Hello! :-) I am posting another twofer, but this one truly is one chapter, split into two parts, so I hope you will enjoy both parts. :-) As always, I thank you for taking the time to read and review and for all of the incredible views and visitors. I thank you all very much for taking the time to check out my story because I know you have many to choose from. :-)

Chapter 30 - Part 1

Lucas halted his conversation with his uncle as soon as Elizabeth entered the Queen of Hearts. He unabashedly stared at her as his breath caught. She mesmerized in a sapphire dress with matching earrings, which he could clearly see because she had chosen to wear her hair in an upsweep with tendrils on either side. Lucas had never seen a more stunning beauty in blue as he watched her walk around, her hands folded in front, checking out the decorations.

He had decided to use a few champagne and white streamers throughout the saloon, while balloons of various bright colors and small bouquets of flowers adorned the areas where several tables and chairs had been moved to accommodate the dance floor. After seemingly nodding her approval, Elizabeth turned, saw Lucas and smiled as she strode towards him. He met her halfway and immediately reached for her hands to hold in his.

"You are a vision," he said, his timbre low and husky.

"Thank you," she said, pleased he liked the dress she had chosen. She graced him with a slight curtsy. "May I say how delighted I am you decided to wear your three-piece suit in my favorite color?"

"I didn't know blue was your favorite color."

"On you," she said with a wide smile, unable to stop herself from stroking his cheek with her finger, "wearing that vest, it is. It definitely is."

Lucas grinned. "Are you ready?"

"I am more than ready to relax and have a good time."

He gently squeezed her hands. "Me, too."

"Do you need help?"

He looked around. "No. I think we have everything under control."

"Julie will be here later with Little Jack. They are coming with Rosemary and Lee."

"Did Lee bring you?"

She nodded.

"I would have come," Lucas said.

"I knew you were getting things ready. Lee offered, so it worked out."

"How is Julie doing?"

"She's okay. She and Geoffrey talked, and by mutual agreement, they decided to part ways. Julie will probably remain with me for a little while longer, which will be good for both of us, I think. She is doting on Little Jack, which has been fun for both of them. I think she just needs time to figure out what she truly wants."

Lucas agreed. "It sounds like maybe she is not devastated, which is good."

"She's not. She is looking forward to being here tonight. I take that as a good sign."

"I agree. You know I wish her nothing but the best. I will tell her that, too."

Elizabeth smiled. "She will appreciate hearing that from you, believe me."

"May I get you something to drink?"

"Maybe some water."

"Of course. Let's go to the bar. My uncle is there."

"Good evening, Elizabeth," Ernie greeted, as they stood opposite him. "You look lovely."

"Thank you."

Lucas handed her a glass of water and asked if she wanted to sit.

"I'm fine. I don't want to keep you from what you need to do. I'd love to help."

Lucas looked around and so did Elizabeth.

"I think we're ready," he said. "Gustave has the kitchen and the staff well in hand. My uncle, Rick, and a couple of other men are manning the bar and the beverages. The food is set up buffet style. I have the player piano ready in the corner. Oh, I know. Let me show you the children's area."

"I'd love to see it. Laura is coming and said she will watch Little Jack for me. I know the other children enjoy seeing and playing with him, so I think this will be fun for him."

"I'm sure he will have a good time."

Lucas escorted Elizabeth to the area near his office, which has been closed off for the evening, where they had rearranged the furniture to surround the children's area and give them some privacy. The floor had been covered, and there were games and toys and a few smaller chairs set up in a semi-circle.

"I see the books near the chairs," Elizabeth said and smiled at Lucas.

"I brought a few from the library. I thought maybe the older children might want to read to the younger ones."

"The chairs are so cute. Where did you find them?"

"Ned found them in the mercantile storage area. I don't think he knew he had them. He was looking for something else and asked if I could use them."

Elizabeth leaned back against the settee that now faced the wall and sipped her water.

"You've thought of everything. I like this area for the children. They will love it."

"Until the music gets too loud," he said and chuckled.

"They will be fine. The way you have the furniture set up, it's like they have their own little fortress."

"That's what I was going for. I figured they wouldn't be too distracted by the adults if they had this area to themselves. We'll be more in the center of the room."

"I think it works, Mr. Bouchard."

"Why thank you, Mrs. Thornton. I think it does, too."

She finished her water and after Lucas took her glass, she asked him where his mother was.

"Still getting ready. She will be here soon."

Lucas had no sooner uttered those words than Elizabeth saw Helen, looking exquisite in a burgundy suit, descending the stairs.

"Your mother has arrived and looks elegant."

Lucas turned and waved. He had to agree with Elizabeth's assessment.

'Shall we?" he asked.

Elizabeth grinned. "Yes, definitely."

They made their way to Helen who greeted them warmly after Lucas set the empty glass on the bar.

"That color looks wonderful on you," Elizabeth complimented.

"Thank you, dear. I bought this today at the dress shop with Rosemary's assistance. She certainly knows her fashion and designs."

"Yes, she does," Elizabeth said.

"You both look splendid as well," Helen said. "Was this a coordinated effort?"

Elizabeth and Lucas looked at each other.

"No," Lucas said. "This was quite a happy coincidence."

"Seems you two are on the same page, in more ways than one."

When she winked, they exchanged a puzzled look, although Elizabeth thought she knew what Helen was going to say.

"What do you mean, Mother?" Lucas asked.

"Elizabeth told me you helped her with her rewrites."

"I didn't do any actual writing," Lucas clarified. "We talked about a few things regarding her book that seemed to jump start Elizabeth's writing. That is all."

"I see you no longer take my words seriously," she said to her son with a dramatic sigh for effect.

Lucas, his hands in his pockets, shifted his stance. "Well," he said, while Elizabeth hid a smile behind her hand, "technically, we didn't do anything wrong."

"I didn't say we. I said you."

"Well," he said again and cleared his throat, "Technically, I didn't do anything wrong either."

Helen raised one eyebrow, while trying to keep a straight face and not look at Elizabeth. "Oh? You didn't? I beg to differ."

Lucas looked at his mother, surprised she was grilling him, and hastily attempted to explain. "No. I mean, you were not with Elizabeth. I did not interfere with your process. I went to check on Elizabeth because she was a no show at the meeting and I was concerned, and then we started talking and well…."

When he saw his mother's grin and heard Elizabeth's chuckle, he stopped.

"What's going on?" he asked, looking from his mother to Elizabeth and back to his mother.

Helen and Elizabeth shared a smile.

"Darling, have you lost your sense of humor? I'm not upset. I'm teasing you."

"Teasing me? And you were in on this?" he asked Elizabeth, but secretly he was pleased she and his mother seemed friendly enough to pull this off.

"Absolutely. I never seem to do this properly, but apparently, your mother does. You should have seen the look on your face, sweetheart. Nice work, Mrs. Bouchard," Elizabeth said with a slight bow.

Helen inclined her head. "Thank you, my dear."

"I can't believe you did that to me," he said, both to his mother and to Elizabeth, but he was not upset.

Quite the opposite. He was impressed. And now he knew he would have to watch out for both of them, especially if they teamed up.

"I will be keeping my eye on you," he whispered to Elizabeth. "You and my mother working together could be dangerous. To me."

"Good," she said and smiled, caressing the coarse hairs underneath his chin.

She was relieved he didn't seem to be upset with either of them.

When Helen had mentioned Elizabeth seemed to question whether she should have told her about Lucas's involvement, Elizabeth had said she didn't know if Helen would be concerned Lucas had been helping her. Helen had assured her she was fine with her son's assistance, especially given the results his help had produced. Elizabeth had laughed with relief, saying she and Lucas had thought his mother would not be pleased. That was when the two of them had decided to make Lucas explain himself, which he did to their amusement.

Elizabeth did feel bad for him, though. She could tell he had been trying very hard to explain his actions, thinking his mother had disapproved.

"I want you to keep your eye on me," she continued, giving him a beguiling smile. "My plan worked. Besides, weren't you the one who told me we were not playing by your mother's rules?"

"Touché, Mrs. Thornton. You have definitely upped your game. I see I need to be better prepared."

"Thank you," she said and grinned. "And yes, you do."

"Lucas," Helen said, looking towards the entrance. "Your guests are starting to arrive."

Lucas looked at Elizabeth. "Are you ready?"

Knowing how much this night meant to both of them and seeing the hope and the love on his face and especially in his expressive brown eyes, she wanted this night to be perfect.

She nodded and gave him a tender smile. "I am," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she thought of what was about to happen and what they were about to declare.

Being with Lucas in this atmosphere felt right. That knowledge filled her with serenity.

As the residents filed in to the Queen of Hearts, what they saw surprised them, and they started murmuring and whispering about how different the saloon looked for movie night. Clara and Jesse were the first to approach Elizabeth and Lucas. After exchanging greetings, Jesse inquired about the set up.

"Why does it look so different?"

"We will answer that question as soon as everyone arrives," Lucas said. "Meanwhile, please help yourselves to food and drinks near the bar."

Shrugging at the mystery, Clara gave Elizabeth a curious but excited look and then followed her husband to the food table that had been set up across from the bar.

Lucas greeted everyone as they entered and told them they would soon have answers to their questions and directed everyone towards the food and beverages.

"For those with children, we have an area set up for them to be entertained," he said, pointing in that direction.

The parents thanked him as they led their children to the play area.

Molly, Florence and Ned entered and gasped when they saw the decorations.

"Are we not seeing a movie tonight?" Florence asked. "Maybe I should go back to the switchboard."

"Good evening."

Elizabeth greeted them, while Lucas continued to direct more residents to where they needed to be.

"Elizabeth," Molly said, unable to conceal how lovely she thought Elizabeth looked, "you are absolutely stunning. There must be something more than movie night going on here."

Florence and Ned nodded in agreement.

"You will know soon," Elizabeth assured them. "Florence, I would stay if I were you. I think you will have a good time."

"Well, then, I suppose I shall stay," she said, as Elizabeth pointed them in the direction of the bar.

Elizabeth smiled as soon as she saw Julie walk in with Little Jack.

"Hello. There's my big boy. Come here, Jack. Mama wants to give you a hug."

"Mama," he said and made a beeline for Elizabeth who picked him up and held him.

"This looks very nice," Julie said, offering her approval of the décor.

Rosemary and Lee agreed. All three greeted Lucas who then also said "hello" to Little Jack while shaking his hand and was treated to a toothy smile.

"Can you say hello to Lucas?" Elizabeth asked.

The young boy shook his head and turned away, looking around at all of the people who had gathered and at the colorful balloons.

"He's being shy again," Elizabeth said, laying her head against his and rubbing his back.

"He hasn't seen me for a few days either," Lucas acknowledged. "I understand. We will get reacquainted."

Elizabeth nodded. "You are so good and patient with him. Thank you."

"Of course."

Just then Bill entered and immediately said hello to everyone and asked Elizabeth how she and Little Jack were doing.

"Hello, Bill. We're fine, aren't we, Jack?"

He turned at the sound of his name and looked at Bill who also shook his hand.

"Are you being a good boy for your mama?"

"Tell him yes," Elizabeth said, kissing her son's cheek.

"I wanted to check on you yesterday but, unfortunately, I didn't get a chance. I talked to Carson who told me you were feeling better. We missed you at the meeting, but I understand you had someone else checking on you."

He turned towards Lucas who simply nodded.

"You know you can always let me know if you or Jack need anything, right?"

Elizabeth nodded. "Thank you, Bill. I know, and I appreciate that. I truly do."

"Good," he said, stealing another glance at Lucas. "I am going to make it a point to be around more to help you and this little one."

Lucas turned away when he heard those words. He did not want Elizabeth to see his uncharitable reaction to Bill's offer. He knew what Bill's motives were, and he didn't appreciate the insinuation he thought Lucas couldn't take care of Elizabeth and her son. He also knew his tense relationship with the older man was something he was going to have to either resolve or come to terms with as he continued to court Elizabeth. He couldn't help but wonder what Bill's reaction would be to their announcements. Whatever the honorable judge thought or might say to him in response, Lucas was not going to let him, or anyone else, ruin this night.

"That is very kind of you," Elizabeth acknowledged. "We are doing fine. I know you care about us, and I would certainly let you know if I needed your help."

"You'd better," Bill said.

His words sounded gruff, but the smile was gentle.

Elizabeth was about to direct all of them to the food area when Nathan, dressed in casual clothes, and Francine and Allie, who had spent the afternoon together, walked in and saw the others standing around Elizabeth, Lucas and Little Jack.

Seeing Nathan, who Lucas knew never attended movie night, made him instinctively move closer to Elizabeth as if to protect her. She felt his warm touch on her bare arm and looked at him. Was he upset at seeing Nathan? She knew he couldn't be happy with Bill and that concerned her.

Trying to diffuse a potentially tense situation, Elizabeth gave all of them a friendly greeting when the conversation seemed to stop at their entrance.

"Hello," Nathan said, politely nodding to each of them.

"This doesn't look right," Allie said.

"We're doing something a little different," Elizabeth said, "but there is a play area for the children right there," she said and pointed.

"What about the movie?" she asked.

Nathan and Francine exchanged a look of confusion.

"All will be explained soon," Lucas said. "Several of your classmates are in the area if you want to join them."

Allie looked to her uncle who nodded she should go.

"This must be your visitor," Elizabeth said to Nathan.

Lucas, surprised by Elizabeth's comment, was curious to meet the lovely woman who had accompanied Nathan.

"Yes. Francine Richardson, this is Allie's teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton. Elizabeth, this is a friend of mine, Francine Richardson."

"It's nice to meet you," Elizabeth said, extending her hand. "And this is my son Jack."

"Same here," Francine said. "What a darling little boy. Mrs. Thornton? Does that mean this man is your husband?"

"No, he is not," Nathan said quickly. Too quickly.

Nathan immediately chastised himself. Why had he used her title? Because he was used to hearing it from Allie. It had become almost habit to refer to her that way.

Lucas tried not to grin at Nathan's overreaction.

"Oh. I'm sorry. I just saw the two of you together and with the young boy, I thought…"

"I am Lucas Bouchard, proprietor of the saloon. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Thank you," she said, trying to cover her embarrassment. "I know I should never assume, it just seemed like…well, never mind."

"It's fine," Lucas said, wanting her to feel at ease. "We are happy you are here. Please help yourself to food and drinks near the bar. We will get started soon."

"C'mon," Bill said to Nathan, clasping a firm hand on his shoulder, and to Francine and Rosemary and Lee. "Let's go get some food. Or better yet a drink. That should help."

Carson soon entered and greeted them. He saw Julie by herself and asked if she would like to get some food. She agreed and off they went.

Fiona and Mike soon followed as did Kevin. Laura arrived with her family and told Elizabeth to let her know when she wanted her to watch Little Jack. Elizabeth thanked her and said she would.

Elizabeth and Lucas looked around. The saloon had filled up quickly.

'I think most everyone is here," Elizabeth said.

"I agree. They seem to be eating and drinking and mingling. Should we start?"

"Yes."

"Do you want me to make my announcements first or would you like that pleasure?"

"You should go first. I guess we tell them we have a little bit of bad news and then some very good news, but you do all the talking."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I want you to be the one to talk."

They shared a smile.

"Sounds like a plan," he said. "We will save the best for last."

They left the doors open to welcome any other guests who may arrive and after checking to make sure the children had what they needed, they made their way towards the middle of the saloon.

"Good evening, everyone," Lucas began, making sure he included all of the residents who stood throughout. "Thank you for coming tonight. I know you are seeing quite a different set up for movie night. I have a bit of bad news on that front, and then we will share some good and exciting news which I hope will make you want to stay to celebrate."

As Lucas spoke, people began to gather around him, most of them holding a glass, anxious to hear what he had to say.

"First, the bad news. Unfortunately, we are unable to show you a movie because the film did not arrive in time. We should have that problem corrected by next month's viewing."

After a few grumblings and murmurings, which Lucas acknowledged with an apology, he continued.

"But because of that circumstance, I decided to use this evening when most of you would be here to let you know about a few developments which everyone may not be aware of and to share some wonderful news pertaining to one of our very own well-loved and well-respected residents. First, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my uncle, Ernest Bouchard."

Ernie waved and bowed slightly as cheers went up for him, which pleased both men.

"Sounds like some of you have already experienced my uncle's charming demeanor. Obviously, some of you have met him and are aware he has been helping me. The reason you have been and will continue to see a lot more of my uncle and less of me at the Queen of Hearts is because I have temporarily relinquished my day-to-day duties at the saloon to my uncle. He is going to run the Queen of Hearts for me while I spend the majority of my time at Gowen Petroleum, working very closely with Mike Hickam, who I would like to give credit to for keeping me sane on a daily basis. He has been incredible as I try to navigate my way through this ordeal. Thank you, Michael."

The crowd chuckled and then applauded as Hickam waved to Lucas and to them. Fiona smiled and squeezed his arm in support of Lucas's kind and truthful acknowledgement.

"A few weeks ago, Henry turned over full control of his company to me, as his partner, when issues arose with our oil production. Please know I am working diligently to correct these issues to keep Gowen Petroleum a viable company for this town. In order to do that, I needed to give up my duties here at the Queen of Hearts, and I am so grateful my uncle, who came here for an entirely different reason which I will get to, has graciously agreed to step in for me. He has also been helping me with the oil company, and I am expecting even more help in the next couple of weeks, so I am hopeful we may soon have a resolution to this problem or at least a better path to guide us in that direction.

"I think it's fair to share that Henry is currently recuperating from heart surgery which was performed at a hospital in Cape Fullerton."

Gasps of dismay and surprise could be heard from many of the residents.

"Some of you may have been aware he was having health issues. I am happy to report, through updates from Carson, that Henry is on the mend and will hopefully return to town soon."

A round of applause went up in support of Henry.

Carson raised his hand. "I have some news on Henry if you would like me to share."

"Absolutely," Lucas said.

Carson addressed the crowd.

"What Lucas said is accurate. I talked to Henry's doctor earlier. Henry will be released in ten days and is planning to return here. He will need assistance, so if any of you know of a good and reputable caregiver or even better a nurse who could help Henry during his recovery to full strength, I would appreciate hearing from you. I am so proud of the work Faith is doing in Chicago, but this is just one more example of why I miss her so much. She would be wonderful in this type of situation, but since she is not available, I would like to see if we can find someone to help Henry. Thank you."

"Thank you, Carson," Lucas said. "That is an encouraging update about Henry and, hopefully, we will be able to find someone capable to take care of his needs."

Nathan and Francine shared a look right before Allie popped up from behind the play area and announced that Miss Richardson is a nurse. Everyone looked around to see who she was talking about. Nathan gave his niece a warning look; she quickly lowered herself and returned to the game she was playing with Opal.

"Nathan," Lucas said, "is there something you would like to tell us?"

He shook his head and waved off any comment. "We'll talk to Carson later."

Lucas nodded and looked at Elizabeth to make sure she was ready. She indicated she was.

"Now, we have what I consider the best news to hit Hope Valley in a very long time. Elizabeth, would you please join me?"

Elizabeth, holding her son in the crook of her arm, moved closer to Lucas and waved to her friends.

"What I am about to say is, I think, one of the best kept secrets in this town and needs to be announced loudly and celebrated by all. A few of you may know this, but I suspect the majority do not know that our very own Elizabeth Thornton is now a published author!"

A roar went through the crowd as congratulations and loud boisterous clapping could be heard from all sides of the saloon. People turned to each other and asked if they knew; most people shook their heads.

"I know, right?" Lucas said, beaming at Elizabeth who couldn't help but to blush. "Elizabeth did not want to share this news until it became official, so I am ecstatic to announce she has received a contract to have her book published by a firm in New York."

Elizabeth heard their words of surprise and elation about her news. She nodded and smiled at everyone while trying to acknowledge their good wishes. She was thankful she had her son in her arms and Lucas by her side to keep her grounded.

"In order to get her final draft to the publisher so it can be bound and distributed, Elizabeth has been working with this lovely lady, who just happens to be my mother, Helen Bouchard. I wanted to introduce you to my mother because you will be seeing her around town, too. Elizabeth and my mother are working very hard to make Elizabeth's novel the best it can be. We all look forward to buying and reading the finished product, don't we?"

More cheers and accolades could be heard from everyone. Even the children had stopped playing and were listening to the announcements. They couldn't believe their teacher had written a book.

"And now," Lucas said, lacing his fingers with her slightly shaky ones, "Elizabeth and I have one more very special announcement."

He looked at her lovingly before continuing, wanting her to know how thrilled he was to be making this declaration. She returned his look. This was as special a moment for her as it was for him.

"Several weeks ago, much to my amazement and absolute joy, this extraordinary woman standing here with me, holding her precious son, agreed to allow me to court her, and I couldn't have been more honored or humbled when she accepted me as her suitor. Thank you, Elizabeth."

He lifted her hand and gently kissed it as people cheered once more.

"Thank you," she said to her friends and acquaintances. "Please allow me to say I am very happy and honored to be courted by this man who I believe most of us have, and indeed all of us should, come to understand is trying to do what is right for Hope Valley to make our town the best it can be. Thank you, Lucas. As each new day dawns, I find myself becoming more and more grateful you have come into my life. It is a privilege to be courted by a man as upstanding and wonderful as you."

Amid the cheers from almost all of the townspeople, Little Jack stole the spotlight when he chose that particular moment to speak Lucas's name.

"Lu-cus!" he said and clapped his hands. "Lu-cus!"

He pointed towards Lucas and then reached out to be held by him. Elizabeth freely handed her son to the man she loved. Lucas held him close and thanked him for remembering who he was. Little Jack smiled at him, wrapped his arms around his neck and laid his head on his shoulder.

"Lu-cus!" he said again and then giggled when Elizabeth caressed his cheek.

"I knew you remembered him," she whispered to her son. "You know he's the man I love, don't you?"

Rosemary and Lee, watching that tender scene unfold, looked at each other and nodded.

"Before everyone begins to celebrate all of this wonderful news, and most of it is wonderful and so well-deserved," Lee said, "Rosemary and I would like to share some good news of our own if you would kindly indulge us."

"Of course we will, boss," Jesse shouted from across the way, which drew a round of laughter.

"Thank you, Jesse," Lee said and grinned. "I knew I could count on you."

Lee reached for Rosemary's hand and intertwined his fingers with hers.

"It's no secret Rosie and I have longed to become parents for quite some time. We thought this might not happen for us so we began to look into what would be needed to adopt a baby or a child from the orphanage in Brookfield. We were ready to take the necessary steps to make adoption a reality. While that may still happen someday, we received the most wonderful and life-changing news from Dr. Shepherd. We are expecting our first baby in June."

Thunderous applause could be heard and people who were near them immediately began to congratulate them and wish them well.

With that announcement, the celebration among the now jovial residents began.

Lucas turned his attention to Elizabeth who had tears in her eyes.

"I'm so happy they chose to share their news," she said, by way of explanation.

"I know. I am, too," he said, using the pad of his thumb to wipe away her tears while navigating her son who remained content in his arms. "I understand these are happy tears, but I have to ask, given everything that's happened the past few days, are you okay? I know there's a lot of emotion in this room. Maybe it's too much?"

She shook her head. "Sweetheart," she said, "everything is perfect. And it's all because of you."