Hello! :-) Here is the second part. I hope you enjoy! :-)

Chapter 30 – Part 2

Helen and Ernie couldn't help but to be impressed by how comfortable Lucas looked holding Little Jack.

"He looks like a natural," Ernie said with pride.

"I would agree," Helen said, feeling grateful her son, despite his current obstacles, seemed to be thriving as he cared for Elizabeth's son.

"That little boy could easily become part of our family, Helen."

She looked at him. "You are reading my mind. I'm going to congratulate them."

Ernie nodded and then returned his attention to his beverage duties while hoping to have a chance to at least speak with Molly.

"You two were wonderful," Helen said to Elizabeth and Lucas. "I'm pleased I was able to see this and to see you holding Elizabeth's son. I'm happy he has taken to you so easily and that you are comfortable with him."

"Thank you," Elizabeth said. "We are happy you and Ernie could be here to celebrate with us."

"Jack, do you remember meeting this lady? This is my mother."

Lucas turned so Little Jack was facing his mother. He looked at her while she shook his hand.

"Do you remember me?" she asked.

He shook his head and turned back to Lucas.

"He might later," Elizabeth said. "He was shy when he first saw Lucas. I think he needs to be around the same people more often to recognize them."

"Of course. That's true for most children, including my son when he was Jack's age."

"Let me know when you want Laura to take him," Elizabeth said.

"I'm fine, but you should eat. Mother, have you eaten?"

"I have not. Shall we get some food, Elizabeth?"

"I think we should all eat. If Laura is finished with her food, I'll ask her to watch Little Jack."

"Okay," Lucas said.

Lucas didn't want to disturb Little Jack, who was content in his arms, but he also wouldn't have minded eating. He knew Gustave had prepared many flavorful appetizers.

Laura came and told Lucas she had eaten and would be happy to take Little Jack to the children's area. Lucas handed him to Laura. Jack looked as if he didn't want to be with Laura until she started talking to him and walking towards the play area. He became distracted by the people and the decorations and let Laura lead him to the other children who happily welcomed him.

"He'll be fine," Elizabeth said. "Come. Let's eat."

Clara and Jesse approached Rosemary and Lee and congratulated them.

"I can't believe we both work for the two of you, and neither of us knew about this," Clara said, after hugging Rosemary.

"We wanted to wait," Lee said, after Jesse shook his hand and clapped his back.

"But tonight felt like the right time to share our news," Rosemary said and smiled.

"You look wonderful," Clara said. "I will definitely be keeping watch over you, mommy-to-be."

Rosemary beamed hearing those words. Lee had to admit those words sounded good to his ears, too.

"And I will understand when you start to get distracted and nervous," Jesse said to Lee. "Oh, wait. You already do."

The men shared a hearty laugh.

Fiona and Mike joined them to offer their good wishes and congratulations.

"Thank you," Lee said, after shaking Mike's hand.

"Looks like we will be having some fun," Fiona said to Rosemary and Clara.

"I was just thinking about that," Clara said, her eyes twinkling. "I can't wait."

"Wait a minute," Rosemary said, wagging her finger as she pointed to each group. "You two ladies and you three men must help me with the Christmas festival first. Then we can think about babies."

They all laughed and agreed the festival came first.

"Too bad Lucas will be wrapped up with this oil business and unable to offer his assistance," Clara said. "But how great that you are helping him, Mike."

"I just wish we would stop getting bad news. I didn't want to tell him, especially tonight, but he gave me a report to read and what it said did not sound good. I hope that help he talked about comes soon."

"You guys just keep at it," Lee said. "Remember the tough times we had. They were rough, but we survived and now we thrive. Gowen Petroleum will be fine. Especially with you and Lucas leading the way. You gotta have faith, Mike."

"I agree," Fiona said, giving Mike an encouraging smile.

She spotted Kevin standing off to the side and told Mike they should mingle and give others an opportunity to congratulate Rosemary and Lee. Mike turned in the direction of Kevin before Fiona could stop him. They exchanged cordial smiles as Kevin made his way to Rosemary and Lee.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Mike said to Fiona, when they were out of earshot from Kevin. "Are you all right?"

"Yes. It's fine. I've seen him a few times, and we've said hello. I didn't want to prevent him from coming over."

"I hope it wasn't too awkward. I felt like maybe it was."

"It's a small town. We will learn to coexist."

"Do you think that will happen for Elizabeth, Lucas and Nathan?"

"Ooh," Fiona said, shaking her head. "You ask tough questions, Mr. Hickam."

"Even though I pretty much knew Lucas was courting Elizabeth, hearing them say the words and seeing them together was very moving. I looked at Nathan, and I could tell he was not happy even though he had to know Elizabeth wants to be with Lucas. I just wonder what will happen."

"He has a lady friend who seems pleasant and is apparently a nurse. If she stays, I think she and I will get to know each other. Maybe she will be good for Nathan and get his mind off of Elizabeth and Lucas being together."

"Maybe. The one thing I did not know was that Elizabeth had written a novel. How exciting is that?"

"Very," Fiona said. "I can't wait to talk to her about that, but I don't think that will happen tonight. How great would it be if she got to travel to New York?"

"That would be something. Our very own Elizabeth, a published author. I'm happy for her, and it seems like Lucas had a lot to do with her book since his mother is her editor, but I do feel bad Elizabeth's late husband Jack isn't here to share in her happiness with her son and now her novel."

"You'll have to tell me about him some time," Fiona said, sincerely wanting to know more about Jack Thornton. "I've heard some, but I know there's a lot I don't know about him and would like to."

With a lull in residents needing refills of various beverages, Ernie saw Molly, Florence and Ned talking near one of walls lined with several chairs and decided to wander over to greet them.

"Good evening," he said to the trio.

"Hello," Ned said, while Molly and Florence nodded their hellos. "This has been fun. Lots of news to keep everyone talking and entertained. It should be a fun time at the mercantile the next few days."

"I'm sure it will be," Ernie said.

"We think it's very nice you have stepped up to help your nephew," Molly said, nodding her approval.

"I'm grateful to be here so I can help. Lucas has a lot going on."

"He certainly does," Florence said. "Fortunately, he also has Elizabeth to help him."

"Yes, he does," Ernie agreed. "They do work well together. It's nice to see."

"And Little Jack seems to have taken to him," Molly said. "That made my heart happy."

"Us, too," Florence said. "I have to say I think they make a lovely couple."

Molly and Ned agreed; Ernie enjoyed hearing their thoughts.

"We heard there is going to be music," Ned said.

"Yes. Soon, I believe, once everyone has had a chance to eat and mingle."

Ernie cleared his throat.

"Molly, I hope you will save me a dance?"

She looked at him and smiled softly. "I would enjoy that very much. Thank you, Ernie."

He inclined his head. "The pleasure is mine. I'd better get back to my duties, but I did want to say hello."

After Ernie left, both Florence and Ned encouraged Molly to go talk to him. Molly looked in his direction but shook her head.

"He's busy," she said. "I will wait until he asks me to dance."

Florence and Ned shared a smile for their friend as they, too, looked forward to sharing a dance or two.

Bill approached Rosemary and Lee to offer his congratulations to the expectant parents.

"This is such great news," Bill said. "I hope you know how happy I am for you."

Rosemary smiled. "Thank you, Bill. We do."

"I have seen both of you with Little Jack, so I know what wonderful parents you will be. This could not have happened to more deserving people. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help."

"Thanks, Bill," Lee said. "We will. So far, everything has been going great. We couldn't be happier, and Rosie couldn't be healthier."

"Then we will hope that continues."

"I do have one thing you can help me with," Lee said, "but it doesn't have anything to do with us."

"What's that?" Bill asked, puzzled.

"Now that Elizabeth and Lucas have made their courtship official, are you going to make peace with him?"

Bill sighed and looked in the happy couple's direction.

"I admit I didn't know the whole story with Henry and what Bouchard has been dealing with."

"I'm not talking about business," Lee said.

"I know what you're talking about, Lee," Bill grumbled.

"Maybe this will help," Rosemary offered. "I shared many of your concerns about Lucas, and in the beginning, I wasn't willing to give him the benefit of the doubt either. But when I called him on a few of his actions I thought could potentially hurt Elizabeth, I saw genuine care and love in his eyes. Lucas has no intentions of hurting Elizabeth or of upsetting her life or Little Jack's. He wants to be there for them."

"And I think he's proven he has," Lee added.

Bill looked at Lucas again. He truly wasn't sure what it was about him that bothered him.

"I guess I just remember the way he came into this town. Are all of those secrets really out in the open? What if Elizabeth finds out something bad about him, but it's too late?"

"Are you serious?" Lee asked. "Bill, his uncle and his mother are here, helping both him and Elizabeth. Don't you think Lucas would be hesitant to invite his family here if he were hiding something?"

Bill scoffed. "I suppose."

"What about her book deal?" Rosemary added. "I know firsthand Lucas was instrumental in making that happen. Elizabeth has shared a very personal and private part of herself and her life with him. You know she wouldn't do that if she had any doubts."

"She wouldn't let him be around Little Jack if she had any doubts," Lee added.

Bill gave them a thoughtful look. "I have to admit I was surprised how easily my godson went to him."

"Because he trusts him," Rosemary said. "And because Little Jack knows his mother trusts Lucas, too."

The older man shrugged. "You're probably right."

"We are right," Lee affirmed.

"And we know you would make Elizabeth very happy if you and Lucas could establish some kind of a relationship, even if it's a cautious one," Rosemary added.

"Let's face it," Lee said, deciding to be blunt, "Lucas is going to be in Elizabeth's life whether you like it or not so I suggest you get on board."

Bill, not ready to talk to Lucas, strode to where Nathan and Francine stood. Even though he had met Francine at the café, she still intrigued him.

"What do you think of all this?" Bill asked Nathan, after pleasantries had been exchanged.

"Honestly," Nathan said, "I'm asking myself why I came."

"We thought we were going to see a movie," Francine said. "Allie thought it would fun for the three of us to be here together. Unfortunately, that did not happen."

"Yes," Bill said. "This is a totally different kind of show. The Lucas Bouchard show."

"I sense the two of you are not fans of this Lucas Bouchard?" Francine ventured. "Nathan has been surly, which I admit is bringing back memories of our earlier years, but you seem to have the same attitude. Why does the rest of the town seem so pleased if he is not a good man?"

"Let's just say we've had issues with the guy," Bill said.

"You can say that again," Nathan said.

"Well, then I guess saying congratulations won't be happening," Francine said.

"I will congratulate Elizabeth on her novel," Bill said.

"I knew about that," Nathan said, "and that Lucas was involved with that, too, surprise, surprise. So basically, none of this was news to me."

"I have to say I didn't know all that was involved with Henry's situation so that and Elizabeth's book were surprises to me. Also, if I understood Allie correctly, you are a nurse?"

Francine nodded. "I am. And it just so happens I am out of work."

"Have you talked to Carson?"

"Not yet," Nathan said.

"But we're going to. We were giving him time to converse and eat."

"I'm sure people had questions about Henry," Nathan added. "We wanted to give him time to address their concerns."

"I wanted to talk to him about Henry, too," Bill said. "But it doesn't have to be tonight."

Bill glanced once more towards Elizabeth and Lucas who were chatting amiably with his mother, Julie and several other residents. Bill could not help but to notice the happiness that surrounded them. He wished he could feel the same, especially for Elizabeth's and Little Jack's sake. He told himself he wanted to like Bouchard, so why couldn't he?

"I see Carson is by himself," Francine said. "Should we talk to him?"

"Yes," Bill said, before Nathan could answer. "Go see him."

Francine and Nathan approached Carson who was happy to see them.

"Hi. I was getting ready to come to you. May we chat for a moment?"

"Sure," Francine said, looking at Nathan who nodded.

"Good. Let's find a quieter spot."

They found several chairs near the entrance which didn't seem to have foot traffic.

"So, you are a nurse," Carson said.

"Yes. I'm Francine Richardson. I went through a nursing program in Boston and have been working at a hospital in Seattle. Unfortunately, they cut back some of their programs, and I just lost my job."

"I am very sorry to hear that. You heard what I am looking for. I need a capable and reliable nurse who can help one of our prominent residents Henry Gowen get back on his feet after having heart surgery. I would take care of all of his medical needs, but he needs someone to be with him, preferably with medical knowledge, to help him fully recover."

"Make sure Francine knows exactly who Henry is and how he acts," Nathan said, not sure he liked this idea.

Carson looked at Nathan with curiosity but gave his statement serious consideration.

"Henry can be stubborn," Carson admitted.

"Very stubborn," Nathan added.

"Okay," Carson conceded, not wanting Henry's attitude to be the sticking point, "very stubborn. But he's also in need of care and is recovering from a serious surgery, so maybe he won't be as gruff as yes, we know he can be."

"Sounds like a challenge either way," Francine commented.

"And maybe one you don't need to take on," Nathan said.

"This would be temporary," Carson said. "Maybe for a month or possibly a bit longer, depending on how Henry responds. If you need to look for a full-time position in Seattle, I understand. But if you maybe need a break and a little different scenery, I would like to consider you after checking with the administrator at the hospital you worked at in Seattle."

Francine looked at Nathan who appeared to be indifferent.

"Let me think about this," she said. "I will let you know."

"I will wait to hear from you. Thank you for considering this."

Carson nodded and left Francine and Nathan alone.

"Nathan, do you not want me to even consider this position?"

"It's really not up to me, is it? If you need the work and want to be here for a while, then you should let Carson know."

"But you don't seem happy, and I don't want to be the cause of that. Do you still have doubts about my reasons for leaving? I told you the truth, but if you don't believe me..."

"I'm fine with your reasons," he said and sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I believe you."

He glanced towards Elizabeth and Lucas who were still cheerfully engaging with several well-wishers.

"Is it Lucas who is affecting your mood?" she asked, wondering what could have happened between the two men to cause this much animosity.

"Partly," he admitted. "After hearing what Isaac almost did to you, I think I may have…probably have misjudged Lucas in one aspect."

"What's that?" Francine asked.

Nathan turned to face her. "A while ago, when talking to Bill about our mutual dislike of Bouchard, I compared Colleen's husband to him in a very unfavorable way that Allie, unfortunately, overheard."

"Nathan," Francine said, her tone serious, "that is not good."

"I know. It's just…when I met Lucas…I don't know…something about him…reminded me of…Isaac. And I…I couldn't get his image out…out of my head."

Francine studied him as he continued to watch Elizabeth and Lucas together.

"But now you see how wrong you were, don't you? Are you realizing Lucas and Isaac are not the same?" she asked, concerned for him and what he must have been dealing with regarding his sister's death and her husband who abandoned their daughter.

Nathan turned to face her once more and saw empathy in her brown eyes. "After hearing your story and seeing Elizabeth so happy, when I…when I knew my sister never was, yeah…I guess I am."

"Do you want to talk to them?" she asked, her voice soft.

"No, not tonight. To be honest, I am ready to leave."

"I had a feeling you were going to say that."

"It's not you or anything you've done, It's just…I wasn't prepared for any of this, including hearing what almost happened…to you. I need to…to get Allie home, too."

"Of course. I understand."

They both rose and walked to the play area. Nathan told Allie they were leaving. She started to protest, but one look from her uncle, and she stopped. She said goodnight to everyone and left the area to join her uncle.

"Say goodnight to Miss Richardson, too," Nathan said.

"Goodnight," Allie said.

"Bye, Allie. I hope to see you tomorrow."

Francine looked at Nathan who nodded.

"We'll arrange something," he said. "I'll come by mid-morning if that works."

"That will be fine. I look forward to seeing both of you."

Francine looked around, not really sure what to do. If she went to her room, she wasn't sure she would be able to rest, but if she stayed in the saloon, she had no one else to talk to. She wanted to congratulate Elizabeth and Lucas since she had sincerely thought they were married when she walked in and saw them, but in deference to Nathan, she decided not to. She knew she needed to get him to open up more. She remembered how tight-lipped he could be, especially when his emotions were involved. When she was younger, she found it endearing how shy he seemed to be, especially around her, but now his apparent timidness felt forced and unnatural.

Lost in her own thoughts, she did not see or hear Carson approach and jumped when he said hello.

"I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"No, it's fine. I'm afraid my attention was elsewhere."

"It looked like Nathan and Allie took their leave."

"They did."

"Did you want to call it a night or did you want to remain here a little longer?"

"I'm not sure what to do," she said candidly.

"If you want to stay, I don't mind keeping you company. I can introduce you to more people, and I promise I will not talk about the position."

Francine smiled at his thoughtfulness. "I would like that. Thank you."

"My pleasure," he said, as he led her to the middle of the floor where many of the residents had gathered to talk.

Bill leaned one shoulder against the wall, nursing a beer and watched as the crowd finally thinned around Elizabeth and Lucas. He knew he should go over there, yet his feet remained firmly planted. Elizabeth turned, caught his eye and waved. He returned her wave and saw she absolutely glowed with happiness.

Who was he to begrudge her this moment after all of the heartache she had been through?

When he saw Elizabeth and Lucas by themselves, he knew he had to see them, to congratulate Elizabeth if nothing else. He set his mug on a nearby table and slowly made his way towards them. They both turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. Elizabeth smiled; Lucas went into protective mode.

"Hi," Bill said, acknowledging both.

They both returned his greeting.

"You made quite the announcements," Bill said. "Elizabeth, I offer you my sincerest congratulations on getting your book published. I can't even begin to wonder what that moment must have been like when you received the news. I know this is a major accomplishment in your life, and I can only imagine how hard you must have worked to make this happen. I wish you only the best as you begin this new venture."

"Thank you, Bill. I appreciate your kind words very much. I have worked hard, and I've had a lot of help, especially from Lucas and now his mother."

"I heard that, and I must say, Bouchard, your mother seems like a lovely woman."

"She is," Elizabeth said, without hesitation.

"From the interaction I've had with him, I think your uncle is a good man, too."

"Thank you," Lucas said. "He is."

So why do I have such a problem with you, Bouchard?

Looking as though he wanted to say something more, Elizabeth and Lucas waited, but when he didn't speak, they were ready to move on.

"I think we can start the music," Lucas said.

"Wait," Bill said. "Elizabeth, can you give Lucas and me a minute alone?"

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed. "I'm not sure how I should answer that. Is it can I or should I?"

"Can you," Bill said. "I just need to talk to him for a minute."

When Lucas nodded, Elizabeth agreed. "I will go check on my son. Behave," she said, pointing her finger at Bill.

She heard Lucas chuckle as she reluctantly left them alone.

"She is feisty," Bill said.

"Yes, she is," Lucas agreed, his voice filled with admiration for the complex woman he knew she was.

"Look," Bill said, needing to get the words out before he lost his nerve. "I don't know if you and I will ever be friends, and I am not sure in the scheme of things that really matters, but I do want to say I now know I have not given you the benefit of the doubt in any of these situations. I didn't realize the oil company was basically dumped on you and that you would have to temporarily give up what I know you love to do in order to keep people employed, so I do commend you for taking on all of this. Believe me, I am fully aware not everyone would or could do what you seem to be doing, Bouchard, without much help or guidance. The oil workers should consider themselves fortunate if this had to happen, and apparently it did, you were the one to step in and take over."

Lucas inclined his head. "I will take what you just said as a compliment. Thank you, Bill. I appreciate your kind words and your acknowledgement of what I am sincerely trying to do. Just for the record, I am not opposed to attempting to become friends with you because I think you are a good man who cares very deeply for Elizabeth and her son, but I will not allow Elizabeth or me to be questioned or doubted about my intentions towards Elizabeth by you. You will either accept my relationship with Elizabeth, and we can try to establish a rapport, or you do not accept me as Elizabeth's suitor, and we agree you and Elizabeth and Little Jack will have a relationship of which I am not a part. And I will be fine with that. The choice is yours, Bill, because I am not stepping aside for anyone unless Elizabeth asks me to."

Bill nodded. "You do speak your mind, Bouchard."

"Especially when it comes to Elizabeth and Little Jack and their well-being," Lucas emphasized. "I will not compromise them in any way."

"I get that. I am willing to give this a try. I know it would make Elizabeth happy, and maybe, just maybe, I will find out you are not so bad, Bouchard."

They shook hands, each realizing exactly who they were doing this for and why.

As the music began, couples started strolling onto the dance floor. Julie approached Elizabeth and Lucas and told them she was ready to leave and that Lee had offered to drive her and Little Jack to the house.

"Are you sure?" Elizabeth asked. "I just checked on Jack, and he's doing fine if you want to stay a little longer."

"I'm ready. This has been so much fun. I will say you two do know how to throw a party, but honestly, I didn't sleep well last night. I'm ready to go home."

"I understand," Elizabeth said, giving her sister a hug. "Thank you for taking care of my son."

"Of course. You two stay and enjoy your night. Everyone is so happy for both of you and that makes me happy, too."

"I hope you will be all right, Julie," Lucas said with sincerity. "I know it can't be easy even if it was a mutual decision. I hope you take the time you need. I think being with Elizabeth and Little Jack for a while longer is the right thing to do."

"That's so nice of you to say," Julie said. "I'm happy my sister is letting me stay a bit longer. I think it will be good for me, too. Now that Geoffrey and I have parted ways, I don't relish the thought of going back to Hamilton. At least, not yet."

Both Elizabeth and Lucas nodded their agreement.

"Let's go say goodnight to your son," Lucas said.

As the trio walked towards the play area, Elizabeth bit her lip. Her love for Lucas had been running so strong these past few days, she'd almost corrected him to say "our son."

Lucas couldn't help but smile when he passed his uncle and Molly and saw them dancing and talking. Molly seemed enthralled with whatever Ernie was telling her, and when he twirled her, she smiled and Lucas saw their eyes meet and hold. He couldn't be happier for his uncle if he was having a nice night getting to know Molly. He was happy for Molly, too. He knew what a good man his uncle was and knew the attractive redhead would definitely enjoy his company.

"I feel so light on my feet," Rosemary said to Lee, as they moved to the music.

"I'm glad you do," Lee said and smiled at his Rosie. "This has been some night."

"It sure has. I didn't realize we knew that many people!"

They shared a laugh, but then their expressions grew pensive as they realized how fortunate and blessed they were to have many good friends who cared so much about them.

"And now you can tell your sister," Rosemary said.

"Yes," Lee said and smiled again. "I am so thankful we reconnected. Wait until she hears our wonderful news."

Rosemary spied Julie who held Little Jack.

"I think Julie is ready to leave," Rosemary said, when the song ended.

"All right. I will drive them home and then come back."

"I think it's fine if we leave, too," Rosemary decided.

"Are you sure? You said you felt light on your feet. Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," she assured her husband. "But I should probably not be on my feet this much. If you're ready, I'm ready, too."

"Sure. We can say goodnight to Elizabeth and Lucas. They're with Julie."

Once the four of them had left, Lucas asked Elizabeth to indulge him one dance with his mother and then he would be all hers. She smiled and told him of course he should dance with his mother. Bill overheard their conversation and asked for permission to dance with Elizabeth. Lucas assented if Elizabeth wanted him to. She thought it was gentlemanly of Bill to ask and accepted.

Both dance partners stayed near each other. Whether by design or coincidence, Bill couldn't be sure, but he knew which direction he leaned. But he also knew he couldn't blame Lucas. Bill didn't have much to say to Elizabeth with Lucas nearby except to once again congratulate her on her milestone of being published. He even leaned over to Helen and congratulated her, too. She graciously acknowledged his words; Lucas did, too.

"Thank you for the wonderful dance, son," Helen told him. "This has been a lovely evening, but I am going to say goodnight. You and Elizabeth dance to your heart's content. I remember when your father and I used to dance all the time. Enjoy. I will see you tomorrow."

Lucas, surprised his mother didn't want at least one dance with his uncle, looked out at the lessening crowd and realized Molly and his uncle showed no signs of leaving the floor. He then understood his mother's decision. Bill also said goodnight and took his leave. Elizabeth and Lucas suddenly found themselves alone and came together to finally have their dance.

"Are you happy?" Lucas asked Elizabeth, as they slow danced to a romantic tune.

"Very," she said, gazing into his eyes. "Although there were a couple of conversations I am going to need to hear about."

"Of course, but not tonight."

"I know. I just want to make sure you are all right. You put yourself out there, Lucas, and I want everyone to know what a wonderful man you are."

"You are always my champion," he said, his boad smile highlighting his dimples which she always loved to see. "I'm fine, my darling," he assured her. "I am dancing again, finally, with the woman of my dreams who looks absolutely radiant, and there is no one around who wants to cut in or bother us. What would I not have to be happy about?"

She gave him a demure smile right before he twirled her twice and then swept her into his arms where they continued their slow but rhythmic movements.

"I love you," he whispered against her ear as he held her close while they swayed to the steady beat of not only the music but also of their hearts.

"This feels so right," she said, her tone wistful as she leaned in against the breadth of his chest, feeling a bit heady at their nearness.

She never tired of being in his arms and being held by him while inhaling his masculine scent, which heightened her senses and wreaked havoc with her insides. Her body almost trembling with desire, she realized, once more, how much she not only loved this man but also loved everything about him.

"Never let me go, Lucas."

She spoke the words into his chest as he pulled her closer.

"If I had my way, I wouldn't," he said, still whispering close to her ear and enjoying the fragrance he now associated as being exclusively her.

They continued to dance and to speak as if they were the only two people in the room, and even though many others were enjoying the night as well, most of them had to admit Elizabeth and Lucas made beautiful music together and had taken slow dancing to another level.

The remainder of the evening ended up being theirs and theirs alone as everyone else ceased to exist. They had eyes only for one another; and if they could have danced all night, they would have because there was only one man's name Elizabeth wanted on her dance card and that man's name was Lucas Bouchard.