And the greatest of these is Love

Chapter 31

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Lee was eager to share the good news that he just received on the telephone. Strutting over to Joseph's desk, he couldn't wait to tell him that the fire pumper and ambulance were on their way with an expected arrival in two days.

"Perfect, just in time for the parade!" Joseph smiled.

"Exactly! This is going to be a humdinger of a parade! I didn't want to let on to Rosie that I was excited, so now that she's at home, I can finally admit it."

"Ah, Lee, you might want to look behind you," Joseph nodded to the door.

"Hello darling," Rosemary said as she came up to Lee, "Did I just hear you tell Joseph that the ambulance and fire pumper are on their way?"

"Yes you did," Lee smiled broadly as he turned around, "hello to you too honey!"

"Did I also detect a bit of excitement, Mr. Coulter?" Rosemary toyed with Lee.

Lee just shook his head no nonchalantly as he casually came towards Rosemary to give her a kiss on her cheek. "Just relieved that they are on their way safely and on time," he mumbled.

"Uh-huh," Rosemary giggled. "I just came to give you the copy of the layout for the newspaper. I need to have Harper over here to run copies. Would you please proofread it for me?"

"Sure, when I have time," Lee answered.

"Oh, Lee, this can't wait! We need this ready for Harper. He'll be here in 30 minutes. Then he'll need to deliver these copies, hot off the press!"

"All right Rosie, leave it here on my desk, and I'll take care of it in a few minutes. I have to check about the materials for the Infirmary addition. We ran short, and with the ambulance coming, I need to make sure we'll have it in time."

Rosemary was just about to protest when Joseph offered to make the telephone call to make sure the materials were on their way. "I'll take care of it."

Lee sighed and grabbed the newspaper and glanced through it quickly, "It looks fine to me," he said as he handed it back to Rosemary.

"Are you sure?" Rosemary was surprised he didn't check her spelling and grammar, "usually you circle mistakes for me to correct."

"Not this time, Rosie," Lee nodded, "it's fine. I'll have Harper run it when he gets in."

"Don't forget to bring Paul home from baseball practice on your way home, Lee," Rosemary added as she kissed Lee on the forehead and left.

Ned and Flo left the Mercantile in the hands of Katie, and the switchboard with Allie as the couple drove to meet up halfway with Flo's parents and pick up Paul Jr. and his girlfriend, Darcy Murphy. Ned loved having the windows wide open to feel the wind, but it was a bit windy so Flo was glad she wore her scarf.

Meeting after about an hour of driving each way, Flo practically flew out of their automobile and ran to hug Paul. "Paul honey, you've grown in just 6 months. What has grandma been feeding you?" she asked looking at her mother.

"Don't blame grandma, I eat all day long. Working the crops and milking the cows keep me busy but hungry," Paul laughed.

Paul took Darcy by the hand and brought her to stand next to him, "Mom, Ned, this here is Darcy. Darcy Murphy my friend."

Darcy smiled and held out her hand for a shake, "How do you do?" but Flo thought better and gave her a quick hug which made Paul happy.

"Darcy, Paul has told us about you. Apparently, you two are seeing each other?" she inquired.

Paul had warned Darcy that his mother would want details, but that she didn't have to divulge everything as their romance was young and new.

"Yes, ma'am. Paul is such a sweet man and we try to get together when he's not so busy," Darcy smiled up at Paul who was giving her a reciprocating look. "Thank you for inviting me."

Flo shot Paul a quick look, invite? No, she didn't invite, Paul asked. Before his mom could say anything, Paul answered, "Yes, thank you for welcoming Darcy to our home."

"Any time!" Ned beamed.

"Oh Mom, Dad, it's so good to see you both!" Flo said as she turned her attention to her parents and hugged each for a long time.

"Honey, it's sure good to see you too," Mr. Blakely said, and then he turned to shake hands with his son-in-law, Ned. "How's work going?"

"Well, why don't we first find a place to eat, relax, and we can talk," Ned suggested.

Alongside the road there were picnic tables at different stops, so Flo knew the drill and she brought along sandwiches, apples, pickles, and lemonade. Her mom brought some home baked oatmeal raisin cookies. Spreading a top sheet over the table the food was displayed and soon everyone was sitting, eating, and talking.

The longer they talked and ate, the better the conversation went. Flo and Ned filled in the Blakelys about the summer Family Festival and the new ambulance and fire pumper leading the parade as well as a King and Queen being voted on for the festivities.

"It's going to be so much fun, Mom. I wish you were able to come!" Flo sighed.

Putting her arm around her daughter she told her, "With Paul with you, we have to take care of the farm, so we just can't."

Flo looked seriously at her mom, "Isn't it about time that you and Dad start taking it easy and selling the farm?"

"Sell? Did you say sell?"

Flo's father heard that question and turned to the ladies, "Mom, you know our daughter's right, I'm slowing down and it's not fair to keep Paul with us when he has a life to live with a whole world out there!"

Paul looked at his grandparents remarking, "I've never complained. Don't sell it because of me. I enjoy farming."

"I know you do grandson, but it's a rough life. A lot of it depends on the weather, being that we're at the mercy of our Lord to see us through. The only thing we know for sure and that is the sale of milk."

"Well now, we're not going to get into solving this right now," Flo stood up to clear away the food, "let's just enjoy each day as it comes."

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Dr. James Scholl locked up his dentistry business and walked over to Nichols and Dimes. Seeing his fiance through the window, he waved and bounced up the steps to enter.

"Hello, gorgeous!" he greeted Fiona.

"Thank you," Christy laughed.

Fiona laughed and padded her chair, "C'mon over here, handsome, and let me give you a hot shave!"

When James sat down, Fiona placed a kiss on her fiance's forehead. "When are you expecting your parents today?"

"At the next train arrival. I'm hoping you'll be coming with me? James checked.

"Of course, we are an official couple now and I've no other clients coming!" Fiona confirmed, "is your brother coming too?"

"Yes! I can't wait for Carl to meet you. He's going to be so jealous!" James' eyes were twinkling.

Fiona smiled, "Your flattery will get you nowhere," she teased, "now, hold still and I'll give you a nice hot shave."

Christy laughed at the two, but then she felt a bigger kick than she had before. Stopping to place her hand on her stomach, she waited holding still, and in a short time, she laughed when she felt it again. She looked up and a great big smile grew across her face.

Fiona caught the look on Christy's face and asked, "Christy? Is your baby kicking?"

"Yes! I feel it so strong today!"

"Well, the baby's growing and probably needs to stretch," Fiona nodded.

Christy was glowing, "It's so different from when I was pregnant with Timi Anne. I was hiding and couldn't share my pregnancy with anyone but my sister, Maggie. I didn't enjoy the pregnancy. I was so miserable staying inside that cabin," Christy shuddered recalling that time. "Now, I can show off my pregnancy, enjoy the baby kicks, and I have a husband who is just as thrilled as me!"

Fiona had already shared with James about how she took in Christy to live with her after Nathan and Bill found her in the vacant cabin with an infection and Timi Anne with jaundice. It was a painstaking time reconciling with her father and accepting Rick as the father and later as her husband. After much prayer and help from Pastor Joseph, they were all reconciled. Fiona offered her a learning opportunity, teaching her how to cut and style hair at Nichols and Dimes. Christy caught on and was a natural, causing them to bond and they became very good friends. Fiona felt like a big sister to Christy and was enjoying every moment of Christy's pregnancy.

Fiona rushed over, "Let me feel the little one, please."

Christy grinned and placed Fiona's hand on the right spot as they anxiously waited together. In just a few seconds, 'boom', the baby kicked and they both giggled.

"Oh, how exciting!" Fiona hugged Christy.

"Ahem."

"Oh, James, I'm sorry. I didn't forget about you," she laughed. James checked his watch and Fiona knew right away that he was concerned about being at the train station in time to greet his family.

Fiona worked quickly and James looked and felt better, "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, let me take off my apron, touch up my lipstick, and grab my purse", Fiona answered, "Christy, I'll see you soon, go ahead and lock up when you're done."

There were more than usual train stops at Hope Valley because of people coming in for the Family Festival and it was busy. The hustle and bustle of family and friends welcoming each other with laughter filling the air. This was one of the last passenger trains arriving. The next train would be the freight train. Lee and Henry had assured Fiona that they would take care of the brand-new ambulance and fire pumper so that she could tend to her future in-laws.

James was watching everyone carefully and when he spotted his family, he saw that his younger brother, Carl had made it. "Fiona, I can't wait for Carl to meet you! He's going to be so jealous," he chuckled.

When Robert Scholl stepped down he helped his wife, Ruth, while Carl went over to get their luggage. James and Fiona walked over briskly to greet them.

"Mom, Dad, I see you brought trouble with!" James teased as he hugged his Mom and Dad. Grabbing his brother's hand he shook it and then pulled him in close for a hug too, "I forgot how ugly you were," he jokingly told Carl.

"It's so good to see you, my dear," Ruth said as she hugged Fiona.

"Likewise," Fiona smiled, "we've been anxiously waiting for your arrival."

Robert hugged Fiona next and told her, "You look even prettier than the last time we saw you!"

"Thank you," Fiona blushed.

"Speaking of pretty," James began, "Carl, I'd like to introduce my beautiful fiance, Fiona! Eat your heart out, bro."

Carl stopped to look at Fiona who was embarrassed with all the flattery and it showed. "Oh, stop it, James," she tugged at his sleeve.

Carl knew James was gloating, but he was right. Fiona was stunning.

"Pleased to meet you," Carl said politely as he kissed Fiona's hand.

"She just felt sorry for you," Carl teased James in return.

Ruth gave a scornful look at her two sons but Robert enjoyed watching them joking about comfortable with each other as they were since they were little boys.

"Fiona is a remarkably smart woman and the first female Mayor of Hope Valley, which is quite an accomplishment in my book," Ruth said confidently as she put her arm through Fiona's, "now dear let me see that ring!"

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Friday was the day of the drawing! Who was going to be the first Queen and King of Hope Valley? All week-long people stopped by Billees to drop a name of one man and one woman in each bucket. Now the time had come. The town was all abuzz as Fr. Ricardo was asked to do the honors of announcing the names.

Standing outside on the top step of Billees he stood as the crowd gathered around waiting anxiously Fr. Ricardo smiled and stalled to tease the folks.

"You know our Lord chose 12 apostles and you only have 2 people to lead our Hope Valley Family Festival. So consider yourself getting off easy," he laughed. "All kidding aside, as I went over the votes, I know there were many deserving women and men nominated, but I must admit that for our first year nominating a King and his Queen, you all have chosen well."

"C'mon Father let's hear it!" Trevor shouted from the crowd.

"Let me tell you a little joke I just heard..." Fr. Ricardo teased back, and then all the folks began to boo.

"All right, all right," Fr. Ricardo laughed. "Our new royalty are King Dr. James Scholl and Queen Mayor Fiona Miller!

The crowd burst into thunderous applause as Dr. Scholl helped Fiona up to the steps as Fr. Ricardo shook their hands. Judge Bill Avery stood next to them and also shook James hand and kissed Fiona on her cheek waiting for the crowd to stop clapping.

When they finally did, Bill spoke, "I stand here on behalf of our wonderful town of Hope Valley acknowledging that our Mayor Fiona Miller has done an extraordinary job of handling all of our town's activities and challenges. As our town burst into growth, she handled all the requirements needed to step up and handle it all smoothly and wisely. She has worked tirelessly and thoughtfully and well deserves the title of Queen of Hope Valley!"

As Bill finished, the crowd burst into applause once again. Bill waited a bit and then started to congratulate James Scholl. "We also know that Dr. James Scholl was the person who suggested and handled all the work to provide our very first Praise and Worship Sunday at Easter time combining talents from Fr. Ricardo's choir and the choir of Hope Valley Community Church. Let it also be known that the Queen has accepted the King's engagement proposal which is his greatest accomplishment so far!"

Just as expected another round of applause reverberated throughout the crowd.

A few of the Chickadees had made crowns, sashes, and even scepters.

Bill then proceeded by calling his wife, Molly who was holding the sashes. Handing the King's sash to Bill to place over James, shoulder, she waited as they shook hands, then she placed the sash on Fiona's shoulder and gave her a hug.

Next Lee came up and presented James with his scepter and the two of them could barely keep from laughing. Rosemary looked scornfully at Lee and smiling broadly handed Fiona her scepter and bowed dramatically to them both. The crowd couldn't keep from laughing but when Rosemary looked at them, they quickly stopped laughing and clapped.

Then Bill looked around the crowd and asked, "I'd like to ask the tallest (and strongest) man in our town, William Andersson, to come up here to place the crowns on our King and Queen."

William chuckled his deep laugh, "Sure thing, I'd be honored."

William strutted up to the top of the stairs and towered over the other three people. Bill handed him the crowns. He placed them on James and Fiona's heads after the two of them stopped laughing.

Fiona spoke then while holding on to her crown with one hand and her scepter in the other, "James and I are completely taken by surprise. We truly appreciate your voting for us and we hope to make you as proud as I, and I know I can speak for James too, as we are of you and our town!"

The children in the crowd came up and laughingly bowed and curtsied to Fiona's and James' delight.

"Now, I have a suggestion of Fr. Ricardo," James said, "it would be very well indeed if we had our court announced too. If you would be so kind, Father, would you please tell us all who might be two other favorite couples?"

Fiona looked at James and winked, whispering, "That's a grand idea!"

Fr. Ricardo wasn't prepared but in just a few minutes of going through the names he handed two ladies' names and two gentlemen's names who also had multiple votes.

"Here ye, here ye," Bill commanded, "the King is about to speak."

"Without further ado, I hereby declare our royal court. Will Christy and Rick O'Neil and Violet and Jake Taylor please come up and join us?"

Looking at those two couples the town appreciated what they all went through. Christy having her first baby in an abandoned cabin and Rick being attacked by those thugs who were stealing lumber and suffered a bad concussion was a long and challenging road. Now reconciled with their parents and expecting another baby they had met their hardships head-on with the help of Pastor Canfield and good friends. They were a well-respected couple and deserving of recognition.

Fiona was thrilled for Christy and they both hugged tightly.

Violet and Jake Taylor were also nominated after going through a very rough beginning of their marriage with Violet losing their baby, and Jake imprisoned and then beaten up by those horrible Fredrick boys. They had suffered such a rough time, but now Jake had reunited with his long-lost sister, Ruth, and was back to work. They too were a well-respected couple and also deserving of recognition.

As the three couples stood together on the steps of Billees, the town burst into applause once more. As they stepped down Bill asked everyone to step inside for a beverage to toast the Royal Court. It was a grand evening for the beginning of the second annual Hope Valley Family Festival!