Lucky to be loving you

Chapter 30

Page 88

When Elsa and William sat down to eat dinner, Elsa held Julia, while William held her twin sister, Greta. Both babies were beginning to eat a bit of solids now, and they smacked their lips when they tasted their spoonful of mashed potatoes.

"Will, I think that we should buy two high chairs," Elsa suggested laughing at the mess Julia was making.

Will looked surprised, "Elsa, aren't they too young to sit up in a chair?"

"We need something to hold them beside us. It was so much easier when they just nursed!" Elsa sighed.

"We can go to the Mercantile and see what they have in their catalog to order," Will suggested.

Having twins as their first children was quite a challenge in more ways than one. "I just wish Mama was here or my sister, Lily. It would be wonderful to have them close by."

"Now Elsa, please don't fret. You already visited them, traveling all by yourself with the babies, and I don't think I would want to go through missing you all again so soon. My girls mean everything to me!" he smiled, "Isn't Alicia Lipinski helping you enough?"

"I'm sorry, Will. Yes, of course, she is a great help, and I appreciate her, I do! I guess sometimes, I just feel overwhelmed."

"Didn't Alicia say that the Girl Guides were going to all be learning about childcare together for their badge? Maybe during spring break, you can ask Alicia's sister, Tatiana to come over during the day so you can do something by yourself, ya?" Will suggested.

When the girls had enough of their mashed potatoes with tiny pieces of chicken they drank their bottle. Now that they could sit up Elsa and Will put them in the playpen after a few burps so they could entertain themselves, at least for a while so their parents could finally eat their dinner.

"I was called into Lee's office today, and I must admit I was concerned at first," Will started, "but he wanted me to know that since there was a new development planned close to Hope Valley, so he was going to be in the office putting together suggestions and sketches of various town buildings along with houses. He is sure there's going to be a big opportunity for all of us at Coulter Lumber in the very near future," Will announced as he scooped up a big mouthful of dinner.

"Wait, what development?" Elsa was startled.

"It's been hush-hush but now that the cat's out of the bag, the news is exploding across the Valley. Our Province of British Columbia appears to be one of the biggest populations booms next to Alberta, so now that the Premiers have approved of more development, it looks like we will see quite a bit of growth, which means more work!" Will said excitedly.

Elsa put down her fork as she was taken aback, "Oh, I don't think I'd like that. I like our town just the way it is. I'm getting to know more people and it's starting to feel like home. So, what does this mean for you?"

Will swallowed and put his napkin down. Leaning over closer to Elsa he grinned, "Honey, I will be in charge of the Lumber Mill now. You know what that means?"

Elsa looked away and answered sadly, "Yes, you'll be away working even more."

That wasn't the answer Will was looking for. A puzzled look came over his face. "Elsa, I am excited because it means more money for us. I can finally build us a bigger home in the country. We could have a few chickens, a cow or two, and plant us a big garden."

"But we'll be farther away from town."

"That's not bad, is it?" inquired Will.

"No, I guess not, but how am I going to go to the Mercantile or Dottie's Apparel shop?" Elsa said quietly.

Will stopped being excited recognizing his wife's distressed attitude. He got up and walked over to her and sat right next to her. Tenderly reaching for her hand, he felt how small hers was in his big hand. Bringing her chin over to look him directly in the face with his other hand, he saw signs of tiredness in her eyes. His bride looked forlorn.

"What is really bothering you?"

"It's just a dream," Elsa shrugged.

"It's time to share it with me, honey. I want you to be happy," Will assured her.

Taking a deep breath, Elsa replied, "Will, I want to feel good. I want to see the ladies here in Hope Valley more. I thought about sewing like Mama did while here. I love to sew, and I even sketched a few designs. If I can, I want to find material at Dottie's Apparel and show her the sketches. My hope is that she'd like them enough, that she would display them in her window, and I could sew from home for any orders that she gets."

A big grin came across Will's face, "but you need someone to help care for the twins so you can sew..."

"Yes, that's one of the reasons why I wish Mama or Lily were here."

Will didn't know what to say. "Honey, all I can say is the more money I make, I hope to have enough for a nanny like Mrs. Coulter has with Ruth. Until then, during the Easter break, let's see if Alicia and Tatiana can help with the girls for now."

Elsa nodded. Looking up to her husband she admitted, "I don't want to burden you with my wants. You're going to be so busy being in charge of the mill and foreman for all the lumberjacks. I am truly proud of you, love!"

The couple heard Greta and Julie rolling in the playpen and watched them holding their toes rocking from side to side one watching the other. They were so cute that when their parents were clearing off the table, they didn't even bother to wash the dishes right away, but instead they just enjoyed watching their daughters.

Will put his arm around Elsa's shoulders and comforted her, "Honey, we will work this out. Let's see what help we can get for you during the summer when school is out. I'm sure we'll find you more girls willing to earn their badge."

Elsa tip-toed to reach her husband so she could give him a grateful kiss, but wondered how much time she would have with him.

Page 89

Over at the Millie's Café, Elizabeth, Will Malone, Dee, James, Augustus Landis, and Gino Moretti, all gathered to talk about their second annual Hope Valley's Praise and Worship plans. Fr. Ricardo and Pastor Joseph had both given their enthusiastic approval of a repeat this Easter. This is what was so exceptional about Hope Valley that no matter where they worshiped, everyone seemed to be more than willing to join together for both Easter Worship and the Christmas Pageant with caroling and lighting of the town tree.

This year was going to be just as glorious as they hoped. Both choirs had been practicing, and now they decided to have a rehearsal with both choirs blended later the next day.

Dee, who was sitting next to Augustus, was pouring over the song selections, discussing which students would be performing and in what order. Adults were joining in playing the instruments too.

"Fiona is planning on playing her flute again," James offered, "and has been practicing at home."

"Nathan and Allie will be playing their guitars and have practiced with Bill and Carson," Dee added.

"Oh, and don't forget Maggie," Gino reminded them all, "she's our violinist!"

Elizabeth asked Augustus, "Is Harper playing his horn again this year?"

Augustus nodded affirmatively, "Because he's graduated, I don't have him in class, but he assures me he's been practicing!"

Minnie popped over to the group, "Cooper would never forgive me if I didn't let you all know, that he is definitely playing his drums," she smiled.

Augustus acknowledged Minnie's announcement, "This is why we need our practice tomorrow," he said, looking at everyone in the eye.

James spoke positively, "It'll be just fine! Remember last year? We did great for our first time, pulling all of us together, and we can do it again!"

Dee was thrilled that everything was coming together as planned. She missed teaching music and this was one time when she could work with the children again. She loved helping with the Christmas program and caroling, in which Augustus was more than happy to let her take the reins so he could enjoy his Christmas break. Now, it was Easter break and even though he was helping with the Easter Praise and Worship, he knew how much Dee enjoyed her time with the children, so he gladly looked forward to her help.

Elsa offered to fix any choir robes and touch up the others. She was delighted to help. She and Rosemary freshened up and ironed the robes.

"Well folks, it looks like we have our plans in order, and I, for one, am looking forward to our practice," James concluded.

Everyone got up smiling, which Minnie knew was a wonderful sign.

As they were leaving, Clara came in. "Hi, Minnie! I'm late, I know."

"Don't you worry, I know how hard it is to get ready with two little ones to get settled before you can go anywhere," Minnie reassured her as she patted Clara's hand.

"Thank you, Minnie. I appreciate your understanding. Just working two days a week is helpful. Every penny helps!" Clara smiled.

Clara was grateful that the Lipinski family helped by watching her little ones, Michael and Erin. They had been informally adopted by the family, as they were always with Christy and Rick's family. Christy was like a sister to Clara, causing them to be very close, and one rarely saw the couple without the other. Even their youngest children were born on the same day.

Clara donned her apron and checked the stove to see what was cooking for the lunch crowd. Whatever it was, it smelled so good that it tempted those who walked by the Café.

"Yum, what kind of soup is this?"

"Italian wedding soup. I got the recipe from Carlotta Moretti, you know her sister is Maria Romano from Romano's Restaurant. I think this is guaranteed to be a big hit!"

At the Infirmary, Violet was wondering why Dr. Faith was running late again this week. Noticing that she spent extra time in their restroom, she began to suspect that Faith might just be pregnant. So, when she had a few minutes alone with her, she took time to ask her.

"Dr. Faith, being the midwife in our practice, I can't help but take notice that you have been late a few times this week, and well, using the restroom a bit more often than you usually do, so I'm just wondering..."

"If I'm pregnant?" Faith finished Violet's question. Faith smiled, "You and Molly both have paid close attention, I see."

"Molly too? Well, you have to admit, we are working in your infirmary. So?"

"Well, I suspect so. I do have a touch of nausea, mainly in the morning, so I think I am!" Faith answered happily.

"Wonderful!" Violet said as she quickly gave Faith a hug, "Do you want me to give you an exam?"

"Yes, but later. Right now, I've got to get busy and go on my rounds."

Violet hung onto Faith's lab coat, "Wait, before you go, do you have an idea when you're due?" Faith asked excitedly.

"To be honest with you, at first we couldn't believe I could be pregnant, being so busy and all," Faith blushed, "but, we did celebrate our 1st anniversary with a romantic dinner and a few glasses of champagne..."

"Got it!" Violet chuckled.

Faith grabbed her black doctor's bag and her spring jacket, looked at Violet, and winked. "I'll see you later!" and whistled as she walked to the infirmary door, leaving on her rounds.

Page 90

It was raining! This was going to put a damper on the Easter Praise and Worship Celebration.

"Oh no," Dee moaned as she stared outside from their window. Turning, she sighed, "Nathan, look, we were planning an outside musical."

Nathan walked over and looked out the window, "Oh honey, it might stop soon."

Just then a loud bolt of lightning crashed through the sky followed by a loud clap of thunder.

"What did you say?" Dee shook her head.

Just then, baby Colleen woke up, crying. Nathan quickly went to her crib and picked her up, trying to soothe her.

"It's okay, sweetie, Daddy's got you," he told her as he held her tight and rocked her in his arms.

Dee flung her arms up in frustration, "I agree, Colleen, I agree."

Just then, Allie walked in with a crying Christopher, "I'm sorry, but he's calling for Mommy."

Christopher was stretching his arms out when he saw his mommy, "Mama!"

As soon as Allie reached Dee, Christopher lunged towards Dee who caught him up in her arms, "Shh, Mommy's here, sweet boy."

Speaking sadly, Allie tried to explain, "I tried to comfort him, but he just wanted you."

"It's okay, Allie. Thanks for trying," Dee reassured her. The two little ones were both crying, listening to the other just caused them to cry louder.

"Allie, please run downstairs and close Grandpa and Grandma's doors. Hopefully, they're still sleeping," Nathan said.

Dee walked over to the rocking chair with Christopher, softly singing him a song that always helped him when he was upset. He would stop fussing long enough to listen and would nestle in her chest and relax. This time baby Colleen also stopped crying and was just whimpering when she didn't hear Christopher crying anymore. Nathan was relieved and slowed down, swaying her, giving Dee a grateful smile.

As the rain slowed, the lightning and thunder moved east, and Dee and Nathan got busy cleaning up their little ones and getting them dressed.

"Are you ready to go downstairs?" Nathan asked when he peaked in Christopher and Allie's bedroom.

Dee was just finishing up dressing Christopher, who was now happy and giggling.

When they both got downstairs, Allie had already started the teapot and boiling some water for oatmeal.

"You are a huge help today!" Dee hugged her daughter.

Nathan was startled when the telephone rang. He picked up the receiver, giving Dee a puzzled look.

"Hello to you too. No, it's okay, we're up," Nathan answered the other person on the telephone call.

When he finished the call and hung the receiver back up, he informed Dee and Allie that James Scholl was letting everyone know that the Praise and Worship was going to be at St. James because the outside ground was too wet with puddles and mud.

"What about the instruments, chairs, and...?" Dee asked worried.

"It's all being taken care of, sweetheart. James and Fiona are on top of it. The Hopefuls will be moving anything needed, and the church has pews, so no chairs are needed."

"The sweetbreads, desserts, coffee..." Dee continued.

"All taken care of. The Chickadees and Fiona are setting up coffee and food in the church basement. Now, let's just eat breakfast and get ready to go and have fun!" Nathan grinned.

"I thought I smelled coffee," Archie said as he came to the dining table.

"Me too, I was sleeping like a log!" Emily said cheerfully.

"Didn't you hear the thunderstorm?" Allie questioned.

"Not a thing!" Emily said puzzled.

As hoped, the Easter Praise and Worship celebration was joyful and festive. As usual, the townsfolk joined in singing and clapping. The Hopefuls and Chickadees, being the ever-gracious helpers, did indeed help out, and it turned out quite a success.

Allie was upset though because Robert was leaving the next day for Brookfield. They took a quick walk holding hands in between puddles, but the sky was clearing up.

"Robert, are you all packed?" Allie asked curiously.

"Sure am. I'm really nervous but excited."

"You sound like you are happy," Allie said, disappointed.

"Allie," Robert cupped his hand under Allie's face and lifted it, "Look at me, we both know that I want to be a Mountie, like your Dad, and my chance has finally come. I don't want to leave, but I don't want to stay here either. I have to go."

Allie splashed a puddle with her shoe, "Robert, I know. I just didn't think it would be so soon."

"Soon? I've been waiting for my assignment since I got home. Besides, I won't be far, and I'm training under Constable Gabe Kinslow. He's one of the best in the area!"

Allie was quiet. Robert knew she was sad. Actually, he was too in a way. Hope Valley had been his home, and he knew everyone here. It was going to be hard leaving his family and friends. Yet he had a big responsibility knowing that Constable Gabe was marrying Miss Lillian from the orphanage as soon as Robert learned all that he needed to learn. Word was he wanted to take Lillian to see the States for their honeymoon.

"Look, Allie, I understand. I feel a little sad too. I will miss you."

Allie looked at Robert with a smile growing across her face, "You will?"

"Yes, you're my best friend. I mean, my girl." Robert looked tenderly at Allie. He drew her close to him and gave her a sweet kiss. It wasn't as long as Allie had hoped, but it still made her heart flutter a little faster.

As he pulled his lips away, Allie hugged Robert tightly. "I'm going to miss you too, a lot, Robert!"

Robert saw the sky, and grabbed Allie's hand, "Look Allie, a rainbow!"

Allie squeezed Robert's hand. "Yes! That's a sign from God," she added.

"See, let's remember this every time we get lonely for each other," Robert suggested.

Allie took in the beautiful colors in the sky and then closed her eyes, setting this scene in her mind and heart. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and smiled. It was going to be all right.