Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [127]
“How’d the council meeting go?” Merrily asked, her feet propped on the ottoman. The knitting needles were close to her face and the tip of her tongue appeared as she slipped a stitch from one needle to the other.
“Long,” Bob said as he took the chair across from her. “There’s a lot going on. It looks like Heath’s going to move the corporate headquarters out of Grand Forks sooner than expected.”
Merrily glanced up from her knitting. “Really?”
“The plan’s in the works.”
“I figured as much when he and Rachel announced they were going to build a home here in town.”
The Quantrills’ two-story brick house was big news. It was the first brand-new home built in Buffalo Valley in nearly thirty years. The first of many to come. It was inevitable with all the growth.
“We talked about the Summer Fest and a parade next July.”
“A parade,” Merrily repeated, sounding delighted. “What a great idea! Whose—no, don’t tell me, let me guess. Hassie’s idea, right?”
“Right. We’ve already chosen a grand marshal for the parade. Want to guess who?”
Merrily stopped knitting and her brow furrowed. “There are several ways that could go. Sarah’s business is thriving, and with all the people she employs now, it would be a small way for the town to thank her.”
“And there’s always Heath, president of the bank and all,” Bob pointed out.
Merrily shook her head. “Nah, Rachel wouldn’t want her husband to get conceited, and as council president she might think that was a conflict of interest. It isn’t, but I think Rachel would rather be on the safe side.”
His wife was right again. Heath’s name had come up and Rachel had mentioned that very thing.
“All right, tell me,” Merrily said.
“Actually, we chose Lindsay Sinclair.”
“The high-school teacher?”
Bob nodded. “You might not remember, but she was the one who started it all. She saved the town when she agreed to step in and take over classes after Eloise Patten died. The entire course of this community changed after her arrival. It seemed only fitting to thank her.”
“Hassie’s idea again?”
“Yeah,” he said with a grin. “But we have a big surprise for Hassie, too. This summer we’re dedicating the park. Kevin’s doing the sculpture, of course—it’s a bronze of rifles stacked against each other, to represent the fallen soldiers. There’s going to be a plaque in memory of all the men from Buffalo Valley who died in the different wars. Hassie’s son is listed there. She doesn’t need to worry about people forgetting him or any of the other men.”
“Does she know?” Merrily asked.
“She doesn’t have a clue that Kevin’s practically finished the sculpture. But there’s going to be more than that. It’s still a secret, though.”
“Tell me, Bob. I promise I won’t breathe a word.”
He could trust his wife; Merrily was nothing if not discreet. “There’ll be a flower garden in the park dedicated to Hassie. Not once did she lose faith in Buffalo Valley. She’s been a source of inspiration to us all and we love her.” Himself included. Hassie had been both friend and mentor.
“She’ll be so pleased.”
Bob leaned forward and kissed his wife’s cheek. “I’d better get back to work.”
“Yes, dear,” Merrily murmured, and reached for her knitting.
Three-month-old David Bernard Eilers woke with a loud, lusty cry. Margaret automatically moved into the boy’s bedroom and cradled him against her. “I’ll bet you’re hungry, aren’t you?” she cooed softly. Small but strong, David kicked and thrashed about as she quickly changed his diaper. Margaret then sat in the rocking chair and freed her breast to nurse her son.
It wasn’t long before Matt came. He paused when he saw her and his face softened with love.
Margaret smiled up at her husband and marveled at the changes a year had brought into her life. She’d set her sights on Matt Eilers, chosen him as her husband, convinced him to