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Chapter One hundred fifty-seven

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Dreams Coming True

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Nathan knocked then entered the back door, calling out, "Carol? Nathan here. I need to walk through the renovations and get a feel for the progress."

"Hello, Nathan. I'm here in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on our dinner. Maybe you could carry the basket for me?"

"Sure," Nathan waved from the doorway and hurried to the hallway and bedroom wing, calling over his shoulder, "Be back soon!"

Beginning at the distant end of the hallway, Nathan noted how tarps were folded and the place had been swept. Stacks of boxed nails, a few hammers leaning against a stack of cut wood, and the rolled blueprints formed a still life that spoke of welcome progress behind the closed doors!

Opening the door into what would be Nathan and Elizabeth's bedroom, he inhaled sharply. The initial reaction was that he realized this would be their married bedroom, their own private place to share and express their love. He forced himself to note each aspect of the completed construction.

Having been waxed and polished, the floors were shiny. Ready to be painted, paneled, boxed valences were installed above both sets of double windows where they hid drapery and curtain rods. Radiator covers framing vertical slats had been painted white and currently rested on drop cloths ready to be installed. Nathan was pleased with how they fit into a Craftsman style room, simple, nothing fussy, and blending into the space. These were to be a surprise for Elizabeth!

Quickly moving into the bathroom, he admired the classic white tiled walls with black trim and the black and white basket-weave-patterned floor. He noted the two wall hooks for the shower hose, one at the normal height and a higher one that would allow him to wash his hair while standing! He hoped Elizabeth would enjoy the clawfoot tub, but as soon as that thought flitted across his mind he turned on his heel and headed towards the small nursery.

Knowing that nursery furniture would be minimal, Nathan had designed the room to have two doors, one to the bedroom and another to the hallway, allowing access to a crying baby from both areas. He had designed a built-in cabinet on the side wall, with glass doors and shelves for baby clothing and supplies, and a lift-up table for changing. Another surprise for Elizabeth, his design looked perfect and these three rooms were ready to paint. Nathan was pleased.

Opening the door into a corner bedroom across the hall, Nathan was happy to find radiator covers, valances and baseboards laid out and ready for installation, before the floors were to be refinished. The next bedroom was a work in progress and revealed the workbench and tools that were still in use. This had been the workroom after the barn had burned down.

Finally, Nathan opened the door to what would be Allie's bedroom. Built-in bookcases surrounded the double front window and a cozy window seat. Beside the closet door he has designed a desk unit that included both open and enclosed shelves to use for storage of blankets, quilts, linens and extra pillows that Nathan knew Allie would happily use for her beloved sleepovers. He needed to show this room to Elizabeth so she could measure and order cushions for the seat as well as window coverings. Those he decided to leave in her capable hands!

Across the hall, the main bathroom looked the same as the other one with the exception being the tiled floor which here was a square and diamond pattern bordered in small black tiles. A wall of built-in, glass doored cabinets surrounded the window, creating perfect storage for towels and linens.

As Nathan closed the newly installed double doors to the bedroom wing, he couldn't have been more pleased. 'I think we can move in time to allow Mom and Dad to have the Cottage! Thank You, Lord.'

'Tomorrow I must talk with Jake and have he and Elizabeth finalize paint colors! Most of these rooms are ready for paint!'

"Ready to walk down to the Cottage, Carol? I can carry that basket with my good arm." Nathan buttoned his overcoat and kissed Carol's cheek, speaking softly, "Hello. Dessert smells delicious!"

"Thank you, Nathan. Are you pleased with the progress? I think you'll be able to move in before your parents come for the graduation, don't you?"

Nathan stopped on the back porch, asking, "Have you been in touch with Mom? Do you know their plans?"

"I confess we spoke this morning and she told me about Lee's offer. Before giving any decision though she said you would be calling to talk to your father and her this afternoon. So, you know now?"

"I do and I am still dumbfounded. So much is falling into place, Carol, that it is overwhelming. I'm ecstatic, but overwhelmed! I'm just so sorry that you and Peter won't be in town anymore though. We had such special times all together over Christmas and New Year's, didn't we?"

"We did, Son," Carol patted Nathan's arm reassuringly, "and we will have special times again. The difference is that we will be the ones traveling here to celebrate and your parents will be here at home. I am excited for them, especially your mom and I am sure she and Elizabeth will grow to love each other all the more. Your mom needs a daughter again, Nathan. Not to replace Colleen in any way, but to love and be loved by another woman. They will bless each other."

Carol reached up to pat Nathan's cheek, "You and Allie, Elizabeth and Jack, as well as your parents deserve this new season of happiness. Now, let's go to dinner, shall we?"

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Finding the table set and the meal ready and waiting, the family which included Carol, found their places around the dining table and Nathan gave thanks.

"Grandpa and Grandma say hello to you," Nathan looked at Allie and Jack, continuing, "They also told us some news." He couldn't help grinning as he shared, "They are moving to Regina!"

Two pairs of wide eyes, one chocolate brown and one pale blue, stared at Nathan as Allie's fork clattered to the table.

"Uncle Lee is hiring Grandpa to manage the new furniture store so they will move here when they come for Uncle Zach's graduation. Isn't this wonderful?"

With watery eyes Allie gasped, "They are coming here? To Regina? Oh…" Tears now spilling down her cheeks, Allie leaned back in her chair, speechless.

"Yes, they are and they are as excited and thrilled as you are, Honey! It will be wonderful to have them close by after all these years so far away won't it?" Nathan rose and circled the table to hug his daughter. He knelt beside her and she melted into his chest, wrapping her arms around him and sobbing.

"Why is Allie sad, Mommy?" Jack's bottom lip trembled and his expression showed his deep concern and love for his new sister. "Mommy?" Distressed, Jack began to cry.

Encircling her son in her embrace, Elizabeth stroked his forehead, then tilted his face to look at her as she whispered, "Allie is actually happy, Jack. This is something she has wanted for a very long time and now it is almost too hard to believe. Grandma and Grandpa are going to live right here, in this house when we move into the big house after the wedding. It will be wonderful and very special to have them so close but Allie has to get used to this news because it is so shocking. She'll be alright, Sweet Boy. Allie is crying tears of love and joy!"

Staring back at his mother, Jack asked innocently, "That's love?"

Smiling, and with her own glistening eyes, Elizabeth searched her son's face as she answered, "Yes, my boy, that is one of the signs of love,. and dreams are coming true…" She looked up to see the emotion in Nathan's eyes and they each silently gave thanks to God for His love and good gifts.

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After church on Sunday, Carol returned to the Hotel with the Thatchers for another Sunday dinner and afternoon while Elizabeth and Jack joined the Grants at the Samuels' home.

"It has been a long time since we've had our Sunday dinners together, Nathan! I am glad to continue our tradition. Come in Elizabeth, let me take your coat," Jon reached for her garment. "How are you both now that your guests have departed?"

"Thank you, Jon. After Saturday chores, we relaxed yesterday afternoon and evening so I think we have recovered," Elizabeth responded. "It is good to be with you again though. Let me see if I can help Jane in the kitchen."

Jack was immediately taken into Joshua's bedroom to see his collection of toy trucks, including new ones he received for Christmas, while the teenage girls gathered to chat and giggle in their room.

Listening to the children's laughter while distractedly watching Elizabeth walk away, Nathan finally looked at Jon. Blushing he confessed, "Sorry, Jon, I was caught up in the joy of family!"

Laughing, Jon noted, "So I see! A certain day in March cannot come soon enough, am I right?"

"Yeah, you are," Nathan sighed. "Only a little over a month now."

"Right!" Jon laughed again, directing Nathan into the living room. "How is your shoulder?"

"Better every day, I think. The movement helps as long as I am deliberate and move slowly. It is wonderful to be able to drive again though. Wow! I missed that, especially since I am not keen to depend on others for daily tasks or errands. I haven't been able to buy flowers for Elizabeth since the injury!"

"I am sure she is not missing flowers when she has you to love and care for. You are blessed to have her, Brother."

"Oh, don't I know it! So how are things at Depot? Have I missed anything important?"

"Not really, but your brother's troop is well prepared to graduate. Zachary has done well and is much appreciated by his instructors as well as his fellow-Cadets. Many of them now know you two are brothers and I've seen them look at him with extra respect, and even a little envy, knowing the relationship you two share!"

"Oh? I hope that hasn't been detrimental? I mean I hope he stands on his own reputation?"

"He does. Nothing to worry about there. I believe he outperforms in a number of classes and has garnered respect from many. A few men seek him out to explain something they don't understand." Jon laughed, "It's almost as though they expect him to have insider knowledge, which we both know he doesn't have! I've overheard some of his answers and explanations though and he has a good head on his shoulders! Not just in looks either!"

"Jon…"

"I know. I shouldn't tease you, but truly having two men with your looks is a happy thing for everyone, Nathan." Jon grinned, "Zachary is holding his own, so don't worry."

"I am glad to hear that. You know it has been amazing how frequently I've been able to see him since we found each other. Tim has been most generous."

"He has and I am happy for you both. Can you even remember what it was like when you first met?" Jon shook his head in wonder, remarking, "It was a miracle from God!"

"It was indeed. A joyous miracle at that."

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Settled at the dining room table, Jon gave thanks for everyone present, giving special mention to Elizabeth's and Nathan's engagement and to the new family for Allie and Jack. He then expressed his gratitude for their renewed Sunday tradition and blessed the food they were about to enjoy. After his "Amen" he grinned, rubbed his palms together and pronounced, "Lets eat!"

"This pork tenderloin looks as though it will melt in your mouth, Jane. Over the holidays I learned a new sauce for it from Bill Avery, but I am anxious to try your flavoring as well," Elizabeth commented as she served Jack then passed the platter over his- head to Joshua, "It smells wonderful."

"Save me room, Mommy," Jack requested as he watched his mother add food to his plate, "Remember I made dessert and that's going to taste good too!"

Elizabeth nudged her son, "Jack? You didn't make it alone, right? Who did you bake it with?"

"Daddy and me baked it! We surprised Mommy and Allie," affirmed Jack, "You're going to like it, Auntie Jane." Turning to Joshua, Jack added, "You too! It's pudding!"

"Apple bread pudding to be exact, but yes, Jack and I made it together. I confess you may find an abundance of raisins, but you have to teach them young, right? Do you cook, Joshua?"

"I bake cookies, but I help other times too," Josh explained, "especially when my sisters aren't around."

"That's very helpful, Son. Mommy is always grateful for your help too," Jon encouraged his son. "I never learned to cook because I never had to, but it is a good skill to know."

"Did you, young ladies, make anything special over the holidays? I know your fudge and cookies were delicious and I was hesitant to share them," Nathan winked at Sally and Rachel, "I did though and everyone enjoyed them. Just not as much as I did, so thank you again!"

Giggling Sally responded, "You're welcome, Uncle Nathan. It was fun to make all the different kinds, but I liked to decorate the sugar cookies the best."

"They were very pretty, Sally," Allie agreed. "What else did you make?"

"Mom showed us how to make piecrust, so now that's our favorite thing to make for dessert," Rachel offered, then asked, "Do you know how to make a piecrust, Allie?"

Nodding at their father, Allie responded, "Yes. Dad and I make chicken pot pies and blueberry, apple, peach, cherry, and raspberry… We love pie."

"Impressive, Nathan. Good for you. Nice to have another chef in the house, eh, Elizabeth?' Jon inquired.

"Oh yes, two more chefs, but I have less experience than Nathan does actually. I reminded him of a recipe yesterday forgetting that he has probably made hundreds more stews than I ever have!" Elizabeth nudged Nathan's arm, "I look forward to tasting all those pies though. So far I can vouch for their lovely chicken pot pie, flaky, light and flavorful!"

Clearing his throat, Nathan set his fork on his plate and began to share, "We have some news! You know that our friends are relocating to begin a furniture store downtown? Well Lee has invited my Dad to manage the place! My folks will be moving here to Regina before Zachary's graduation!"

"Oh Nathan!" Jane exclaimed, "What delightful news and how special to have grandparents here full-time since the Thatchers will be back in Hamilton for some of the year. This is marvelous for all of you!"

"We are pretty excited," Elizabeth added, then nodded to Allie.

With glistening eyes, Allie shared her heart, "I prayed for so long for Dad and I to have more family and now… not only do we have Miss Bess and Jack; but we have the Thatchers, and Uncle Zach, Gramma Carol and Grampa Peter! We have Uncle Bill coming, along with Aunt Rosemary, Uncle Lee, and Patrick; plus now Grandma and Grandpa will be close by. I am soooo happy…" Allie couldn't finish her sentence…

"We are truly blessed," said Nathan with a watery glance from Allie to Elizabeth.

"We all are, Honey," She looked from Nathan to Allie, emphasizing, "We all are!"

With many compliments to Jack and Nathan on the apple bread pudding, the family finished their dessert, cleared the table and washed up together. Nathan could carry dishes one-handed, but was quickly relieved of his responsibility and sent back to the dining room to set up for games and rest his shoulder.

The families taught Elizabeth their version and filled the afternoon with much laughter amidst rousing games of Mexican Train Dominoes until it was time to say goodbye.

Later, on the way home in the car, Elizabeth commented, "The Samuels are so lovely, Nathan. I am so glad you have made such wonderful friends and I have the benefit of coming alongside now. I am going to love our life, Honey. I already do!"

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With Allie at Youth Group, excitedly sharing even more happy, family news; Nathan, Elizabeth, and Jack enjoyed tomato soup and melted cheese sandwiches back in the Cottage, before Jack changed into his pajamas, ready for a book.

Knowing Nathan still couldn't lift the boy, they leaned against Nathan's headboard while Elizabeth rocked in the chair nearby. Having noticed the title of the next poem in the 'Child's Garden of Verses,' (*92) Nathan asked Elizabeth to cover Jack with the extra blanket from the bottom of his bed and then to hand him the toy soldier from his bookshelf.

Settled in, Nathan pointed Jack to the illustration of a little boy lying in bed with his toys all around him and explained what he had dreamed about when he had been sick in bed or even when awaiting sleep at night. He described imagining that his bed was a ship with the deep green ocean waves surrounding him but, of course, he had plenty of imaginary food supplies because he wouldn't want to be hungry. He even had an extra blanket and pillow so he could drift off into dreamland without a care in the world. He handed Jack his toy soldier and they imagined regiments of soldiers and great battles that transpired on top of his quilt! Seeing Jack's eyes begin to droop, Nathan read the poem, 'The Land of Counterpane.'

'When I was sick and lay a-bed, I had two pillows at my head,
And all my toys beside me lay to keep me happy all the day.|
And sometimes for an hour or so I watched my leaden soldiers go,
With different uniforms and drills, among the bed-clothes, through the hills.

And sometimes sent my ships in fleets all up and down among the sheets;
Or brought my trees and houses out, and planted cities all about.
I was the giant great and still that sits upon the pillow-hill,
And sees before him, dale and plain, the pleasant Land of Counterpane.' (*92)

Watching from the chair, Elizabeth hugged the needlepoint pillow and wished for a paintbrush, paints, and talent to capture the picture before her. Nathan laid on top of the quilt with his tall form stretched the full length of the bed, his long feet in woolen socks, and wrapped in a wool cardigan over his Sunday shirt and waistcoat. Her little boy beside Nathan, was tucked into the crook of his protective arm, snuggled beneath his blanket and looking adoringly at his Daddy as he described his childhood. Not even considering the lost years without a father for her son, Elizabeth was giving thanks for the father Jack now had.

When Nathan began to read the poem, Elizabeth closed her eyes and, resting her head on the back of the rocking chair, listened to the low timbre of Nathan's melodic voice. She could listen to his voice forever, and was sad that after reading the poem three times, quieting his voice each subsequent time, he stopped.

Opening her eyes, she saw Nathan watching her, pure love emanating from him and arcing across the room as they locked their gaze.

This. This was the life that awaited them. No longer a dream, but reality even now. Did they dare to believe their dreams had come true?

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(*92) 'A Child's Garden of Verses' by Robert Louis Stevenson, 1905, Public Domain

(*92) From 'A Child's Garden of Verses,' 'The Land of Counterpane,' is a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, 1905. Public Domain.

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