Lucky to be loving you
Chapter 24
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Fiona was thrilled to step onto English soil. Liverpool was her first experience in Europe. She hadn't left Canada except for the States and now here she was across the ocean in the old country. She didn't know what to expect, but one thing she told James was she wanted to see Buckingham Palace while they were in England.
James gathered their luggage and joined his wife. "Ready to go to our hotel?" he smiled.
"Ah yes! It'll be wonderful to sleep in a big bed without constant motion from the train or the ship," Fiona returned his smile.
James hailed a taxi and helped Fiona in. When the driver finished putting their luggage in the trunk, James told him, "The Britannia Adelphi please."
As they drove through the city, Fiona took in the busy sights and sounds. The hustle and bustle of the city was fascinating her and she delighted watching intently from the taxi window.
"James, have you ever seen such a big city before?"
James chuckled, "Fiona, honey, my father was quite the traveler and we were shuffled around Europe while he conducted business, meeting with other professionals. Sometimes, he even took time to take us sightseeing, but it was mostly mother who saw to it."
"Oh, you must know your way around here then," Fiona's eyes got bigger.
James was still chuckling, "Don't count on it. I was bored. Europe seemed like it was full of stuffy people. All I wanted was to go home and play with my friends."
Fiona grabbed his hand, "Now we can play together!" then leaned close to kiss him.
When they arrived at the hotel Fiona was impressed when the porter came up to take their luggage bags. Following him into the hotel, James checked them in and took the elevator up to their room. Upon opening the door to their suite, the porter waited casually until James hurriedly gave him a tip. Closing the door behind him, James turned his attention solely to his wife.
"Finally!" he muttered. Picking her up he walked over to the bed and gently dropped her. Leaning over her, he gazed at her. Overcome with love, he slowly and tenderly melted into her lips.
When Nathan came upstairs and walked in their bedroom, he saw Dee all decked out in her new red dress for the Valentine's Dance and whistled.
"My Mrs. Grant, you are a beautiful lady in red, and you're my Valentine!"
Nathan wrapped his arm around her waist and asked her to dance.
"Oh, you are quite the charmer," she smiled up at him. The two glided across the floor for a few steps and a twirl, ending with a dip.
"Okay, now that I have a little practice, I'm ready for the real deal," Nathan laughed. "Christopher is down for the night and Mom and Dad are downstairs playing cards with the Hendersons, so it's finally time for our date."
Peeking in one last time at Colleen sleeping in her crib in their room, they made sure was covered up, gave her a gentle peck on her head and went downstairs.
Saying goodnight to Emily, Archie, and the Hendersons, they gave them hugs goodnight.
"Allie will be home before us, so she'll be here to help if the children wake up," Nathan assured them.
Billees was decorated with paper hearts in the vases and butterflies on the walls with a few balloons. All the tables had red cloths and the Victrola was playing music to dance to.
Dee was delighted with the decorations but looked stunned. "Where is everyone?" she asked Nathan.
Nathan shrugged and looked around. Sam came out from the kitchen and greeted the couple. "Welcome. I've been expecting you. Follow me please."
Sam led them around the corner to one corner table that had a candle lit. There were only a few lit candles scattered around the room.
When they were seated, Nathan repeated, "Where is everyone"?
As Sam poured them a glass of champagne, he assured them, "They are coming, in a half-hour. Bill reserved this time just for you two to celebrate your anniversary." Then Sam walked away.
With that, the Victrola stopped playing and a violinist came strolling in playing "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." Nathan and Dee looked at each other and smiled. Bill knew that was their song.
Let me call you Sweetheart
I'm in love with you
Let me hear you whisper
That you love me too
Keep the love light glowing
In your eyes so blue
Let me call you Sweetheart
I'm in love with you
"How sweet of Bill to arrange for this special time for us," Dee grinned.
Nathan stood up, "May I have this dance?" he asked her.
The two held each other tightly as Dee laid her head on Nathan's shoulder. It felt so good, so right. "Three years ago today, I pledged my love to you and now it's stronger than ever," Dee whispered.
"Sweetheart, you have been such an incredible wife, daughter-in-law, and mother! How could I have been so lucky to find you back in Brook Springs where we grew up as kids? I'm so lucky to be loving you!" Nathan answered.
"I love you, Nathan. Happy Anniversary sweetheart!"
Nathan stopped dancing and cupped Dee's face in his hands. "I love you more. Honey, I have a little song I want to sing for you for our anniversary!"
Nathan walked Dee back to the table and when she sat down, he told her, "You know there's a beautiful song entitled, "Make Believe" that since no one is here, I can sing it just for you."
"Oh, I love that song! Let me sing it with you please?" Dee smiled standing up to join him.
The two lovebirds held each other's hand and took turns singing the song together...
Only make believe I love you,
Only make believe that you love me.
Others find peace of mind in pretending -
Couldn't you?
Couldn't I?
Couldn't we?
Make believe our lips are blending
In a phantom kiss, or two, or three.
Might as well make believe I love you,
For to tell the truth, I do.
Lucky to be loving you
Page 71
"Hey, what are you two doing?" Bill boomed as he walked in Billees with Molly.
"Hey Bill, thanks for this time alone with my bride!" Nathan grinned.
Dee blushed and smiled, "Yes, thank you. It certainly was sweet!".
Molly walked over to give them each a hug, "Happy Anniversary you two lovebirds!"
Bill hugged Dee and clapped Nathan on the back. "I'm glad it worked out and you two enjoyed these few minutes alone together. Listen, I've got to tell you that my cousin, Peter is coming here with Melanie."
Nathan raised his eyebrows, "The lady that you were looking for that was kidnapped?"
"Yes, she's recovered physically, but she's slowly healing emotionally. Peter has been visiting her and they're just now building their relationship to be more than friends if Peter has anything to say about it."
"Bill had to encourage him to bring her here to the dance," Molly added, "I'm anxious to meet them."
"Is this their first date?" Dee inquired.
"Well, Peter has been to visit her at the hospital and at her home. He's even taken her disabled brother to therapy to give her mother a break."
"Don't forget he walked her to town for lunch recently," Molly inserted.
Bill nodded, "Now, we were hoping that you wouldn't mind sitting with Molly and me so Peter and Melanie will have others to meet and talk with."
Molly jumped in, "We'll be busy off and on with the dance, and the wedding blessing for Paul and Darcy and we don't want to leave them alone. Is that all right with you?"
Nathan looked at Dee and she agreed, "Of course, it'll be our pleasure!"
Just as they finished their conversation, the door opened and Flo, Ned, Darcy and Paul walked in. Bill and Molly left to greet them and show them where the table was for gifts anyone might bring for Darcy and Paul.
"Thank you both for doing this," Paul smiled warmly.
Bill winked, "Talk to Molly about that, it was her and Rosemary's doing."
As usual, the Chickadees brought plates of treats and the Hopefuls who had already decorated the place so lovely, started up the coffee and put out the cups and plates.
Rosemary and Lee arrived, and Rosemary quickly got busy lighting the candles in the glass jars on the tables while Lee started up the Victrola.
It wasn't long as more and more couples came. Elsa looked stunning even though she had just born twins a few months ago. Wearing a big smile across her face, she felt so happy to be out and alone with William almost like she was on their first date! The two of them tall, blond, and blue-eyed were a striking couple.
Brook and Carl spotted Elsa and William and asked if they could join them at their table. Brook had mastered the English language now just by working at the Mercantile for Flo part-time. The conversations helped her to understand what and why she was saying certain words and she now felt more accepted. Minnie had been such a good friend to her too, helping her to cope with the loss of her baby, just as Joseph had helped Carl. Hope Valley was becoming their home now.
Faith and Carson arrived and seemed to be relaxed after a busy day. It would be their one-year anniversary in two months and with all the new townsfolk the past year they hardly had a chance to be out together. Faith had complained to Molly that by the time they finally got home from the infirmary, they just ate dinner and fell asleep reading. But now they had hired Walter Gleixner to join them, and he was a perfect addition to their practice. The two of them were looking forward to the time he would be taking on a few more shifts.
Lisa and Walter were already sitting at a table with Lana and Trevor. They were busy talking about Lisa and Walter's wedding coming up. Walter hadn't found a home for the two of them yet, so they hadn't had a bridal shower. Lana had shared with Lisa that she was hoping Trevor would ask her to marry him, maybe even tonight being Valentine's Day.
Joseph and Minnie Canfield joined the group. Joseph saw Darcy and Paul sitting with Flo and Ned. "Hello there! How are the newlyweds doing?"
"Oh, we're just fine," Ned laughed.
Joseph chuckled, "Just humor him," he grinned. Looking over at Paul and Darcy he asked, "Are you excited to have your vows blessed tonight here in Hope Valley?"
"Yes, everyone here has been so nice and welcoming!" Darcy answered gazing at Paul.
"She's right," Paul sheepishly replied.
"That's the correct answer," Minnie smiled as everyone laughed.
When Peter arrived with Melanie, Bill had been watching for them, so he grabbed Molly's hand and they both greeted the couple.
"Peter, it's good to see you made it. Melanie, it's good to see you again. How did he coerce you to accompany him?" Bill teased.
"This is my friend, Melanie," Peter introduced her to Molly.
"Welcome dear, I'm Bill's wife, Molly, it's so good to meet you," Molly smiled warmly and took Melanie's hand.
"My pleasure," Melanie answered quietly.
Bill knew she was shy, so he didn't hug her, but instead offered his arm, "Melanie, let me take you to our table."
As Bill escorted his cousin and Melanie where Dee and Nathan were sitting, he told her, "Peter has told me a little bit about how you are doing, and I just want you to know we're so proud of you."
Melanie looked at Bill, "I never told you, how grateful I am that you worked so hard to find me. If it wasn't for you and Mountie Christopher, only the good Lord knows if I'd still be in that basement. Thank you with all my heart!" With that, she tiptoed and reached up to Bill to give him a grateful hug.
Lucky to be loving you
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Melanie surprised Peter with her dance moves. She was a natural and he was glad he had asked the hotel activities director at the hotel where he worked, a few dance steps. When the time came for the new recent dance craze, the Charleston, Rosemary and Jane went on stage and asked for everyone's attention. The Victrola stopped playing the music when Rosemary clapped her hands.
Looking around, Jane winked at the Chickadees, and giggled when she saw Sam her husband watching her and smiling. Jane certainly loved to dance. Rosemary had been busy practicing too and her usual bubbly demeanor really made the Charleston a fun dance to. When Rosemary nodded, Lee turned on the Victrola and the music began again. Their enthusiasm was contagious, at least for the ladies at the dance.
"C'mon, men, don't leave your lady out on the floor alone!" Rosemary chided while waving her arms for them to get off their chairs and onto the dance floor.
Slowly one by one, the men connected with their wives or dates and tried their best to keep up with the kicks, moving their arms, their knees. The men who sat stiffly in their chairs, were yanked onto the floor except for a few. Molly could not get Bill to budge and Dottie had the same stubborness with Henry. So, Molly and Dottie went out on the floor with each other.
Melanie stayed with Peter at the table. She wasn't familiar with the new dance at all. She tapped the table keeping time with the music while enjoying watching others dancing. Dee had talked Nathan in giving it a try being that it was their anniversary, even though he was very hesitant. As Peter and Bill talked and Molly was dancing with Dottie, Melanie watched. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder.
Turning to see who it was, Dee was standing there and asked Melanie if she wanted to go dance. Nathan was relieved to be dismissed so he quickly retreated to his seat and joined in with the other men in their conversation.
"Oh, I never learned to dance the Charleston," Melanie shrugged.
Dee wouldn't give up that easily, "It is fun, we're all learning together. Melanie, please join us."
Peter was touched that Dee had included Melanie, and was grateful to see her actually outside of her comfort zone. He was hopeful she was finally starting to come out of her shell. He nudged Bill and pointed to the ladies out on the floor.
Bill was happy for Peter. This just might be the breakthrough he was waiting for.
Allie and Robert had enjoyed the younger group dance in the school gym. Most of their friends had asked for a dance too, so a few of the Hopefuls offered to host a dance for them there. There were several tables set up around the perimeter of the gym where the friends all joined together. Karen was with Harper and they joined Allie and Robert for a few dances, but most of them weren't dancing. Emily, Opal, Anna, and Angela were sitting together just talking waiting to be asked to dance, but even though a few of the boys came, they didn't really want to participate in the dancing, so they sat together and played cards.
Karen asked Robert, "Are you going to stay in Hope Valley now that you're done at Mountie training school now?"
Robert shrugged, "I'm just waiting for headquarters to notify me where I go to next. It should be any time now."
Allie listened carefully to Robert and had her fingers crossed under the table, "I sure hope you aren't assigned far away."
Robert nodded, "I know my mother was hoping I"d stay close too. She's got little Sarah to look after, but she gets lonely."
Allie leaned into Robert, "I know the feeling," she looked longingly at Robert and touched his arm. Robert smiled and grabbed her hand.
Harper cleared his throat and stood up, holding his hand out to Karen he asked, "Are you willing to take a spin on the floor?"
Karen giggled, then answered, "Of course!"
Soon, Opal and Emily were out on the floor trying to do the Chaleston.
"I saw a few of the ladies practicing and I think this is how it goes," Emily showed Opal.
When the song ended, Robert asked Allie if she wanted to go outside. Allie said sure, but was hoping her friends would stay inside.
Still holding Allie's hand, Robert opened the door and the couple stepped outside.
Robert led her to the end of the gym and stopped.
"Allie, have you decided what you're going to do now that you've graduated?"
"No, I was thinking of going to college, but I" Allie hesitated then blurted out, "I was waiting to see you first. Since I don't know what I want to do, I decided to stay working at the telephone switchboard for now."
Robert added, "Allie, like I told Karen, I don't know where I'll be assigned. So, if you want to go to college, then go."
"But, Robert, what about us? I mean we might be on different sides of the country, for all we know. I don't think I can live..."
Robert put his hand tenderly on Allie's face, "I know, it's going to be hard, but we both know we have to prepare for our future."
"Our future?" Allie's heart skipped a beat.
Robert looked into Allie's eyes, and slowly but intentionally leaned down to kiss her. She felt his arms around her Allie thought she'd melt right then and there.
When Robert pulled away they both stared at each other. Robert spoke, "Allie, we have our whole lives ahead of us. We've come this far, if we're meant to stay together, it'll work out. So, whatever you decide, I'm behind you."