A/N - Hello, everyone. I am sorry for taking so long to post. I ended up writing the last five chapters again, but now I am ready to post the conclusion of my story. There are two chapters plus a three-part epilogue that I plan on posting from today until the start of season 10. So you'll get a chapter every other day. Enjoy!

Chapter 63 – Exploring Vancouver (Ten – Eleven Months)

Sunday, June 1st, 1919

Rosemary wakes up to the thumping of the railroad tracks and Isabella whimpering. She opens her eyes and immediately smells something unpleasant. Rosemary whispers to her daughter, lying beside her. "Okay, pumpkin. Let's change your diaper." She reluctantly sits up and peeks out the window, where it is still pitch dark outside. Rosemary forces herself out of bed and picks up Isabella, who throws up all over her and the floor. She holds in a scream, not wanting to wake up her husband and son, who are sleeping a few feet away. Rosemary is thankful Lee reserved them a drawing room in the sleeper train car, containing a wide sofa, two movable lounge chairs, a private toilet, and room for luggage, and at night, you pull down the beds from the ceiling. She is horrified just thinking about what she would have done if they were in the open section with Isabella throwing up and the poopy diaper smell. Rosemary does her best, wiping up as much as possible before laying her down to change her smelly, messy, oozing-out diaper. She holds her breath and quickly changes Isabella's diaper and nightclothes. Then Rosemary slips out of her dirty nightgown, covers herself with her robe, and lifts her daughter into her arms. Isabella clings to her, so Rosemary softly hums her a song until she falls asleep in her arms. Rosemary settles Isabella in their bed and changes into a clean nightgown. She climbs in with her daughter, but she can't sleep. She worries about Isabella and doesn't think she can handle seeing her precious baby sick again, especially when they are not home. Eventually, though, Rosemary is lulled to sleep by the thumping of the train wheels.

Rosemary wakes again and hears Lee baby-talking to their daughter. She opens her eyes and sees Isabella sitting in her Papa's arms, staring at him. Lee smiles at her. "Good morning, sweetheart."

"Good morning, sweetheart, princess." Isabella turns to her mother, speaking gibberish. Rosemary grabs her daughter, cooing. "Are you feeling better? Do you want some of Mama's milk?" Isabella smacks her lips, and Rosemary takes it as her cue to nurse, something they do every morning when she wakes. Rosemary gets back in bed and covers them both up, where Isabella hungrily eats. After she finishes, Rosemary picks her up, and she vomits all over her, narrowly missing the bed this time. Unfortunately, Rosemary can't hold in the scream this time, and she wakes Patrick up.

Patrick sits up and glances at Rosemary and Isabella. "Ewe, that's gross," Patrick whines, hiding his face in his pillow.

Lee looks away from Rosemary, trying to contain his laughter, but finds he can't hold it for long. "You think this is funny, Lee Coulter? Well, you can clean this up then. I've already done it once this morning."

"This isn't her first time?"

Rosemary hands Isabella to Lee. "No, I think she has the stomach bug that was making its way through Hope Valley the last few days."

"Oh, no. Our poor baby girl." Lee kisses Isabella on her forehead. "I'm sorry you're sick, princess."

Rosemary groans. "Of all times to get sick, on our vacation. I hope it doesn't last more than a couple of days."

"I'll clean this up if you want to get ready and bring us back some food for breakfast."

"How can you think of breakfast right now?" Rosemary questions with a sour face. "I can't go out there. I probably reek of vomit and won't be able to clean up properly until we get to the hotel tonight."

Lee chuckles, agreeing with his wife. "Alright, I will clean everything up and get breakfast for us." Rosemary half-smiles and walks over to her suitcase to get clean clothes.

A couple of hours later, they arrive in Vancouver and catch the streetcar to their hotel, Hotel Vancouver, which sits on Georgia Street between Granville and Howe, near the Orpheum Theatre. The hotel is a fifteen-story Italian Renaissance revival building with arched windows, a rooftop garden, and a three-story entrance portico. They check in and head straight to their room before Isabella gets sick again.

Later in the evening, Lee and Rosemary sit together in bed, with Isabella sleeping on Lee's chest and Patrick asleep on the other bed. "This is a nice hotel, Lee. I love the castle-like turrets, the marble sinks, and the gold-plated hardware in the rooms. It's exquisite."

Lee looks around. "It is. I believe it has only been open for three years. It's the second Hotel Vancouver, which I read is the most expensive building ever built in Vancouver. I can see why."

Rosemary moves some of Isabella's hair out of her face. "Lee, do you think she is okay? She hardly kept anything down today. Should we take her to a doctor?"

"No, I think she'll be fine as long as she keeps nursing."

"I hope Patrick doesn't get it this time."

"I know. How are you holding up so far, sweetheart?"

Rosemary sighs. "I wish I could trade places with her. It is too hard seeing our kids hurting in any way."

"Have I told you what a great Mama you are?" Rosemary doesn't respond, so Lee glances at her and sees her eyes are closed. He gets up to put Isabella in her playpen for the night and climbs into bed beside her.

Monday, June 2nd, 1919

Rosemary wakes up the next morning exhausted. Poor Isabella cried intermittently throughout the night, needing a diaper change or someone to hold her. Miraculously, though, she threw up only once. Rosemary closes her eyes, hoping to sleep more, but Isabella whimpers a few minutes later. She forces herself to sit up but is overcome with nausea when she sets her feet on the ground. "Oh, no," Rosemary mumbled, covering her mouth and running to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. When she returns a few minutes later, Lee is trying his best to calm a distraught Isabella down.

"Are you sick, honey?" he asks. Rosemary pouts, nodding yes. Isabella squirms and reaches for her mother with tears streaming down her face.

Rosemary grabs Isabella and holds her in her arms. She clings to her mother, resting her head on her chest. Rosemary looks down at her daughter and kisses the top of her head. "You're alright, princess. Mama has you." She rubs up and down Isabella's back, comforting her sick little girl. "Are you hungry, sweetie?" Isabella glances up at her, so Rosemary sits on the bed, preparing to nurse. She reluctantly latches on and takes her time eating. When Isabella finally finishes, Rosemary eyes Lee, who gets ready with the small bucket the hotel lent them. Rosemary slowly lifts Isabella, hoping she won't throw up this time. Isabella seems good initially but then throws up in the bucket the next instant. "I'm sorry you are still sick, angel. I wish I could make you feel all better." Rosemary comforts Isabella the best she can when she feels her stomach reeling again. She quickly gives her back to Lee and vomits into the same bucket. Isabella cries, not understanding what is wrong with her mother. Lee tries to comfort her, but she only wants Rosemary. Isabella reaches for her and continues to cry until she is in her arms.

Patrick wakes up asking, "What's wrong?"

"Mama's sick too, so don't get near her."

"Yes, sir." Rosemary holds her little girl, who clings to her. "Mama, is Isabella okay? She's usually so active in the mornings."

"She'll be fine, bud. Remember when you had the stomach bug last year?"

"Yes, ma'am. It was horrible, and I don't want to get it again."

"I don't want you to either. I'm sure you'll be alright if you stay away from your sister and me." Rosemary reassures Patrick. She hums Isabella a lullaby, and Patrick and Lee join in. Finally, Isabella slowly closes her eyes and falls asleep. Rosemary lays Isabella back in the playpen, and she thankfully stays asleep.

"We should probably postpone our boat trip to Victoria," Lee suggests.

"You think so? But we already have reservations and activities planned."

"I know, but you and Isabella are in no condition to get on a boat or go out and do anything."

Rosemary's lips turn down into a frown. "You're probably right."

"I'll go to the front desk and see our options."

"I'm sorry, Lee, Patrick."

"It is not your fault, sweetheart." Lee gets dressed and is ready to go. "I'll speak to the concierge and bring us some breakfast."

Rosemary groans when he mentions breakfast. "I don't think I can eat anything right now. I am too nauseous."

"I'll get you something to soothe your stomach. You need to keep up your strength for our little girl." Lee grins and steps out the door.

An hour later, Lee returns to the room, and Patrick is the only one awake. Rosemary is sleeping on the settee in an uncomfortable position, so Lee carries her to the bed and covers her up with the comforter. Then he joins Patrick on his bed. "What are you doing, little man?"

"I am drawing a picture of our train. Do you want to see what I have so far?"

"Yes, buddy," Patrick shows the sketch to him, and Lee grabs the notebook to get a better look. "This is good, Patrick. You're so talented."

"Thanks, Papa. Should I write a story about a hero and a bandit on a train?"

"That story sounds fun. I can't wait to read it when you finish." Lee hands Patrick's notebook back to him as Isabella wakes up in her playpen crying. Lee hurries to get to her before she wakes Rosemary, but he is not quick enough.

Rosemary opens her eyes and watches Isabella pat her Papa's chest. "What did you find out, sweetie?"

"I changed our reservations to tomorrow, hoping you two will be well enough by then to travel and sightsee."

"Did you find out if there is anything you and Patrick can do today?"

"Sweetheart, I am not leaving you and Isabella here alone."

Rosemary smiles at her husband. "Thank you for always taking care of me, of our family, but I insist you go out and have fun with your son. This trip is to celebrate you, so you two need to go out and enjoy yourselves. We will be fine."

"Are you sure?"

Rosemary steeples her hands. "I am very sure."

Lee grins and faces Patrick. "I heard about a professional Lacrosse game not far from here at Athletic Park. It's the New Westminster Salmonbellies against the Vancouver Terminals. Would you like to go?"

Patrick's face lights up and then turns to concern. "I don't know anything about Lacrosse."

"That's alright. I'll teach you what you need to know."

"Okay, Papa, I want to go."

Rosemary inquires, "What time is the game?"

"It's at 2:00 pm."

"Perfect. You two can have fun for the rest of the day. Isabella and I will probably be fast asleep when you return." Rosemary says with a chuckle.

A knock at the door interrupts them followed by a man saying, "Room service." Lee puts Isabella in her playpen and lets the man inside. He lugs in the food cart, and Lee thanks him with a tip before shutting the door. He sets out the scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, fresh fruit, pancakes, chicken broth, coffee, and tea. Rosemary gets up and walks to the table, where she gets a whiff of the delicious food, causing her to cover her mouth and race to the bathroom.

Rosemary comes out a few minutes later, Patrick has eaten half his pancakes, and Isabella is eating a small bite of plain toast, sitting in Lee's lap. Lee points to the table. "I got the chicken broth for you." Rosemary smiles but grabs a cup of tea instead and sits on the settee. "I think you should try eating something. How about some chicken broth or toast?"

Rosemary sips her tea. "I'll try some broth once my stomach settles down."

Tuesday, June 3rd, 1919

Isabella wakes up feeling better, but unfortunately, Rosemary is still sick. She doesn't want to cause her family to miss out on anything else, so they decide to catch the boat to Victoria. Rosemary is nauseous the entire time but manages to make it to shore with no incidents. They take a streetcar to the Empress, their hotel in downtown Victoria, and check in after getting a tour. Lee and Rosemary are impressed with the unobstructed views of the inner harbor, the gardens around the hotel, and the stained-glass ceiling in the Palm Court. They finally enter their room, and Rosemary hands Isabella to her husband and bolts to the bathroom, emptying her stomach of the tiny bit of lunch she had eaten earlier.

"Papa, when is Mama gonna get better?"

"I am not sure. I hope it's soon."

Rosemary emerges from the bathroom, mortified. "When is this going to be over?"

"I don't know, sweetheart. I'm sorry." Lee guides her to one of the beds. "How about we stay here and relax for a little while."

"Will we be able to see the lighthouse today?" Patrick asks.

Rosemary plops down on the bed closest to her. "Yes, bud. We will go to the lighthouse. I promise."

"Thanks, Mama."

"Let me lie down briefly, and then we can go."

"Okay, sweetheart."

Several hours later, Rosemary wakes up in an empty hotel room, sleeping much longer than anticipated. Thankfully she feels much better, so she gets up and is about to change into a clean skirt and blouse when Lee and the kids step inside. Lee tries to kiss his wife, but she blocks him, mouthing, "Not now, honey." Rosemary tickles Isabella for a moment and turns her attention to her son.

"Hi, Mama," shouts Patrick.

"Hi, bud! Where were you?"

"We were exploring the area and found an ice cream shop." Patrick giggles. "Isabella wanted my ice cream really bad, but I knew she couldn't have any. She is too little. So I made a game out of it, and Isabella didn't cry like she usually does when she can't have what she wants."

"You're so smart, Patrick, and a good big brother."

"Are you feeling better, sweetheart?"

"Yes, I think the nap helped. Thank you, my love."

"You're welcome. Do you feel like venturing out to the harbor? Or shall we have afternoon tea in the tearoom?"

Rosemary checks her hair one more time and sits on the settee. "I would love to venture out. I've been spending way too much time inside. We can get afternoon tea tomorrow." She pats the seat next to her. "Patrick, when do you want to see the lighthouse?"

Patrick sits down beside her. "Papa and I found out you can't get out to Fisgard Lighthouse right now, but we found another one we can visit. It is called Sheringham Point."

"I'm sorry, Patrick. I know how excited you were to see Fisgard."

"It's alright, Mama. Maybe we can see it another time."

Friday, June 6th, 1919

Lee, Rosemary, Patrick, and Isabella are having lunch at Lee's friend Jasper's house in Vancouver. Jasper Morgan and his wife Katie are Lee's long-time friends and the people responsible for them being here and him receiving this honor. They have four children, nineteen-year-old Isaiah, seventeen-year-old Ezra, fifteen-year-old Candace, and nine-year-old Naomi.

Jasper and Katie don't have a highchair for Isabella, so while listening to Lee talk about all the places they visited in Victoria the last few days, Rosemary feeds Isabella from her lap. "We went to Butchart Gardens and took a carriage ride through the downtown area, passing the Royal Theatre, Parliament Buildings, and Beacon Hill Park, amongst others. Then we explored Sheringham Point Lighthouse, even climbing up the tower with the Lightkeeper, Eustace Arden. Patrick asked him many questions, but he was patient and answered every single one. Didn't he, buddy?"

"Yes, sir!" Patrick answers, making a funny face at his sister.

Rosemary hands Isabella another piece of food, which she takes, but instead of eating, she laughs and throws it toward the table, landing on Rosemary's plate. She eyes her daughter, confused about why Isabella would throw her food. "You don't want any more chicken? How about some chopped-up carrots?" Rosemary hands a piece to Isabella, which she promptly throws on the floor. "No, princess. We don't throw our food." Isabella looks up at Rosemary, whimpers, and then cries.

Naomi jumps up from her chair. "I'll get a washrag to clean it up."

Jasper responds, "Thank you, baby girl."

Naomi returns with the wet washrag and kneels on the floor. "I am not a baby anymore, Daddy."

"You might not be, but you'll always be daddy's little girl no matter how old you get." Naomi giggles and wipes up the mess on the floor.

Rosemary half-smiles. "Thanks, sweetie. I am so sorry; Isabella has never thrown food before." Isabella stops crying momentarily and reaches for more carrots while Rosemary is distracted, sticking one in her mouth and throwing the others on the floor, laughing.

Patrick laughs with his sister. "Mama, she thinks it's a game." Rosemary acknowledges and is about to move her plate when Isabella sneaks another handful of carrots. She mashes them in her face, and the bits that don't make it in her mouth fall all over her, Rosemary, and eventually the floor. Rosemary quickly wipes off Isabella's face and scoops her up before she creates more of a mess. Lee offers to grab her, but Rosemary waves him off.

"I'll clean it up, Missus Coulter," Naomi says from the floor.

"Thank you so much," Rosemary responds, carrying Isabella to the kitchen. Katie follows her and sees Rosemary fighting her emotions.

Katie wets another washrag and hands it to Rosemary. "Is everything okay?"

Rosemary presses her lips together. "Yes, I'm fine. I think I am just tired." She kisses her daughter on the top of her head. "We've had a long week with traveling, her getting sick, and then me." Isabella lays her head on Rosemary's chest. "Do you have somewhere I can clean her up, and she can nap?"

"Of course." Katie points to the hallway off of the kitchen. "The bathroom is the second door on the right, and our bedroom is at the end. I'll put some blankets on the bed for her." Katie rests a comforting hand on Rosemary's shoulder and calls out her name. She glances at her guiltily. "You're doing an amazing job, Rosemary. I realize it's hard to believe right now, but it is true."

"Thanks, Katie. It is good to hear, especially when I feel like a failure as a mom."

"We all have those moments. No matter how old our kids get."

Rosemary pads out to the living room, where Lee is chatting with Jasper and Katie. "Is she asleep, Rosie?"

"Yes, finally. Where are Patrick and the kids?"

"Patrick is playing with Naomi in the girl's room, and the other three are outside in the backyard." Rosemary sits next to her husband, and he wraps his arms around her shoulder.

"Patrick didn't want to go outside?"

Katie answers for him. "It was Naomi's doing. She wanted to show Patrick something in her room. I don't know about Patrick, but she loves meeting new kids."

"So does Patrick," reveals Rosemary.

"I think they are going to be fast friends."

"I think so too." Rosemary lovingly glances at Lee and back to Jasper and Katie. "I am delighted to meet you two finally. I have heard about you through the years and am so grateful you are honoring my Lee. Nobody deserves this more than him, in my humble opinion."

Jasper clears his throat. "Lee has always been the best man I have ever known, and I am pleased we can honor him in this way. On a more personal note, I am glad he found you, Rosemary. I can see how happy he is as a husband and father." Rosemary and Lee gaze into each other's eyes, and he squeezes her hand.

"I am happy. We are happy and blessed beyond words."

Rosemary kisses Lee on the cheek, whispering, "I love you, Lee Coulter."

"I love you too, honey, and thank you for always believing in me even when I don't."

Monday, June 9th, 1919

The Coulters spend the morning in Stanley Park, sitting on a blanket underneath a large tree by the water. Isabella is playing with her doll, and Patrick is writing in the notebook he brought. Lee throws a pebble onto his paper to get his attention. Patrick looks up at his father. "What are you doing, buddy?"

"I am writing and drawing about all the places we've been and the things we have done. I've already drawn Brockton, Point Atkinson Lighthouses, and the Stanley Park Zoo." Patrick points to the bear he drew. "Now I am going to work on you and me canoeing in Vancouver Harbor and us riding the rides at Happyland. Mama, you're lucky you and Isabella didn't ride the 'Dip the Dips' Rollercoaster. It was so scary." Patrick shows them the start of his drawing. "Oh, I can't forget Capilano Suspension Bridge. It was fun for us but too scary for Monkey." He moves his curls out of his eyes. "What did you do with her when Papa and I were on the bridge?"

Rosemary giggles at the memory. "I helped Isabella walk around until she got tired. Then she saw an ivory and chocolate-colored Siamese cat with blue eyes roaming, and we had to follow it around. The cat eventually let her get close enough and pet him when his owner came by. He belonged to the bridge's owners and lived in the park."

Lee chuckles. "When you and Mama returned to the bridge, Isabella wanted me to walk her around. She was probably searching for the cat again. I didn't realize what she wanted then, but now it makes sense." Lee scoops up his daughter. "You liked the cat? Didn't you?"

Isabella yells, "At," followed by her usual nonsense.

Patrick laughs at his sister. "I think she meant cat."

"I think you are right."

Isabella squirms in her father's arms until he lets her down and helps her stand. Then she takes a few steps, falls to her knees, and takes off, crawling as fast as she can away from her family.

Patrick jumps up to catch her. "Where do you think you are going, monkey?"

Isabella stops for a moment and looks at her big brother. "Bubba!" Isabella yells along with a bunch of gibberish. Patrick pulls her onto his lap and tickles his baby sister until she squirms away from him, crawling back to the blanket and into Rosemary's open arms.

"Did Bubba tickle you, princess?" Isabella glances at her mother and babbles something.

Tuesday, June 10th, 1919

Rosemary wakes up in her husband's arms and a twinkle in her eye. She feels great, and today is the day they honor Lee by naming the new wing of Hope's House after him. Rosemary turns over in her husband's embrace, kissing him until he opens his eyes. "Good morning, my love. Are you ready for your big day?" Rosemary whispers.

Lee groans, smiles, and whispers a reply. "Good morning, sweetheart. I don't think I am ready for all the attention, but I am happy to spend the day with you and our kids." Lee observes his wife for a moment. "You're glowing this morning. Are you finally feeling better?"

Rosemary quietly giggles. "I am. Thank you."

Lee checks the time, peers around the room, and sees the kids are still asleep. He leans in for a kiss. "When do we need to leave?"

"In about two hours."

"Good. I say we don't move from this spot until one or both of our precious children wake up and need us."

"I love that idea," Rosemary lays her head on Lee's chest and closes her eyes. However, not two minutes later, Isabella whimpers in her playpen. Rosemary opens her eyes again and hops up. "I'll get her, my darling."

"Rosie, are you almost done in there? We need to leave soon."

Rosemary opens the bathroom door and steps out, dressed and ready to go in her dark purple chiffon dress she wore to the New Year's Eve Dance a year and a half ago. Pure joy washes over her face when she sees her boys wearing the matching gray and purple plaid pants and vests she had Clara make for them. "You two look handsome. I love the purple tones she chose. They match my dress perfectly." She walks over to her suitcase and pulls out something. "I have a surprise for you." Rosemary motions for them to turn around, and they do. She grabs Isabella from the playpen and changes her into the plaid dress Clara made for her. "You can turn around now." Rosemary can't help but giggle when she sees the expression on their faces. "Ta-da, we all match."

Lee chuckles, smirking at her. "I distinctly remember you saying you'll never let our daughter wear plaid."

Rosemary remarks innocently. "I did? I don't remember." She smiles. "In any case, I'll never wear plaid, but Isabella can wear all the plaid she wants if the outfit is as cute as this."

"I see you have selective memory, huh, sweetheart?" Lee glances at her mischievously. "I fully believe I'll get you to wear plaid one day," emphasizing the word you. "Don't you think Mama should wear plaid like us, Patrick?"

"Yes, sir. You'll look pretty, Mama."

"Aw, thanks. I love you to infinity."

"I love you to infinity, too, Mama."

The Coulters get off the streetcar in front of Hope's House. They had seen the exterior the other day when they visited Jasper and Katie, who live next door, but they wouldn't give them an inside tour. Jasper said it wasn't ready yet. Lee hands Isabella to Rosemary, and the four of them walk up to the front door, where Susannah and Catherine are standing there waiting for them off to the side. Patrick runs to his cousin and jumps in her arms. Then he grabs her hand and drags her to Rosemary and Isabella.

Susannah hugs her brother. "Congratulations, Leland. I am so proud of you. Father would have been extremely proud of the man you have become. Mother too."

"Thanks, Suz."

"Jake and Pat wanted me to congratulate you and apologize for not being here. They had a big meeting with our suppliers today, one they couldn't postpone."

"Is Pat helping out at the store?" Lee questions.

"Yes, this summer, he has been taking more of an interest in the store, talking about managing it when he graduates. He thinks Jake and I need to retire and do some traveling."

Isabella squeals and reaches for Catherine. Rosemary hands her over, and Catherine coos to her baby cousin. "You're getting so big, Isabella."

Isabella shouts, "At!"

"Did she just try to say my name, Aunt Rosemary?"

"She might have, or maybe it was the orange tabby cat over there." Rosemary points to the cat walking by.

Catherine whispers in her ear. "I don't care about what anyone else says. I am going with you said my name." She giggles and looks at her cousin. "You do realize you look more and more like your Mama every time I see you."

Lee and Susannah join them, and Susannah hugs Rosemary. "Can you believe it has been eight months since we last saw you? That is too long, especially when your adorable little one grows so fast."

"I agree. Would you like to hold your niece?" Susannah's eyes widen, and she looks at Catherine, holding out her arms. Isabella comes to her willingly and babbles words no one understands.

"She is precious, Lee, Rosemary."

"We know," remarks Lee. Isabella reaches her arms out, and Rosemary takes her back as Jasper and Katie step out the front door.

Jasper speaks first. "There he is. The man of the hour." They both chuckle and hug each other.

Katie hugs Susannah. "I wasn't sure if you would make it or not."

"How could I miss this? It is such an honor for my little brother." They hug again, and Katie hugs Lee as well.

Jasper wraps his arm around Lee's shoulder. "We are about to start, Lee. Will you all follow me back to the new wing?"

Patrick runs to Lee and grabs his hand as they walk inside. Lee looks down at his son and nervously smiles. "I am proud of you, Papa."

"Thanks, buddy." Lee clears his throat. "So, Jasper. How does this work?"

"I will say some nice words about you, and we'll cut the ribbon. It is as simple as that." Lee glances at his friend, unconvinced it is as simple as he is making it out to be. "You still plan to join us afterward, right? We want to take you on a more personal tour of the wing once everyone is gone and spend more time with you and your family."

"Of course, we would be happy to spend more time with you all."

Jasper, Katie, the Coulter, and Thom families enter through the main building, out the breezeway, and to the entrance of the new wing. Jasper steps out in front of everyone. "Can I please have your attention?" The crowd quiets down, and he begins his short speech. "I'd like to thank you all for coming to the dedication and ribbon cutting of our new wing of Hope's House. It has taken us a while to get here, and we weren't entirely sure the addition would get built before we outgrew our current space." Jasper glances over at Lee and points. "This is my buddy, Lee Coulter. My wife and I have known him since we were all teenagers in Ohio. In fact, he saved my life, which is a long story I won't get into now." Lee pretends to wipe his brow, and the crowd laughs. "Well, Lee is why we are here today. He has given money to Hope's House and other orphanages in the States, South America, and Canada, but we are most grateful for him donating the last of the lumber we needed to finish our wing. Lee gave out of the generosity of his heart, and now we have a new building with more bedrooms, another classroom, a library, a playroom, and a community bathroom with running water. He did this without knowing Katie and I were involved. We should all strive to be like Lee, and I am honored to call him a friend." Jasper watches Lee for a moment. "Okay, that is enough of me embarrassing him for today." Jasper clears his throat. "Lee, will you please stand beside me?" Lee walks up next to Jasper while Katie signals him. "My wife is reminding me to announce there will be tours and refreshments in the cafeteria after we cut the ribbon. We hope you can stick around." Jasper hands Lee a pair of scissors, and Lee accepts them with a grin. "Without further ado, please join me in the opening of the L. Coulter Wing of Hope's House." Lee cuts the ribbon, and the crowd cheers. Rosemary sets Isabella on the floor next to Patrick, and he grabs her hand and helps her scurry to their father. Lee lifts his daughter, kisses her on the cheek, and places his hand on his son's shoulder.

After the ceremony, Jasper and Katie give the Coulters and Thoms a tour of the new wing and the original building. Then they all head to the Morgan's house and wait for Jasper and Katie's kids to return. When they finally do, Katie intercepts them, "It is about time you got here. We've been waiting for you."

Isaiah answers for them all. "We're sorry. It is such a nice day. We went for a stroll."

"Alright, come and join us. You remember Susannah and Catherine, right?"

"Yes, but it has been a while." Isaiah shakes Susannah and Catherine's hands when he and Catherine lock eyes momentarily and immediately look away.

"It's nice to see all of you again," Susannah tells Katie. "Our kids are growing up way too fast. Aren't they." Katie nods in agreement.

"Can Patrick and I play in my room?" Naomi asks her mother.

"Yes, you may."

Wednesday, June 11th, 1919

Jake pulls the car in front of their house in Bellingham with Lee, Rosemary, Patrick, Isabella, Susannah, and Catherine. Lee and Patrick help with the luggage while the ladies and Isabella freshen up in their rooms.

Lee and Patrick drop his bag in Pat's room and carry the rest of their things to his and Rosemary's room. "Guess what, Mama!"

"What, bud?"

"I get to stay with Pat."

Rosemary looks at Lee. "He's right, sweetheart. Pat offered for Patrick to stay in his room."

"I bet you are excited."

"I am, Mama. I feel like a big kid now."

Lee pats him on the back. "It's because you are, Patrick."

They all meet downstairs as Susannah sets a tray of tea, coffee, and water on the coffee table in the parlor. "Where's Pat, Uncle Jake?"

"He should be home soon. He's with his girlfriend, Delia."

Susannah sips her tea. "I am so glad this worked out for you to spend a few days with us here. I know Bellingham is not far from Vancouver, but I wasn't sure if you needed to return to Hope Valley immediately."

"I am glad too. Any time we can spend with family is good in my book." Rosemary surveys the room. "I love how you re-arranged everything, Susannah. This layout really opens it up. The room seems so much bigger now. And the new furniture? It came from the store, right?"

"Thanks, Rosemary. And yes, Jake made all the furniture in here." Susannah smiles at her husband.

Catherine comes down the stairs with a small wooden crate. "I found some of Pat, and I's old toys, Patrick. Would you like to play?"

"Yes!" exclaims Patrick.

"Aunt Rosemary, can Isabella play too?"

"Of course, Catherine. Don't forget to keep a close eye on her. She's at the age where she likes to stick everything in her mouth in addition to realizing she doesn't have to stay in one spot."

"Yes, ma'am. Patrick, why don't we play over there?" Patrick follows her to the corner, and she sets the crate full of toys on the floor. Then Catherine returns for Isabella, and Lee and Rosemary watch as their niece plays with her little cousins. Lee wraps his arm around his wife, and she rests her head on his shoulder.

Lee points to Catherine. "You raised a good one there, Suz and Jake."

"We are grateful she has turned out so well. And the same with our Patrick. We couldn't ask for better kids," reveals Susannah.

Lee looks down at Rosemary, who seems to have fallen asleep. "She's had a long twelve days with traveling and her and Isabella getting sick," he explains.

"Oh, no. Rosemary and Isabella were both sick?"

"Yes, Isabella had the stomach bug, throwing up on the train, and then Rosemary had it by the time we got to Vancouver. Her sickness lasted longer than Isabella's, but she is fine now. At least, that is what she tells me. Rosemary doesn't like people thinking she's incapable of doing anything, even when she's under the weather."

Susannah checks the time. "I better get started on dinner."

"Should I wake her so she can help you, sis?"

"Absolutely not, Leland. Let her sleep." Lee nods in understanding.

Pat steps through the front door ten minutes later, and Patrick immediately runs to his cousin, jumping in his arms. "Pat, you're here! Do you want to play with us?"

Pat laughs. "Yes, I would love to, but let me say hello to everyone first." Patrick skips to his parents and sits between them, waking Rosemary. It takes her a moment to remember where she was when she sees her son beside her and her daughter down at her feet, smiling with her arms raised.

Rosemary scoops Isabella up, asking, "How did you get here, princess?" Isabella stares at her and sticks her finger in her mouth, causing drool to run down her hand.

"Hello, Uncle Lee, Aunt Rosemary. It is nice to see you. I wish I could have been there yesterday."

Lee stands and hugs his nephew, patting him on the back. "It was nothing."

Rosemary chuckles. "He is being modest, Pat."

"I thought so." Pat leans down to hug Rosemary and bop his cousin on the nose. "Hi there, little Miss Isabella." Isabella babbles something in return.

Rosemary giggles. "You're looking rather sharp today, Pat. It must be because of your girlfriend."

Susannah smirks at her son. "I was just thinking the same thing myself."

Pat chuckles and hugs his mother, scolding her with his eyes. "Hi, Mom. Did you have a nice trip?"

"I did," replies Susannah.

Pat waves to his sister and is about to sit down when an impatient Patrick grabs his hand and pulls him to the toys. "Can we play now?"

Pat laughs. "Sure, we can play now." Patrick jumps up and down excitedly, pulling him onto the floor beside him.

Susannah takes the opportunity to check on dinner and then joins her family back in the parlor, where they all discuss what they will do tomorrow. Unfortunately, Isabella interrupts the discussion when she starts to squirm and cry. Rosemary excuses herself. "She didn't get her afternoon nap. Let me see if I can get her to lie down now. I'll be back."

"Would you like me to take her, sweetheart?"

"No, it's okay. I've got her." Lee helps Rosemary stand, grabbing her arm and walking them to the stairs. She rubs his cheek. "You go sit down and spend time with our family. I can handle it from here, my love." Lee lets go, forcing himself to stand there and watch his exhausted wife slowly climb the stairs with their crying daughter. When she safely reaches the top of the stairs, Lee sits back down and watches Patrick and his cousins.

Pat inquires, "Catherine, did you see the dominos set in here?"

"Yes, they're probably at the bottom."

Pat digs through the crate and yanks it out. "Patrick, have you ever toppled dominos before?"

Patrick eyes his cousins. "Toppling? What is that?"

"Here, Catherine and I can show you." Pat throws all the other toys back in the crate, and he and Catherine start lining the dominos in a straight line. "Okay, lightly knock the first domino over and watch." Patrick does and is amazed at how they all fall on top of each other.

Patrick jogs to Lee. "Papa! Papa! Did you see what we did?"

"I did. Your aunt and I used to topple dominos when we were kids."

"Shall we try something more difficult, Patrick?" Pat inquires.

"Yes!" hollers Patrick.

"Good. Now pick any shape, and we can arrange the dominos appropriately." Patrick thinks about it and suggests the letter P to Pat. "Alright. Now you help us set up the dominos this time but be careful not to knock them over."

Pat, Patrick, and Catherine line up the straight part of the "P," but as they curve around the top, Patrick accidentally knocks one over, and they all fall. "I'm sorry, Pat, Catherine. I didn't mean to mess it up."

Catherine replies, "Don't worry. We've all done it before. Let's try again."

Patrick glances at his father for reassurance, which Lee gives with a grin. Then he peers at his cousins. "I'm ready."

"Great!" Pat remarks as they start to build the letter "P" again. When they finish, they have Patrick topple the first domino, and they watch as all the dominos fall in quick succession.

Patrick runs back to his father. "We did it, Papa! We did it! Where is Mama?"

"She took your sister up for a nap and hasn't returned."

Patrick giggles. "Mama probably fell asleep again."

Tuesday, June 17th, 1919

"Papa, are we there yet?" Patrick inquires from Rosemary's lap.

Lee kisses Isabella, who is asleep in his arms. "Almost, buddy."

Rosemary squeezes Patrick. "Are you ready to get back to Hope Valley?"

"Yes, ma'am. Can I play with Jack and Vincent when we get home?"

"We'll see. We have lots to do, including grocery shopping."

"Do we have to go to the mercantile," whines Patrick.

Rosemary eyes Lee for help. "No, son, you don't have to go. Mama will write up a list, and I'll do the shopping. Maybe your sister will want to come with me."

Rosemary mouths, "Thank you."

"Patrick, guess what?"

"What, Papa?"

"We're here!" Lee announces while he points to the Hope Valley Train Station coming into view.

"Yeah!" Patrick exclaims, waking Isabella, who surprisingly babbles random sounds and watches her brother instead of crying. "We are home, monkey." Isabella flaps her arms and blows raspberries in excitement. Lee and Rosemary grin at one another and bring their kids in for a group squeeze as the train stops.

Tuesday, June 24th, 1919

Rosemary and Patrick are in the car on their way to Buxton. Elizabeth is watching Isabella because Lee has to work. "Where are we going, Mama?"

"To interview Lillian and Grace."

"We?"

"Yes, I will teach you how to interview people for a story. Would you like to learn?"

"Yes, ma'am." Rosemary tickles her son, causing him to laugh. "Mama?"

"Yes."

"Why are Lillian and Grace in Buxton, and why are we interviewing them?"

"Excellent questions, bud. They are in Buxton to pick up another child to bring home to New Hope orphanage, their orphanage in Brookfield, where we met you. The article will discuss the sisters and how and why they started the orphanage. How they keep it running, and what they want to do in the future. They…we…hope to get them some new publicity and to find more people willing to donate time and money to keep the orphanage open."

"Mama, are they poor?"

"Not poor. Lillian and Grace just need to watch what they spend their money on."

"Can you and Papa give them money? I know we have a lot."

"You do? How?"

"You always get me whatever I want or need, so I thought we might be."

"You're right. We have plenty of money because your Papa is a good money steward."

"What is a money steward?"

"It means Papa takes good care of our money in how we save, spend, tithe, and donate."

"Tithe? Donate?"

"Tithe is the money Papa and I give the church and donate is the money we provide to charities, including Hope's House in Vancouver, Casa da Familia in Rio de Janeiro, New Hope Orphanage in Brookfield, and many others."

"Charities?"

"A charity is a place where they don't try to make money from what they get from people like us."

"Can I donate some of my money too?"

"Of course. If it's something you want to do."

"I do. Thanks, Mama."

Rosemary parks the car in front of the diner, and Patrick jumps out before Rosemary can open her door. He hurries inside and straight to Lillian and Grace, who stand and hug him. Rosemary enters the diner a minute later, a little flustered, but soon recovers enough to hug both girls. She sits down and whispers to Patrick, "Why didn't you wait for me, bud?"

"I thought you were right behind me."

"I am not as fast as you." Rosemary pats his cheek. "Next time, please wait for me or the adult you are with before you run into a building, cross a street, or whatever. I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

"Yes, Mama. I am sorry."

Rosemary ruffles Patrick's curls and grins at her two friends. "I hope you don't mind I brought him. I wanted to teach him to interview people for a story."

Grace and Lillian smile at each other. "I think it's a wonderful idea."

Rosemary turns to Patrick. "Okay, so you need to do your homework prior to interviewing anyone. You need to know as much about the person as you can, and you need to prepare all your questions beforehand. Some will probably pop up because of something they say, but you should have the important questions ready to go. You must also be an excellent listener and note-taker." She pulls out her notebook and pencil. "Do you have any questions before we start, Patrick?"

"No, ma'am."

"Great. I'll start us off and see where we go. Your job will be to listen and come up with your own questions. Does that sound good?"

"Yes. Can I have some paper and a pencil to take notes with?"

Rosemary hands him the extra pencil and paper she has and waits for him to get ready before asking her first question to Grace.

Rosemary and Patrick are back in the car, driving to Hope Valley. "You were so good today, Patrick. You actively listen to everything people say, and you're a natural at coming up with questions."

"Thanks, Mama! Where are we going now? Do we have to go home?"

Rosemary eyes her son curiously, wondering why he doesn't want to go home. "What would you like to do?"

"Can we have a picnic out at The Hill? Just you and me?"

"I think it's a brilliant idea. How about we drive home, and I'll see if your sister needs to nurse? Then we can pack a picnic basket, and Elizabeth or Papa can hopefully watch her. What do you think?"

"Yeah! Thanks, Mama!"

Rosemary and Patrick are at The Hill, sitting on a blanket on the stage. They finish eating their food, and Patrick happily listens to Rosemary telling him a fun story from her childhood with Jack and Sophia. "Mama, you were a silly kid! I bet Mémé always had fun shaking her head at you."

Rosemary chuckles. "Ssshhh. Mémé doesn't know about all of this."

Patrick giggles. "I won't tell. I promise."

"Thanks, bud."

"Thank you for bringing me out here, Mama. I miss our mother/son outings."

"I do too. We haven't been on a mother/son outing in ages, but hopefully, we can start back up."

"I'd like that!" Patrick climbs into her lap, and she wraps her arms around him.

Rosemary squeezes him. "I love you to infinity!"

"I love you to infinity times infinity!" Rosemary giggles. "So, when are we doing another play out here, Mama?"

"Do you want to be in another one?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Hmm. What if I told you I've been tossing around ideas for another play?"

"I would be excited. What is it about?"

Rosemary smiles. "Here is what I am thinking, but before I start, don't forget this idea is very rough. The main character is a kid, and they are either sick and delirious or hurt and delirious. The kid dreams of being transported to another world, but they don't remember why they are there. The kid desperately wants to go home to their family, especially after hearing their mother calling them. In this dream, the kid meets four people who will help them get home. I am still working on who the four people are and how they help the kid. My initial thoughts are a grumpy old man, the kid's best friend who acts like everything is normal, a young adult/older teenager, and a wise person who guides them and teaches life lessons." Rosemary watches Patrick's expression, waiting for him to speak.

"I love it, Mama!"

"Thank goodness. Would you like to help me brainstorm?"

Patrick glances up at her with the widest eyes. "You want my help?"

"Yes. You have great ideas." Patrick swings around on her lap and hugs her.

"How long do you think it will take to write? How soon can we perform?"

"I would prefer to have it before school starts. So, if I can write it in the next three weeks, we can have auditions in mid-July and perform it at the end of August. Is it soon enough for you?"

"Yes, Mama." He turns around in her lap, and she wraps her arms around him again, where they spend the next hour tossing around ideas for the play.

Friday, June 27th, 1919

Rosemary is in Patrick and Isabella's room, putting laundry away with one arm and Isabella in the other. She opens the last drawer and discovers a small box containing quite a bit of money. Rosemary bounces Isabella up and down, eliciting a laugh. "Where did your brother get all of this?" Isabella babbles an answer with many words interspersed with the name she calls him, Bubba. Rosemary chuckles and carries Isabella down the stairs, searching for Patrick. When she finds him, she asks, "Where did you get all this money?"

"You weren't supposed to find the box, Mama."

Rosemary eyes her son wearily. "What do you mean I wasn't supposed to find this?"

"You remember how we talked about donating money?" Rosemary nods. "And how I wanted to donate some? Well, I didn't have enough to make a difference. So…"

"What did you do, Patrick?"

"I told my friends, and they told their friends…" He stops mid-sentence when a knock at the door interrupts them.

Rosemary sits Isabella in the playpen with her toys and walks to the door. She opens and sees Minnie and Cooper Canfield, who appear rather unhappy.