And the greatest of these is Love

Chapter 20

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Opal was busy watching both little Grace Coulter and Christopher Grant at the Coulter house while their mothers were working at the Bible Camp. It was a busy time for her as these two were able to crawl or scoot around quite fast. Christopher was quite the speedy little guy, especially in a new house to explore. Grace was slower as she didn't really like crawling, so instead scooted herself with her arms trying to keep up with her playmate. Her dad had nicknamed her Scooter.

Luckily, Rosemary had most anything that was breakable up and out of reach of any little wanderers. Opal had the basket of toys handy and tried to keep both of them occupied and happy. When it didn't work out like she wanted, she was glad that they were willing to play in the playpen.

One thing she said to them laughing was, "Why can't the two of you dirty your diapers at different times? It's hard to keep you both clean!"

By the time their mothers returned, several hours later, the little ones had lunch and were down for a nap. Grace was in her bed upstairs and Christopher had nodded off when Opal rocked him in the rocker while reading a picture book to him, so she gently placed him in the playpen without disturbing his sleep. Then Opal put her feet up and fell asleep herself on the sofa after trying to keep up with those two. The money she earned for babysitting during Bible Camp was going to be worth it, but Opal still was thinking of different ideas of what she was going to do with it.

She loved being in Girl Guides and wanted to stay in for as long as she could. It was fun to learn all the new skills she needed to earn her badges. In fact, she was going to be one of the assistant leaders next school year. Now that she was older her friends and her really were excited about camping. That was something that the girls got to do at the cabin where they all wound up a few years back, when on a nature walk while in school and a windstorm came up. She remembered how Sargent Grant got upset with Mrs. Thornton for not keeping the class together. Back then she thought Sargent Grant really liked Mrs. Thornton but was too shy to tell her. Oh well, she shrugged, Sargent Grant married her music teacher, Dee Grant, and they were so in love.

Opal wanted to be just like Mrs. Grant or Mrs. Thornton, a teacher. She also hoped she'd get married and have lots of children. She was a different age now. She didn't miss her brown teddy bear much, and as her mother told her, she was becoming a young miss now that she just started her monthly. Part of her wanted to go fishing with the boys and part of her wanted to learn to dance with her girlfriends. When Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Coulter returned, they thanked Opal and paid her asking if she wanted to come back tomorrow. "Sure thing!" she said.

"I don't know how we're going to manage the rest of the week, I'm already exhausted," Rosemary said as she took off her shoes and rubbed her feet.

Dee laughed, "We did it last year!"

"Yes, but that's when we didn't have any of our own children. Now, you my dear, are young, and I'm pushing a few more years on this body of mine!" Rosemary said as she stretched her feet and wiggled her toes.

"Look at Christopher sleeping in Grace's playpen. He's out like a light," Dee remarked smiling down at her baby boy. Turning to Rosemary she asked, "How do you think it went today?"

"It was good for the first day, even though we had to get the right children in the correct age groups!" Rosemary stretched and yawned, "I think I'm going to go to bed earlier tonight.

Dee pondered for a bit and then shared, "I think it was a bit too noisy. We had so much going on and even though Billee's had an addition put on, we've got a lot more children from the families that moved in to the new row houses, and it's tight!"

"I think it's because we took preschoolers too this year and there are quite a few," Rosemary added.

"I know! We could ask Rosaleen to take some of the preschoolers to the library for a Bible story time. We could ask Emily to help her. What do you think?" Dee asked.

"That's a good idea. Are you going to ask Minnie what she thinks? She closed the cafe for the week. Do you want me to telephone over there?"

"Yes, plus, we also have the school, so maybe you and Elizabeth can take the children who are going to be in the play over there to practice. It would be quieter," Dee suggested. "We would still be all together for music, Scripture story of the day, crafts, visits from Pastor Joseph or Fr. Ricardo, games, lunch etc. Let's see what she has to say."

When Rosemary telephoned Minnie, luckily, Minnie was thinking it was too noisy too and thought the ideas were great suggestions! Soon, after filling in Flo, the word got around town to all the ladies and the ideas were approved.

Thinking that James just had to check on his singing commitments Fiona went along for a ride with James telling Christy she wasn't planning on any hairstyles that afternoon, so Christy could lock up and go home, if it was slow. Fiona always enjoyed a ride in the country especially with James.

At the Benson Hills Clubhouse, there were only a few folks there for a buffet lunch, so they stayed for lunch which was on the house, courtesy of the owner who wanted James to stay as his main attraction with Diana Starr since customers always sold out reservations when they were scheduled to perform.

On the way back, Fiona asked, "James, have you ever thought about giving up dentistry and just sing?"

James was surprised by her question, "I haven't given that much thought. Right now my goal is to make you happy," he winked.

"I am happy James! Very happy," she said as she snuggled up to him.

"Do you have a few minutes?" he asked.

"Well, for you, of course," she smiled her winning smile.

James parked his automobile, went around to Fiona's door and opened it. Holding out his hand, he helped her out. Wrapping her arm in his, he walked her down a path, past more trees, and over where it opened up. There was a spectacular waterfall.

Fiona had never seen it before. She gasped, "James, that is so beautiful! How did you ever find it?" Looking all around Fiona was immensely delighted. This was like a secret romantic hideaway. "Oh our own place!"

James shared with Fiona how he had been looking for land to build a new home and found this very spot and knew it was perfect. All he needed now, was to share it with someone he deeply loved. Then, he got down on one knee, looked at Fiona with so much love, held out the small jewelry case with a dazzling ring inside, and asked her, "Fiona honey, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

Fiona could hardly speak, her voice cracked and a few tears fell down her cheeks onto her lips, "Your wife! Yes, yes, yes!" and the world stopped as they melted into each other's lips.

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Minnie was trying to keep some sense of order in the Bible Camp. The ladies who were all assigned to their stations were flustered too.

"I never expected these many children to sign up, did you?" Margaret asked Kathie.

"This seems like double the children from last year, I bet!" Brenda stared as she looked over Margaret's shoulder at the list.

"This is what happens when we build up the town," Denise nodded.

"I'm happy we have so many," Teresa said who always loved the time with the children trying to cheer the ladies up, "The children are having so much fun!"

"That's true, but it's still so noisy and I can't get the children to focus on the Scripture readings while they are watching all the others!" Diane sighed.

Minnie heard all the comments, and began to step up on the stage to stand next to the big whale, who could've swallowed her up alive, just like Jonah. When she put her first foot on the stage, there was a gasp throughout the onlookers as the whale started to rock back and forth almost tumbling over. Kenda ran over and saved the whale from falling off the stage, but Minnie lost her footing and landed on her bottom on the floor.

Some of the children started to laugh and the ladies tried to show them their disapproval of their laughing.

"Hush, that's not nice," Cheryl corrected her group. "Are you all right, Minnie?"

"I'm fine, my dignity suffered more than my body did," she tried to laugh it off.

"Now, as I was starting to say, if I could have EVERYONE'S attention! This year we're going to try something new. Every preschooler will have a buddy, with one of the older children. The older buddies will be helping the younger buddies to sit with them when Fr. Ricardo or Pastor Canfield come to tell us all a Scripture story and then talk about what it means to everyone of you. The other time the buddies will be together is lunchtime. All the older buddy has to do is help the younger buddy get his lunch pail from Mrs. Luciana and take them outside to the tables. Each of them can sit with their own group though."

"Can we choose our buddy?" Benjamin asked.

"Well, if it's a sister or brother, sure, but Mrs. Margaret is in charge, so you have to listen to her."

Mrs. Margaret spoke, "Just let me know and I'll see what I can do," she smiled.

"So, before you go to your first activity check with Mrs. Margaret."

"Thank you, Mrs. Margaret," Minnie moved on. "Now, some of our group who signed up to be in the play is going to go to the church. It will be directed by Mrs. Thatcher and Mrs. Coulter. Mrs. Maryann worked very hard sewing the costumes with Mrs. Avery and Miss Blakely, so you will be able to try them on over in the church too so they will sew any adjustments."

"Next, all the children who are making sock puppets with Mrs. Sherri will meet outside at the tables that are set up for lunch later. Mrs. Rita will be helping with the puppet show too. It'll be a fun surprise for all of us to see what they come up with by the end of the week."

Taking a breath, Minnie persisted, "Also outside, Mrs. Mary and Mrs. Jackie will be playing games with the older children. One of the days there will be a fishing contest, so we'll all look forward to that. Mounties Andy and Gunther will be coming to help us."

"Will they bring worms?" Paul asked.

The children laughed, "Of course, how else are we going to fish?" Cooper grinned.

Mary and Jackie looked at each other with wrinkled noses, and nodded making a mental note to talk to the Mounties about the worms. Neither of them wanted to look for them, yuk!

Continuing on, "Mrs. Teresa and Mrs. Frieda will take the preschoolers to the library where Miss Rosaleen will show them some Bible stories for their age having a story time. They will work there on the crafts that their leaders will show them that ties in with the stories and also have some fun games."

"Mrs. Grant will be leading the music over by the piano, so when your group's turn comes up, you'll know where to gather. Mrs. Jane will be teaching you the Horah dance in case you forgot. Mrs. Luciana will be bringing out your lunch buckets with some lemonade to the buffet table. This is when your buddy will be with you."

"We have a sweet offer from Emily Montgomery to help wherever she is needed, so if any teacher needs her help, sign up for it now. Mrs. Margaret is keeping the lists, so let her know."

"The play will be on Friday when your parents can join us. I know most of the fathers will be working, so we're having our last day picnic at dinner time. This way all of us can enjoy the dinner and play all together!"

The children all clapped and yelled, "yeah!"

"Whew! Now, any questions?" Mrs. Minnie asked.

"Yeah," one of the newest children raised their hand, "can we start now?"

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Dr. Scholl was quite a happy man when he opened up his dental office. Lisa Peterson noticed how extra nice he was to her and all his patients that morning. While working on his patients he hummed several tunes that he often sung when at the Benson Hill's clubhouse. Then when he was done with his patient, he struck up friendly conversations which he seemed to enjoy more than usual. Lisa wondered what had him so happy-go-lucky. Whatever it was, it was very pleasant to witness.

Then, when Fiona came by, it all started to be revealed. Dr. Scholl stopped what he was doing, luckily, he wasn't with a patient at the time she came, and walked over and with no discretion planted a lingering kiss on Fiona. Lisa looked away. Fiona was a bit flushed but when Lisa looked up she saw it.

As the sun shone through the window the room was filled with a rainbow of colors reflecting on the walls. Such an exquisite teardrop diamond was on Fiona's third finger of her left hand. It was stunning!

"Oh my, Mayor Fiona!" Lisa pushed her chair away from her desk and stood up walking swiftly to Fiona. She gulped then asked looking first at Fiona then at Dr. Scholl, "Is that an engagement ring?"

James laughed, "Yes indeed and this is my fiancé," he said as he sneaked in another kiss.

Fiona smiled broadly, "Lisa, you are the first to know," as she stretched out her hand for Lisa to get a closer look.

Lisa stared at the huge gem and stood there in awe, "I am? Oh, wow!" then she calmed down long enough to think straight, "Congratulations Dr. Scholl and Mayor Fiona!" She wanted to hug them, but didn't think that was the proper thing to do, so she just stood there accepting their thank yous.

"Lisa, I'm taking Fiona out for a short time, but I'll return after lunch for my next patient," Dr. Scholl nodded.

"Um, is this engagement a secret?" Lisa certainly didn't want to be the one to spill the beans.

"I don't know how that can happen, since I have customers after lunch, but we'd like to be the ones to tell everyone, if you don't mind," Fiona told Lisa. "I'm sure though the word will get around town quickly, as it usually does."

The two left together and Lisa plumped down in her chair stunned.

Violet and Jake were at the Infirmary for Jake's weekly check-up. This was the first time he had left their home and it felt good. Violet drove him so he wouldn't have to walk with his ribs still healing.

Dr. Carson checked Jake's eyesight which was completely clear with the swelling gone. When he checked his jaw, he noticed it was still off a bit when he told him to close his mouth, but it was far better than it had been, so progress was noted. Jake no longer suffered with a sore arm after it had been set back in place, so mainly the only injury Carson was still concerned about were his bruised ribs.

"You are healing a lot quicker and better than I expected Jake," Carson acknowledged happily, "I think you might be able to be released for work sooner than six weeks. Let's give it another two weeks and you should be healed enough to go back to work."

"That's great news! I'm going stir crazy sitting at home. Doc, do you think I can drive now?" Jake asked.

Carson started to laugh, "What? You don't like Violet's driving?"

"Oh, she drives just fine, but I want to maybe take her for a drive out in the country or go see her folks," he winked at Violet.

"Is that so?" Violet grinned.

"All right, just take it easy. I know you're itching to get out, but bumps in the road can cause you more pain in your ribs. Try sticking around here first and see how it feels," Carson cautioned.

"I'll be back Dr. I'm taking Jake home and then I have some house calls to make. I especially need to check on Clara and Christy," Violet said as she grabbed her notebook and bag.

"Thanks, Doc!" Jake said as he grabbed his hat and left with his wife.

Nathan had asked Bill to bring him some lunch since the ladies and children had taken over Billees. He knew Dee was too busy to join them, so it was just Bill and Nathan as Andy and Gunther were digging for worms for the Bible Camp fishing contest.

Nathan and Bill were getting anxious to receive some news about Dale, Frank and Clarence Fredrick. It had been several weeks and there had been no word. Bill suggested to Nathan that he called Edmonton himself and bypass calling headquarters.

"Waiting on the Superintendent is frustrating, but I have to follow protocol. I don't want to get under his skin," Nathan said as he leaned forward in his chair taking a bite out of his sandwich.

"Yea, but that doesn't mean I can't call over there," Bill shrugged.

Nathan stopped eating, "Just what will you say is your reason for calling?"

The two of them quibbled over what to do. They wanted answers and were frustrated that they didn't have any. "I think Jake needs closure on this," Bill said.

Just then the telephone rang and startled both of them deep in thought. Nathan nearly fell out of his chair, but composed himself and answered, "Sargent Grant speaking."

Bill watched Nathan's face intently for a clue as to who called.

"Why yes we are. Her brother figured she's close to 23 years old, last he saw she had brunette hair and..." Nathan stopped to listen.

"That sounds about right, her name is Ruth and her maiden name, Taylor. Ruth Taylor." Nathan was starting to smile.

Bill was up and on his feet. "Where are they calling from? Do they have Ruth?" he pestered Nathan.

Nathan shooed Bill away, put his hand over the telephone and whispered, "I think they found Ruth, now be quiet, I can't hear."