Lucky to be loving you
Chapter 19
Page 55
The ladies of the town were gathered together at Minnie's for their Tuesday Bible Study but were in the social hour first. Having just celebrated the holidays they were relieved to be casually gathered together. However, Rosemary blew that calm by announcing the town's new events!
All the ladies had stopped chatting and were watching the commotion by the door. Some were over pouring themselves a cup of coffee or selecting one of Minnie's famous blueberry muffins. Still, when the cold outside air from the door opened and Rosemary demanded attention, everyone froze in their tracks.
"Oh, my goodness!" Rosemary cried as she bustled through the door of Minnie's Cafe holding baby Grace. "After Christmas and the New Year's holidays, I thought we could all relax, but January is packed full!"
Minnie looked over at Rosemary and Dottie with a startled look, "Rosemary do tell us what is so important that our Bible Study must wait!"
"Ladies, we have several celebrations coming up quickly!" Rosemary remained standing to get everyone's attention.
"What all are you referring to?" Dottie asked.
Little Gracie began to cry as she sensed her mother's anxiety. Gail Peterson raised her arms to take Gracie which Rosemary gratefully accepted. Once Gail removed Grace's baby bunting and blanket, Gracie stopped crying long enough to stare at this kind woman's face who was delighted holding a little baby girl again.
Rosemary smiling continued, "Thank you, Gail. Gracie is content with you I see. Anyway ladies, as I was saying, we haven't a moment to waste! We have to have a reception for Colleen Marie Grant after her christening. Now Dee is home today with her, but I know that Dee and Nathan's newest arrival will be celebrating their daughter's baptism for one thing, so ladies keep this in mind!"
Bertie looked at Emily leaned over and whispered, "Did Dee say anything to you about a party?"
Emily looked bewildered, "This is the first I heard of it. I thought she and Nathan would be having a nice family dinner."
Bertie raised her eyebrows and whispered back, "Maybe Rosemary knows something we grandmothers aren't privy too."
Emily shook her head, "I doubt it, Bertie. I'm sure I would've heard something by now. I better let Dee know."
Bertie rolled her eyes, "Yes, we don't need any awkward surprises."
Rosemary continued as all eyes were on her, "Now, we all know we have to welcome the newlyweds, Darcy and Paul Blakely with a fabulous reception!"
Florence stared at Rosemary and cleared her throat, "Excuse me please Rosemary, I know you mean well..."
Rosemary interrupted, "Flo dear, no worries, I am more than happy to plan this wonderful celebration for you! After all, I am the social planner with all the experience handling events like this."
Flo stood her ground, "Rosemary, I appreciate your confident offer, but I know Darcy and Paul would like to plan their own reception. In fact, they have already written up their ideas and will be working on them this week."
Rosemary stood there stunned. "I cannot believe you would refuse offer. I'm only trying to help."
That's when Minnie decided it was time for her to step in, "Rosemary, Darcy and Paul have probably already taken care of arrangements. Perhaps it might be best to talk to them first and see if they need your help."
With that, Flo sat down briskly and nodded at Minnie giving her approval.
"All right, I'll leave that for later, but ladies there is one thing we all need to help with!" Rosemary declared. As she looked around the women seemed mighty apprehensive, and you could hear a pin drop.
"As you all know, our lovely Mayor Fiona and her beau the debonair Dr. James Scholl will be united in marriage very soon. Now, we can't possibly forget to host a bridal shower for our Fiona, am I right?" Rosemary smiled broadly waiting for affirmation from the ladies.
This time everyone seemed excited and agreed with Rosemary. Even Gracie began to coo and smile in between sucking her thumb.
Ideas began flowing throughout the group as to when, where, and what to do about the shower. Of course, they would need a place to host it, so Rosemary readily offered Billees, "I happen to know one of the owners," she laughed.
"Me too!" Molly winked, "I don't think it will take much persuasion."
Rosemary took notes and then when all was settled, Minnie stood up and reminded the ladies, "Well, we don't have much time left for our study, but sometimes, actions speak louder than words and your love for each other and our community speaks loud and clear! So, let us each take our Bibles and pick out a psalm to share and silently reflect upon then we'll end with the Lord's Prayer. Let's begin with Brook, shall we?"
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As expected, Rosemary was totally committed to throwing Fiona the most fabulous bridal shower party that the ladies of Hope Valley would never forget.
She reserved a stately room at Clearwater Country Club for a luncheon in the famous Clearwater Clubhouse. Many a recording artist had performed there and Rosemary arranged for Marion Harris to perform for the bridal shower party!
She scurried over to Elizabeth's home, knocked on the door, and walked in, "It's me! I've got some wonderful news! Elizabeth was sitting at the dining table with little Jack and Will Malone who was holding Elizabeth's hand. Rosemary nodded at Will acknowledging his presence, and tapped Jack's head as she rushed past them. "Elizabeth, you'll never believe who I was able to snag as entertainment for Fiona's party!" she said excitedly.
Before Elizabeth could ask, Rosemary quickly interjected, "As you know, I am an actress, so I called on my connections, and lo and behold, I was able to talk with Marion Harris herself," Rosemary stopped in midsentence to tell Elizabeth, "well, it took some doing as she has a manager, and at first, he didn't recognize my stage name, Rosemary DeVeaux. Well, once I reminded him who I was, he was very attentive and had Marion telephone me back!"
Elizabeth smiled and nodded quickly saying, "I can't talk long, Rosemary. Is there something you need to tell me?"
"Oh, well, I actually was hoping to ask your suggestion as to what luncheon entrees I should order?" she continued by snapping the menu on the table in front of Elizabeth.
Elizabeth released her hand from Will's, shrugged, and reached for the menu. Rosemary was insistent and wouldn't leave happily until she cooperated with Rosemary's request. Even though Rosemary was Elizabeth's best friend, there were times like this when Rosemary was oblivious to what others were doing.
"All right, Elizabeth answered her, "but how are you going to afford the swanky Country Club and Marion Harris?"
"Don't you worry. I'll see to it that it's all taken care of," Rosemary assured her.
Elizabeth hesitantly looked over the menu and suggested, "I like the quiche Lorraine, with a fruit salad and sautéed green beans served with hot rolls, finishing off with a lemon cake."
"Perfect! Now, I knew I could count on you!"
Elizabeth looked at Rosemary with a questioning look, "Rosemary, why are going so fancy and spending all this money?"
"Fiona is our mayor and deserves the best. Besides, she's marrying Dr. Scholl, so we need to put our best foot forward! I've even hired several drivers to take all her guests in Rolls Royce automobiles to the Clubhouse," she giggled.
"What?!" Elizabeth stammered.
Elizabeth thought for a minute. Knowing her good friend, she figured out quickly what was going through her mind. "Rosemary, are you doing this for Fiona or to impress James' mother?"
Rosemary looked shocked, but then she sat down at the table. This was Will's cue to take little Jack with him to the sofa to pick out a book to read. He figured the conversation might be a bit awkward and he was glad to have a reason to walk away.
"Elizabeth, I don't have to impress anyone. I just want the best for Fiona."
Elizabeth took Rosemary's hand in hers and looked lovingly at her best friend, "Rosemary, you don't have to go to all this trouble. Fiona is not going to expect this. However, I know how thoughtful you are, so if you might be considering what Ruth Scholl and James' relatives will expect, that's very nice, but the shower is for Fiona."
Rosemary finally nodded, "I suppose I am concerned about the Scholls, but I already made all the arrangements, so all I have to do is let them know the menu selection."
Elizabeth patted Rosemary's hand, "All right, but what does Lee say about the expense?"
"He hasn't gotten the bill yet," Rosemary whispered, looked down at the table, and began fiddling with the tablecloth.
"Oh my!" Elizabeth was startled again. As she cleared her throat she whispered in return, "Have you asked James' mother to contribute?"
"Oh, I couldn't!"
"Yes, you could!" Elizabeth insisted, "If you don't Lee might get upset with you, and you don't want that!"
"I'd be embarrassed, and it's just too late now," Rosemary countered.
"Just let me be the judge of that. I'll talk to James and explain the situation. I'm sure he'll be willing to help out. Last I heard his brother has some fancy doings planned for his bachelor party, so let me see what I can do, please?"
"Just don't make it look like I'm expecting help, after all, it is your suggestion," Rosemary looked skeptical.
"Yes, of course," Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"Thank you," Rosemary said as the two ladies stood up and hugged goodbye.
When Elizabeth closed the door behind Rosemary she turned around and smiled broadly at the scene before her of little Jack cozied up under Will's arm following along and pointing to the pictures of the book they were reading together. Will had walked the two of them home from church and came inside so the two of them could talk about the new school semester.
"Looks like it's time for us to take a ride to town for a meal. Are you ready to go?" Will asked.
Elizabeth nodded commenting, "Oh yes, we better go before the town starts to gossip," she laughed. "I'll tell you all about my conversation with Rosemary over dinner."
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Darcy and Paul were extremely surprised to see how great the old Henderson farmhouse looked! Ned and Kevin Townsend had painted inside the old house after Lee had checked the interior for any needed repairs.
Ned was pleased that he could trust Lee and Joseph to be reliable and could count on both of them for expert advice. Joseph had sent his best man, Tom Landoch, to repair the windows, replace some torn roof shingles, and seal up the cracks in a few doors. Now, not only was the farmhouse restored, but the inside was refreshed with new coats of cheerful colored paint.
Flo, Katie, and Debra put a home-sewed floral tablecloth on the kitchen table they had resurfaced and hung curtains that they had sewn to match. Flo had bought some dishes, cookware, and utensils to get them started.
At Christmas while in Hamilton, James surprised Fiona with the deed for the land they were looking at to build their new home. They would live in Fiona's row house while their new home was being built, but they would have duplicates of almost everything from James' apartment above the dental office. So, Fiona had graciously offered for them to take any furniture from her house as she and James both had more than enough.
Also, Katie and Debra were already planning a wedding shower reception for their brother and his new bride. Since it wouldn't be until after the Scholl's wedding, it worked out wonderfully that Fiona and James had offered their extras.
"I'm sorry, that it's used furniture and goods, but everything is in working order and taken care of, so I hope they don't mind," Fiona told Flo at the Mercantile.
Flo didn't hesitate at all to thank her, "Fiona, this is such a blessing for Darcy and Paul. They're just starting off, as you know, and of course, Ned and I wouldn't let them be without, but this is a very thoughtful offer! I know they'll appreciate anything. Thank you!"
"Any word on when they will have a reception?" Fiona smiled.
"Soon, but they're getting settled in and besides, your wedding is right around the corner, so first things first!"
"Speaking of which, I need to try on my wedding gown. Dottie told me yesterday that she was done altering it, so it is ready!" Fiona couldn't help but giggle.
"Oh, how exciting! You're going to look absolutely stunning, Fiona!"
Fiona's face lit up, "I sure hope James thinks so!"
As Fiona carried her box of toiletries to her shop, she noticed an automobile parked outside, that she hadn't seen before. She wondered who it could be. Christy had just started to come back for one day, Saturday, so it wasn't her.
As she got closer she saw three men sitting outside on the porch in front of Nichols and Dimes. She stopped in the street and looked carefully at them. Knowing she hadn't opened the shop yet, they might be just waiting, but there were three of them and only one automobile. She hesitated to go any closer when she heard James' voice.
"Fiona! There you are!" James came out from behind the automobile. She hadn't even seen him.
"Yes, dear, it's me," she returned his greeting, "why are you waiting for me?"
"Just keeping these men company while they wait for you to arrive," he smiled.
One of the men turned around with a big grin plastered across his face from ear to ear, "Why there's our Fiona bologna!" her big brother shouted.
"Charlie, is that you?" Fiona began to run to him.
Her other two brothers turned too and held out their arms. As she ran to Charlie, she dropped her box as he swept her off her feet and twirled her around while she laughed. When he put her down, Steven and Adam who were laughing too, sandwiched her between them with a big bear hug.
James couldn't help but join in with the laughter as he watched the siblings reunite. They hadn't seen each other in a long, long time and they were overjoyed.
When Fiona's mother had taken ill and passed away, it was just her and her three brothers with their father. Fiona being the oldest, was like a little mother to all the men in her family! She grew quite independent, cleaning, cooking, and making sure the boys were behaving themselves. This is when she began to learn how to cut hair. She'd sit them down and practice on her brothers, but they didn't mind, because she became quite good at it.
Often times when their father was working at the telephone company, it got very busy. The telephone business was just starting to take off and telephone lines were being installed all across the land. Their father was one of the supervisors of telephone installation in the northwestern part of the States, which often left Fiona in charge. Even though she was busy at home, she was definitely a go-getter and sailed through school with good grades, especially in science.
Her father realized how inquisitive she was, so when the boys got old enough and could fend for themselves, he'd take Fiona with him to the office, several times in the summer, where she watched what he did and how to manage a team of workers. Little did she know that this would be where she learned how to run a business, which came to fruition as the proprietor of Nichols and Dimes and as the Mayor of Hope Valley!
She was fascinated with how the telephone worked and poured through the books about Alexander Graham Bell. When she graduated from high school, she soon learned how to install the telephones as she shadowed her father from town to town. The company hired Fiona and she anxiously took on her first job.
She became so good and had a great sense of congeniality, that it wasn't long before they sent her out on her own installations. That's how she was assigned to Canada and eventually to Hope Valley and the rest became history. Even though, the company let her go while here in town for no good reason, her one brother was still working for them. Her father had been saving to retire, and Steven was ready to follow in his father's footsteps.
Now, here they all were back together again and Fiona couldn't be any happier, except for the first man in her life. This thought prompted her to ask, "When is Father coming for our wedding?"