His Perfect Love

Chapter 19

Allison was getting ready for her outing with Dave. In the past few weeks she hadn't had a chance to see him much. Life was as good as it could be since Wesley died. Riley didn't have to fear him anymore, but she was still bothered by his death; that much Allison could tell. It was only natural and she didn't blame Riley. Death, no matter whose it was, was a hard thing to shoulder. Clayton and Allison just offered Riley support and tried to be as patient and gentle as ever.

It was October and harvest had begun. That meant that Clayton hadn't been working at the lumber mill. He was working hard and Allison and Riley had been helping a little. Allison couldn't believe how big Riley's stomach was now. She was due in November. Allison was excited for her, maybe even a tad jealous. Baby clothes and blankets were made. Now all they had to do was buy some more things. Riley was lucky to have already gotten toys and knickknacks for her birthday. There wasn't much they needed.

Meanwhile, Allison and Dave had been courting for a few months. Allison knew she was in love. It was hard to think back to the time when she hadn't felt this way. She had been attracted to him, but once she got to know him, she fell for him. It wasn't all of a sudden, and it wasn't fiery or passionate. It had taken its time to creep up on her. It was a sweet, soft love. But she knew that love built up slowly, with trust, was bound to last. They wouldn't get along all the time, no one ever did. That was just a part of human nature. She couldn't wait to start her life with him.

Allison truly felt that God designed Dave to be her other half, her soulmate. She knew lots of young women looked for a man that would suit them. Sometimes they didn't get lucky. Riley certainly hadn't been. Allison felt bad for all of those girls. They deserved a shot at love and happiness just as much as she did. Allison could see that Riley and Clayton had gotten close. She wasn't sure what to call what they shared together. They got along like best friends and yet...they seemed to love each other too.

As far as she knew, Clayton hadn't asked Riley to officially court him yet. Maybe he still thought it was too soon after Wesley died. She would have to talk with him about it later. Allison smiled at the thought of the two of them together. Once Riley had her baby, she could picture them married and a happy family.

Allison couldn't wait to have children. Especially if she had a family with Dave. He would be a wonderful father. Such a kind teacher and caring towards his children. She blushed, sensing her thoughts were getting ahead of herself. You're not even married yet, Allison, she chided herself. She looked into the mirror and finished pinning up her curls.

Riley was in her room, taking a nap. Clayton was busy in the fields. It was the perfect time to go out with Dave. Riley promised to make supper for herself and Clayton so Allison could spend time with Dave. She had to admit it was getting kind of old, only going out for supper. She wished they could do something fun for a change. The meals also had to be hard on Dave's budget. The last town event had been the fundraiser. Now that harvest was upon them, Allison wanted to see to it about organizing a harvest festival with the other ladies at church and in her sewing circle.

There was a knock at the door and Allison quickly went to answer it. Dave stood there, hands in his pockets.

"Hello, Allison. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes. You look handsome," she complimented.

"Thank you. You're very pretty today."

"Thanks. It's nice to hear you always say that."

"I can't help but say it if it's true, can I?"

"I suppose so," Allison said and threaded arm through his on their way to his wagon.

"How are you today?" he asked.