There will only be 7 chapters to this story. I have yet again enjoyed writing this story. As a christian I always long to minister to people's hearts. Forgiveness is a key ingredient in receiving God's grace and mercy. My story Courage had 12 chapters representing the 12 tribes of Israel. RainShine ends with 7 because that is the biblical number of completion.
RainShine/Home-I wrote this song when I found security in my faith in God and His great love for me
Home
Home is a place where love is found
Home is a place where joy abounds
I know because I–
I found my place my own sweet home
With you is where I belong
You rescued me from fear and shame
And now my heart is set free
Your grace keeps me safe and warm
In the midst of every storm
So glad to be home
RainShine
We go together like raindrops and sunshine
We go together like rainbows and clear skies
We go together like moonlight in the daytime
And you should know it by now
Oh oh oh–Oh oh oh
You should know it by now
Chapter 4-Welcome Home Love for a Lifetime
Nathan, Elizabeth, and their children arrived back in town. Together they settled the horses in the livery. Nathan took Elizabeth hand as they walked through town. There was one last surprise waiting for Elizabeth. Lee had been enlisted to help Minnie and Bill prepare an impromptu engagement party for the couple. Rosemary had suggested that they host it outdoors in front of the row houses. A large tent had been erected, strings of light hung carefully in loops providing a soft shimmery glow to its interior, and of course there were flowers. Tables and chairs had been placed in a circular pattern leaving a space in the middle for dancing. There was plenty of food and drinks. Everyone seemed to be there to celebrate. Elizabeth was awestruck as they neared the rowhouses. "Nathan what have you done?" she exclaimed happily. "This wasn't my idea it was…" Nathan started and Elizabeth finished, "...Rosemary." As the four of them entered the tent they were greeted by their friends with congratulations. They were hugged by women as the men shook hands with Nathan. Of course after the congratulations there was lots of eating, drinking, and dancing. Bill stood up and getting everyone's attention he began to give a toast. "Nathan and Elizabeth with all you have been through to get to this point you deserve to have all the happiness life has to offer. I hope that your life together is filled with the blessings of love, joy, and peace. That you always find support and comfort in each other. Be happy." He raised his glass to them–took a sip; and everyone followed suit. Allie carried a very tired Little Jack over to Elizabeth and Nathan. I am going to take him home and put him to bed; if that's okay with you? I don't want you to have to leave your party." Allie said intrinsically. "Are you sure? I don't want you to miss out on anything either." "I'm kinda tired myself. I thought after I put Little Jack to bed I could lay down for a minute also–on the sofa–if that's okay with you?." "Of course." Elizabeth smiled at her sleepy boy clinging tightly to Allie. "I'll go help Allie get Little Jack settled and be right back." Nathan interjected. Taking Little Jack from Allie he walked Allie to Elizabeth's house. Elizabeth watched them until Rosemary came over and put her arm around her. "How do you feel?" Rosemary inquired. "Happy." Elizabeth sighed contentedly. "It shows in your eyes and in his too. I think you both have found your way home." Both women smiled and Rosemary taking Elizabeth hand gave her a twirl as she led her back inside to the celebration.
When Nathan returned Elizabeth was dancing with Bill. She was laughing and she looked serenely beautiful. Lee, Joseph, and Mike made their way over to where Nathan stood watching his fiance'. "So–how does it feel?" Lee asked "How does-what- feel?" Nathan questioned looking quizzically at his three friends. "You know…?" Mike added nudgingly. "No I don't know." Nathan returned emphatically as he continued to stare lovingly at Elizabeth. "Spit it out already–man you are killing us with the suspense." Joseph conjoled. "Alright–Alright…" Nathan conceded "I feel happy." he said with a lopsided contented grin. "Good" all three men concurred. Nathan was very happy. His heart felt full for the first time in a very long time. Elizabeth and Little Jack becoming a part of his and Allie's family made him more than happy. He felt several pats on his back and the three men departed. Then there she was by his side looking up at him and smiling that smile that made him want to take her in his arms and kiss her; and there was nothing holding him back– so he did. Elizabeth let out a soft squeal as she felt herself being gently pulled into Nathan's arms. Then she melted into him as his lips brazed across hers. There were no other words–nothing left to be said–they were together and happy–they were in love. As the moon shined bright in the starry night sky–all of Hope Valley felt that the stars had finally aligned. Elizabeth and Nathan were finally home.