And the greatest of these is Love

Chapter 30

Page 89

Flo was very excited when she hung up the telephone after hearing from her son, Paul. He had been living with his grandparents on their farm for several years now. With his grandpa getting older, things were getting slower too. Paul had been such a big help for his grandparents and really learned and enjoyed farming. He loved nothing better than to watch the crops grow that he helped plant and milking the dairy cows, especially Betsy the cow he had raised from a calf. Grandpa and Paul helped the little calf come into the world on a rainy spring night. Grandpa was so proud of Paul that night, the way he listened to the instructions as he guided him, and how his instincts came so naturally, that he told Paul that calf was his. Paul really enjoyed raising the calf and watched Betsy grow into a grand specimen that won ribbons at the local fair.

Betsy was his pride and joy until Darcy Murphy caught his fancy. He had fallen head over heels in love with this young lady he was courting. Darcy and Paul knew each other from high school and were pretty good friends, but Paul seemed to be always busy down on the farm.

Until one day, he saw Darcy in a different way. It was after they both graduated and they were in town with other friends having a root beer float at the ice cream shop. There was no available seats left as their group filled up all the tables, except for one seat next to Darcy. He just plumped himself down and joined the group. Paul's nose began to twitch just a little and before he could stop it, the loud sneeze came and stopped everyone from talking!

"Wow, Paul! Where did that come from?" his buddy Dave asked.

"I don't know, but another sneeze is com..." and before he could finish talking that other sneeze came along and strong too.

"God bless you," Darcy said sweetly.

That's when Paul first looked into her clear green eyes and noticed just how pretty she was. "Thanks, Darcy," he muttered, still awestruck. It hit him that she was wearing cologne and that was what tickled his nose, "It's you!"

"It's me what?" Darcy looked questionably at him.

"The reason I sneezed. Do you have cologne on?"

"Why yes, but why would that make you sneeze?" Darcy was insulted.

Paul sighed, "I didn't mean it that way, Darcy. I'm just not used to nice smells when all I do is sit in a barn milking cows, or out in the fields. You smell good!"

Darcy still wasn't happy with Paul's explanation, so she turned to talk to the guy, Leonard, on the other side of her. Paul was in competition mode, so he went up to the soda jerk and asked for two more root beer floats. Making his way back to the table he sat down and then put one float in front of Darcy.

She stopped talking to Leonard and looked at Paul, "Is this for me?"

"Yes, just trying to make amends, that's all. Don't you want it?"

Darcy felt full from her first float but didn't want to not take the second one since Paul was being so nice, so she said, "Yes, I do, thank you, Paul."

Leonard watching the exchange between those two saw their undeniable attraction between them and just gave up and left to talk to other friends.

"So, Darcy, what are you going to do now that we graduated?" Paul inquired.

"Oh, you wouldn't be interested, I'm sure."

"Try me," Paul insisted.

"Well, actually I'd like to open up a gift and floral shop with home-made items, fresh flowers, lace handkerchiefs, you know where someone could buy a gift for a birthday, or flowers for an anniversary, stuff like that. But, I have to save money to rent a place."

"Our town doesn't have one here, so it might work," Paul tried to sound encouraging.

Darcy's smile lit up when she talked about the idea, but the reality was, they lived in a farming community where going into town was a weekly event. Dependent on the weather's cooperation determined how their crops fared. They never could count on income from week to week, so a gift shop was just not going to work and Darcy and Paul knew it.

After that, Darcy never did open her gift shop in the little farming community general store. Instead, she stayed home helping her mother with the younger children and writing poetry. When Paul had a free moment, he'd ride his Grandpa's truck over to visit with her and they would often go for a walk just to get away alone. Paul and Darcy would hold hands while they walked. When they sat down on the blanket under a tree, they'd play checkers or Darcy would read her poems to Paul. One time they flew a kite. Sometimes, Paul would chase Darcy around the trees and when he caught her, he'd kiss her. Little by little they found themselves falling in love with each other.

Paul had an idea and began telling her about Hope Valley, "You know, Darcy, I only see my family at Christmas and once in the summer. In two weeks, I'm going to my home town for the Family Festival. It's a great town and really has grown in the last few years. Why don't you see if you can go with me?"

"How long does it take to get there?" Darcy inquired.

"About two hours. Grandpa and Grandma will meet my mom and Ned half-way and it also gives my mom a chance to visit with her folks too. Then I go home with them to Hope Valley. What do you say? Do you think your parents will let you go?" Paul was crossing his fingers.

"But, you'll be staying there for several days right?"

"Yea, but I have a sister, Debra, and Ned's daughter, Katie living there, so I'm sure you could stay with them. It'll be fun!" Paul was getting excited about the idea so he continued, "This year is the first time for a parade! The Mounties around there will be in it and we're getting a new fire pumper and ambulance, plus the baseball team, Girl Guides, school band, Boy Scouts, and the King and Queen of Hope Valley will all be in it."

"That does sound fun!" Darcy was getting excited too.

"Oh, and there's games, a dunk tank,a pie-eating contest, a baseball game, and tons of food. Then at night, there's a dance, so we could go there too. Aw, C'mon Darcy, ask your folks. We'll have a great time!" Paul insisted.

"All right, I will ask. I hope it'll be all right," Darcy smiled.

When Flo hung up the telephone she sprinted over to the Mercantile to tell Ned, "Guess what Ned? Paul is bringing a guest. Her name is Darcy Murphy."

"A young lady? Oh my," Ned was surprised, "he must be getting serious."

"Where will she stay Ned? I don't know if Bill has any rooms left," Flo was concerned.

"With us, of course! She can sleep with the girls." Ned shrugged.

"Well Ned, what will people think?"

"Nothing dear, don't fret. It'll be fine."

Page 90

Rosemary was having fun opening the Valley Voice newspaper office in her home. When Lee built their new home, he made sure to have extra bedrooms for hopefully more children. Of course, Paul had his own boy's bedroom and Grace had her nursery fit for a princess. Yet, there was still one more room they could use, but Rosemary decided that that would be too close to the bedrooms and she wanted to maintain privacy.

Downstairs, there was a study and that's when Lee gave it up and took his desk and files and had them moved to the empty bedroom. He knew that would be the best solution too as he didn't want Lucia upstairs or any other people. After all, they needed their privacy.

Lee provided some of his workers to move his furniture upstairs and then moved Rosemary's and Lucia's desks from the Lumber Company office to the den. He also added an extra telephone line for the ladies. Rosemary was looking around trying to determine what pictures and plants she wanted to add to the room. Choosing a plant from the living room, she asked the men to bring in a plant stand and hang up some framed pictures of her favorite movie stars, the ocean pictures she had bought while in Vancouver, and beautiful floral patterns. Next, she had a bookcase ordered and waiting to be carried inside from the porch, so when the men had that done, she thanked them profusely.

Now, she was just waiting for Nathan to make her a sign to hang outside the door Joseph had just installed for her office. The private entrance was the perfect idea and everything was looking just grand.

Lucia was excited to see the office the next day and oohed and aahed as she walked around, "Mrs. Coulter, this is really a great set-up. It's so perfect!"

"I know Lucia, this move was actually a blessing in disguise. We might not need to build a separate office after all!"

"Look at my desk! It has a glass top, like yours!"

"Yes, I thought it looked more professional and it protects the walnut wood," Rosemary smiled broadly, "You and I are going to make this newspaper the best in the area. I'm counting on publishing more than just weekly," Rosemary announced as she walked around the room.

Lucia gulped and thought, how can I possibly get enough articles written for more than a weekly newspaper? She let out her breath of relief when Rosemary said, "but that won't be for awhile." Rosemary hummed as she went about loading up the bookshelves.

Lee was also humming at the Lumber office as he and a few office employees moved the furniture giving them more space that was badly needed.

"What do you think men? This should help us now that we finally have enough room and less women chattering our ears off," Lee grinned as he heard the cheering.

As they were coming into town Gunther told Andy, "We better start cleaning up our place. My mom will be here in a few days for the Family Festival."

"That soon?"

"Yea, and we better get busy, it'll take us all the time we can spare," Gunther warned.

"Oh man, it'll feel like boot camp all over again," Andy groaned.

When they arrived at the RCMP office, Nathan was sitting outside in the rocker in front of the office. While sipping on his coffee, he greeted, "Good morning men. What's the word today?"

Gunther confessed, "I'm happy my mother is coming to visit, Sargent, don't get me wrong, but now we got to clean up the house. We haven't had a good cleaning in a while."

Nathan shook his head, "Didn't I tell you to keep that house clean? When I let you move in I expected you to take care of it. Seems like you will be busy cleaning because I'm going to inspect it, hear me?"

"Yes sir!" the two answered simultaneously.

Nathan stood up and walked into the office trying to hide his grin while the two followed behind like shadows. "Have a seat," he directed.

As Gunther and Andy pulled up a chair, Nathan read a report that he had received from Headquarters concerning the Fredrick outlaws.

When Nathan finished, he put down the report and sat back in his chair, "There is a date set for a bench trial. This is actually going to be quicker than trial by jury, and won't require the witnesses for an extended long period. This means I will be taking the train with Ruth and Jake to the Attorney General's office of Saskatchewan in Regina. Luckily it won't be until after the Festival."

"That's great for those two not to have to leave Violet for long. We'll be here, don't you worry, Sargent!" Gunther said authoritatively.

"For sure, we will keep this town safe, you can count on us," Andy piped up.

"I'm depending on you both. Judge Avery will be here should you need him," Nathan nodded, "oh, speaking of Judge Avery, he is hoping you two are willing to not only ride your horses in the parade, but to be on the Mountie baseball team."

"Ah, I suppose so," Gunther sighed.

"What's the problem, Gunther?" Nathan asked.

"Nothing."

Andy started to smirk while answering for Gunther, "I'm not sure who asked him, but one of the Hopeful ladies asked Gunther to volunteer for the dunk tank."

Nathan burst out laughing. "Ha! Seems like you have a decision to make, Mr. Popularity. Baseball or dunk tank?"

Gunther rolled his eyes at Andy, then answered, "Can't I do both?"

Nathan shrugged, "Gunther, do what you need to do, but I'd appreciate you being one of our pitchers this year. You got a good arm on you."

Gunther grinned, "All right then, we'll be Mountie strong. I'm in."

Page 91

As the train whistle blew coming around the bend into Hope Valley, little Jack grew excited and squeezed Elizabeth's hand, giggling, "Mama, here comes the big train!"

"Yes, it is. When it comes to a stop, watch all the doors open and look for Uncle Tom!" Elizabeth squatted down by her son and waited.

The conductor was helping ladies off saying, "Watch your step please."

Tom Thornton stepped off the last car of the train and spotted Jack and Elizabeth right away waving as he put down his suitcase. Jack went running up to him as Tom picked him up and hugged him tight. "Uncle Tom, I missed you!" Jack told him.

"Me too, little man, me too! Look how big you're getting!" Tom laughed.

Elizabeth walked up and gave Tom a welcome hug, "You're looking good Tom! I'm so glad you weren't harmed too badly when Lucas's thugs had you kidnapped and tied up. Let me look at you!"

Tom had Jack in one arm and wrapped his other arm around Elizabeth. "It's great to see you both too!" He looked around and took in a deep breath, "Hello, Hope Valley!" he cheered. Putting Jack down, he picked up his suitcase and followed them.

"Now, Tom don't give me a hard time, but I drive an automobile now, so you and your suitcase can ride with me and Jack, or you can walk," Elizabeth teased.

"Hmm, what do they pay teacher's out here?" Tom laughed.

"I booked you a room at Billees, because I didn't know if Charlotte was joining us. I hope you don't mind," Elizabeth checked.

"I know, what would people say, with me being Jack's brother, staying in your house, heaven forbid!"

"We're going back to our house first," Jack told him, "so, you and I can play Uncle Tom!"

"You bet Jack, I'm sure Uncle Tom can't wait!" his mama smiled.

It did feel great having her brother-in-law back to visit. Jack needed a man in his life. He always added a touch of mischief but was a good man who kept Jack entertained and never hesitated to show him, love.

Another passenger gingerly stepped off the first car and waved at her son. "Gunther, my boy!" she called when she spotted him.

Gunther was over by her quickly, grabbing her suitcase. Putting it down on the train platform, he embraced his mother saying, "So good to see you!"

"Oh son, it's been since Christmas when I saw you last. It's so good to see your face. Ich liebe dich!

Gunther replied, "Ich liebe dich, Ma!"

Gunther carried her suitcase in one hand and held his other arm out for his mother to hold onto as they walked to Nathan's automobile. He drove her to his now spotless house that he and Andy had worked so hard to clean and pass Nathan's inspection.

Opening the door, Hannah marveled at how clean it was, "My, my, son, you and Andy are very good housekeepers!"

"We try," Gunther mumbled.

"Let me see what food you have in the kitchen. First things first."

"Look around Ma, take your time, while I put your suitcase in your bedroom."

Hannah grabbed paper and pen from the kitchen table and as she inspected each cabinet and the ice box, wrote down what she needed to cook meals. This was one of many things the boys enjoyed, and she intended to make them quite satisfied.

When Gunther walked back in, his Ma told him that she would have to stop at the Mercantile and pick up a few groceries, "There's nothing here to cook with Gunther, what do you eat?"

"Whatever Billees is serving," Gunther shrugged.

"Well, it looks like I'll be needing some fresh vegetables, a side of bacon, fresh eggs, beef, and fruit for sure, Hannah nodded.

"Ma, then you have to wait for the farmer's market later this week. Usually, on Saturday is the time when they set up wagons in Main Street. Everything is fresh and ready to eat," Gunther advised.

As Hannah thought she added, "Let's go to Minnie's now for a bite to eat. My treat. I want to say hello to her. Then we can go to the Mercantile, so I can get enough to cook to get by until the Farmer's Market comes to town."

"Let's stop by the RCMP office first, all right Ma? Sargent Grant will want to see you, and Andy too."

When they arrived, Hannah never hesitated to hug both of the men. In fact, she called Sargent Grant over, "Nathan, dear, I heard your Ma had a little scare, is she feeling better now?"

Nathan felt like he was talking to an Aunt and replied, "It's wonderful to see you, Hannah. Yes, Ma is getting along much better now. She's been taking a nap and resting throughout the day."

"That's wunderbar! I'd like to visit her if I may?"

"Any time, I'm sure she'd love that."

Smiling broadly and wrapping her arm through his, she said delightedly, "I heard the good news, there's another bun in the oven, ya!" Hannah squealed.

"Ya, I mean, yes," Nathan chuckled.

"God bless ya, we can never have enough little ones, now can we?" she said with a twinkle in her eye.