And the greatest of these is Love

Chapter 8

Page 22

As the Shepherds talked about a need for an ambulance and also that they were looking to hire a nurse, one of the women from the new row houses, quietly raised her hand. Fiona called on her, "Hello, do you have something to say?"

The young woman stood up and spoke, "Hello, my name is Violet Taylor. My husband is Jake," she looked at him smiling, "I am a douala, but I was studying to be a midwife until Jake moved us here to work for Mr. Gowen. Maybe I can help you until you hire a nurse."

Faith and Carson looked at eachother, "What do you think?" Faith asked her husband on the spot. "We have both Christy and Clara pregnant, so perhaps Violet could help to care for them?"

"That might work. Violet, would you be able to come to the Infirmary on Monday to talk to us?" Carson asked.

Violet nodded in agreement and sat back down.

"Thank you Violet," Faith smiled.

At that point, Carson turned and talked to the crowd about the urgent need for an ambulance. "With the closest hospital to us being in Clearwater, we need to have proper transportation. If you or a loved one suffer with pain or a medical emergency that we can't handle in the infirmary, an ambulance can be a lifesaver."

There was some discussion about when Rick and Gunther were knocked out and attacked and Rosemary needing to go to the hospital to birth Grace, so the plea for the ambulance was acknowledged and the town folk voted to approve the purchase. Faith and Carson thanked them all.

Fiona shared her appreciation too and then called Nathan to the front of the crowd to explain why the town needed to replace the old water pump truck with a motorized fire truck.

Sergeant Grant appealed to the folk with the possibility of fire while cooking in the kitchen to an outside fire during a dry spell with windy conditions. "The need to get one as soon as possible before a tragedy happens makes sense." He brought up the fire in Buxton recently and what would have happened if they didn't own a fire truck. It was eye opening to most since they hadn't experienced a fire of any consequence before, but now with one so close, they were thinking twice.

After a few questions from the folks the vote was taken and it was approved to purchase a fire truck too. Fiona was a bit hesitant to apply the property taxes towards these purchases because the provincial revenue at this time came primarily from licenses and permits as well as the sales of commodities and services. "It's certainly a challenge after the debt of the war for our country, to tap on the provincial revenue, however, we have to also use the taxes in our town for essential safety equipment."

Some folks were not pleased and were downright disgruntled loudly voicing their opinions. Henry Gowen stood up, "I understand your frustration more than you know. Businesses like mine, have always been challenged to pay their employees a fair and decent wage and also pay our share of taxes to the government," Henry looked down at the floor, shuffled his foot as if he were kicking a pebble away, sighed, and looking back at the crowd, most who were now his friends, "It's not always easy, as most of you know, that I tried handling my business the wrong way, but that's behind me now. Thanks to you and God, I have another chance to make things right for the hard working people here. What I'm trying to say is, I will donate a new Le pumper with ladder unit for our town."

Fiona was stunned, "Henry, I mean Mr. Gowen, that is mighty generous of you. Are you sure, they are expensive. They have to come all the way from the plant in Toronto, so there's transportation expenses besides..."

Henry waved his hand, "Yes, I'm sure. Mayor, please allow me to do this for our town, that I call home."

Applause roared through the room and cries of "He's a jolly good fellow!" were heard. Nathan walked over and shook Henry's hand. Dottie looked at Henry with a huge smile and gave him a kiss. "That's my man!" she grinned.

Lee having watched Henry's generous offer, waited for all the congratulations to simmer down. Before Fiona spoke again, he waved his hand. "Yes, Mr. Coulter, do you have something to say?" she asked.

"Well now, not to be outdone by my good and gracious friend, Henry, I'd like to donate a new emergency vehicle unit for our town."

The room of people gasped. Fiona again, taken by surprise, asked, "Are you sure? These ambulances come from the same plant in Toronto..."

"When Rick was assaulted while working for me, I thank God every day that he didn't need to go to the hospital immediately. But when I think of when my beautiful wife had to deliver our precious daughter Grace in the hospital, she would have been safer traveling there in an ambulance. I don't want to think that anyone in our town should worry. So, yes I'm sure."

Again the folks were giving another loud round of applause this time to Lee. Rosemary was home with Grace, so he didn't get any kisses, but he did get plenty of hugs and handshakes.

Now, the last of the 'Big Three', Bill was beaming when he announced that when the new vehicles arrived, he would host a party to celebrate, all expenses paid. Molly startled, looked at Bill and he didn't know if he was in trouble or in love!

She rushed over to Bill pushing her way to get closest to him. Bill didn't know if he should run until he saw Molly's huge grin across her face and smacked him hard on the lips with a big, huge kiss! Bill was so shocked he fell backwards with Molly on top of him. Carson rushed over laughing and helped the two of them up. When Bill got back on his feet, Carson kissed Bill too.

Fiona laughed along with everyone and she quickly remarked to James, "This has been the best town meeting ever!"

Page 23

Dee got Christopher dressed for a ride in his buggy. It was a bit breezy, but the sun was shining tempting everyone outside. It was the last week of school and Dee thought it would be nice to visit with Rosemary and Grace now while Paul and Allie were still in class.

Christopher was just starting to sit up now, so Dee would put him in the playpen while she made his oatmeal. Nathan had stopped by Dottie's and saw a little stuffed lamb he couldn't resist to give Christopher for Easter. It happened to be Christopher's favorite toy so when they went for their walk, the lamb went too.

When Dee was on the porch she brought the buggy down the steps and went back in to get Christopher who was babbling to his lamb. Outside, Emily and Archie were turning over the dirt and planting Emily's flowers.

"Well, look here, Christopher, your grandparents are busy planting flowers to brighten up our home," Dee showed him.

"Hello!" Archie said as he stopped hoeing to look up.

Dee grabbed Christopher's hand and pretended to wave, saying, "Hello Grandpa!"

Archie smiled broadly and said, "There's my little man! Your grandma has me busy working in the dirt. I bet you'd like to help!"

Dee loved that Archie had such a tender relationship with Christopher. Archie could say anything to his grandson and it always lit Christopher's face up with delight. Sometimes, he'd call Christopher, Nathan, but that didn't matter, at least not yet.

"Well now, where are you two going?" Emily smiled. Emily had her sunbonnet and her gardening apron on enjoying her favorite warm weather past time. She loved to bake, but only in the mornings now, not like all day in the cooler months. Her orders had slowed down accordingly which made her happy to be outside.

"We're going to walk down the lane to visit Rosemary and Grace for just a little while. I want to make sure Rosemary is back to her old self," Dee said as she looked around. "It's going to look just beautiful here Oma. You've got such a green thumb!"

Looking around to the side of the house, Emily asked, "Do you mind if we plant some vegetables over there on the side?"

"It's fine with me, I think it's a great idea."

"I took home some seedlings from the Henderson's truck at the Easter worship concert and I think I'd like to start a vegetable garden. I miss the garden at the farm. So, if you don't mind, I'll ask Nathan to pick us up some fencing from the garden shop to keep the rabbit and deer out," Emily shared.

"I'm sure he'll be happy to. Now, don't do too much. Take it easy, please," Dee cautioned her in-laws.

"Don't you worry none Colleen honey, we're old farmers," Archie laughed.

Emily caught that Archie called Dee, Colleen, and just winked at her. Dee left telling the dogs to stay home. They watched her leave until she was out of sight and then settled on the porch for a nap.

As Dee approached the Coulter house, three squirrels running in circles and chasing eachother from tree to tree delighted Christopher and he giggled staring at their antics. Dee pushed the buggy up the slight hill to their home where Rosemary was outside hanging laundry.

Rosemary turned around and waved, "C'mon and join me you two! How nice it is to see you."

Dee was relieved to see Rosemary happy. "Good morning Rosie, Christopher and I thought it would be a good time to visit you and Grace!"

Rosemary stopped and gave her good friend a hug. "It is such a lovely day, I wish it would stay like this. C'mon inside while I check on Grace," she invited Dee.

Dee swept up Christopher out of the buggy and followed Rosemary inside, while Rosemary put her arm around Dee. Dee held her breath, but was pleasantly surprised to see that the house was in order. Guessing that Dee noticed, Rosemary reassured her, "Dee, I'm so grateful for you knowing I needed help earlier. It was a Godsend to have the ladies in town, especially the Chickadees, come here and help me through my depression. I know Molly felt badly that she had told you about it, but honestly, I probably would've been worse if someone hadn't organized help for me."

Dee looked lovingly at Rosemary, "Rosie, I must admit, I struggled a bit too. You know neither of us had a little one in our home before that we are totally responsible for and trying to figure out how to keep them happy, is a challenge. I'm just very grateful that I have help with Emily and Allie!"

Rosemary peeked in Grace's bassinet and saw that she was stirring. "I think my little one is trying to wake herself up." Rosemary leaned over and picked up Grace, swaddling her with her baby blanket. Grace's face was one big yawn, but an adorable one.

"Oh Rosie, how she's grown. She's got quite a head of hair and such an adorable smile!" Dee showed Christopher his little friend, "Can you say hi to Grace?"

Christopher flapped his chubby little arm at Grace and babbled. Rosemary laughed, "he sure has grown too!"

"You're telling me! This boy can still nurse and eat soft food both now. I can't imagine where he puts all of it. I think he's going to be tall like his daddy."

Rosemary walked over to the living room and got prepared to nurse Grace, and suggested Dee have a seat. Dee put Christopher's blanket on the floor with his lamb and sat him up, but he was keenly interested in his new surroundings. He quickly leaned forward and was on all fours rocking.

"I think he wants to crawl," Dee grinned, "He's been practicing in his bed just like this and sometimes he winds up banging his head against his headboard. I was so worried he'd hurt himself, but Dr. Faith told me that some babies use up their energy like that to unwind and go to sleep."

"I would think that would hurt," Rosemary was startled.

"Me too, but it actually bothers me and Nathan more than him. Nathan says we're going to have to put him in his nursery every night now, so we can sleep!"

"Grace is so quiet, like a mouse, so it's just the opposite for me. I actually get up to make sure she's breathing. Lee says I wake him up when I do, so he wants me to stop doing that. I think part of me can't believe she's here and really ours," Rosemary smiled as she switched Grace to the other side.

As the new mothers continued to chat, they talked about the upcoming school graduation. "Allie is going to graduate this week. It's especially hard on Nathan. He doesn't want to see Allie grow up, he loves her so."

"What does she want to do after she graduates?"

"She's not sure yet. You know she and Robert have been writing to eachother since he left for Mountie school. He'll be home in awhile, and she can't wait. Nathan doesn't want her to just date him as he's afraid she'll forget what she wants to do for herself. It's so hard being a parent of a little one and a not so little one!" Dee sighed.

"Well, I for one can't wait for Grace to sleep through the night, so that's my current concern right now. One month at a time. Paul is all consumed with baseball now so I don't have to worry about him sleeping" Rosemary laughed.

"How about we go for a walk together, we can enjoy the outdoors on this fine day," Dee suggested.

"I'll get Grace changed and be ready in a jiffy." Rosemary smiled.

Page 24

As planned, Violet Taylor went to the Infirmary to talk to Carson and Faith. She made sure she dressed her best and had her hair pinned up. Her goal was to look professional and when she glanced one last time at herself in the mirror, she smiled at what she saw. She had to get a new sense of purpose.

When her husband came to Hope Valley looking for work Violet had stayed back in Clearwater with her family. Her parents hoped she would stay put in Union City and not move away. They weren't too happy that Violet had married Jake. They were worried because their daughter married so young, right after high school. As her parents expected they had endured a very rough beginning in their first year of marriage, barely getting by financially. Violet was studying to be a midwife at the hospital in town, but Jake just wanted to continue his job at the soda fountain.

On top of that, Violet found herself pregnant and although she was excited with the news, Jake was not. He could barely support Violet, nevertheless a baby too. He told Violet that he was working longer hours when he was instead stopping at the saloon and drinking. The more he drank, the later he'd come home. Violet would stay up waiting dinner for him, only to eventually give up and go to bed. She loved her new studies and being pregnant, so that kept her happy even when Jake wasn't.

One night there was a knock on her door, expecting Jake, she was anxious to open the door, only to find a Mountie standing on her porch. "Ma'am, my name is Constable Walker. Is your name Violet Taylor?"

Violet was scared, was Jake hurt or worse? "Yes, I am, is everything all right?"

"May I please come in?" Walker asked.

"Oh, sorry about my manners, yes, please do," Violet answered.

Constable Walker took off his hat, and nodded, "I hate to startle you, but no one is hurt. I don't like telling you this, but your husband, Jake is in the jail cell in town."

Violet gasped as her hand covered her mouth, "What, why?" she stammered.

"Well ma'am, he got into a bar brawl and had to dry out before I can release him. It's been long enough now, so it's necessary that you come with me to get him, but he's yours to make sure he stays home from now on. He'll have to see the judge about his consequences tomorrow afternoon."

"He has to work tomorrow. I don't know if he'll get off in time," Violet protested.

"Mrs. Taylor, he has to be there, understand?" the Mountie said firmly, "right now I'll drive you to town and you can sign him out, then I'll drive you both back home."

When Violet and Jake were back home, Jake stumbled to the bed and fell asleep, snoring in minutes. Violet sat at the table and cried hard until she couldn't cry any more. This was suppose to be the beginning of their new life together and all she felt was lonely and hopeless. She slept downstairs on the sofa as she couldn't stand the smell of liquor, especially fnow being pregnant.

She woke up blinking from the stream of sun directly hitting her face. Looking over at the clock on the mantel, she sat up realizing it was later than she thought. Hanging on the coat hooks, were both her coat and Jake's. Was he still here? Running upstairs she found Jake passed out in his clothes from yesterday, sleeping on top of the bed.

"Jake! Get up! You're late for work!" she yelled while shaking him at the same time.

Jake grumbled and turned over falling back asleep. Violet went downstairs to the sink and filled a bowl with cold water, then storming up the stairs she threw it on her husband. He shot up and yelled back at her, "What the heck?!"

Violet told him to snap out of it and get ready to go while she made a pot of coffee. Jake didn't have time to protest, he knew he had to get out of his wet clothes and get to work.

When Jake arrived, the owner of the soda shop was waiting on the customers and gave Jake a disgusted look when he walked in. There was whispering when Jake went to the back of the store, grabbed his apron and came out to take over waiting on the customers. His boss let him help but didn't leave his position. Once the clientele slowed up Jake was called to the boss's office. Apparently, the town all knew what happened the night before and his boss did not want that to affect his business.

"Jake, I'm sorry to do this with your wife being pregnant and all, but I cannot allow you to work here anymore," his boss said.

"I'm sorry. I promise there will be no more fights. Please just let me work here until I get another job," Jake pleaded.

"Sorry Jake, you take care of your wife and baby, find a steady job and stick with it. Hear me?" his boss said as he handed him an envelope.

Jake left so disheartened and felt he failed at everything. He wanted to go to the saloon so badly, but he was told not to go. Besides, he had to see the judge in a little while. Knowing Violet was in class at the hospital, he went there looking for her. Spotting her walking down the hall, he noticed she looked white as a ghost.

Running up to her, he stopped her, "Violet, why aren't you in class? What's wrong you don't look so good" he asked.

Violet's eyes were swollen from crying and her face was ashen colored. "Oh Jake, I'm on my way to see my doctor. I, I," she paused took a deep breath and barely whispered, "I lost our baby."

Jake stopped walking and grabbed Violet's arm pleading, "When? Why?"

"Just this morning, right after you left, I had been having horribly painful cramps all night, so I called my parents and they drove me here. They're in the waiting room. The nurse called me to go to the doctor's office now," Violet uttered quietly.

Jake walked with his wife to the doctor's office, where he waited, as they took her to the examination room confirming that she had indeed miscarried. The doctor came out and told Jake that Violet would be having a D & C to remove any of the pregnancy that might still be left inside her.

"Can I see her first please?" Jake pleaded.

"Just for a minute. I ordered the surgery room to be prepared. Go on in."

When Jake saw Violet so upset and still crying, his heart sank, "Violet? How are you honey?"

"I've just lost our little baby. I don't want to talk Jake, not now," Violet stared at the ceiling. Jake squeezed her hand and gave her a kiss on her forehead. The doctor came in to get Violet just then. Jake called out after her, "I love you."

When Jake found Violet's parents in the waiting room, they were trying their best not to be angry with him. "How's Violet?" her mom asked.

"She's gone into surgery. The doctor will let us know when they're done. Look, I have to go to see the judge and then Hope Valley now. They're hiring for the oil and lumber company. I need to find a new job. There's nothing I can do here. Will you take Violet home with you?" Jake asked.

Her parents were astonished that he would leave her now. Violet's father stood up, "Jake right now, your place is here with your wife."

"I'll be back as soon as I have a job. Please give her my love," Jake said.