Lucky to be loving you
Chapter 16
Page 46
Bill had greeted Nathan with a strong handshake and a man-to-man hug congratulating him on his new daughter, Colleen Marie. Now, Bill and Nathan were sitting relaxed in Nathan's office.
"Well, Dad," Bill started with a half-grin, "how's everyone holding up with two babies?"
"We're doing just fine," Nathan scoffed, "a little tired, but having Ma and Allie there to help with Christopher and Colleen, well, they've been a big help!"
"Yeah, that's good. How's Dee?"
"Dee is a trooper, Bill! She tries to catch a wink when Colleen is done feeding. She's just now coming down to the table to join us for meals. Before, she was pretty sore and still is, but with some rest and the help, Violet says she's doing good," Nathan smiled.
Bill cocked his head to the side, "It's almost time for Christopher's birthday isn't it?"
Nathan nodded his head, "Yes, sir. We couldn't have planned it any closer to Colleen's birth, unless it was the same day," Nathan looked around and sighed.
Bill got up, walking over to the fireplace he grabbed the coffee. Pouring both of them a refill while chuckling out loud he added, "You and Dee will have your hands full, that's for sure!"
"We're not sure how we're going to celebrate, but we're thinking that we'll wait until Uncle Walter is back home. He'll be coming any day now."
"Is he done with school?" Bill sat forward in his chair.
"Yes, so he'll be interning with Carson and Faith now."
"That should make his fiance happy," Bill smiled.
"Dee thinks they'll be married in the summer. She says Walter is head-over-heels in love," Nathan grinned. "What's the word with your cousin, Peter, now?"
Bill drummed his fingers on the desk and looked out the window thinking. After a few seconds he responded, "I'm keeping my eye on him, but he's acquitted, and Melanie was taken to Clearwater Hospital and was evaluated. She was determined to be compentent but suffering with stress from trauma while held captive."
"Nathan," Bill continued, "this is by far the worst part of being a law officer, seeing the victims struggling to be their old selves again after experiencing such drastic treatment."
"What's her prognosis?"
"At this point, her emotional health is fragile, but she is receiving counseling. Her physical body is healing slowly but surely. Her face and wrists are barely showing signs of the rope burns and her appetite has come back little by little, so she's eating better and gaining weight. She has built up her stamina by walking around the hospital with an attendent. I think she's being released today or tomorrow."
"Did they interrogate her?" Nathan inquired.
"Yes, while she was with her physiciatrist. He wouldn't allow any further questioning if she showed any adverse reaction, but she was alert and totally aware of her surroundings and handled it well. She confirmed what Peter had been saying concerning that they both were aware of the bootlegging happening in the basement, but neither participated in the operation in any capacity."
Bill took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled, "The Salerno brothers were sentenced to prison for life, so with nothing to lose they turned over all the names and contacts of everyone in their operation. Thankfully, neither Melanie or Peter were on the list. I was called in for his appointment with a judge wherin he was released with all charges dropped!"
Nathan was happy to hear the good news and saw the look of relief wash over Bill's face, "Congratulations, Bill! That is just great. Where's Peter now?"
"He's back in his home looking for a job. He's got a few interviews lined up for this week, so hopefully, he'll be back to work soon and stays out of trouble. Meanwhile, he's been to Clearwater to visit Melanie in the hospital and they've become closer because of this situation."
Nathan stood up, "Well, I'm really hoping to meet your cousin one day. Maybe Melanie too."
"You just might sooner than you think," Bill stood up then too. "Molly suggested we invite him over for Christmas dinner, but I don't know about that."
"What? He's innocent, Bill, it's time for the two of you to get reacquainted, don't you think?" Nathan asked puzzled.
Bill shrugged, "I know, I should let bygones be bygones, but he's always been the black sheep of the family, you know. It's hard to let go of the worry he put my Aunt and Uncle through."
"Maybe he'll apologize to them letting them know he's learned his lesson about following the money," Nathan suggested.
"Unfortunately, it's too little, too late, they've both passed away. Molly though, now she's got a heart of gold, and encourages me to start a new chapter with Peter, starting this Christmas."
"What did you tell her?" Nathan grabbed the door knob.
"How can I say anything but yes to Red?" Bill shook his head.
Nathan laughed, "She's got your number!"
Page 47
When Brook and Carl Hutton returned from Quebec, after visiting Brook's family, they seemed happier than before they left. Being able to be with her mother and father, Brook felt relaxed and happier than she had been in a long, long time. It was just what she needed. Letting her anguish out about losing the baby alone at home and then not being able to share with Carl, she now found it such a relief to share with her mother about her fear of losing another baby. Even though she told Violet her midwife, who had gone through her own miscarriage, nothing compared to releasing her grief with her mother.
"Mother, I really needed to see you in person so I could find the strength to confront my loss and sorrow. I didn't know how hard it would be on me," Brook admitted sadly as she sat down next to her mother on the sofa.
Her mother, Spotted Fawn, who is known as Fawn, spoke while cradling her daughter in her arms, "My sweet Brook, it is so hard to be alone when something like this hurts us to our very core. Knowing the details now, I am just so sorry that your first pregnancy ended like this. I wish I could've been there for you."
"Mother, you are always with me in my heart. It's because of you, that I wanted to be a mother myself," Brook sighed and laid her head down in her mother's lap.
Stroking Brook's long black hair, her mother smiled down at her daughter, "You are an adult woman now, and sometimes you will have to experience sad, hard, and difficult times, it'll seem like there is no reason why. As a wife you are the heart of your family, and your heart is so full that when something breaks, a part of your heart breaks too."
"Oh mother, all I kept thinking was why. Why did I lose this baby? Carl knew something was wrong, but I ignored him when he tried to get close. I hurt the man I love, and I locked him out of my sorrow," Brook confessed.
Her mother smiled softly and nodded, "Brook, honeygirl, you two are a couple now, you are blessed by God and are two souls who are now one. When you hurt, Carl hurts. Do not be holding back from him. That is not God's will for the two of you."
Keeping her head on her mom's lap, Brook turned over and faced her mother, "Mother, didn't you ever keep a secret from father?"
"At first, but it was too lonely to keep my sorrows and joy to myself. Your father is my partner. He is the head of the family. He deserves to know how I feel."
"And your the heart of the family! Yes, I understand now. Thank you for helping me. I love you!" Brook smiled up at her mother.
"You don't have to thank me. It's meant to be," Fawn returned Brook's smile. "Your father told me no one would know he was your father because he says you are a perfect likeness to me. You definitely have my Cree Indian features. But you also have the tenderness of your father. That's why I fell so deeply in love with him. You're as soft-hearted as he is."
Brook sat up and hugged her mother, "I have the best of both worlds from you and father! I hate to leave you both, but Carl says we have to get back to Hope Valley. He has two families waiting for him to return so they can proceed with their property loans. Plus our town's Christmas celebration is in a few days! We have to decorate our town tree while caroling, and the children put on a Christmas pageant. I wish you and father could join us!"
"Honeygirl that sounds delightful! I will miss you very much, but perhaps your father will bring me to visit you and Carl next spring. I want to meet your town folks and see your home," Fawn said cheerfully.
"Yes! Please do. I can't wait for you to meet some of the lovely women friends I've gotten to know. Elizabeth and Dee both taught me English while other ladies, like this fun group who called themselves the Chickadees, enjoyed me teaching them how to make baskets. You'll really like them!" Brook grinned.
It was later that afternoon that Brook and Carl headed back to the train station to head back home, but not without lots of hugs and tears. Even Brook's brother and family came over to say goodbye and there were more hugs. Brook's brother, Louis, was just the opposite of Brook, taking after their French father, but they both had dark hair and brown skin color.
"Thanks for coming, we all missed you both. You two have a safe trip back to Hope Valley," Louis said to his brother-in-law, Carl as they shook hands.
"Take good care of my daughter," Pierre added fondly as he embraced Carl and kissed Brook.
Fawn and Brook held onto eachother while waiting for the train to arrive with Louis, his wife, Charlene with their children and Pierre. Once the ticket officer announced the arrival of their train, they grabbed their suitcases and boarded waving goodbye through the seat window.
The trip was long but the time alone on the journey back provided much needed time together to talk things through. When night fell they slept cuddled together in their seats. It was a healing visit for Brook and Carl and exactly what they needed.
Pulling into Hope Valley, they saw so many smiling faces greeting their families.
Elizabeth and little Jack were at the station greeting her brother-in-law, Tom Thornton. "There's my buddy!" Uncle Tom grinned as he dropped his luggage and opened his arms for Jack to run into with a big hug.
"It's so good to see you, Tom!" Elizabeth said as she gave him a hug. "Your mother is coming too still, isn't she?"
"Yes, but she's driving her automobile. You know Ma, she has to be independent!"
Tom said, "so she won't be here for a few days yet."
"Last time she came she was on a horse!" Elizabeth laughed and so did little Jack.
"Yes ma'am that's my Ma!" Tom joined in their laughter.
Robert was returning from Mountie training so his family was at the station waiting for him. His mother, Mary hugged him for the longest time, "Son, how are you doing? We missed you!"
Robert was embarrassed by her long show of affection and looked pleadingly at his father for rescue, "Come now, Mary, let me greet our son too," Richard winked.
Even his little sister, Sarah was hugging his leg. "Hey Sarah," Robert looked down at her laughing, "I missed you too."
Robert was scanning the crowds and his father spoke up, "Looking for someone in particular?" he teased.
"Well, I was just wondering if Allie was here."
"Sorry son, we haven't seen her, but you'll have plenty of time to catch up with her soon!" Richard nodded as he put his arm around his son's shoulders and walked with the family back to their automobile.
Dan and Gail Peterson were waiting together with Trevor watching the crowds of people coming off the various trains and then her sister, Lisa finally spotted Lana.
Tapping her parent's shoulders she pointed to Lana. Trevor had already run up to greet Lana with a kiss and take her bag. They walked arm in arm back to the others.
Finally, Walter was spotted in the crowd. Walter didn't know who to hug first, his parents or his fiance, Lisa, but Lisa made his decision for him. "Hey Walter, come here and give me a kiss!" Walter happily obliged. It was good to be home!
Page 48
It was the time of year that everyone looked forward to with family and friends coming in from out of town to gather together and celebrate the Lord's birth!
With all the detailed careful planning by the ladies of Hope Valley and of course, the Chickadees, the festivites of Hope Valley were finally going to happen.
This year the pageant was moved to St. James Church where they had room to practice their carols, change into their costumes and practice for the pageant. Everyone had been so cooperative. James Scholl and Augustus Landis worked with the Moretti family in placing the singers together according to their vocal range and the same with those that played instruments. Like before, most of the same people participated minus some of the children.
There were so many pageant parts to be filled. Most of the girls tried out for the role of Mary, and the same with the boys for the part of Joseph. To not dissappoint the ones that weren't picked, there were parts for shepherds, a drummer boy, animals for the cave, angels, and wise men, so everyone had an important part! Luckily, the Chickadees had saved the costumes so only minor alterations had to be done.
A few folks suggested that one of the Andersson's twins be baby Jesus to include them more in the town's pageant. Although there were others babies this year, Erin Abigail O'Neill, David Patrick Flynn, and tiny Colleen Marie Grant the first suggestion seemed to be the best. Being thrilled to be asked, William and Elsa agreed. When Elsa's mother, Ingrid left for home, they hired Alicia Polnicki, and she was a huge help. Having grown up in a big household of siblings, Alicia was quite comfortable helping.
Fr. Ricardo and Pastor Joseph were together to help direct the pageant with Katie Yost and Debra Blakely. The young ladies volunteered when Rosemary admitted she just couldn't take it on this year and they were glad to participate this weekend, the week before Christmas, because soon they would be leaving for the Blakely farmhouse. It would be the last time they would all celebrate together in the farmhouse now that Grandma and Grandpa were retiring from farming. That meant that soon Paul and Darcy would be married and come back to Hope Valley to start their own life farming at the Henderson's farm Paul bought.
Meanwhile when the Huttons returned home, Brook was in a much better mood and she too got involved with the festivites. She volunteered to help with the refreshments and told Flo when she checked on her basket orders.
"My Brook it's so good to see you! How was your trip?" Flo asked.
"It was wonderful! Seeing my parents I realized how much I missed them, but I also felt very loved. It was just what I needed!" Brook grinned.
"That's great, so what can I help you with?" Flo inquired.
"I hope I can help you. I see how busy you are, and I was thinking if you wouldn't mind, I'd be willing to volunteer my time in any way I can," Brook offered.
"You would?"
"Yes, I want to keep busy. Weaving baskets keeps me busy, but it would be great to talk to more people. I want to practice my English, but most of all, I want to get to know more folks. So, can you allow me to help you?"
Flo was excited with her offer. "This is an answer to prayer, my dear! Ned and I will be going out of town for Christmas and we only have Kevin Townsend from the garden and hardware shop to run our Mercantile while we are gone. Even Katie will be gone with us and she's the accountant. That leaves Allie responsible for the switchboard."
Brook broke into a huge grin, "Then I can help you?"
"Of course, but it won't be volunteering, I will talk to Ned and we will pay you. So, when do you want to start?" Flo laughed, "Now would be a good time!"
Brook clapped her hands, "Yes, now would be a good time!" she repeated.
Flo took Brook over to talk with Ned and with his happy approval, Flo began to show Brook all around the Mercantile so she would know where eveything was located and what was stored in the back room. When the ring of the bell of the door clanged, Brook followed Flo to the counter.
"Now, the bell let's us know to come to the front and check with the customer to see if they need your help. When they are ready to check out, they will come to the register. Do you know how to count money?"
Brook shook her head and looked down.
"That's all right, Brook," Flo reassured her, "Kevin does. If he's not here at the same time, you can write down who the customer is, what they took, and put it on their tab," with that Flo showed her the book they kept in the drawer under the counter.
"I hope I can spell all the items," Brook said concerned.
"Oh dear, that is a concern. Maybe Katie can come up with something. She'll need to keep inventory updated and know what to charge folks. Hmm." Flo was in deep thought.
Ned noticed and walked over, "What seems to be the problem?" he asked.
When Flo shared with Ned, he suggested, "You know our customers are all good people. I think we can ask them to write down their purchases in a new tablet on the honor system for the time being. We won't be gone long and besides Kevin will be here most of the time."
Flo's grin came back, "Yes! Good idea, Ned! When Katie gets back, I'll ask her for a lined table where the customers can write their names and items. Meanwhile, let's keep going Brook. You've got a lot to learn!"
Over at the bank, Brook's husband, Carl was busy preparing the loan papers for James Scholl's new land purchase. James was thrilled to buy the land with the waterfall that he and Fiona had showed to his mother, father, and brother. After their wedding in January, they would live in Fiona's row house, while they built their new home. This was going to be the best Christmas gift he could give to his fiance and he smiled just thinking about the look on Fiona's face.