And the greatest of these is love

Chapter 1

Page 1

A Valentine Anniversary

It was just the crack of dawn on Valentine's Day when Dee stretched and moaned as she turned over in bed to reach for her husband. When she didn't feel Nathan with her hand, her smile turned into puzzlement etched across her face. She felt the sheets where he had laid and they were still warm, so he must not be far away she concluded. Sitting halfway up she peeked into the bassinet next to her and saw that their darling little bundle of joy was sleeping content, still covered but with his little bottom sticking up in the air. Christopher's little face was moving in his dreams as if he were sucking, with little bubbles popping out of his pursed tiny lips.

Sleepy she snuggled back into her warm bed, fluffed up her pillow, and closed her eyes. Thinking of how just a year ago that day she and Nathan had said their "I do's" she started to smile and almost giggled out loud. Ever since she first saw him again in Brook Springs when he came into the music shop, when her heart had leaped into her throat, and later at his mother's farm, she never stopped thinking of him. She was awestruck, by this man standing before her, with thick, wavy, dark hair, piercing blue eyes with long lashes, high cheekbones, slight dimples that accented his full lips, broad shoulders, and strong arms, she was amazed. The young lad who had been friends with her brother, Walter, was no longer the tall, lanky boy she had grown up with. His sister, Colleen, and her older sister Dorothy were best friends, so she was a tag-a-long, making it the five of them. She often felt like the little sister even to Nathan, never dreaming in a million years they would be married someday, so in love and with a family besides! She barely heard her husband downstairs quietly adding another log to the fire to warm the home up for when the others awoke. He was such a loving, caring man who always put his family first. Always.

Growing up without his dad for the latter half of his childhood, he had to be the man of the house. He helped his mother, Emily, with the farm, while Colleen helped her mother with the chores wherever she could. But the hardest burden fell on Nathan, yet he never complained. He had seen his mother cry softly when she thought she was alone and it broke his heart. Angry at his father for leaving his mother, Colleen, and him he fought that feeling for a long time in order to not add any more turmoil to his mother. His father had taught him one thing, not to be like him. Instead, his mother had trained him that putting trust in God and the law was the right thing to do. When Jack moved in across the street, he talked to him about being the hired farm hand for his mother when he decided to leave for Mountie school.

It certainly was true that a boy entering Mountie school would come out a man. Although Nathan had been a man around the house, he never encountered danger so the sweet, naive boy-side of him was molded into a brave honorable man, but still sweet. Those traits never left. He was neither hardened or self-righteous. Dee recognized that. They stood out in Nathan and that made her fall head-over-heels in love with him.

Nathan was reflecting on a year ago while he was downstairs. He stood there in the dim light watching the fire start up from a flicker to red and gold flames while thinking of the day he set eyes on Dee. When he saw her at the music shop in Brook Springs, he actually didn't recognize her at first. This beautiful blond-haired woman with a soft smile was asking how she could help him. It was when she spoke he recognized a familiar voice but still wasn't sure who it was. He mentioned that he played guitar and was looking for new music to learn. She didn't have much in stock but reassured him she'd look in the back room and get back to him if she found something she thought he would like.

It wasn't until she came to his mother's farm knocking on the door, with sheet music for him, that he opened the door to find her standing there so lovely. The sunlight had caused her blond hair to light up like gold, and her blue eyes shimmering like the sky which brought a lump to his throat. When she spoke, it hit him that this lovely lady was his childhood friend, Chickadee! If his Ma hadn't spoken up whatever she was saying was lost in thin air, but he quickly snapped to attention and tried to respond to whatever he thought she said.

"Mary Grace? Oh I mean, hello Chickadee!" he replied.

Dee blushed and looked down, "No one has called me that since I was a young girl. I go by just Dee now."

He was falling quickly for her right then and there. Although he tried to pretend he wasn't enraptured with her, it was no use fighting it. When she moved to Hope Valley to teach music, that sealed it. He knew she was the one. It didn't take long and they were singing "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" together.

Allie enjoyed being with her and Dee felt like a mother to her and was absolutely thrilled when she decided to call her mom. Colleen had been such a good friend, that she felt honored to help raise her daughter now. Dorothy, Dee's sister, was grateful to know that Dee was taking her best friend's daughter under her wing and told Dee that she knew Colleen was smiling down and sending her love to them both.

Nathan left eleven roses he had specially ordered from the florist in Benson Hills in the vase sitting on the dining table. There he left a love letter propped up against the vase just for Dee. He also had picked up a card for his Ma and one for Allie and laid them on the table next to the box of chocolates.

Quietly, he stepped up the stairs hoping not to make a sound, except for the one step that always groaned no matter how they tried to fix it when building this new home of theirs. It was the only complaint he had, but the rest of their new home was warm, cozy, and beautiful. How blessed he felt that morning of their anniversary, as he tiptoed into their bedroom. His eyes fell on his wife and he beamed with love. Quickly peeking at a sleeping Christopher, he smiled.

Dee's hair was strewn across the pillow and her now very curvy figure was etched under the quilt. Motionlessly he dropped his trousers and carefully lay on their bed. Reaching over Dee, he laid the single rose next to her on the pillow. As he lay down on his side of the bed resting his head on the pillow and his arm gently stretched over his wife's waist, he waited.

It didn't take long. Dee sensed the warmth of her husband's body along her backside. As she began to stir, Nathan pulled her in closer to him, brushed her hair away and began to gently kiss her neck. Dee felt his heart beating fast and his breath took hers away. Smiling, she turned over towards him and wrapped her leg around his. His strong arms pulled her tighter against him while saying, "Happy Anniversary, my Valentine."

Dee ran her fingertip over his eyebrows and kissed his eyes shut. Running her fingers through his hair she whispered, "Happy Anniversary my sweetheart!" Reaching her mouth to his, they hungrily kissed long and hard as they melted into each other.

Page 2

Dee and Nathan were relieved that Christopher was now starting to sleep through the night more often than not. Luckily, last night was a good night, but he woke up with a roaring appetite and Dee was ready to burst with milk, so it was all good. Christopher's big day was today. He was going to be baptized!

His Aunt Dorothy was his Godmother, and his Uncle Walter was his Godfather, but since Uncle Walter was off studying to be a physician at the University of Edmonton, Uncle George would step in to be his proxy. Dorothy and George would be bringing Grandma and Grandpa Gleixner with them to meet at the Community Church for the service where both Fr. Ricardo and Pastor Joseph would be there. Since Fr. Ricardo's parish, St. James, was barely started to be built when winter set in. The brick-laying had been postponed so they were still meeting at the barn for mass. It was typical of Hope Valley to accommodate as best as possible so it was proper for the baptism to be held in church.

Downstairs, Emily was busy in her favorite place serving up a hot breakfast for Archie, Allie, and Nathan while Dee tended to Christopher. She felt so close to her son while nursing him at her breast. Now she was much better with it, just like her mother had assured her. She loved the quiet time she had with her son all to herself. Relaxing with him all snuggled up close she couldn't help but stare at him. He definitely was his father's son, and she was madly in love with both. Allie had been such a great big sister and would offer to entertain him when he was awake now more and more, so Dee could get something done.

When Hannah Burmeister was in town, she knitted some warm colorful baby sweaters and booties. Dee marveled at how her mother Bertie, Hannah, and Emily all got along so famously. Those three ladies all came over from the old country and talked about life here in Canada compared to there, sharing customs and traditions, and of course, recipes. Dorothy had taken her folks around looking for a house so they could sell the ranch and they had their eye on one that was in between Brookfield and Hope Valley which should work out perfect. Now, Hannah wasn't ready to move anywhere just yet. She wanted to see where Gunther would end up and knew his stay here in Hope Valley was a spring board for him. But, Dee was hoping they'd all be together someday close by to visit with each other.

Emily had Nathan's Christening gown still with her in her hope chest. She had brought it out for the occasion and Nathan was touched that she still had it. Dee was thrilled to use it for Christopher too, so Emily cleaned it up for today. When Dee came downstairs to join the rest of her family, Emily had saved her a place at the table with a plate of scrambled eggs and French toast with jam. The coffee had smelled so good, but Dr. Faith had told her to limit her coffee while nursing. She instead had a cup of hot cocoa. Allie being the loving big sister she was, offered to take Christopher so Dee could eat. To Emily's delight, she watched the two angels together in the living room and nodded at Nathan. A big grin washed over his face and his eyes twinkled with love. Archie got up and joined them in the living room. He was so kind to Christopher even when he sometimes forgot who he was, he knew he loved him. After Allie got a burp out of her brother, she handed him gently over to Archie to hold in his lap and make funny faces at him.

Nathan helped his ma clear off the table until Allie stepped in. When Nathan joined his father, he laughed at how Christopher was enjoying his grandfather. The three generations of Grant men were all together and it didn't go unnoticed by Dee or Emily. Smiling at each other they nodded knowing they'd treasure that moment in their hearts.

Dee got up from the table and took her dishes to Allie who quickly finished. She was so blessed to have an incredible mother-in-law and daughter helping around the home and thanked the Lord. Now, it was time for those who hadn't washed up to do so. Dee always felt she needed to freshen up, especially after nursing. "I don't want to smell like a cow!" she told Nathan who chuckled at her comparing herself to a cow.

"Well, you certainly look much nicer than a cow!"

"Gee, thanks!"

Laughing, they each got ready for church. At the church were Dee's folks and her sister and family. They all sat together as Christopher was ready for a little catnap and luckily, he slept through most of the service sleeping snuggled in his grandma Bertie's arms. When it was his turn to be the center of attention was still sleeping. When Dee, Christopher, Nathan, Dorothy and George went up to the altar, he was not too happy to be woken up and Dee knew he was starting to stir which meant a feeding was expected by this little charmer. She hoped he'd last a bit longer.

He quieted down when he heard Pastor Joseph's booming voice. He looked up at Pastor and cooed. That tickled Joseph so he started to chuckle which caused Christopher to smile. The congregation oohed and aahed as Fr. Ricardo poured the holy water over his head and baptized him in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The water surprised him, and he wasn't sure he liked it, so he began to fuss. Aunt Dorothy held him over her shoulder, and he loudly burped and passed gas at the same time.

"There now, we have a new baby born of the spirit and water and who also let go of the bad spirits!" Fr. Ricardo announced with a joyful hymn following, "Jesus loves the little children!" The congregation was laughing so hard, they could barely sing.

As they walked back to their pew, Nathan took Christopher in his arms and asked him, "What's wrong little man?" It didn't take long for him to smell what was the matter and leaned over to Dee grimacing saying, "I think he pooped in his pants."

"Well sweetheart, why don't you take him and change him in the restroom, so he'll be more comfortable?" Dee winked with a big smile.

Nathan groaned as Dee handed him the bag she had brought with a change of clothes for Christopher.

After the service, the family and good friends went over to Billees for a brunch. It was the first time that Dee had been out with Christopher in a long time. She was thrilled to be surrounded by her family and Nathan's as well, and many friends. It didn't get any better than this, except that Rosemary was still at home waiting in her bedroom for their little one to arrive. But, today was Christopher's day and he was blessed in more ways than one.

Page 3

Lee was busy checking all the lumber and materials that Coulter Lumber had stored during the winter when autumn left Hope Valley rather abruptly. Now spring was right around the corner, and they still had to finish building the new school and finish many projects. As Lee and his foremen, Joseph Canfield and Bob Landoch were counting their inventory and making note what they needed, in ran his son, Paul.

"Dad, dad!" Paul ran frantically up to Lee. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but mom said I had to get you right away!" Paul grabbed Lee's hand and tried to pull him towards the door.

"Whoa, wait, Paul, I'm busy here, can't you see?" Lee questioned his son.

"Dad, mom said the baby's coming!" Paul blurted out as he was desperate to get his father out the door.

"The baby? Now?" Looking at Joseph and Bob, trying to think what to say, Joseph shooed him to go.

"Go, and get home now," Bob spoke up, "we've got this."

"We'll be anxious to hear back from you, Dad!" Joseph chuckled.

As Lee barreled down the stairs and ran to his automobile, Paul was already on his bike. Lee caught up to him and told him to leave his bike at the office and hop in the automobile. As they turned the corner, Lee almost veered off the road to avoid hitting the other automobile coming in the opposite direction. It was Henry who gave Lee a dirty scowl, but Lee didn't care.

"Who's with your mother?" Lee asked concerned. Rosemary had been on bed rest for several weeks, and they lived now in their new home in the country so he had asked around for some of the ladies to stop over and help out.

"I think it's Mrs. Dowding, but Mrs. Thornton might be there by now. I saw her when I was biking into town, so I quickly told her," Paul said.

"Well, I'm hoping she told Dr. Faith," Lee could barely contain himself.

To his relief, Lee spotted the Shepherd's automobile in front of his home. In a flash, Lee was inside their home and bounding up the stairs to their bedroom. He could hear Faith telling Rosemary to work with the contractions. When he hurried into the bedroom, he saw Dr. Carson there too. Rosemary was wet with perspiration, but to Lee, she looked beautiful. Rosemary looked up to see Lee hovering over her and smiled gratefully.

"How's it going?" Lee asked concerned while grabbing Rosemary's hand.

"It's been rough for her, Lee. With the toxemia, the baby has grown quite large. We're letting Rosemary rest between contractions, as she might have a long time ahead of her," Carson informed Lee.

"Honey, I got here as soon as I could. You are as beautiful as ever," and with that Lee leaned over and kissed Rosemary on her head. Rosemary was very tired from trying to push, so all she could do was smile in reply. Closing her eyes, she laid her head back on the pillow against the headboard.

"Her blood pressure is a bit high, Lee. We'll give her some more time but if she doesn't deliver soon, we might have to take the baby by cesarean section. It'll be

better for them both, but we usually do this in a hospital." Carson informed.

"I called over to Clearwater to tell them we'll be coming. So, you need to pack up Rosemary's things and find someone to take care of Paul so we can leave shortly," Faith directed.

"Isn't that dangerous? A cesarean?" Lee asked panicked.

"It can be, but once we're in the hospital, we'll have all that we need. Lee, this is for your wife and for your baby's health, so just trust us, all right? Carson asked.

Lee gave Rosie a reassuring kiss and squeezed her hand as he said as convincingly as possible, "I'll be right back. I'm going to call Bob and ask him to pick up Paul. I'm sure it'll be just fine with the Landochs, especially Benjamin."

After confirming with Bob to pick up Paul, Lee ran and got a satchel. In it he put Rosie's change of clothes and toiletries and a few things for himself, in case he wound up staying overnight there himself.

Lee talked to Paul about going to the Landochs and they gathered Paul's things together for him to take along. "Say goodbye to your mother, and I'll watch for Mr. Landoch."

After Paul left, Lee went out to his automobile and warmed it up. Adding a quilt in the back where Rosemary could lay down, he grabbed their satchels and threw them in the trunk. Faith was coming with them while Carson would drive his automobile and meet them at the hospital.

It was extremely uncomfortable for Rosemary to say the least, as they walked her outside. Lee drove as carefully as he could to avoid any bumps. Rosemary groaned with every breath she took. Silently praying all the way there Lee begged God to keep Rosemary and the baby safe. They had waited so long to have a baby of their own he couldn't bear to think of something going wrong.

Carson was already there as he had gone ahead of them and drove faster too. The hospital had a gurney waiting at the door for their arrival and the operating room was ready. Once inside, before they shuffled her down to the room, Lee was told to stay in the waiting room. Calling out loud after her, Lee told her, "I love you, Rosie!"

Pacing in the waiting room, Lee prayed, "Lord, you know how long Rosie has been waiting to be pregnant and deliver our baby. You blessed us with a miracle of our own little one, and we thank you. Please don't take her or our baby now. I need them, Father. If you choose to allow us to enjoy this precious gift of yours, I will be the best husband and father you could want of me!"

After what seemed like a long wait, Dr. Faith finally came to the waiting room with a huge smile across her face. Lee saw that look and beamed. "She's all right? The baby's all right?" he pleaded.

"Yes, Lee, you have a strong wife and a healthy, beautiful daughter. Congratulations!"

Lee let out a holler, "Thank you, thank God, thank everyone!" he grabbed Faith and twirled her around. "When can I see them?"

"In just a little while. I'll come back to get you," Faith laughed.

When Lee finally laid eyes on his Rosie she was glowing. As she held their daughter sleeping in her arms, Lee stared at her taking in her cute little nose, and a head full of blonde hair. She definitely was a looker, just like her mother.

Rosemary softly spoke up, "Lee darling, what do you think of naming her Grace"?

Lee nodded, "Perfect Rosie. After what you've both been through, it was by the grace of God that you are both here and healthy. I love you!"

"I love you too, Mr. Coulter!"