And the greatest of these is Love
Chapter 2
Page 4
Henry pulled a chair out and sat down at Dottie's table. He had been coming for dinner every night since their engagement. They were enjoying their quiet time together, but Henry wanted to be with his fiance all the more.
"You look lovely tonight, Dottie!"
"I do? Well, I sure don't know how I can keep up looking good for you with all the extra seasonal work I'm doing," she sighed.
"What's the problem?" Henry asked as he poured them both wine.
"There's no actual problem, but it's been non-stop work for me since Rosemary took to bed for her toxemia."
"She just had her baby. Lee's been handing out cigars all day! They are relieved that both mother and baby Grace are doing well," Henry smiled.
"Oh, I heard, and I'm thrilled for her. I truly am. They've been hoping to have a child of their own. No, I just meant that I've had to pick up her hours even if she was part-time. Besides, now, the spring clothes are in and they need to be unpacked and displayed!" Dottie said as she passed Henry a plate of meatloaf, peas, and baked potato.
"What you need is new help. I doubt Rosemary will be back anytime soon, if at all. Have you thought about who you might want to ask?"
"Well, I'd love to have Clara back, but she's been helping Minnie since Emily is staying home to take care of Archie now. I don't know of anyone else to ask," Dottie replied.
"How about Debra Blakely? You remember Flo's older daughter, don't you?" Henry asked.
Dottie thought for a while, and then nodded, "Yes, yes I do, but she's in college isn't she?"
"Actually, she's been home since Christmas and is still here. Maybe, she's here to stay and could use a job," Henry suggested.
"For heaven's sake, I haven't seen her around town. Where is she hiding Henry?"Rosemary asked.
"The little I know, she is grief-stricken. She was engaged to a young man she met at college, but he graduated a year ahead of her. He left with a promise to come back for her, but he never showed his face again," Henry explained.
"That poor thing!" Dottie said as she passed a second helping of meatloaf to Henry. "Well, I will certainly talk to Flo tomorrow and see what she says. I would love the help!"
Henry put his fork down and blotted his lips with his napkin. He reached across the table and took Dottie's hand. "Now that Christmas and Valentine's Day are over, that means spring and Easter is on their way. Honey, let's plan our wedding soon."
"Henry, why are you in a rush? Proper weddings take time and I'm so busy now!" Dottie asked anxiously.
"Because I know my oil business will be kicking into high gear when the warm weather thaws this frozen land. We can enjoy our wedding and honeymoon now before that happens."
Dottie smiled warmly at Henry and knew he meant well, and she deeply appreciated that, so she would have to find help right away. "All right Henry, let's plan our wedding tonight. When were you thinking?" Dottie got up and cleared the table. Bringing the calendar down from her wall she sat down right next to Henry.
"Darling, you pick a date sometime next month," Henry bellowed.
"Next month? You silly man!" Dottie laughed, but Henry didn't.
"I mean it, Dottie. I can't wait. Let's face it, I'm no spring chicken!"
Dottie was dumbfounded. "Henry, honey, I love you so, but I can't get a dress, plan a dinner, and send out invitations in that short of time!"
"Then, let's elope. I mean, if you don't mind, but if you do, we can still have a church wedding and skip the reception."
"What about your son Christopher and Rachel? Don't you want them here for the wedding?" Dottie was still stunned.
"I thought about that already. We can go to the states for our honeymoon and stop by to see them for a day or two. Then we can go down from there to California. I heard about how beautiful the ocean and mountains are and we can stop by the a vineyard, and take a walk along the beach."
"Oh my that sounds lovely," Dottie looked disheartened, "but Henry you don't want a reception?"
"Nah, it's our wedding you are all that matters to me." Henry leaned in for a kiss.
Dottie pulled away, "Henry, I care. We have friends here. You are the owner of the Gowen Petroleum Company and I'm the owner of Dottie's Apparel. We owe it to our town!"
"Aw, C'mon sweetie. Everyone will understand. They'll be happy for us, you'll see," Henry patted Dottie's hand.
Dottie got up and went back into the kitchen not knowing what to say. She poured coffee into a cup and sliced a piece of lemon cake for Henry. Dottie sighed and placed the dessert in front of Henry. She didn't sit down, but instead stood next to him.
"This is delicious, darling!" Henry complimented Dottie as he took a bite of the cake.
"Henry, I'm not sure about this. I want to be married, yes, of course, but this is our town, and our friends and I just can't skip the reception. I want to celebrate our love with them. Please, let's think this over together," Dottie pleaded as she finally sat down.
Henry put down his fork and looked at Dottie taking what she said to heart. He sat back in his chair and thought. Shaking his head, he apologized to Dottie.
"Dottie, I'm sorry, I guess I didn't think about how strongly you would feel about a reception. I want you to be happy with our plans, all of them. That why I love you, you care so much about everyone, even me."
Dottie hugged Henry, "You're my man, and I love you so. We'll work this out Henry, one step at a time."
Page 5
When Dottie arrived in the morning to open up her Apparel shop, she was still thinking about her conversation with Henry last night. Perhaps she was being foolish in in counting on a wedding reception, after all, it was a second marriage for both of them. Then again, both of them were proprietors of businesses in town, and there wasn't a soul they didn't know after all these years. The one thing that was so typical of Hope Valley, was the camaraderie of all the folks. Hardly anyone moved away because of the tight-knit community spirit that provided more friendships than in other towns.
Dottie looked around at the boxes of shipments that needed to be opened and sighed. She knew another long day was ahead of her. She was anxious though to see the new baby clothes so she could pick out some outfits for Grace Coulter. It would be fun, so delighted with the prospect, she began searching through the boxes.
The bell on the door rang as Molly walked in. "Good morning Dottie!"
"Hello there Molly! I didn't expect to see you this morning. Aren't you working at the infirmary today?" Dottie inquired.
"No not this morning, the Shepherds have gone to Clearwater to check on Rosemary and Grace, among others. So, I thought I'd come by and see what's new," Molly answered.
"Well, if you want to see what's new, I could use some help opening these boxes. The spring shipment arrived, and ladies will be looking for their Easter attire and bonnets."
"That sounds like fun! Where do I start?" Molly offered.
As Dottie looked around she found several boxes marked women's apparel and gathered them together. Grabbing some hangers, she pointed out the table that Molly could work off of and got her started. Separating the rest of the boxes Dottie found the baby clothes and began unpacking them.
"I want to pick out some cute baby girl clothes for little Grace. She will be a princess when I'm done with gifts," Dottie bragged.
"Well, she certainly got plenty of baby gifts at her shower, that's for sure. Everyone was delighted for Rosemary having waited so long. I remember when she was at the infirmary and was told she was pregnant, she was almost afraid to say anything," Molly said, "especially following Dee's pregnancy, she most likely felt it was too good to be true, but you know the tale goes, if you adopt, you'll soon find yourself pregnant."
"Isn't it fun? We'll have two more little girls to fuss over besides Timi Anne," Dottie began, "oh, and now her mommy and Clara are both pregnant again! At this rate, we'll have to have a place for playtime soon."
As the ladies unpacked boxes of ladies, men's, girls, boys, and baby clothes they just about ran out of hangers. "There are several tables upstairs in the boys' and men's area that we can use for the trousers and boots," Dottie said, "now though let's take a break and put our feet up."
"Thank you for helping sort these clothes out. I told Henry last night that with Rosemary gone and the new clothes coming in, I'm really tired. He suggested I hire someone and mentioned Debra Blakely, Flo's older daughter since she came home for Christmas and is still in town. What do you know about her, Molly?"
Molly shrugged, "Flo was surprised to see her but happy for sure. She didn't know about Debra's fiance leaving her until Debra cried the whole night she arrived. From what I understand, Debra is staying here, for the time being."
"That's an awful thing he did to Debra. How is she going to complete her studies now? This was her last semester wasn't it?" Dottie asked.
"Yes, it's a shame, but she's staying with her mom. Debra and Katie luckily get along just swell, so at least that's not a problem. You know, I think Henry had a great idea to talk to Debra about helping you!"
"I just might have to. Henry wants to get married right away. I mean like next month!" Dottie shared.
"What? Why so soon?"
"Always the businessman, he schedules around his plans accordingly and tells me that once the ground thaws, he'll be too busy until next winter. But, I told him that I can't possibly get a dress, dinner, and send out invitations now, sit-down especially with the new spring delivery!" Dottie sighed.
"Oh my, I suppose you're right. But, if you want me to, I can help. Of course, you'll have to buy your dress, but I can write up the invitations and I'm sure Rosaleen will pitch in too," Molly nodded affirmatively.
"But, what about a dinner reception?"
"It doesn't have to be a sit-down dinner. It could be cake, coffee, and punch. Look, everyone will be happy for you both. They won't judge you. Just find a lovely evening gown, make an appointment to have your hair done, and leave the rest to me," Molly smiled warmly.
"Are you sure? I mean the folks like to dine and dance. I hate to disappoint them." Dottie frowned.
"Oh, I get it, it's you that will be disappointed."
"Yes, you're right," Dottie looked away. "I mean you and Bill had a lovely outdoor reception followed with a dance. I was thinking along those lines myself. Henry doesn't seem to care about that. He just wants to get married and not waste any more time."
"That's so sweet, Dottie. Look, we can always have a dinner reception later when you return if you still want one. But, Henry's right, he'll get busy and right now he has the time to focus on the both of you. So, what do you say?"
Dottie listened to Molly and she made sense. "All right then, but just one more thing."
"What is it?" Molly wondered.
"Will you be my matron of honor please?" Dottie grinned.
"I'd be delighted!" Molly hugged Dottie. "now, go talk to Debra and see if she can help out here. I'll check with Rosaleen too and see if she can make arrangements to close the library for an hour or two daily, so she can help out Debra while you're on your honeymoon."
"What would I do without you, Molly?" Dottie was all smiles now.
Page 6
Hope Valley was starting to welcome signs of spring. It was still too early to find daffodils blossoming, yet the stumps were barely peeking out of the snow-melted ground. The long winter was beginning to let it's grip up on the town and surrendered to milder temperatures with more days filled with the warm sun.
Molly outdid herself in helping Dottie with plans for her wedding to Henry. She and Rosaleen got the handwritten invitations out to all in Hope Valley and even mailed one to Christopher and Rachel in a matter of just one day. Henry was so grateful when he called and asked Christopher if he would be his best man and not only agreed but said he would make the trip to attend. Knowing that Dottie and Henry were coming to visit on their honeymoon, Rachel opted to stay home.
"Why isn't Rachel coming with you? If it's finances, of course, I planned to pay for your train trip for both of you," Henry told Christopher over the phone.
"No, dad, it's not that. Right now she is suffering with morning sickness," Christopher announced. He waited for a reply but there was silence on the other end.
After a long pause, Christopher could hear over the phone a holler after it sunk in. It sounded like his dad had struck gold. "Dottie, I'm going to be a grandpa!"
Christopher called louder from his end, "Dad? Dad!"
Picking up the receiver, Henry finally answered, "Yes, son, I'm here. You just made my day!"
Dottie and Henry made arrangements with Pastor Joseph and booked March 18th for their wedding date. It didn't give them much time, but Henry was right that with the weather warming up and his crew antsy to get back to work, now was the best time to get married. When they would return to Hope Valley they would be coming back to celebrate Hope Valley's Easter Praise and Worship that James Scholl, Mr. Landis, and Dee had been planning.
Dee was slowly catching up on rest with Christopher sleeping for about 6 hours at a time now. He was settling into a routine so Dee and Nathan were almost back to a normal schedule. Nathan was glad he could count on Gunther and Andy helping him out. He too was anxious to get back to training with them. The warmer weather couldn't come soon enough. Dee would not be returning to teach until next fall, but she was working with the church choirs and it felt good to be out and about, and feeling useful. Allie had been a sweetie helping take care of Christopher from time to time and Dee couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law who kept delicious food on the table.
Archie was going to have his second cataract surgery soon, right after Easter. He seemed to be doing well enough with Emily home with him now. Emily wasn't able to help out at Minnie's like before, but she was able to bake at home and often had requests which delighted her. She missed having Hannah Burmeister and Bertie Gleixner there to talk to, although Dee told her that her parents would be moving close by in the near future. They had found a cottage close to the Morettis in the country where they could still have enough land for a big garden and a few chickens. Now, they recently had to return to Brook Springs to pack up their belongings and put their farm on the market. Both Dee and her sister Dorothy were so excited to have their parents close to both of them, and their parents too were just as excited to see them and watch their grandchildren grow.
Dottie had been busy looking through her catalogs. She couldn't wear white being her second marriage, and eventually decided on a lovely gown that would be ordered in a soft rose color.
Molly knowing they would need Billees for their cake and punch reception, booked the Saturday afternoon in March before anyone else decided to use it. The only food that would be ordered was the cake and no one except Minnie could bake as good as Emily, so Dottie decided to compromise and asked Emily to bake the cake, and Minnie to make little teacakes for the children. As usual, the Hopefuls were asked to set up and decorate, plus keeping an eye on the food too.
Dottie was so grateful to Molly for taking charge of the wedding in such a quick time period, and it was working out very well. Bill though, insisted that they have a card game for Henry and promised no Ravenous Roxy or any other women allowed. At the same time, Molly had a a few of the the ladies over for a low key shower for Dottie. They really didn't need any gifts with the two households blending, so it was mainly just a fun ladies' night together. Molly would treat her to a spa day with Christy and her hairdo would be the final touch done by Fiona. Even Rosemary was able to attend, but neither she nor Dee stayed long as they both had hungry babies to feed.
Rosemary had recuperated for a week or so in the Clearwater hospital before she and Grace could return home to Hope Valley. Faith and Carson both had advised that she not try to have any more babies. She was prone to more problems at her age and having suffered with toxemia, Rosemary was sad but resigned it was for the best. She and Lee were both blessed with a son and a daughter, and that made them very grateful and happy. Little Grace was such a lovely little baby girl so when she made her debut in Hope Valley, she was the princess of the day at the small reception after her christening. Elizabeth was asked to be Grace's Godmother and Bill the Godfather. It was hard for Rosemary to not have the energy to get back to the Valley Voice right away, but when Lee's sister came to help it was not only a surprise but Rosemary and Lee were thrilled to see her again. She was such a big help that it was very hard to see her go back home, but made promises to see eachother more often now.
Meanwhile Dottie took Molly's advice and went to see Florence about her daughter, Debra being home in Hope Valley now. Flo cautioned her that Debra had been having a huge meltdown over her fiance never returning for her. Dottie figured Debra was just as dramatic as her mother could be from time to time. So, she braced herself to meet with her. Flo sent her down to Dottie's Apparel the next day.
Dottie was expecting her, so when she heard the door bell tinkle she looked up and smiled warmly, welcoming Debra. "It's certainly been a long time since we've seen you around here! My, you are such a lovely young lady!"
"Good morning Mrs. Ramsey. Thank you. My mother said you wanted to talk to me?"
"Yes, first though tell me how you are doing?" Dottie was hoping she would be disciplined in her response and not start crying.
"Oh, I'm doing much better now. I've decided to stay here and meet up with some of the new young adults in town. Katie's filled me in on the Hopefuls and mother says it's a good idea to relax and unwind for a bit," Debra replied smiling.
Dottie was pleasantly surprised that she was not carrying on like Flo described. "Well, I must say, that's good news. Are you possibly considering looking for employment here then?"
"That's what I'm here for!" Debra smiled.
"All right," Dottie hoped she meant it, "then let me show you around and we can talk while you tour the shop."
