Hello! :-) Firstly, I want to thank all of our veterans who have given so much of themselves to our country to help keep us safe and free and to those who have served and are serving. May you be kept safe and out of harm's way. I salute all of you, including my brother and my cousins who have served at various times. Secondly, here is my latest chapter which I hope you will enjoy! :-) Thank you so much for your lovely feedback and kind reviews and comments. I appreciate each one very, very much! :-)

Chapter 9

"Lee wants Jack to spend the day with David and him," Elizabeth told Lucas after they had eaten breakfast later than usual on Saturday morning. "I thought I would try to write and then come by the Queen of Hearts so we can tell your uncle our news. I also thought maybe we could call our families tomorrow since we are telling our friends later next week. I know Molly and your uncle usually spend some time together after church, so I thought if we told him today, then we could let our families know tomorrow. What do you think?"

"Sounds good. Come by any time that works for you in the afternoon. I hope you get some productive writing done. I miss reading your chapters."

"Aww, that's so sweet. Thank you, Lucas. I'm still drafting and outlining, but I hope to put some coherent sentences and paragraphs together. I doubt I'll have a chapter finished before I see you, but you know I will let you read my latest as soon as it's ready."

"I look forward to it," he told her sincerely, as he readied himself to head to the Queen of Hearts. "Just as I am already looking forward to seeing you later at the saloon."

Fiona entered the dress shop and greeted Rosemary and Clara.

"Hi," Clara said. "What brings you here on a Saturday?"

"Mike and Henry need to do some work at the office. I thought I would look around until they were done. I don't need to be there, but I didn't want to stay in my room or at the saloon. I'm feeling restless. Can you get away for a few minutes to take a walk or maybe grab a bite to eat at the café?"

Rosemary heard Fiona's invitation and told Clara to take her lunch break.

"Thank you, Rosemary. I can do either," Clara said, as they left the dress shop.

"Let's go to the café. I didn't eat breakfast."

After they had been seated and served by Abigail, who was happy to see Clara with Fiona, the two women began to chat.

"It feels like forever since I've seen you," Fiona said, after taking a bite of her sandwich.

Clara nodded while chewing. "I know. You must be very busy at Gowen Petroleum and spending time with Mike?"

Fiona looked at her plate and then at her friend. "Truth be told, I am very happy with Mike. Not so much at the oil company."

"Oh, no," Clara said. "What's wrong?"

Fiona shrugged. "I just don't think Gowen Petroleum is the right fit for me. Don't get me wrong. I'm learning a lot about business and we're very busy, but I just…eh…it doesn't excite me. Mike is struggling a bit, too, but please don't say anything."

"I won't but why?"

"Between you and me," she said, lowering her voice, "I think he'd rather be working for Lucas. But you didn't hear that from me."

Clara chuckled. "I think I can understand that. But he's worked for Henry before, and they seemed to be doing okay."

"When Henry was in charge," Fiona pointed out. "That's not the case anymore, and quite frankly, Mike now has a better understanding of the business as a whole, thanks to Lucas letting him take the lead on some projects they were working on. Henry, unfortunately, has reined him in and he's back to basic work tasks, which now seems to be stifling him a little. But he's okay. I'm the one who's noticing it more because I care about him, and I hate to see what he's learned go to waste. But we both know Henry is the one in charge of the day-to-day operations."

"That's too bad if Mike is feeling underutilized. Maybe he should go to work for Lucas at the saloon."

"I don't think Mike wants to leave Henry, which is a credit to him."

"What about you?"

"I don't feel the same loyalty and honestly, I would like to find somewhere else to work."

"You are so talented, creative and smart. There has to be something you can do that would let you use those gifts."

"I haven't thought of anything so far, although I've only been thinking about this for a couple of weeks. Like I said, I'm happy to be learning, and I know I will probably use what I've learned in another job, but oil just isn't it for me."

"Don't give up. Something will come along that will be a better fit for you."

"I'm sure you're right. Thanks, Clara. How have you been?"

"Oh," she said.

Now it was her turn to look down at her plate before meeting her friend's gaze.

"I've been okay."

"Just okay?" Fiona asked. "That doesn't sound good. Everything's all right between you and Jesse, isn't it?"

Clara nodded, looking at her friend. "If you're finished, we could take a short walk before I have to get back."

"Sure."

They settled their bill with Abigail who wished them a nice afternoon and then they headed in the direction of the schoolhouse.

"It's such a lovely summer day," Fiona said, looking around.

"Yes, it is."

They walked in silence for a few minutes before Fiona spoke.

"I get the sense you have something on your mind. If you want to talk, I'll listen."

"It's just…I haven't shared this with anyone but Abigail, but I was pregnant and lost the baby a few weeks ago. In my grief and confusion, I pushed Jesse away, but now we are reconnecting with Pastor Zeke's help. I don't know, Fiona. Some of what I went through still doesn't feel real to me, and yet, I know I have to get past this and move on. Jesse has been great. It's me who's so unsure about how to move forward. I think I've taken a couple of steps in the right direction, but I don't feel anything. At least, I don't feel the way I know I should about my husband, and it's starting to worry me."

"I'm so sorry to hear this, Clara," Fiona said, her voice filled with sympathy and concern for her friend. "I think what you are feeling is natural and not wrong. I'm glad you and Jesse are talking with someone who can help. That's important."

"I know. We've had two sessions, and both have gone well. I can talk and convey my feelings when the pastor is around, and I know Jesse is listening and hearing what I'm saying, but then we're alone, and, well…"

"Things become awkward?" Fiona guessed.

"Yes," Clara said, looking sad.

They had reached the schoolhouse. Fiona suggested sitting on the steps for a few minutes so they could continue their conversation.

"That's not an unusual situation," she told her friend.

"But it is so awkward," Clara said. "You said the perfect word. I hate that it's like this between Jesse and me. It just feels wrong. We're married. We were so comfortable around each other and now it's like we are strangers."

"Because you've both suffered a major loss. Don't minimize what happened, Clara. It sounds like you are going through the process of grief. I'm sure Jesse is, too, in his own way. It's very sad, but maybe things need to be this way for now."

"Maybe," Clara conceded, "but it doesn't mean I have to like it."

Fiona chuckled. "Of course you're not going to like it, but if you bury your feelings, they are only going to resurface and cause problems later. Better to have this out in the open now and deal with it than try to pretend everything is okay when clearly it's not."

"You are very smart," Clara said. "Pastor Zeke said almost the exact same thing."

"It makes sense, doesn't it?" Fiona asked, looking at her friend who she wished she could help even more.

"Yes, it does. I just have to go through the process."

"And you and Jesse will be better and stronger because of it. One of my cousins had a miscarriage. She and her husband experienced some of what you are going through. When they felt ready, you know what they did?"

"What?"

"They got away by themselves for a long weekend and really reconnected. Maybe, at some point when you feel stronger, you and Jesse should think about a change of scenery for a few days. Go away somewhere, be together, just the two of you, and begin again."

"Did it work for your cousin?"

Fiona nodded and smiled. "It did. They now have an even better marriage and two beautiful children, a boy and a girl. Don't give up hope, Clara. Jesse is a good man who adores you, and you two make a wonderful couple. You'll get through this. I know you will."

They both rose from the steps and began the walk back towards the dress shop.

"Thank you, Fiona. You are a great friend."

"I care about you, Clara. I hate that you're going through this, but I know you are strong and will come out even stronger on the other side. Don't ever hesitate to come to me if you need to talk. Okay?"

"Thank you. I will. And you do the same. I'm hoping you find something you enjoy doing, Fiona. You're too vivacious and too spirited to be doing something you don't like. You need to find what makes you happy and do it."

Late that afternoon, Elizabeth entered the Queen of Hearts and was greeted by her husband.

"Hi. I was beginning to wonder if you were going to make it."

Elizabeth smiled. "I had a very productive afternoon writing. I wanted to get everything I was thinking on paper. I may have a chapter for you to read sooner than I thought. But you also have to re-read a couple of my earlier chapters to understand what I changed about the story. I feel good about what I've written and the direction my story is taking."

"That's great, sweetheart," Lucas said. "You know I will read whatever you want me to whenever you want me to."

"I know. Thank you. I hope to finish the latest chapter when I get home. This will be a nice break. I can't wait to tell your uncle our news."

"He's at the bar, making sure everything is ready for the evening. I'll get him."

A few minutes later, the three adults were sitting in Lucas's office.

"Is everything all right?" Ernie asked. "It's not like you to pull me away when I'm setting up for a busy night."

"That's my fault," Elizabeth explained. "Lucas was expecting me earlier, but I got caught up with my writing."

"How is that going, my dear?" Ernie asked.

"Today," Elizabeth answered with a smile, "very well. That's why I'm here so much later than I intended."

Ernie gave her a warm smile. "I'm glad your writing is back on track."

"In addition to Elizabeth's writing," Lucas said, "we have some other exciting news we want to share."

"Oh?" Ernie said, looking from his nephew to his nephew's wife. "What's that?"

Lucas nodded in Elizabeth's direction for her to speak.

"Ernie," she began, unable to keep a smile from forming on her lips, "Lucas and I are so happy to tell you that we are expecting a baby! I'm due in January."

"Oh my!" Ernie exclaimed. "That is wonderful news. I'm so thrilled for both of you. Congratulations!"

"Thank you," Lucas said.

"Yes, thank you," Elizabeth echoed. "You're the first family member we've told."

"I'm honored," Ernie said. "I know you both must be so excited. And Jack will have a brother or sister. That will be wonderful. How is he taking the news?"

Lucas knew his uncle would ask that question, and he understood why.

Elizabeth answered. "At first, not so well," she admitted. "But Lucas worked his, shall we say, magic on our son, and now he seems good with it, which is a big relief, believe me."

"I can imagine. That's great if he's looking forward to being the older brother. I am so happy to hear this news, and I couldn't be happier for both of you. You look radiant, Elizabeth. You absolutely do. I knew something was up with my nephew looking very pleased with himself these past few weeks, but I did not want to presume anything. Thank you for sharing this news with me. I wish you both nothing but happiness as you add to your family. And I get to spoil another great-niece or nephew."

Elizabeth laughed. "You don't spoil anyone, Ernie. You shower us with your love, and we couldn't be happier to tell you our news. We plan to call our parents and my sister tomorrow, but we know you and Molly usually spend Sunday afternoons together, so we wanted to make sure you knew our news."

"We're not telling our friends until the monthly gatherings on Friday night, although Rosemary and Lee already know because Jack more or less told them," Lucas said and then chuckled.

"Ah, yes. The child. You can't keep children from talking once they know something. I remember that quite well from you, young man."

"Me?" Lucas said, feigning innocence. "I never told any family secrets."

"Right," Ernie said, looking at Elizabeth and nodding even as his expression told an entirely different story. "Lucas never said anything he wasn't supposed to."

Elizabeth laughed as she looked at her husband, her eyes filled with mirth, as she imagined a young Lucas telling all he knew while being clueless about how adorable he looked while doing it. "I could absolutely see you spilling secrets and trying to look oh so innocent while you were doing it."

Lucas took offense his wife would even suggest such a thing, but she wasn't buying his act, and then he attempted to defend himself before quickly giving up when she did not relent.

"Well, I never told the really important stuff," he maintained, trying his best to be taken seriously, which made both Ernie and Elizabeth laugh even more.

"I'm glad I amuse you. We are getting way off topic," he said, but then he laughed, too.

Why not? He knew his uncle was thrilled for them, and he loved hearing his wife tell him their good news. They were going to have a baby. He couldn't have been any happier.

As soon as Elizabeth walked out of the saloon, she ran into Fiona and Mike who were about to enter.

"Hello, you two," she said. "It seems like I never see either of you anymore."

"Well," Hickam said, a bit sheepishly, "you have no reason to bring us treats now that Lucas isn't at the office."

Elizabeth grinned. "I suppose that's true, although I could bring them to you and Henry and Fiona."

"He doesn't need any more treats," Fiona said good-naturedly, looking at Mike and smiling.

"I guess I don't," Hickam said. "But that's very kind of you to offer, Elizabeth."

"Well, I hope things are going well at Gowen Petroleum."

Fiona and Mike exchanged glances, which didn't go unnoticed by Elizabeth.

"Things are fine," Hickam said. "You know how it is in business. There are ups and downs, but it's okay."

Elizabeth nodded. "If you say it is, I believe you."

"It is," Fiona confirmed. "Things are fine."

"Good," she said, not entirely sure what was going on but willing, for the moment, to take them at their word. "Don't forget this Friday night at my house, Fiona. And Mike, I'm sure Lucas will get a card game together for the men since it's our turn to host."

"I look forward to it," Fiona said. "Thank you, Elizabeth."

"Of course. I'm looking forward to it, too. You two enjoy your evening."

"Wanna play a game of darts?" Fiona asked Mike, after they had seated themselves.

"Do you mind if we don't? I just want to relax and enjoy your company."

"That's fine. Tough day?"

"A little. I'll tell you about it later."

"Okay."

Lucas approached their table and greeted them with a smile.

"Hello. Nice to see you two. What can I get you?"

"I'll have a soda," Fiona said, while Hickam ordered a beer.

"I'll be right back."

Lucas returned with a glass of soda and a mug filled with beer and set them down in front of his friends.

"How's it going at Gowen Petroleum?" he asked both of them.

Again, they exchanged quick glances.

"Not bad," Hickam said.

"Same," Fiona said.

Lucas nodded. "I don't see much enthusiasm from either of you. I trust Henry is doing well."

"He's good," Fiona said.

"Yeah," Hickam agreed. "Henry is…well, you know how Henry is."

Lucas chuckled. "That's not exactly a ringing endorsement, Mike."

"We just had a rough day," Hickam admitted. "We found out some of the oil wells aren't producing like they should. We gotta figure it out soon and get it resolved. Needless to say, Henry is not happy."

Lucas shook his head. "I sure don't miss those problems," he said honestly. "But I don't wish them on you guys either. I hope you can figure things out and once again, get things back on track. I hope Henry keeps his cool, too."

"Thanks. Us, too."

Mike looked at Lucas. "I sure wish you were still there. I mean that."

"Thanks, Mike. Believe me, you were what kept me sane. Unfortunately, that type of desk work is not for me. To be honest, that type of industry is not for me either."

"I think that's where I'm at," Fiona said, looking from Mike to Lucas. "The work is fine. It keeps me busy, and I'm learning, but I'm beginning to realize oil just isn't what I want to be doing."

Lucas nodded. "I know the feeling. That's why I give you a lot of credit, Mike. You fit in well. It's not for everyone."

"Would you ever consider a business venture other than this one?" Hickam asked.

Lucas thought for a moment. "I don't know. This place keeps me very busy, but I'm also happy and satisfied with the work I do. I'd have to think long and hard because I would not want to get into the situation I had at Gowen Petroleum. Especially if I chose to go into a business and found out I despised it. You're not looking to leave, are you?"

"No," Hickam said, after taking a gulp of his beer. "But I sure wouldn't mind working for you or someone like you. But Henry is fine. For now."

"Hang in there, Mike. I know Henry appreciates you being there just as much as I did. Probably more, even if he would never admit it. He needs you, and he knows it, just like I knew it."

"I will. I don't think Fiona here will stick around much longer, though, if she finds something she's passionate about."

"Which hasn't happened," she told Mike and Lucas. "Like I said, it's fine. I just don't think I want to retire there. How about that?"

"That," Lucas said, before wishing them a pleasant evening, "is something I completely understand."

"So, Lucas," Ernie said, when they had a somewhat quiet moment on a busy Saturday night, "how are you feeling about all of this?"

"I am happier than I have ever been, and once I had begun to court and then marry Elizabeth, I didn't think I could be any happier."

"You definitely cannot hide your happiness," his uncle agreed. "And it's wonderful to witness. I am very happy for you and Elizabeth, and I know your parents will be thrilled to hear your news, as I'm sure Elizabeth's parents will be, too. But, son, there are a couple of practical things I think we should discuss."

"Such as?" Lucas asked.

"Such as, maybe it's time you thought about putting a telephone in here? I know you've resisted, saying the mercantile is close by, but you may want to rethink that now that Elizabeth is pregnant. You did have one installed in your home so why not here?"

"I wanted Elizabeth to feel safe, and I wanted us to have an easier way to communicate with our families, but you're probably right, as usual. Elizabeth hasn't mentioned it, but she probably would feel better if she knew I had a phone. Thank you, Uncle Ernie. That's not a bad idea."

"I have another suggestion," he said, somewhat cautiously.

"What's that?"

"Have you given any thought as to how you are going to modify your schedule once the baby is born and possibly way before then? Elizabeth and your son or daughter are going to need you, Lucas. Jack is, too, and you don't want to miss out on helping to raise your family, do you?"

"No, of course not. This is what I have been waiting for. I want to be there now, but I know Elizabeth doesn't want me hovering around her as much as I would love to. We have faced and are facing a couple of challenges, but I know we'll get through them. What do you think I should do? Give up the saloon? Again? I mean, my father worked a desk job, but it didn't make him more available to us. I know there were other circumstances contributing to his absence, but I tried that type of work, and I hated every minute of it."

"Because it was thrust upon you in the most horrendous way possible. I'm not saying you need to give up the saloon, but I do think you are going to have to decide how much time you are willing to dedicate to being here versus being with your family. I know you've talked about it, but maybe it's time you took a serious look at grooming a few people you trust to step in for you on a more long-term basis. You know I love being here, and I'll do whatever I can to help, but let's face it. I'm not getting any younger, and you are just beginning your family life. Don't miss this opportunity, Lucas. That's all I'm saying."

Lucas nodded. First Mike and Fiona, and now his uncle. Was it time he started thinking about life after the Queen of Hearts?

Lucas entered his home and smiled when he was greeted by the rapid tapping of typewriter keys. Elizabeth must have continued to be inspired by the direction she wanted to take her story, and he loved hearing her steady typing. Once again, he stopped to watch the woman he loved, only this time she was smiling and enjoying what she was quickly typing on the white piece of paper. He didn't think he would ever tire of seeing her in her element, happily writing a story she believed in and one he knew her audience would love to read.

"You're doing it again, Mr. Bouchard," she said and grinned, when she had stopped and looked up to find him leaning against the wall, gazing at her.

"I know. I can't help it. The steady rhythm of your typing mesmerized me. Sounds like you thought of some great sentences and paragraphs."

"I did. This story is beginning to flow again, and I am so happy. I finished the chapter, so I'm done for the night. After I work on my edits, I'll let you read it."

"I can't wait."

When he moved closer, she noticed how tired he looked.

"Busy night?" she asked, rising from her chair. "I can get you something if you'd like."

"I'm fine. Can we sit for a moment? I need to run something by you."

"Of course."

They sat in the living room, with Elizabeth now observing her husband more closely and wondering what could have occurred in the past few hours that made him seem a bit distant and distracted. She hoped nothing had happened at the saloon.

"I'm thinking about having a telephone installed at the Queen of Hearts," he began.

Elizabeth didn't think that was so bad.

"Okay. That makes sense."

"Good. My uncle suggested it. I know I resisted after having been around two telephones that rang nonstop sometimes, but now, I think I should have a phone nearby, just in case."

"I agree. I like the idea, sweetheart, that I can reach you anytime."

Lucas looked at his wife. "That right there brings me to my next topic."

"Which is?" Elizabeth asked, clearly puzzled.

"My availability. Elizabeth, I don't need to be at the Queen of Hearts. I can be here with you and Jack and later our baby. Maybe it's time I thought about doing something else. You know, a nine to five job. That way, we will both be here at the same time to raise our family together."

Elizabeth laughed which made Lucas frown.

"Why are you laughing? I'm serious."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, but have you forgotten already? You did that, and you hated it with every fiber of your being. Why are we talking about this? You love the Queen of Hearts. It's where you belong."

"But I love you and our family more, and I don't want to miss out on any of it."

"You're not. You are here every time we need you."

"But you and Jack are going to need me even more. We need to look at this situation, Elizabeth. Maybe it's time for a change."

"Where is this coming from, Lucas? Did something happen at the saloon?"

"Not really. I had a couple of conversations that got my head going in a different direction that maybe I should look at doing a different type of work with regular hours and more stability."

"Why? You love what you do, and quite frankly, I believe being at the Queen of Hearts helps make you the wonderful man you are. You are doing what you've always wanted to do. I admit, I was skeptical, when I first met you, about you being a saloon owner, but sweetheart, you are so much more than that. You've made the Queen of Hearts what you wanted it to be: a gathering place. People love it, and you love being there. We'll figure out how to work our hours when the time comes. I don't want you to make any rash decisions."

"I guess I'm thinking more long term now. Maybe being a saloon owner isn't what I should be."

"You are not just a saloon owner, my darling. You own a saloon. Those are two very different things. Look at what you have brought to Hope Valley. We have the library, filled with countless wonderful books for everyone to enjoy, thanks to you. Residents have a place to go that's safe and fun. Out of town guests have a place to stay, thanks to you. We have fine dining whenever we want it. Lucas, you have done so much, and together, we can continue to contribute to the success and the nurturing of Hope Valley if that's what you want. But don't even think about giving up the Queen of Hearts. Please. You love it, and I want you to be happy. When you were running Gowen Petroleum, you were anything but happy. I don't want to see you go through that again, and I can't go through that again. There are not enough treats I could bake to get you through something like that again. Please don't do that to me. To you. To us. Please."

Lucas looked at his wife and smiled. "You make a compelling argument, my darling wife. Okay. I won't think about a possible career change, but I am going to give serious thought as to what I need to do to make this work. For all of us. I want to be here, Elizabeth. With you and our family. I don't want to miss a thing."

She stroked his beard as she looked at him with love in her eyes. "I know we'll figure this out. We always do. I want you here, too, my darling husband. We have so much to look forward to. We'll be together, raising our family, and it will be wonderful."

"With no regrets," Lucas added, moving in closer to steal a kiss.

"With absolutely no regrets," Elizabeth agreed, and then let all other thoughts go as her husband once again lovingly showed her why she was the only woman for him while also reminding her why she knew he was the only man for her.