Hope for Tomorrow
Chapter 33
Page 97
Right after the men fulfilled their bids, the talent show started. Nathan and Gunther dragged Andy up on stage with them. They were purposely making fun of themselves with their unloaded rifles. As they proceeded to be twirling their rifles like Nathan had shown them, the rifles got stuck under their arms, hit themselves in the face, held backwards, or dropped. When one of them dropped their rifle, the Mountie next to them would hit their backside with their rifle. The routine was a comic relief and the children laughed and howled.
Allie, Robert, Karen, and Harper went on stage and danced to the Charleston. The Hopefuls joined them too. Some hadn't seen the new dance that was all the rage now and were startled, but enjoyed their show.
Clara and Jesse sang a duet together of "I'll Be With You in Apple Blossom Time", while Mr. Landis played the piano. They blended so well together, and while on stage announced that their year-old son Michael, would be a big brother next year. The news brought out clapping and whistles.
Rosemary was always the star of the show she thought, so she came on stage to perform a dramatic reading from Shakespeare's Hamlet. The children were restless, even her son Paul, but Lee patiently smiled through it all.
Faith and Carson did a mime act which was very clever trying to get the crowd to guess what they were doing. Mr. Landis took to the piano again to play background music which combined with the talents of the doctors proved to be hysterical.
Fr. Ricardo and Pastor Joseph had worked out a soft shoe dance to "Irene" which wowed the audience. They were fairly well in-sync together, even while laughing all the way through it, and bowed to a standing ovation.
Encouraged by his family, Sean O'Neill sang "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." What was so cute was that he took little Timi Anne on stage with him and sang while looking at her. That stole the show!
Elizabeth, little Jack, and some of the Lipinski children with Mr. Malone did a reading from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"! It was amazing as everyone had to say a line or more and remembered their lines. That was a great finale to the talent show.
Next, Rita pulled out the winning raffle ticket for the quilt and Mary Ponciano won! She was so excited she just about cried.
Now, to keep the little children's interest, a few of the farmers brought along their wagons and took them with their fathers outside for hayrides. The older ones were outside playing football, especially with the season already started, they needed practice.
Meanwhile, the ladies all stayed in and brought out their presents to surprise Dee with a baby shower. Dee was surrounded with friends who were almost as anxious as she was to have her little bun. Maggie brought over the coffee for the ladies and leftover desserts.
Emily sat right next to Dee. Flo brought gifts that were mailed to Hope Valley from her mother and sister. They both had thought about making the trip, but decided they would like to come once little bun arrived.
Dee was getting uncomfortable and luckily Emily thought to bring her a pillow to rest against, supporting her back. Allie brought a chair and sat right in front of Dee, lifting her mom's legs onto her lap for a massage like she had seen her dad do many times before.
"I feel like a queen!" Dee beamed.
"Go ahead and open your gifts!" Rosemary encouraged Dee.
Dee's mother had sent along a lovely cross to hang on the wall of the nursery and Dorothy had sewed a little quilt for baby bun.
One by one she was delighted by the baby buntings, diapers, rattles, burp cloths, bath towels, a crocheted teddy bear, little pictures for the wall, and a nursery rhyme book. There was even a Mountie doll that Archie had bought and sent along with Emily.
Dee was thrilled with all the thoughtful gifts and shed a little tear or two for their kindness.
"We can't wait for little bun!" Minnie exclaimed.
"Not too much longer," Faith smiled.
When the men and children returned, everyone pitched in, cleaned up, and shared some of the dishes with each other. It was a wonderful day in Hope Valley!
Hope for Tomorrow (just a little story)
Page 98
Benjamin wasn't doing as well as in his first few months in school.
Elizabeth was concerned it was because Dee was no longer teaching, so she talked with him when the others went out for recess and asked, "Benjamin, are you missing Mrs. Grant teaching you little jingles to help you remember your mathematics and history facts?"
Benjamin clammed up and didn't answer his teacher, looking away.
Elizabeth reached over and placed her hand on his. Cupping his face towards her she gently drew him in. "Benjamin, it's all right. If it's what helps you, then I will let Mr. Landis know. I'm sure he will be happy to help out."
A slow smile crept across Benjamin's face. "Mrs. Thornton, I think it might work. Karen tries to help me at home, but she thinks I'm too impatient."
Elizabeth thought of something just then and asked, "Benjamin, would you like it if I asked Robert to study with you before he leaves?"
"What? Where's he going?" Benjamin asked with a puzzled look.
"He's going to learn how to be a Mountie."
"Like Constable Andy?" Benjamin asked with his eyes as big as saucers.
Elizabeth was surprised, "Yes, like Constable Andy, and Constable Gunther, and Sergeant Grant too."
"I really like all of them, but Constable Andy talked to me for a long time when he met me. He acted like he was my own big brother Mrs. Thornton!"
Elizabeth nodded. With furrowed brows she thought for a second, then with a smile asked, "Benjamin, what if I asked Constable Andy to come over to class and talk to all of us about what he learned in Mountie school? Do you think the other children would like that?"
"YES!" Benjamin's face lit up, "I think we'd learn a lot and it would be so fun!"
"Well, I guess I have several men to talk to. I'll make sure you're the first to know Benjamin. Now, go outside and join the rest of the children in recess," Elizabeth laughed as she shooed him out the door.
After school was over, Elizabeth asked Mr. Landis if he wouldn't mind working on creating some jingles for the children to help them remember their lessons.
"I especially would appreciate any extra attention you can give Benjamin. He's a little behind on his studies. When the Landoch's adopted him from the orphanage they were told that he never quite adjusted to learning easily, so he has some catching up to do."
Mr. Landis thought for awhile, "Did Dee Grant come up with jingles on her own?"
Elizabeth smiled, "Yes, she makes learning fun for all the children. Perhaps you might want to review her lesson plans to see what she did. I have her folder right here."
As Mr. Landis accepted the folder, he remarked, "She really was more than a music teacher wasn't she?"
"Yes, Dee mentioned she took a new class in 'music therapy' and put it to good use."
Checking with Laura, Elizabeth gave Jack a big hug and kiss while he was eating an afternoon snack. "Mommy's going to town for just a few minutes. I'll be back soon."
Walking straight to the NWMP office she saw just the person she was looking for.
"Constable Andy, good afternoon!" she greeted him.
Andy stood up to greet her and offered her a chair to sit, "What can I do for you Mrs. Thornton?" Knowing she was the widow of Jack Thornton, he felt a bit uneasy, but she was very kind so he relaxed.
"Constable, I was hoping that you, and perhaps Constable Gunther might do me the favor of visiting our classroom to talk about what a young man encounters when attending Mountie school," Elizabeth began.
Squirming in his chair, Andy quickly nodded in the affirmative trying to act very serious-like, "Yes, ma'am now as far as I'm concerned, if there isn't any pressing business, or immediate danger, I don't see why not. Of course, Sergeant Grant would have to approve of this in order..."
"Approve of what?" Nathan asked curiously as he and Gunther walked into the office.
"Oh hello!" Elizabeth turned around smiling. "I hope you don't mind but I was asking Constable Andy to come to school and talk to the children about what's involved in Mountie school."
"So, you would like Constable Andy, I see?" Nathan grinned at Andy. "I don't see why not, in fact, I'd like to hear what he has to say myself."
Gunther burst out laughing, but quickly stopped when he saw Nathan's look. "I think Constable Gunther might learn something too," he winked at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth let out a quiet giggle, "Why don't you ask Robert to join us, I'm sure he'd like to hear first-hand since he is planning on going to Mountie training after the first of the year."
Andy piped up to his misfortune, "Allie would like that!"
Nathan now gave Andy the look. Turning back to Elizabeth he asked, "When would you like us to come?"
"All of you?" Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised.
"Maybe, but most likely just Constable Andy and Gunther."
"Certainly, before the cold and snow hit. I know it won't be long and I'm sure you'll all be busy getting everyone settled in for the weather," Elizabeth suggested as she stood up. "How is Dee doing?"
"She's so anxious to have our baby, she's ready to pop anytime." Nathan grinned.
"I wouldn't exactly call it "pop", but I'm glad she is off her feet now. These last few days are exasperating," Elizabeth smiled, "but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!"
"We're ready. Any time the bun is done baking, we're ready!" Nathan laughed.
Hope for Tomorrow
Page 99
Dee was humming a baby lullaby, "By-o Baby Bunting" as she looked through all the wonderful gifts she received at her unexpected baby shower. It was so much fun thinking of how sweet the ladies were to surprise her like that, and it warmed her heart to know how thoughtful the folks in Hope Valley were. The gifts were much needed and going to be used for sure. As Dee looked at the baby buntings, she held one to her breast and closed her eyes. She daydreamed little bun was in her arms as she glided around the room grinning from ear to ear. When she stopped she slowly placed the bunting in the dresser with the rest and closed the drawer.
All the activity caused little bun to stir and gave Dee a big kick. "Okay, little bun, I know you're here with mama, just when are you going to show me your little face huh?"
As Dee sat in the rocking chair she looked around the nursery and imagined again, as she daydreamed, what life would be like with their baby. She knew already what a wonderful father Nathan was with Allie, so she smiled as she could envision him holding their little bun over his shoulder and softly singing a lullaby. She hoped it would be a boy as they already had a delightful but precocious daughter in Allie. Although, come to think of it, a daughter would be fun with Allie who was growing up so fast now. Either way, she just couldn't wait to hold a healthy little one in her arms.
As she looked out the nursery window, she saw how beautiful the Rockies were and gazed taking in the beauty. There was snow on the peaks which warned those below in the town that winter was fast approaching. No longer could she keep the windows open and Nathan had the fire going more often. Emily and her both hung the wash in the enclosed back porch now too.
Archie was doing well after his surgery, but still needed to wear his glasses to read. One more surgery after the new year and he probably wouldn't need his glasses any longer. As Dee came down the stairs she heard Emily and Archie talking in the living room. The dogs saw her and looked up from their naps, wagged their tails, and went back to sleep by the fire.
"Hello there Dee!" Emily greeted her, "are you having fun up in the nursery?" she chuckled.
"Sure am. Bun gave me one good kick and I had to sit down in the rocking chair," Dee laughed.
Archie spoke up, "I didn't hear the baby."
Emily smiled and reached over to Archie, "let's get to the kitchen now and start chopping up the vegetables for the stew. I need your help."
Archie obliged and followed Emily to the kitchen. Emily had him sit at the table as she placed the peeler and potatoes in a bowl next to him. Dee marveled at how comfortable Archie and Emily were together, as if nothing had happened between them for so many years. It seemed like a miracle. Emily had always taught Nathan about forgiveness and her actions spoke louder than her words. Dee was so grateful for having Emily not only as a lovely mother-in-love, but also a friend.
Growing up with her daughter, Colleen, she now knew first-hand where Colleen got her gentle, sweet nature. It was such a contrast to her best friend, Dee's sister, Dorothy. Dorothy was outgoing and bubbly but could hold a grudge and let everyone know it. Dee, Dorothy, and Colleen had the same circle of girlfriends in school back in the day. One girl in particular was the leader of the popular girls who enjoyed being the center of attention. When Colleen was attracting some of the girls to come by her and Dorothy, that made the other girl jealous and she thought that Colleen was trying to steal her friends. Colleen just explained to her as best as she could, that she wasn't, but the other girl huffed away and stopped talking to her. Dorothy got upset that Colleen was treated like that, and told her to say something to the other girls, but Colleen told her no and instead just to let it go. When Dorothy got home she was still miffed and when she joined Dee in their bedroom, she told her all about it. Dee just smiled and said, "I don't know how you two who are so opposite and yet best friends!" Dee turned over in her bed and thought to herself, "I wish Dorothy was more like Colleen."
That was years ago, and although she missed Colleen very much, she was wondering what Colleen would say today about Dorothy marrying the love of her life, George, and their two adorable twins, her nieces Robert and Roberta. She couldn't wait to see Dorothy and her family. They were coming with her mom, dad, and Walter when she had little bun. That was another reason she couldn't wait to have her baby.
Nathan came home with Allie when he picked her up from school. Walking over to his wife first, he gave her a "I'm so glad to see you" kiss and plopped his hat on her head. Dee laughed as she couldn't see anything when it fell down her face.
Allie and Archie joined in laughing too. As Dee stood up to hang up Nathan's hat on the hook by the door, she got another big kick from baby bun.
"Ouch!"
"What?" Nathan looked at Dee concerned.
"Nothing, just that little bun has been very active today," Dee answered.
"Probably our baby wants to get out!" Nathan said as he patted Dee's tummy.
"I agree, anytime is fine with me!"
As they sat at the table later eating their delicious stew, Nathan and Allie shared how the town was being decorated for the Christkindlmarket. "It's so pretty with all the Christmas lights and booths going up!" Allie quickly said.
"Yes, she's right, and the Christmas tree is being strung with lights," Nathan added.
Archie and Emily's ears perked up. "I am going to make potato pancakes for the German booth," Emily grinned.
"You better make enough for us here, Em!" Archie nodded.
"The children today wrote down wishes, and we are going to put them on the tree tomorrow after the lights are all on!" Allie added. "So, the town Christmas tree lighting is this weekend and caroling. Can we all go please?"
"Sure!" Nathan answered. "We wouldn't miss it for the world."
Allie was thrilled, Archie laughed, Emily smiled, and baby bun gave mama another big KICK!