Lucky to Be Loving You

Chapter 23

Page 67

Fiona and James had transferred from their Canadian train in Toronto to another train that took them through the United States to reach New York where they would depart for Europe. So far, the train trip had been much better than they expected. The service was thorough and prompt, the food delicious, and the views spectacular. The sleeper car was comfortable, so they slept well and also slept in a few days.

Finally, they were boarding the Red Star cruise liner Lapland! Fiona was so excited she practically beat James down the aisle to find their cabin.

"Room 716, right?" she quickly stopped and questioned James.

"That's it," James chuckled. Opening the door to their cabin, he scooted to the side allowing his wife to enter.

"Oh, James, this is so different than I imagined. The photos on the postcards I saw in the lobby were nice, but this room is even bigger," Fiona said in awe as she looked around the room, "It's a hotel-like room!"

James smiled watching his wife impressed with their lodging. Her child-like excitement brought him joy. Her oohs and aahs throughout their honeymoon trip tickled him and he delighted in her wonderment.

"Honey, do you want to wash up before we go to the diner for dinner?"

Fiona was already busy unpacking, "Yes, but first I want to make sure my clothes aren't all wrinkled. I don't want to be ironing when we are on this voyage. I don't want to miss anything!"

"Did you notice the fashion statements the people on this liner are making?" James asked Fiona.

"Yes, I saw it in the magazines at Dottie's Apparel, but to see the finest clothing in person is fascinating. I do hope my new dresses and gowns will suffice," Fiona gave a questioning look at James.

James came over to Fiona and pulled her close, brushing her hair back, he lifted her face and gazed deeply into her eyes, taking her beauty in. She was so beautiful! "Fiona, you could wear a potato bag, and still take my breath away!"

Fiona tiptoed up to James and gave him a tender kiss, "James, you are my everything. I've never been this happy!"

After donning their best evening wear, the two newlyweds walked hand-in-hand down the grand staircase where they stopped halfway to look over the lavish dining room. It was filling up with couples of famous people, dignitaries, and the like.

James walked them up to the Matre'd and asked for seating for Dr. and Mrs. James Scholl. Hearing her new last name immediately brought a big smile to Fiona's face. Shortly they were being led to a table where several other couples were seated.

The Matre'd pulled out the chairs for Fiona and James both. Asking if they would like a cocktail, he took their order, "Very good, sir" he nodded approval and left to get their drinks.

Turning their attention to the other couples, James introduced Fiona and himself. They met Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster, Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kowalski, and Hollywood film actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. There were so many reporters following the newlywed Fairbanks couple that security had to remove them from the liner before it set sail. Now, the two were keeping a low profile with Mary wearing a wig and Douglas sporting a beard.

Fiona gasped when she heard them introduce themselves and wondered if she had heard them wrong, but after looking intently at them she realized they were who they said they were. James knew Fiona was astonished and to tell the truth, he was too. Reaching under the table he gave Fiona's hand a warm squeeze and she reciprocated.

The other couples were just as surprised, but both Douglas and Mary were very pleasant and asked the others to please keep their secret. "We will be dining with you all throughout our sail," Mary informed them.

"Yes, we requested that we only dine with the same three couples, so please understand our situation and you can be assured that we will give you a monetary token of our appreciation," Douglas added.

"That's not necessary," Twila Lancaster spoke up. She nearly jumped out of her chair when Herbert Lancaster kicked her chair leg.

Douglas laughed, "Please, there will be no such talk. If you so choose, you can confirm the transaction when contacting your bank, but until we reach port in London, rest assured it's already been taken care of."

After that exchange, the couples began explaining who they were and why they were on the ocean liner. As more courses were served and the wine poured the easier they chatted.

Finding out that Dr. Jeffrey Kowalski was a veterinarian surprised everyone and he and his wife, Kalina were going home to visit their grandparents and cousins in Poland. They had an accent but spoke English very well having lived in America all their lives as both their parents immigrated to Chicago as a young, wedded couple. Jeffrey and Kaline met at St. Adalbert Church's Choir. Now they were returning to the old country to meet the relatives they heard stories about but never met. They hadn't been blessed with children so far, so now seemed to be a good time to travel.

Twila Lancaster was a stout middle-aged woman who was used to high society life. She had been well taken care of having never lifted a finger to clean or cook since she married Herbert. He inherited his father's automobile business when his father retired. Nothing like his father, he was boisterous but under all his bravado was a tenderhearted man. When they left their prestigious position in their hometown of Detroit the two were relaxed and didn't feel compelled to put on airs.

Fiona and James shared their story of Hope Valley and that they were just married. To their surprise Mary and Douglas, the actors, were also newlyweds but from the summer of the year before. Both couples were toasted and congratulated.

Later back in their room, Fiona asked James, "Well we have quite a cast of characters at our table, don't you think?"

Taking off his suit, James nodded, "But none so enchanting as you!" he answered seductively.

"Why Dr. Scholl, whatever are you saying?" Fiona smiled coyly.

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Bill stopped over at the Infirmary to talk with Molly. When he walked inside, she was busy talking on the telephone. She looked up and smiled at Bill and then held up her finger to indicate she'd be available in one minute.

"Hello, Bill," Violet greeted when she approached the front of the office. Seeing Molly on the telephone, she asked, "Is there something I can help you with?"

Bill laughed, "I'm not pregnant, so I guess not."

Violet gave Bill a questioning look, "Okay, Bill, I wasn't sure if you needed anything, but I'll let you go. Molly should be available soon."

Molly seemed to have a longer call than he thought, so Bill walked over to her desk, found some paper and a pen, and wrote her a quick note. Blowing him a kiss, he waved in return and left for Billees.

Greeting Sam when he walked in, he was happy to see how busy the place was. With the guests who were staying there and the regulars, it was working out to be a very successful investment with his partner, Lee. Lee was busy with the Coulter Lumber Company, a wife who was publishing the local Valley Voice Newspaper, a son they adopted a little over a year ago, and now a new baby girl, Gracie. Bill knew since Lee was occupied; Billee's needed his attention.

Thinking back several years, he remembered finding Sam sleeping in one of the upstairs bedrooms when he snuck into Billees. The man he was looking for had swindled him just like he tried to do with what used to be The Queen of Hearts. Wyman Walden left the town in disgrace as did Lucas Bouchard who was the previous owner. Walden tried to claim the Queen of Hearts as his property since Bouchard owed him. His type of people were gamblers, drinkers, loud partiers, and exotic dancers, which disgusted the townsfolk, so the town voted him out.

Sam Tremblay turned out to be a great manager, one who really took care of all the details expertly. Whenever Bill informed him of upcoming events, he was reliable and ready. Maggie Lipinski, his girlfriend, was his assistant and she too was a natural. Growing up part of the large Lipinski family, she had experienced working with all types of personalities and developed patience. Being in charge of restaurant workers and volunteers she had proven herself to not only be a fair leader, but a friend.

Now, they were planning the St. Valentine's Dance! Molly and Rosemary worked well together creating the best experiences for the town events. Working together they had the plans all figured out and ready to put into motion. Bill told Sam and Maggie that when Molly joined him for lunch, he wanted to add something special to their plans just for Nathan and Dee's anniversary.

Over at the Mercantile, Brook was still working part-time for Flo. Lately, Flo was quite busy helping Darcy and Paul settle into their farm. The Henderson's had left quite a bit of furniture and tools for them when they downsized to Henry Gowen's town home, that he sold when he married Dottie and moved in with her.

In the spring, Paul's grandparents would be bringing a few of their livestock over to Paul and Darcy, their favorites they wanted to keep in the family, along with some farming equipment and machinery. When Paul's grandparents had sold their farm, they made it clear to the new owners about certain things and animals that would be going to Hope Valley.

That meant that Darcy and Paul had a month or so to get settled in the farmhouse. Ned had repaired any walls, windows, or floors that needed it and hired Kevin to paint the walls. Luckily, with Flo and Ned owning the Mercantile, they could order anything they needed. It was a slow time for Kevin at the Hardware and Garden store, so the timing worked in their favor too.

Leaving the color choices up to Darcy, Flo had suggested fabric for curtains and drapes that Darcy agreed with. Darcy's mother had sent along a set of dishes and some extra pots and pans, as well as blankets and a homemade quilt.

Rosemary and Maggie decided they would set aside a table at the Valentine's Dance for any wedding gifts the townsfolk wanted to give to the couple. Having been wed back in Darcy's hometown, where they already had a reception, they brought back the gifts including serving platters, towels, baking pans, etc. Flo had kept a secret list at the Mercantile of what they still needed for anyone looking to buy them a gift.

Pastor Canfield had been asked to bless Darcy and Paul's marriage for Hope Valley friends to witness and enjoy. This Valentine's Dance was going to be celebrating love!

While waiting for Molly to join him for lunch, he went into the back office of Billees and made a telephone call to the Romano family who owned the Italian restaurant in Brookfield.

"Hello, Giovanni! This is Bill Avery. How are you?"

"Billy, Pisano, it's good to hear from you. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I've got an idea to help a good friend celebrate his anniversary with his lovely wife while at our Valentine's Dance. I was hoping that you might be willing to spare one of your violinists that walks around in your restaurant playing while guests are dining."

"For how long Bill? As you know we are very busy at Romano's, especially in the evenings close to Valentine's Day," Giovanni hesitated.

Bill shrugged, "Giovanni, not long—just the time to drive here from Brookfield and back, plus about fifteen minutes of playing. I'll pay his full wages, of course, so he won't lose any pay. What do you say?"

Giovanni sighed, "Who is this friend of yours? Do I know him?"

Bill chuckled, "You got me, all right. It's our handsome Mountie and his lovely wife. Now, you are not to breathe a word about this, please!"

Giovanni burst out laughing. After a few minutes, he returned to the phone call. "Yes, of course, anything for our Mountie and his beautiful bride. I wish I could be there. You are a good friend, Billy-boy, indeed!"

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When Peter heard from his cousin, Bill that there was going to be a Valentine's Dance in Hope Valley, at first, he shied away from the idea of asking Melanie to go with him. Bill suggested he "man up" and ask her.

"How are you going to continue developing your relationship with her if you don't ask her out?" Bill queried.

Peter knew Bill was right, but still hesitated, "I don't want her to think I'm jumping the gun. We only went out for a short drive to town with a stop for lunch before I had to go to work at the hotel."

"Didn't you also drive her brother and Melanie for his physical therapy?" Bill asked, knowing the answer.

"Yes, well, only once." Peter cleared his throat.

"Just tell her you want her to come here to Hope Valley to meet your cousin and other friends. It just so happens your cousin owns Billees, a hotel with a restaurant. It's that simple."

"Yeah, sure but it's a Valentine's Day dance!"

"So? You don't have to dance." Bill insisted.

"But it's VALENTINE'S DAY, Bill! Peter continued, "I don't want to scare her. What if she doesn't think of me, you know, the same way that I like her?"

Bill began laughing, "Peter, you've never been this shy? What's gotten into you?"

Peter was getting upset, "Never mind Bill, you've always been lucky with women, you don't understand."

"Hey, me? No, I've had my share of bad situations, believe me. Look, it'll be nice. If either of you feel uncomfortable, you won't be forced to stay, but I'd really like you to see Molly and enjoy all the hard work she has put into this dance. All right?"

Bill succumbed to his cousin and agreed. "All right, I'll check with her and get back to you."

"Great! I'm looking forward to hearing back from you. Now, just stick to your guns and do yourself a favor. You just might get that kiss after all," Bill teased.

When Elsa heard about the Valentine's Dance, she wondered if she could ask Alicia Lipinski to watch the twins on a Saturday night. Alicia had been helping her during the week for a few days, but she thought maybe Alicia may be attending the dance herself.

There were other young mothers like herself needing a babysitter. She thought about how lucky Rosemary had been able to have a nanny with Ruth. Or Christy with her parents and in-laws both helping. Then there was Dee who also had the same lucky situation as Christy. Here she was, her parents and William were all the way across the other side of Canada. She sighed.

The only other young mother like her was Clara, but Clara often had one of her parents of Christy or Rick willing to help babysit. It was wonderful that Clara and Jesse were welcomed into their family. Their little children were treated like "adopted" grandchildren.

Whereas Elsa and William had only been in Hope Valley for a short time when she gave birth to the twins as she was already pregnant when they arrived. The ladies of the town were very sweet and gave her gifts for the babies, but she hadn't been able to get back to the Tuesday ladies' Bible Study at Minnie's, so she hadn't gotten to know them except on Sundays at church.

Her thoughts drifted to the other young ladies in town and there were quite a few who might have children someday. Violet, the midwife, was already married, and Brook too. Lisa Peterson was engaged to Walter Gleixner with a wedding expected this year, and her sister, Lana Peterson was in a serious relationship with Trever Donahue. Of course, there were the newlyweds, James and Fiona Scholl, and Darcy and Paul Blakely. Thinking of all the possibilities there could quite possibly be a population explosion in Hope Valley!

Wondering what she could possibly do about this she thought about asking Alicia if she and any of her sisters or friends would like to start a babysitter's group. Alicia was tending to baby Greta when Elsa walked over with Julia.

"Alicia, I have been thinking about the Valentine's Day Dance coming up. I was wondering if you were planning on going?" Elsa asked.

"Me? No. I don't have a boyfriend," Alicia shrugged.

"A lovely young lady like you? That's surprising, I was sure you would be going," Elsa remarked. "Well, if William wouldn't mind taking me, would you mind watching the girls for the evening?"

"Oh, I've never watched them both together alone. Do you trust me to take care of both, or could I bring my sister, Tatiana? She's just a year younger than me."

Elsa listened to Alicia's suggestion and offered, "Why don't you bring her over to meet me and the babies? I'd like to see how they interact. That way you can then talk to your sister and mother, and we can take it from there."

"Mrs. Andersson, that would be the bee's knees! A few of us have been talking about starting a babysitter's club. In the Girl Guides, we first talked about this idea but with the holidays we haven't had time to figure this out," Alicia rambled excitedly, "this would be wonderful!"

"I'm glad you think so. I think your idea is going to be an answer to many of the ladies in town," Elsa smiled.

"I can let Katie Yost, she's one of our Girl Guide leaders, know about your interest so we can make up some rules, and..." Alicia was enthusiastic about the idea. The baby Alicia was holding, Greta, began giggling with the excitement in the air.

"Alicia," Elsa began, "let's take it one step at a time. First, I want to meet Tatiana and speak with her and your mother about babysitting the twin girls. All right?"

"Yes, ma'am. I'm just anxious."

Elsa laughed, "I can see that. I think this is going to be a wonderful idea for Hope Valley!"