him and called him out, "Mike you are being beckoned out here!" he laughed.

Rosaleen beamed at Mike and asked if he wouldn't mind dancing with her to "When My Baby Smiles at Me." At first Mike didn't want to dance, but when Rosaleen looked at him with a pleading look he couldn't embarrass her and not dance, so he bravely went out on the floor and danced to the record on the Victrola. Once he relaxed, the two of them looked happy and in sync. Another round of applause ensued.

Fiona won the bid for James Scholl, which was perfect since they had already enjoyed two dates together. For her request she asked James to sing of course, whatever he wanted. To Fiona's delight he chose to sing, "I've Got my Love to Keep Me Warm!" Almost every woman there envied Fiona as they melted listening to his lilting voice and swooning over his debonair looks.

Lastly, not to forget, Nathan had won the bid for Henry! Nathan had a stinking grin plastered on his face as he asked Henry to sing and dance to "I'll be with you in Apple Blossom Time"!

If looks could kill, Henry looked at Nathan and said, "I can't. I don't know the words. Sorry!"

That didn't stop Nathan, he had the words already written down and walked up to Henry, tapped him on his shoulder, and handed him the paper, "There you go. Have at it Henry. Enjoy!"

Henry was sitting with Dottie who asked him to be a good sport and go ahead and have fun. Henry sighed letting out a deep breath. Mr. Landis stepped up to the piano and waited for Henry who very reluctantly joined him. Staring down at the paper Nathan handed him, he hesitantly started singing. At first, no one could hear him, and he seemed to be turning white. Dee felt badly for him, and nudging Nathan walked up by Henry, putting him out of his misery. She put her arm through his and began singing with him. He looked at Dee with gratitude and he began to actually enjoy himself. As he looked out on the crowd, he spotted Dottie and she was beaming at him. That gave Henry motivation to keep singing and lo and behold, his voice got stronger and better. Dee nodded at him and by the end of the song, Henry proved to be a good singer. He and Dee bowed to applause and Henry thanked Dee, then walked back to Dottie with a glowing smile.