Hello! :-) Here is the next chapter of my story. I sincerely want to thank everyone who has left me such wonderful reviews. Kathy C., who read all of the chapters in a little more than a day and left a review for each chapter, thank you so very much! :-) I am happy you found and are enjoying my story. Thank you to Divine_Lustre, who also has a wonderful story on this site, for posting a link to this story on Twitter. I appreciate that and your support very much! :-) To all who leave me such kind and thoughtful reviews after reading each chapter, I appreciate each of you very much! :-) The reviews, views, follows and faves do help to make this all worthwhile. My hope, as an Elizabeth and Lucas fan, is that if you are not currently reading all of the stories on this site dedicated to them, that you will check them out. There are a few [I know one was completed today, but there could be a sequel at some point :-)], and they are all excellent reads. I know you would enjoy them as much as I do! :-) I hope you enjoy this latest chapter. :-)

Chapter 19

"Where do you think your uncle could have gone?" Elizabeth asked Lucas, as they walked in the direction of the Queen of Hearts after church.

Earlier that morning, Lucas had knocked on his uncle's door to see if he wanted to attend the church service and was surprised when he received no answer. Concerned, he'd unlocked the door and found the room empty. When asked, one of the workers told Lucas he had seen his uncle head out very early that morning but had not seen him return.

"I don't know," Lucas said. "It's not like my uncle to disappear without saying anything, especially when he's a visitor. I don't think he knows his way around here well enough to be taking off by himself."

"Maybe he's returned," Elizabeth offered, as they neared the saloon.

"Maybe. I just hope he's all right. We're supposed to be heading for the train station."

Lucas held the door open for Elizabeth who, when she saw who was inside, took a step back and smiled at him.

"I think I know where your uncle went," she said, and pointed inside the saloon. "Take a look."

Lucas peeked inside and then had to smile. He saw his mother and his uncle standing near the bar, deep in conversation.

"Of course. I should have known. My mother must have arrived early or he purposely told me the wrong time so he could do this. Are you ready?" he asked Elizabeth who, to his relief, looked rested and ready to meet his mother.

While stroking her soft cheek with the pad of his thumb in case she needed reassurance, his eyes searched her face and found a quiet confidence which pleased him.

"I think so. I hope so. Is it bad I'm relieved your mother is already here and in your saloon where I am comfortable?"

"Not at all. After what you endured yesterday, I'm thankful my uncle saved us from having to make the trip to the train station and back. However, he could have told me…"

"Maybe he loves a good surprise, too," she said, her lips curving upward into a playful smile. "Maybe he's the one who taught you."

Lucas grinned. "Well done, Mrs. Thornton. But I will never tell. Shall we?"

Elizabeth exhaled and then said yes.

Holding hands, they entered the Queen of Hearts and turned towards the bar.

"Welcome to Hope Valley, Mother," Lucas said cheerfully.

As soon as Helen Bouchard heard her son's dulcet voice, she stopped talking, turned around and beamed at both Elizabeth and Lucas.

"Here they are! We were wondering where you two were," she said happily, her oval face softening as her deep-set emerald eyes lit up.

Before he could reach her, his mother, who was almost an inch shorter than Elizabeth and a bit more curvaceous with the same hair coloring as her son and styled to frame her face, enveloped him in a bear hug and told him how good it was to see him.

"It's wonderful to see you, too, Mother. This is a nice surprise," he said, looking over her shoulder at his uncle, who just shrugged.

Elizabeth tried not to laugh at Ernie's nonchalant response even as she enjoyed witnessing the genuine warmth and caring between mother and son.

"Let me look at you," she said, her strident voice almost commanding when she finally released him. Her inquisitive eyes surveyed him from head to toe. "You look good, son. I approve."

Lucas nodded. "Thank you, Mother. I must say, you are looking especially well for all of the traveling you have done. I trust you did not run into any problems during your journey."

While she waved off his concern, Elizabeth couldn't help but to notice Helen's sparkling solitaire diamond ring and gold wedding band adorning her slender well-manicured finger. She felt a pang of sadness and then told herself not to think about that now.

"You know I have traveled by myself before. This is not new for me. I am just thrilled to be here. Are you going to introduce me to this lovely woman standing next to you?"

"Of course, I am. Mother, I am very honored and delighted to introduce you to Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton. Elizabeth, I have looked forward to this day when I would finally have the opportunity and the immense pleasure to introduce you to my mother, Mrs. Helen Bouchard."

"Hello, Mrs. Bouchard," Elizabeth said, acknowledging the older woman while extending her hand. "I am very pleased to make your acquaintance. I feel as though I know you, but it is wonderful to meet you."

"I feel exactly the same way. Will you allow me to give you a hug?"

"Of course."

The two women embraced while the men looked on and smiled and then Helen spoke first.

"Please call me Helen, and if it is all right with you, I would prefer to call you Elizabeth."

"Thank you," the younger woman said, "and that is fine."

"Good," she said, with a quick nod of approval.

"Do you want to get settled?" Lucas asked. "Are you hungry? Thirsty?"

"I would not mind if we sat for a while," Helen said. "We have so much to discuss."

"Yes, we do," Lucas agreed. "Mother, I am giving you my suite here at the saloon. I can put your luggage in that room and then we can eat lunch and talk."

"You don't have to give me your room," Helen said. "Ernie said his room is very comfortable. That is all I need."

"Mother, I am giving you my suite."

"Very well, darling. Thank you. It is not necessary, but I won't argue."

"Good," he said, kissing her lightly tanned cheek. "Because you know you wouldn't win. I will be right back. Uncle Ernie, could you please show my mother and Elizabeth to the table near the parlor area. I don't want us to be interrupted."

"Right this way, ladies," Ernie said, leading them away from the main entrance to a more secluded area of the saloon where he helped them into their seats.

"How is your son doing?" the older woman asked Elizabeth, as soon as the three of them were comfortable. "Ernie told me you and he recently had a rough night. Isn't it dreadful when the poor dear cannot tell you what is wrong? I hope he is feeling better."

"Thank you," Elizabeth said, touched that Helen already knew about her son's sleepless night. "Yes, it was a bit unnerving not knowing what was causing the crying and not being able to comfort him. Little Jack slept much better last night and seemed fine this morning. He is with my sister Julie."

"That is good. I am glad you have family to help." She squeezed Ernie's hand affectionately. "To be honest, I am not sure what we would have done if this man hadn't been around. I am happy to hear your sister is with you."

"She's visiting. She doesn't live in Hope Valley. But I have wonderful friends and neighbors who help me tremendously."

Helen smiled. "That is so important, my dear. And now, of course, you also have my son."

Elizabeth lowered her head. It was her turn to smile. "Yes, I do."

"I trust he and your son get along?"

"They do," Elizabeth said, thinking back to the previous day's events. "Very much so."

"I am happy to hear that as well."

Helen and Ernie exchanged a relieved look. Elizabeth knew that look must have had something to do with Catherine and felt another pang of sadness for a completely different reason.

Elizabeth saw Lucas approaching and smiled.

"Here comes your son now."

He took a seat next to Elizabeth and smiled at her before addressing his mother.

"Your room is ready whenever you are. I ordered lunch for us," he said, "and asked for a pot of coffee and four cups. Mother, I also asked for your favorite tea to be served. So, what did I miss?"

"Your mother was so kind to ask about Little Jack," Elizabeth said. "Thank you, Helen. Your concern means a lot to me."

"That is why I went to the train station," Ernie said. "Last night when we spoke, Lucas told me about the situation, and I wanted to help ease the burden of having to travel if you hadn't been able to get much rest."

"Thank you, Uncle Ernie," Lucas said. "We appreciate your thoughtfulness very much."

"Yes," Elizabeth echoed. "We truly do. This is so nice you are already here."

"I know how hard it is to travel when you have a young boy," Helen said, directing her attention to Lucas. "I was happy to see Ernie. And once he explained the situation, I was even happier. We will work around Little Jack's schedule, Elizabeth. Your son and his well-being must take top priority."

"Thank you. I am very fortunate to have a lovely young lady; her name is Laura, who watches him during the day while I teach. And like I said, I have wonderful friends, especially a married couple who live next door. They help me a lot, and Little Jack loves spending time with them. I don't believe my son's schedule will pose any problems for us."

"And since you said my son and your son get along, he can help out, too, isn't that right, Lucas?" his mother said, in a no-nonsense tone.

"Of course," he answered, without hesitation. "I would be happy to take care of Little Jack if and when needed."

She nodded, knowing any other response from her son would not have been acceptable.

"That is good to know because Elizabeth and I will be very busy soon, and we may need to call upon your services, son. Since we know you won't be able to spend time with Elizabeth while we are working, you can assist by taking care of her son."

"I will do that anytime it's needed," he assured his mother.

He tried to catch Elizabeth's eye to reaffirm his mother had been talking about his involvement and not hers, but Elizabeth did not look at him for fear of giving herself away. She thought his mother was absolutely delightful while also being very direct. And she seemed to have no problem letting her son know she had high expectations of him. Elizabeth thought it was endearing, even though she wasn't sure Lucas saw it exactly the same way. She wanted to reach for his hand just to let him know she understood, but she didn't trust herself.

Fortunately for all of them, their food, coffee and tea arrived which halted further meaningful conversation, at least for a little while.

"The book editor is here," Rosemary said to Julie, as they sat in the Coulters' kitchen eating lunch. "This is unbelievable."

"Rosie, honey," Lee pointed out kindly, "the book editor who happens to be Lucas's mother and has a name. I think it's important not to forget that part."

Julie laughed as she held Little Jack on her lap and fed him a few bites of his lunch while she tried to eat some of her own. He had still seemed a bit clingy and fussy when Elizabeth left for church, so she wanted to keep him near.

"Oh, Lee, of course, I know that. But I mean, how has all of this been happening without my knowledge?"

"Elizabeth has been busy," Julie said. "I'm sure she's not purposely excluding you."

"I know she isn't," Lee agreed.

Rosemary shook her head. "I told Elizabeth months ago our friendship was dying on the vine. This is further proof of that. I thought having our weekly lunches would be enough, but clearly, we need to be spending more time together. I will talk to her as soon as I can."

Lee and Julie both chuckled. Rosemary scowled.

"You do realize she is going to be even busier now that Lucas's mother is here," Lee said to his wife. "Elizabeth will keep you in the loop, sweetheart."

"Of course, she will," Julie agreed. "And since I'm around, I can keep you informed, too."

"I appreciate that. Seriously, you come to visit, Lucas's uncle arrives and now Mrs. Bouchard, and I don't know any of this."

"It's been happening rather quickly," Julie said. "I surprised my sister. Ernie surprised his nephew, and Lucas didn't know exactly when his mother would be arriving."

"While I wish I had known this was happening, I have to say it is all very exciting. If Mrs. Bouchard is here, that must mean Elizabeth is getting ready to finalize her book."

"That is exciting," Lee agreed. "Elizabeth must be so happy."

"She is," Julie confirmed. "And I am so happy for her."

"We are, too," Rosemary said. "I hope we get to meet Lucas's mother. When she's not busy with Elizabeth, of course."

"I'm sure we will," Julie said. "She is most likely staying at the Queen at Hearts."

"You know, Lee," Rosemary said, with a twinkle in her eye.

"Yes, sweetheart?" he said, knowing that look all too well.

"It has been a while since we have dined at the saloon. I think we need to have a dinner date."

Julie laughed as she fed her godson more food.

"Just tell me when you want to go," Lee said and smiled, not opposed to that idea.

At all.

"I do like the feel of this place," Helen said, looking around and taking in the furnishings and the décor. "You have done an amazing job, son. I must admit I wasn't sure what you were doing or thinking, for that matter, when you told your father and me you had purchased a saloon and had moved to a small town. Both decisions seemed so unlike you, but I can tell you are very happy. That makes me happy."

They had consumed their meal and were enjoying their hot beverages while continuing to converse.

"Thank you, Mother. I am very happy I bought this saloon and decided to settle down in Hope Valley."

He and Elizabeth shared a loving smile.

"It does seem to be a rather charming town from the little I have seen."

"We can show you around anytime you want," Lucas said.

Elizabeth agreed.

"Thank you."

Helen took a moment to drink in the sight of her son with the woman he so obviously loved and who gave every appearance of returning that love, and her heart swelled. She had to admit they made a beautiful couple, and Elizabeth seemed to be every bit as lovely as Lucas had described in his letters. She looked forward to getting to know her better, to meeting her son, and to assisting with making her novel the best it could be.

Elizabeth noticed her watching them and felt a bit self-conscious even though she saw nothing but kindness in her perceptive green eyes. She smiled at the older woman which seemed to bring her out of her reverie.

"An added bonus to my trip is getting to see you in action, which I have been so looking forward to," Helen said to her son. "I know you are a most gracious host to your guests, and I can picture you greeting them and making sure they have what they need. This will be a delight to observe you in your element. I cannot wait."

Lucas shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He had not thought about his mother wanting to see him as host at the saloon. He had spared his parents the news about Gowen Petroleum because he didn't know what to say or how to say it. He also didn't want them to worry nor did he want a lecture, even in written form, especially from his father. He knew his uncle had been much gentler with his words about his poor choice of investment than his father would have been.

"Actually," Ernie spoke up, when he saw the looks on both Lucas's and Elizabeth's faces, "I am sort of the fill-in host right now."

"Whatever do you mean?" Helen asked, clearly confused, as she looked from her son to her brother-in-law for an answer.

"I have always thought it would be interesting to be the one in charge of a place like this," Ernie said, speaking the truth even though he had not shared this desire with his nephew. "I was thrilled when Lucas wrote me he had bought a saloon. This happens to be a very nice one. Your son is extremely busy with another business, so I told him while I am here, I'd like to see how it feels to be the host. Lucas was kind enough to let me give it a go."

"What other business are you dealing with?" his mother asked, concern marring her attractive face. "You never told your father or me you had another business. We thought wanting to own and run the Queen of Hearts is why you moved to Hope Valley."

"It was. It is," Lucas clarified, trying not to give in to the dread he suddenly felt at having kept a secret from his parents.

He was not good at doing so and, thankfully, had not had much practice with deceit, except for the situation with Amos Dixon, which had caused him countless sleepless nights. But now he was deceiving his parents, and it definitely felt wrong.

Elizabeth reached underneath the table to hold his hand. She had no idea how this was going to play out, but she wanted him to know he had her support. She knew whatever decision he had made at the time, he'd thought it was for the best. She couldn't imagine he would expressly outright lie to his parents. She also knew his gentle squeeze was his way of thanking her.

"Lucas is helping out a friend who has taken ill," Ernie explained. "He is spending most of his time trying to keep a very busy oil company running during the owner's absence."

"Oil?" his mother asked, her perfectly shaped eyebrows raised. "You don't know anything about oil. Or do you? Lucas, what is going on?"

He knew his mother definitely wanted answers. His stomach churned as he tried to offer a plausible explanation until he could tell her everything. Which he knew had to be soon.

"No, I don't know anything about oil," Lucas admitted. "But there are people at the company who do."

"Lucas is helping to supervise the operation and keep things moving. You know what a savvy businessman he is. He can help even without knowing much about the oil business itself."

"I suppose that's true," Helen mused, somewhat placated but not completely. "But still, why would you not want to be here? I don't understand."

"I do want to be here," Lucas said, because that was the truth at its very core, and it still bothered him that he couldn't be.

"But sometimes," Ernie said, his voice soothing, "things happen. And Lucas has made a noble choice to help out a friend while giving me an opportunity to do something I've wanted to do but never thought I would have the chance. It's just for a little while."

"Well, then I guess I will get to see you in action," Helen said, sounding resigned to the fact but not very pleased.

"You can critique me to your heart's desire," Ernie teased. "I have no idea if I will be good or bad, but I am looking forward to it."

"We should talk later, Uncle Ernie," Lucas said. "Just to finalize things."

"Of course," he said, his eyes showing compassion. "We will definitely talk."

"Helen," Elizabeth said, grateful for the opportunity to change the subject, "I would like to invite you to my home tomorrow for afternoon tea. You can meet my son and my sister. I am sure you want to set up a schedule for us. Maybe we can talk about that as well."

"That sounds lovely," Helen said. "Thank you, Elizabeth. I would enjoy that very much."

"I will come here after school and walk with you to my home. I can show you a few shops and places of interest along the way."

"And maybe I could come by later?" Lucas asked hopefully, trying to shift the focus to something more positive. "If I wouldn't be interrupting, of course."

Elizabeth tried not to laugh, but his mother did.

"Oh, I suppose that would be all right," she said, shaking her head. And then she smiled at her son. "Certainly, you can come by. After you finish whatever it is you will be doing for work."

"Thank you, Mother."

"And I will be happily running the saloon," Ernie said.

"I guess I should go to my room," Helen said. "I am feeling a bit tired, and I do want to get settled. I also want to write a letter to your father to post tomorrow."

"Of course. I will escort you," Lucas said.

"I will keep Elizabeth company," Ernie said.

They all stood, and Helen, enthralled by Elizabeth's quiet demeanor and inner strength she knew the younger woman had to possess, embraced her once again.

"It was a pleasure meeting and talking with you. I look forward to our chat tomorrow and meeting your son and your sister. I hope he has another restful night's sleep."

"Thank you, Helen. It was a pleasure meeting you, too. I am happy we could spend some time together and share a meal. Until tomorrow."

She nodded and let Lucas lead her to her room. Elizabeth returned to her seat and so did Ernie.

"What you did for Lucas was very nice," Elizabeth said. "I'm sure he appreciates it."

Ernie sighed. "I never thought to ask him if his parents knew about this situation but, obviously, he has chosen not to tell them. I did what I thought was best at that moment."

"Have you always wanted to run a saloon?" Elizabeth couldn't help but to ask.

Ernie smiled. "I think it might be enjoyable. For a little while."

"Lucas loves it," Elizabeth said, sounding a bit dismayed about the current situation. "And you are very outgoing and personable. I'm sure the guests will gravitate to you the way they do Lucas. It's a shame this has happened."

"Indeed, it is," Ernie agreed. "But we have a plan, and that is always a good thing. You have excitement waiting for you. I can tell Helen is quite impressed with you. I think the two of you working together will be a wonderful collaboration. I have been remiss in saying this to you, but I cannot wait to read your novel. I know it will be a page turner for sure."

Elizabeth blushed. "You are too kind. But I am happy you want to read my book. I hope it lives up to your expectations. I did enjoy writing it when I wasn't fretting or tearing up what I had just written. Lucas encouraged me every step of the way. I owe so much of what is happening to him."

"I'm sure he's told you that since he was a young lad, he has always been around books and loves to read. Helen was fortunate to be able to do most of her editing from wherever they happened to be living at the time. Lucas was her constant companion and learned a lot, not only about books and writing but also about humanity and the world in general. I think it helped both of them."

"He did mention that to me. It sounds wonderful, but it also sounded like maybe Helen was a bit strict with him while she was working?"

Ernie chuckled. "Helen was very strict. Still is. She has a heart of gold and a great capacity for understanding human failings, but when she is working, she wants things a certain way. She will work with you, so don't concern yourself about that. It's the outside influences she tries to keep at bay while she is editing. I think she becomes extremely focused and doesn't like to have her concentration or her routine interrupted."

"Such as her son showing up unexpectedly," Elizabeth said and had to laugh.

"Exactly," Ernie said. "You catch on quick."

"I'm very excited to get started," Elizabeth said. "I just want us working together to go well."

"Don't worry," Ernie assured her, his voice encouraging. "It will."

"I am so pleased you came to Hope Valley," Elizabeth said, her smile engaging. "You are so kind and wise and so helpful. I know Lucas is enjoying your being here. I hope you don't plan to leave anytime soon. We would miss you very much."

Elizabeth almost caused his cheeks to redden with her heartfelt words. That had not happened to him in a very long time. He inclined his head in acknowledgement of her thoughtfulness.

"Thank you, Elizabeth. Your kindness and acceptance mean a lot to me. I plan to be around, at least for a while."

Lucas returned and sat next to Elizabeth.

"Is your mother all right?" Elizabeth asked.

"She's fine. My mother liked the room, told me one more time I shouldn't have given her my suite, and then said she needed to get settled."

"She didn't want to talk?" Ernie asked, somewhat surprised.

"Later, she said."

Ernie nodded with a smile. "We both know what that means."

"What?" Elizabeth asked, looking from Ernie to Lucas, trying to gauge how serious this situation was.

"My mother needs time to process something," Lucas said and then frowned. "I'm sure she is thinking about my work situation. I don't like deceiving my mother, but I didn't want to write about this ordeal in a letter where I was inviting her to come here. To be honest, I didn't know if my father would be coming, too, if my mother decided to come."

"You really don't want your father to know about this?" Ernie asked, sounding a bit concerned.

"Not really. You were kind and helpful. My father would not be. You must know this to be true, Uncle Ernie."

"Actually, I don't. It's one misstep, Lucas. He would be very proud of what you have accomplished."

"Maybe. But he would not be happy about Gowen Petroleum and the part I played."

"Do you think your father or I have never made a mistake doing business? We all make them. Yes, some are more costly than others, but you learn from them and move on. You will be a better businessman and investor for having gone through this, Lucas. Your father would not hold this against you. Why do you think your father and I tried to impart as much information and wisdom to you as we could? Because we knew something like this could very easily happen. Now that it has, you need to become wiser and more discerning. That's how this works."

"Maybe you're right. I do want to thank you for stepping in the way you did."

"When I saw the looks on your faces, I knew you hadn't said anything."

"I didn't even think about my mother wanting to see me working here. I was concentrating only on Elizabeth, and my mother wanting to edit her book."

"Well, for now, your mother will see me, and she will be fine with it."

"I told Ernie he will make a great host," Elizabeth said.

Lucas smiled at her. "I think you're right."

"Well, if I am going to be the host, maybe I should get to it. This place is getting busy."

"Rick can guide you," Lucas said. "And Gustave has the kitchen and the staff well in hand. I am going to walk Elizabeth home, and then we will talk when I return."

"Take your time," Ernie said, knowing they needed and deserved some alone time. "I will be here."

"Let me get some of my mother's tea so you will have it at your home," Lucas said to Elizabeth. "I will be right back."

Elizabeth and Ernie walked near the entrance.

"Enjoy this time with Lucas," Ernie encouraged. "Tomorrow will go well, and then your career as an author, dare I say, best-selling author, will begin."

Elizabeth lowered her eyes and then sighed. "I still can't believe it, but you're right. Tomorrow the journey begins."

As soon as Lucas returned with the tea, they said goodbye to Ernie and began to walk towards Elizabeth's home, taking their time. The autumn air felt crisp; the sun shone brightly.

Smiling at Elizabeth, Lucas reached for her hand; their fingers automatically clasped as if they knew what to do. Lucas wanted to spend as much time with her as he could because he knew, after he saw her for however long the following day, he would have to learn to be patient once again. Elizabeth's writing had to be her priority, and he was absolutely fine with that. He knew she would soar as an author the same way she had as a teacher and a wife and a mother. He also knew there was nothing the lady walking next to him couldn't do if she had to and that knowledge gave him peace even as he knew he still had his own battles to conquer. Starting with his mother.

One step at a time, he reminded himself, as he and Elizabeth shared a smile. He vowed to enjoy this precious time with her because he truly had no idea when they would get to spend quality time together while his mother was here. He could only hope there wouldn't be too long of a wait. Now that he had been firmly planted in Elizabeth's and Little Jack's lives, he was not certain, at all, he had it in him to be that patient. Again.