Lucky to be loving you
Chapter 5
Page 13
While in Spokane, Henry was having the time of his life with Dottie by his side, and his grandson, Henry in his arms. He never even dreamt a few years ago that this would ever be possible. Never believing he deserved a second chance even when Abigail told him he was a good man deep down inside, he refused to believe her. Henry felt deeply undeserving and his pride was replaced with humility.
Now, life couldn't get any better. He and Dottie were happily married, and he had reconciled with his son, Christopher, who had been his best man at their wedding. Now his son was welcoming him into his and Rachel's home and even named their baby boy after him. As he looked at his grandson's little face, which warmed his heart, he saw the future and it looked beautiful!
Dottie was sitting right next to Henry and was smiling from ear to ear watching as little Henry was blowing bubbles with his pursed lips. When he opened his eyes you could see he was trying to focus on his grandpa and would fling his arms when he got excited as Henry was talking to him. Somehow, little Henry knew this man loved him.
"It's my turn, Henry. You've had him all this time," Dottie teased. "I want to hold our little man too, you know."
"All right, be careful though and hold his head," Henry warned Dottie as he handed over little Henry.
Dottie chuckled, "Yes, grandpa!"
Dottie held out her arms and took her grandson and brought him up to her face feeling his warm little cheek against hers while smelling the baby breath and she was in heaven. It had been so many years since she held a baby and it brought tears to her eyes.
"Hello our handsome little one, welcome to the family!" she said as she gave him a kiss on his forehead.
All this attention for their little boy warmed Christopher and Rachel's hearts as they watched his grandparent's fawn over their son. They opened the gift boxes filled to the brim of new baby clothes along with a baby book for them to fill out all the milestones of little Henry's life.
"Oh, his first smile, his first word, his first step! This will be so much fun, thank you both for these gifts. Henry will look darling in these outfits too!" Rachel hugged them both gratefully.
Soon the buzzer rang in the kitchen and Rachel's mother, Susannah greets them,
"Dinner is ready!"
"Mom has been such a big help for us!" Rachel smiles. "I haven't had to do any cooking or cleaning with her here."
"That's wonderful!" Dottie grins.
"That's what mothers are for. Now come into the dining room for dinner," Susannah beckoned.
When they all sat around the table, Christopher spoke up, "Dad, we are very happy to see you both and wish you lived closer."
Henry nodded, "Me too. It's a long time coming, son. I can thank my lovely bride here," he said as he looked tenderly at Dottie.
"You know your dad is a man of few words, but he's been so excited since your telephone call, that I knew we just had to come and see you!" Dottie grinned.
Susannah and Dottie started talking about how different it was when their children were babies and got lost in their laughter sharing stories. Henry filled in Christopher about the oil company where Christopher worked for a short time when he came to Hope Valley. Rachel sat and absorbed the conversations that she kept in her heart to ponder later.
Little by little the Gowen family began to unwind and relax with each other after so many years. It was a new beginning.
Now in Edmonton, Bill was at the correctional facility seeking to talk with his cousin, Peter. He was uncertain how he could help, but it was worth his time to help him, if he could.
Peter saw Bill in a meeting room waiting for him and breathed a sigh of relief. As he was escorted in, his hands were in handcuffs, his hair was tousled, and he looked like he could use a shower.
"Bill, you got my letter! I'm relieved to see you, thanks for coming!" Peter greeted.
"Sorry to finally see you after all these years in this situation. It would have been nice to hear from you before," Bill gruffly answered.
"Bill, I'm sorry, but I didn't hear from you either. But hey, it's me, Peter. Have you forgotten all the family times together especially with the holidays?"
Bill shrugged, "Now don't pull the sentimental card on me. I'm here only because our two mothers were sisters. So, let's get on with this, shall we?"
Peter's smile left his face quickly.
"I know you were working for a saloon that was being targeted for bootlegging and was raided. I also know that you were there at the time and arrested."
"Yes," Peter acknowledged.
"I also know that you claimed you knew nothing about the bootlegging operation inside the cellar of the establishment you were working, correct?"
"Yes."
"How long did you work there?" Bill asked as he watched his cousin carefully.
"A little while."
"Peter, tell me exactly or I can't help you."
"All right, all right, about a year and a half."
"And you're telling me that all this time you never knew a thing about the bootlegging going on right below where you worked?"
Peter answered looking away from Bill's penetrating eyes, "Yes."
Bill shook his head, "Look at me Peter, and tell me the truth, now!"
When Peter looked at Bill, he buckled. He felt ashamed and sighed. He didn't want Bill to know, but he already did.
Swallowing hard and tightening the muscle in his jaw, Peter admitted, "I knew."
Bill leaned back in his chair and looked at Peter with a bit of a softer gaze, "Now, we're getting somewhere. I need to know the whole story, so why don't you tell me everything you know. Let's start at the beginning."
As Peter took a deep breath, Bill took out his notebook and began taking notes as he listened intently to Peter's story. Peter did know, but he didn't have anything to do with the operation. Yet, he didn't leave the saloon either, for another job, as he was making good money especially in tips. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Bill looked at Peter solemnly thinking, how was Bill going to prove this? "Where is your wife?" he asked.
"She's gone. We're divorced. Just have the children close by, but they're all adults living on their own now."
Bill shook his head, "So, you have no one at all to substantiate your claim that you weren't involved?"
Peter stared at the wall thinking and then answered anxiously, "There's a waitress, a friend, that works there, she knew too, but wasn't there when the raid came down. She might be willing to help me!"
"All right, now we're getting somewhere," Bill said leaning forward, "I need her name."
"Melanie, Melanie Forester."
"Where does she live, do you know?" Bill inquired.
"I'm not sure now because when the saloon closed, she had to look for work, but she couldn't have gone too far, maybe she's still in Buxton?"
"I can't promise you anything at this point, Peter, but I will do my best. Let me see what I can find out about this Melanie woman. She might be your only hope."
Bill stood up and tapped his cousin on the shoulder as he walked to the door to leave he whispered, "Watch your back in here, this is a tough place. I'll talk to you soon."
Page 14
Molly had balloons and streamers decorating the Infirmary with a sign outside, that hung on the window bearing the happy news, "Violet Turner is our new Midwife!
Faith had received the certificate of completion of Violet's courses in midwifery and didn't say a word to her. Carson, Faith, and Molly kept it secret but invited Jake and Ruth to be waiting with them inside the infirmary when she came into work Monday morning.
As Violet walked into town she noticed quite a few people gathered around the infirmary and hoped there was nothing serious happening. As she got closer she began to run.
"There she is!" Flo said excitedly pointing at Violet.
"We've been waiting for you!" Rosaleen jumped in.
Violet stopped dead in her tracks and looked at everyone trying to figure out what was happening. "Me?" she asked, "Why, what's going on?"
The crowd separated allowing Violet to walk up to the infirmary. As she got closer, she saw the sign and began to laugh with excitement. All the people began clapping as Dr. Faith opened the door and welcomed her in.
"Come on in, Violet, today we are celebrating our official new midwife!" Faith gave her a big hug. "You have aced your tests and have now completed your internship!"
Stepping back, Violet was stunned to see her certificate framed and hanging on the wall below Carson and Faith's certificates, "Oh wow! It's real!"
Her husband, Jake came up and gave her a big hug and kiss, "I knew you would do it! I'm so proud of you!"
"Thanks Jake, you've always been so supportive," she hugged him again.
Carson walked up and hugged Violet too, "Glad to have you officially on our team! You have really showed us how good you are with all the new babies joining our town recently. Faith and I really appreciate it."
Ruth was right behind Carson watching the joyfulness of the moment and finally she had a chance to hug her sister-in-law. The two of them had become very close and it had been hard to keep this secret surprise, so when they hugged, Violet scolded Ruth teasingly, "You never said a word. No more secrets, you hear me?"
Molly had a lovely decorated cake with half pink and half blue icing she bought from Minnie sitting on her desk. After giving her a hug too, she handed a cake knife to Violet and told her, "It's time for you to cut the cake!"
A few of the well wishers from outside went about their business, but not Fiona. She came inside to congratulate Violet and told her, "It's wonderful to have another female join our medical team, especially with the baby boom we've been having. You make Hope Valley proud, Congratulations!"
As Violet looked around at all the smiling warm faces, she said, "Thank you all very much. This is a wonderful surprise!"
It was an exciting celebration for Violet and she appreciated the balloons, streamers, cake, and all the good wishes. Jake had to leave to go to work and Ruth was needed at the Coulter household as the nanny/housekeeper, so with one last hug from both they left.
The telephone rang with requests for appointments with the doctors and other patients were arriving for their appointments. Violet smiled, looking at her notebook and noting that she was busy too. She had babies to check on and Violet was beginning her bi-weekly visits with Dee. Dee already having had a baby, and not that long ago, made it quite possible she'd deliver earlier and quicker.
"How are you feeling, Dee?" Violet asked cheerfully.
"Just fine, but I see you are quite the happy one this morning!" Dee answered.
"I am indeed. When I arrived for work, there was a small fun reception waiting for me."
"Reception? What for?"
"I am now officially a midwife! Dr. Faith received my certificate and surprised me with a cake and a sign hanging outside. Ruth and Jake were inside waiting, so it was really special!" Violet shared.
"Oh, congratulations! You deserve it, Violet!"
"Enough about me, tell me has anything changed since last time?" she inquired as she took Dee's blood pressure.
"Not much, except I'm having a hard time sleeping. I can't get comfortable. Just when I finally have Christopher on a schedule, I know I'll be starting this all over again," Dee chuckled.
"It's to be expected, Dee. But now, let me listen to your baby's heartbeat!"
"Everything all right?" Dee asked.
"Yes, but I still need to weigh you and do an internal exam," Violet answered, "By the way, when is Christopher going to be one?"
"Not until almost Christmas. It was during our annual Hope Valley Christmas tree lighting that I started having labor pains. Nathan couldn't find me at first, but it all turned out all right," Dee started to laugh remembering his birth. "It's going to be a hectic Christmas with the new baby and Christopher's birthday too!"
Violet smiled, "You're lucky, you've got a wonderful family to help out!"
Dee could sense that all her talk was making Violet a little wistful. This time it was Dee's turn to reassure her friend, "Violet, your turn will come. Don't worry about getting pregnant, it'll happen when you least expect it. God will provide."
Violet nodded quietly, "I'm praying about it, Dee. I sure hope so."
Page 15
Ingrid was so busy sewing that she almost forgot to check the beef stew she had cooking slowly on the stove. Knowing that the twins and her daughter were napping, Elsa was hurrying to finish the hem of her daughter's new skirt. With the christening that weekend, she wanted Elsa to feel beautiful. It was hard for her to feel that way while nursing the girls and still carrying around some baby fat. Carrying twins had stretched her out quite a bit and she felt far from pretty. Elsa knew she would have to do some sit-ups to help tighten up her tummy, but not yet, she was still sore and very tired.
Ingrid heard one of the babies whimper and stopped her sewing machine to listen and heard another whimper again. As she stood up to check on the girls to see who was stirring, she got a whiff of the stew and quickly went to the stove. Lifting the lid, the aroma washed over her and made her smile. Ingrid had made the stew expecting her husband and daughter, Lily, arriving later for dinner. It was what they all had been waiting for and Ingrid made sure she would cook her husband, Lars, his favorite dish.
Placing the lid back on to finish cooking, Ingrid walked over to the crib that William had brought downstairs for the twins and peeked. Greta was stirring, but she hadn't opened her eyes yet while Julia was still laying on her side content. Ingrid slowly turned Greta to be right next to Julia where they could snuggle. Ingrid was hoping that would hold Greta off from another feeding for a bit longer.
As Ingrid watched, she saw Greta relax as she felt Julia next to her and went right back to sleep. Hallelujah it worked! Ingrid went back to the sewing machine and continued on Elsa's dress. The twins co-operated long enough for their grandmother to have the time to finish their mother's dress.
As if it were planned, Elsa woke from her nap and came down the stairs looking around to see who was there. "Oh Mom, that felt heavenly, but I'm sure the girls will wake up soon to nurse. I'm feeling a bit full. Any word yet?"
"No, honey, I just know what you do. William will be picking all them up from the train station after work."
"Mom, William will have to make two trips with luggage and all. He will probably take them to Billees first to unload the luggage and show them their rooms before he brings them here. With Dad sleeping with you in the guest room, I hope Lily doesn't mind sleeping on the sofa."
Elsa heard Greta waking and swiftly ran to get her before she woke up her sister. Ingrid handed Elsa a pillow to put under little Greta so she could nurse easier. "I'm not changing her yet, I need relief first," Elsa laughed.
William took the Andersson and Johannson family to Billees after a very happy reunion. Introducing his extended family to Sam and Maggie, Maggie showed them to their rooms while Sam helped carry their baggage. Coming from Toronto Will was glad that Billees had added on and provide more suites that were very nicely decorated by Maggie and the Hopefuls under Rosemary's direction.
He told them he'd wait downstairs for them to change clothes from their long train ride, and freshen up before they would head over to his row house. Lily was the first one ready and couldn't wait to hold her baby nieces and see her sister!
She practically flew down the stairs and joined William.
"Will, I want to go ahead, just tell me where and point me in the right direction and I'll walk over there," Lily asked.
Will had to laugh, "You never could wait! You're so antsy Lily," he answered as he took her to the door and told her directions watching that she went the right way.
Once everyone came downstairs, they left. Arriving at the row house, Lars was very happy to see his family together again. He smelled the stew and with eyes twinkling asked Ingrid, "Is that my favorite stew?"
Ingrid smiled as he gave her a kiss on the cheek, "Missed you," she told him.
Giving Elsa a big bear hug, Lars swiftly walked over to the crib where the two little twins were looking all around trying to see what all the noise was coming from.
"Oh my, Elsa! Will! They are too beautiful for words!" Lars exclaimed.
"Yes! Aren't they though," Lily added.
Right next to him was Marta, Will's mother and Stefan, his father. "Those big blue eyes are just as blue as the sky," Marta said.
"Ya, they're going to make all the boys turn to watch them," Stefan chuckled.
Noah tried to peek past the grandparents to no avail, but when he saw them, William was watching him and noted that Erik was melting over his nieces.
"Time to eat everyone. I bet you're all starving after such a long trip," Ingrid said.
Lily helped her mother set the table and Marta offered to bring over the hot dishes. Elsa noticed the vase of flowers on the table.
"Who brought the pink flowers?" Elsa asked smiling, "they are so pretty!"
Lily blushed, "I hoped they'd last, they're from Erik. He wanted to congratulate you with best of wishes."
"Erik? Do I know him?" William asked.
"No, he's a friend of Lily's," Elsa winked.
William understood, "Well that was certainly nice of him," he chuckled and then felt a little playful kick on his leg from his wife.
Lily nodded shyly, "Does anyone want any bread of mom's bread?"