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Chapter 10
Early Sunday afternoon, Florence placed the first call for Elizabeth and Lucas to Lucas's parents in New York. After she heard their greetings, she cleared the line.
"Hello, dear," Helen said to her son, with Elizabeth listening next to him. "It's so good to hear your voice."
"Hello, Mother. How are you and Father?"
"We're fine. How is your lovely wife and son?"
"They're fine, too. Elizabeth is here with me."
"Hi," Elizabeth said.
"Hello, my dear. Nicholas is now listening with me. We sense you may have news for us since you are both on the line. We hope it's good news."
"Actually, we do have news and it is good," Lucas said. "We wanted to let you know we are expecting a baby. Elizabeth is due in January."
"Darlings, that's wonderful," Helen said, her happiness coming through the line.
"Yes, that is excellent news," Nicholas said. "Congratulations to all of you."
"Thank you, Father," Lucas said, smiling at his wife. "We are very happy."
"As well you should be," Helen said. "We couldn't be happier for you."
"Thank you, Helen and Nicholas," Elizabeth said.
"How is our grandson doing?" Nicholas asked.
"He's fine," Elizabeth answered.
"After some coaxing," Lucas added, "he's on board with being a big brother."
"Good. That's very important," Nicholas said. "Does my brother know?"
"We told him yesterday," Lucas said, "because we wanted to let the rest of our families know today."
"You be sure to let us know if you need anything," Helen said.
"We will," Elizabeth said. "Thank you, Helen. That is so sweet."
"Of course, my dear. I imagine your plate is very full if not overflowing. If we can help in any way, let us know."
"Thank you, Mother. We will."
"We understand you may have other calls to make, so we won't keep you," Nicholas said. "Thank you for letting us know. We are thrilled for all of you. We will be in touch soon."
"We looking forward to speaking with you again," Elizabeth said. "Bye."
Lucas and his parents said goodbye and the call ended.
"One down, two to go," Lucas said, handing the phone to Elizabeth so she could call her parents.
Grace and William responded with the same enthusiasm and well wishes as Helen and Nicholas had, which made Elizabeth and Lucas very happy.
"Have you told your sisters?" Grace asked.
"We're going to call Julie next," Elizabeth said. "I've written a letter to Viola which I will post tomorrow."
"Good. I know they will be thrilled for you and Lucas."
"How is our grandson doing?" William asked.
"He's fine," Elizabeth said. "Looking forward to seeing the baby."
"We send our love to all of you," Grace said. "Please keep us posted."
"We will, Mother," Elizabeth said.
"Congratulations again," William said.
"Thank you, Grace and William," Lucas said.
Elizabeth said goodbye as the call ended.
"Okay, I'm exhausted," Elizabeth said.
Lucas laughed. "We can wait for a little bit to call Julie."
"That will be a fun conversation," Elizabeth said, "but yes. Let's wait awhile to call her."
"Are you feeling all right?" Lucas asked.
"I'm fine," she replied, reaching for his hand. "Just hearing the happiness and exuberance in our parents' voices is a bit overwhelming. Like I've told you, Lucas, this is such a different experience for me, and I'm loving every second of it. This truly is a joyous occasion, and I'm so grateful I get to celebrate it in that manner. I actually dreaded telling my parents I was pregnant with Jack only because I knew what they would say and what they would want me to do. Having to do it through letter writing didn't help. I have to admit I did not look forward to having to write those letters or having to read their letters when they would respond. But it all worked out, and now this is even sweeter."
"We know our parents are happy for us," Lucas said. "And if we need their help, they'll be here. That is a comfort to me."
"Me, too," Elizabeth said, looking at her husband. "Would you like your parents to be here? I'm fine if that's what you want."
"My uncle is here. I think I'm good. What about your parents?"
"Maybe they can visit sometime after the baby is born and we have gotten used to our new routine."
Lucas grinned. "Is that a polite thank you but no thank you, Mrs. Bouchard?"
She returned his grin. "Let's just say I love my parents, but I want things to be a little more settled before they visit. That's all."
"Fair enough. You know I would not go against your wishes, especially regarding your parents."
"I know. And speaking of my parents, we'd better call Julie before they do. I definitely want her to hear our news from us."
After Florence placed the call to Julie, she walked to the counter where Ned stood and gave him a concerned look.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"I just placed the third call for Elizabeth and Lucas. They are calling their family members. I'm hoping everything is all right."
"Oh, I do, too. That's very interesting. Maybe they have good news to share with their families or maybe they just wanted to check in with everyone."
Florence gave him a thoughtful look. "Good news, you say?"
"Well," Ned said, looking a bit sheepish, "I mean if it were bad news, you would probably be making other calls, right? How did they sound?"
"Fine," she answered, "now that I think about it."
"I'm sure they just wanted to say hello to their families," Ned said, trying to reassure her.
"I suppose," Florence said, "but I think something is going on."
"Well," Ned said, as a customer entered the mercantile, "we'll know soon enough, now won't we?"
"Yes," Florence said, beginning to make her way back to the switchboard, "we certainly will."
"Elizabeth," Julie said, sounding more excited than her sister did, "I'm so happy you called. How did you know?"
"How did I know what?"
"Oh, nothing. Tell me why you're calling."
"Maybe you should tell me why you're happy I am calling."
"No, no. You called me. You get to go first."
Elizabeth looked at Lucas and grinned. Her sister would never change.
"Lucas and I have news we want to share. I'm pregnant, Julie. You're going to be an auntie again."
Julie's squeal of delight pierced Elizabeth's ear and almost reached Lucas.
"I'm so happy for you guys. Congratulations. This could not have come at a better time. When are you due?"
"In early January."
Another squeal had Elizabeth moving the receiver away from her ear.
"This is so perfect," Julie said. "I cannot believe how this is all working out."
Elizabeth looked at her husband again with a perplexed smile.
"Julie? Lucas and I are sensing you have news of your own. Why don't you tell us why this is so perfect?"
"Are you ready for this?"
"Yes," Elizabeth said, indulging her sister's flair for dramatic.
"Last night, at the most romantic spot possible in New York City, Alexander proposed to me, and I said yes. I'm getting married, Elizabeth! Me. I'm getting married. We're planning a summer wedding in Hamilton, which means if I come to Hope Valley before or after you have the baby, then I can go visit our parents and get some things squared away for the wedding. Is this not perfect?"
"It's perfect," Elizabeth said. "Congratulations to you and Alexander. This is wonderful news, Julie. I am very happy for both of you."
"I am, too," Lucas said. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Julie said, happy to hear her brother-in-law's voice. "Congratulations to you, too. This is such great news all around. How is my nephew doing?"
"He's fine. Ready to be a big brother," Elizabeth said.
"And a ring bearer at my wedding?" she asked hopefully.
"I think that can be arranged," Elizabeth said and smiled at her husband who returned her smile and nodded.
"Wonderful. This is so exciting, Elizabeth. I can't wait to talk more and to see all of you. January will be here before you know it."
"I know," Elizabeth agreed. "Lucas and I have been thinking the same thing. We'll talk again soon. Please congratulate Alexander for us and let him know how happy we are for you and him."
"I will. I'm meeting him soon. I'm writing to Viola and her family. Are you?"
"Yes. I have a letter ready to post tomorrow."
"I'll have mine ready soon. I hope their daughter can be my flower girl. And our parents know your news, right?"
"Yes. I guess they knew your happy news before ours, but they didn't say anything."
"I'm glad they didn't. I wanted to be the one to tell you. If you had waited five more minutes, you would have heard from me."
"I'm happy we both had good news to share."
"Me, too. Talk soon. Bye, Lucas."
"Bye, Julie."
"So, how much fun is this going to be?" Elizabeth said to her husband, sounding a bit dubious after the call ended.
Lucas chuckled. "With your sister, there will definitely be a lot going on."
Elizabeth concurred. "Oh, Lucas, I love my sister, but having her here right before or right after the baby is born, I'm not so sure about that."
"You should tell her."
"I can't. She means well, and she does have a legitimate reason to visit. It'll be fine. Right?"
"I'm sure it will. She and Jack get along well. I'm sure he would enjoy having his auntie around, and she can get him excited about being the ring bearer at her wedding."
"You're right. It'll be nice to have her here, and she'll be happy and excited about her wedding. She can stay for a few days or maybe even as long as a week, and then she needs to go to Hamilton. That would work."
Lucas laughed as he gathered his wife in his arms and held her. "We should be happy everybody wants to be with us."
Elizabeth looked at him and smiled. "I know. This is starting to become very real. Julie is right about one thing. January will be here before we know it."
"You seem very happy," Molly said to Ernie, as they drank their tea while sitting at an outside table at Abigail's café.
"I am," Ernie replied with a gallant smile. "It's a beautiful day, and I am spending the afternoon with a lovely lady. What's not to be happy about?"
"You, sir, are very kind," Molly said. "I'm enjoying our time together, too. I thought there might be another reason for your happiness."
"Well, I have been thinking about how I ended up here and all that has happened since. It's quite remarkable when I take a moment to analyze how this all came to be. I know I would have never planned this, but I feel as though I belong here, and I am very happy to consider myself a resident of Hope Valley."
Molly nodded. "I know what you mean, and I feel much the same way. When you walked into this café with Carson over a year ago, I would have never guessed you and I would be courting, and yet here we are."
"I have enjoyed the time we've spent together immensely," Ernie assured her, covering her hands with his. "I know it hasn't always been easy to plan outings due to our odd work schedules, but any time I get to spend with you, I cherish."
Molly lowered her head as she felt her cheeks grow warm. She so adored this man who had shown her nothing but kindness and grace.
"I always look forward to seeing you, too," she told him truthfully. "I believe the fact we are not able to see each other whenever we want adds to the quality of the time we do get to spend together. I cherish it, too."
Ernie gave her a winsome smile. "Do you have time to take a walk, my dear?"
"I do."
"Then let's do that so we can enjoy more of this beautiful day before you have to sit behind that switchboard."
"I would love nothing more," she told him, grateful they had at least one more hour to spend together before she knew she would already be looking forward to the next time she would be able to be with him.
As she stole a sideways glance at the tall distinguished man walking with her, their arms linked together as they breathed in the sultry summer air while observing the vibrant-colored flowers all around them, Molly Sullivan, always cautious and always on guard, knew without a doubt she had fallen in love with Ernest Bouchard. She couldn't pinpoint exactly when it had occurred, but she knew what she felt for the man beside her was love. The fact he'd just told her how happy he was to be a resident of Hope Valley filled her with joy because, deep down, she knew she no longer wanted to imagine her life without Ernie being in it.
"How do you feel about going back to school tomorrow?" Francine asked Allie as they ate dinner.
She shrugged. "Okay, I guess. Am I still on restriction from fishing after school?"
"Allie, I do not have you on restriction. You are not being punished. I am simply not comfortable with you being around Robert and Cody outside of the classroom. You will continue to be with Opal after school."
"Yes, Miss Francine. May I please be excused? I need to get my books and papers ready for school."
"You haven't eaten much. After you eat more vegetables, then you can go to your room."
Allie toyed with the food on her plate and only took a couple more bites while Francine watched.
"You know, Allie. Believe it or not, I remember what it was like to be around someone I kinda liked at school."
Allie's head snapped up. "What do you mean?"
Francine gave her a soft smile. "I sense you feel I am preventing you from getting to know someone better outside of the classroom. If you think I am, please tell me."
Allie lowered her fork onto her plate. "I don't care about Cody. I mean, if I see him after school…fishing…whatever…it's not like I like him!"
"I think you being flustered by my words says otherwise," Francine gently pointed out.
"It doesn't matter," Allie said. "You said I can't see him, so that's fine. He'll never notice me anyway."
"How do you know he hasn't already noticed you? Don't you talk in class?"
"Yeah, but it's not the same. We talk about school stuff. Boring."
"Maybe it's not boring to him. I'm sure he's noticed how smart you are and how well you speak. He could like those things about you and want to talk to you more."
"Is that what you did with the boy you like in school?"
"Well, a little. We had a lot in common."
"How will I ever know if we have things in common if I never get to talk to him?"
"What if I were to agree to let you go to the café after school, one or maybe two days a week, depending on how this goes, so you could be around Miss Abigail and Cody?"
"And do what?" Allie asked.
"You could help Miss Abigail if she needs it and maybe you and Cody could work on your homework or a project if you have one. There's an area in the back of the café where Miss Abigail could see both of you."
"She'd let us talk to each other?"
Francine smiled. "I think she would as long as you are talking about school and things you like to do outside of school."
"I don't know," Allie said. "What if Cody doesn't want me there?"
Francine leaned in closer to the young girl and gave her an encouraging smile.
"What if I know for a fact he would like it if you were able to come to the café?"
"Really? You're not teasing me?"
"I'm not teasing you, but you have to abide by Miss Abigail's rules, Allie. You will be under her supervision. What she says goes for both you and Cody. Do you want to give it a try?"
Allie nodded. "Yes, please. Thank you, Miss Francine. When can I go?"
"On Wednesday. That gives you time to get settled at school again. Miss Abigail said Wednesday afternoons are not usually too busy at the café, so she will have time to spend with you and Cody. We'll see how it goes."
"Okay."
"Miss Abigail will pick up you and Cody from school."
Allie frowned. "We can't even walk there by ourselves?"
"Allie, what have we been talking about?"
"I know, I know. We're under Miss Abigail's supervision."
"That's right. If you want this to work, you are going to have to follow the rules."
Allie had always tried her best to follow the rules, but sometimes, she found it easier to do her own thing. But she could do this. Especially knowing Cody wanted to spend time with her away from school. Maybe they would finally be able to get to know one another, even though there would be adult eyes on them at all times. She thought it would be worth it if she could learn more about who Cody Stanton truly was.
"Emily," Elizabeth said, after the first day of summer session had ended, "let's talk about the two stories you gave me to read."
"Did you like them, Mrs. Bouchard?" the young girl asked, as they sat together in the front pew.
"I found them….quite interesting. You surprised me."
"I did?" she asked, puzzled. "How?"
"Well," Elizabeth said, handing the papers to her student, "I was expecting a story about children your age or maybe some adventure you'd had. But in the first story, you wrote about an older couple."
Emily looked at Elizabeth. "Was that wrong?"
"No, but I couldn't help but notice some similarities with your teacher."
Emily's cheeks grew warm. "You caught that, huh?"
"Well, I give you credit for trying to disguise your main character, and some of your writing was actually very good, but yes, I realized who you might have been trying to write about. I'm flattered, but I think you need to write more about what you know which is your age group and your life experiences."
"But your life is so interesting. I guess you saw I was trying to write about your son and Mr. Bouchard in my second story."
Elizabeth gave her a tender smile. "I wasn't going to mention that because I figured once you heard what I had to say about your first story, you'd know I felt the same way about your second one. Your life is exciting, Emily, because it's what you are living right now. Enjoy the present. I know you can find things to write about in your own life or your own environment and experiences. If you want to stretch beyond that, there is no harm in reading other books to get ideas or to read about other places to visit or write about, but I recommend, as a writer, you should stick with what you know. Based on these stories, you have a wonderful imagination, but what you are choosing to write about is a bit beyond where your experience and knowledge are at your age. But keep striving. That's what good writers do."
Emily nodded. "I didn't show you my other stories because I thought they were too juvenile, but maybe I can bring one of those for you to read so you can tell me how I can improve?"
"I would enjoy reading that type of story."
"Thank you, Mrs. Bouchard. I think I understand what you're saying about what I should be writing. Thanks for not making fun of me or my writing."
"Emily," Elizabeth said seriously, "I would never do that. If you have been given the gift of writing, it needs to be nurtured and honed. Bring me your other story or stories that are more age appropriate for what you want to write, and I will read them for content and structure and give you feedback. All right?"
"Okay, Mrs. Bouchard. I will. Thank you!"
As Elizabeth got ready to leave the schoolhouse, she smiled when she thought about the way Emily had described Lucas in her story. She found it somewhat amusing the young girl seemed to have a crush on her husband. She had to agree her husband was handsome while also being adorable, but Elizabeth decided Lucas did not need to know someone besides her felt that way about him, even if that someone happened to be one of her students. Lucas was hers, and she had no intention of sharing him with anyone, outside of what she chose to write about him in her storytelling. After all, what she wrote about him in her novels was only fiction, but the life they shared was real and wonderful. The intimate details of their marriage would always be between the two of them only and no one else. They had pledged that to each other, and Elizabeth had no intention of breaking that promise.
A sharp rapping on the door early Friday morning startled Francine and Allie. Francine opened the door and was surprised to see Bill.
"Good morning," he said. "I apologize for the early hour, but may I come in?"
"Of course. Is everything all right?"
Francine's pulse quickened as she searched Bill's face, wondering if he was bringing them bad news. Allie entered from the kitchen and stood near Francine who instinctively placed an arm around the young girl's shoulders and pulled her close.
"I thought you should see this."
He handed Francine the telegram he had just received. She looked at him, his expression unreadable, and then slowly unfolded the piece of paper. A wide smile spread across her lips when she read the words.
"This is true?" she asked Bill, who had finally smiled.
"Yes. It's true."
"Allie," Francine said, looking at the young girl. "Your uncle is coming home. Tomorrow!"
"Yes!" Allie said, as Francine hugged her. "Thank you, Mr. Avery."
"I didn't know what to think," Francine admitted, looking at him while she tried to get her heart rate under control. "Why so mysterious?"
Bill shrugged. "I knew it was good news. I have to say your reaction to not knowing what the news would be was very telling, Miss Richardson. I approve."
She blushed, even as she wanted to throttle Bill for putting her through that test. But she thought she understood why he had presented the situation the way he had, even though she didn't actually know him all that well and didn't know the extent of his relationship with Nathan. But the fact Nathan was safe and coming home was enough for her to smile, be happy and to be extremely relieved.
"By late tomorrow morning," Bill said, as he got ready to leave, "you three should be happily reunited."
The Friday night poker game was well underway when Lee looked across the table at Lucas.
"Isn't there something you want to share with us?" Lee asked him with a grin.
He had already congratulated Lucas in private but thought it was time he told his good news to the ones who didn't already know.
"I have a full house," Lucas said, laying his cards on the table as the other men groaned and threw down their cards while Lucas happily collected his winnings.
"Well," Lee said, looking rather pleased with himself, "your house will certainly be fuller come early next year."
At those words, Bill did a double take and Henry smiled knowingly while Ernie and Carson maintained their poker faces.
"Is Lee trying to tell us you are going to be a father again, Bouchard?" Bill asked, as he shuffled the deck.
"Yes, gentlemen," Lucas said, looking around the table as Bill dealt the next hand, "I am. Elizabeth is expecting. She's due in January."
As congratulations ensued all around, Jesse remained somewhat stoic. Carson, who had chosen to sit next to Jesse knowing this announcement was going to be made, noticed his reaction and asked if he wanted to sit out the next hand so they could talk.
"I'm fine," Jesse said. "And I'm very happy for Elizabeth and Lucas. Congratulations, Lucas. That is great news."
As Lucas acknowledged Jesse's words, Carson patted the young man's shoulder and told him he was available if he needed to talk.
"I just hope Clara is okay," Jesse said. "I'm guessing Elizabeth is telling the ladies."
"That would be my guess, too," Carson said.
"I should probably leave early. I really am okay, Carson. Thank you for your concern, but I am worried about Clara. I hope she won't be upset to hear this news."
Clara was also happy but reserved when Elizabeth told the ladies her news at Rosemary's prompting. While the others gathered around her to congratulate her and ask questions, Clara slipped quietly outside. Fiona and Abigail both noticed.
"Stay with Elizabeth," Fiona told Abigail. "I know about Clara. I'll go."
"Thank you, Fiona," Abigail said. "That's very kind of you."
"Are you all right?" Fiona asked her friend, when she found her sitting on Rosemary and Lee's steps.
"I'm fine," Clara said. "I needed some fresh air."
"I'm sorry, sweetie. I'm sure that's the last thing you expected to hear."
"I am so happy for Elizabeth," Clara said.
She meant those words, and Fiona knew it.
"She and Lucas are going to make wonderful parents to another child. I'm just hoping Jesse and I get that opportunity."
Fiona sat next to Clara and held her hand. "I know you're still grieving the loss of your baby, and I hope this doesn't come out wrong, but you heard Rosemary earlier, right? There are other avenues for you and Jesse to explore to become parents."
Clara nodded. "I know. You're right. I just haven't given that idea much thought because I don't want to lose hope I will be able to conceive and carry a healthy baby to term. But, of course, Jesse and I would consider adoption at some point. It's not out of the question."
Fiona nodded. "Good. I didn't want you to think you don't have any options, my sweet friend, because you most certainly do."
Clara looked at Fiona and nodded. "You are such a great friend. Thank you, Fiona. I'm fine. Like I said, I really did need some fresh air. Let's go inside so I can congratulate Elizabeth. I am thrilled for her. I feel as though she's my kindred spirit, and I am so excited for her and Lucas. I hope Jesse is okay if he heard the news at the poker game."
"I see Jesse heading this way, so I think you'll know soon."
Clara remained outside to wait for her husband while Fiona returned to the house.
"Let me guess," Clara said, as soon as Jesse approached, "you heard the news."
"I did. Are you all right?"
Clara nodded. "It took me a few minutes, but I am fine and so happy for Elizabeth and Lucas. I truly am. How about you?"
"Same. Carson wanted to talk with me if I needed to, but I just wanted to see how you were doing."
"That's so sweet, Jesse. Thank you. Let me say goodbye to Elizabeth and the others, and then we can go home."
"I'd like that," Jesse said, love and compassion present in his voice and in his eyes.
Clara looked at her husband and for the first time in almost two months, felt a bit of stirring and emotion towards her husband.
"I would like that, too," she said and offered him a genuine smile with an approving nod which he gladly accepted. "I won't be long."
He enjoyed hearing those words and the promise he thought they might hold even more.
"Uncle Nathan!" Allie exclaimed when he entered his home as if he hadn't been gone for almost a month. "Welcome home."
She ran to him and gave him a hug while Francine looked on with a smile. It was so good to see him. He looked pretty much the same, which pleased her.
After Allie's welcome, Francine stepped into his outstretched arms for her welcome home and I'm so glad you're safe hug.
"How are you?" she asked, once they had all been seated.
"Better now," he said, looking from Francine to Allie. "I really, really missed you two and this place. I hope I do not have to go on another assignment for a very long time. At least, not one like that."
"Was it rough?" Francine asked, thinking he would not want to say too much, especially in front of Allie.
"It was different, I'll say that much. But the main thing is we all returned safely and accomplished what we were sent there to do."
"Can't ask for anything more than that," Francine said, reaching for his hand to lace with hers.
He looked at her and smiled. "That's what I said, too. How have you two been?"
Francine let Allie respond to that question.
"We've been okay," Allie said. "Can we go fishing later, Uncle Nathan? I haven't been in so long."
Nathan looked at his niece in surprise.
"I'll tell you about that later," Francine whispered to him.
"Maybe tomorrow, Allie. I don't think I'm up for it today."
"Okay. Then, what's your surprise? We got your letters."
"I wanted to wait a bit to tell you both, but maybe now's as good a time as any. Allie, I truly missed you and thought about you the whole time I was gone. Francine, I am so thankful you were here to watch over Allie and take care of her. I realized how much I love you, Allie, and I also realized I need to keep you even safer than I have been able to as your legal guardian. Allie, I would like to start the process to legally adopt you if you will let me. I know this means we don't believe your father will want to have any claim on you should he return, but I want to step up and be more than your uncle. I want to be your father in every sense of the word. I truly believe this is what my sister, your mother, would want. Please think about it and let me know, all right?"
Allie nodded, unable to speak, but the light in her eyes told her uncle he thought she would agree to the adoption.
"Nathan, I think that's a wonderful idea," Francine said. "Allie, if you need someone to talk to or someone who will listen while you're trying to decide, I'm here if you need me."
"Thank you. I would like to be excused?"
"Of course," Nathan said. "I'll be there in a little bit."
"That was a wonderful surprise," Francine said, once they were alone. "I think you stunned Allie, but I believe she's receptive to the idea."
"I got that impression from looking at her. Thank you for offering to talk with her if she needs someone. I don't think I know everything that happened between you two while I was gone, but Allie seems happy and so do you. That's all I care about, Francine. I saw, first-hand, how quickly things can change, how quickly life can change. I keep being reminded of it, but now I want to make sure Allie is fully provided and cared for. I held out hope her father might return and want to be in her life, while I remained her legal guardian and had custody of her, but this assignment showed me I can't wait any longer for something I now know may never happen."
"I think you've made the right decision, Nathan. Allie loves you, and I know she views you as more than her uncle. You are her lifeline. I can't imagine she won't agree to the adoption."
"There's something I'd like to ask you, too, to see if you would agree."
"What's that?" she asked, her eyes wide.
"Francine, I thought about you the entire time I was gone, too. I know I am so bad at this, but you have made me want to be and do better since you've come back into my life. One night, when I couldn't sleep, I sat outside and looked up at the sky littered with stars. I remembered how you and Colleen used to do that when you would stay with us. I could hear you two outside laughing and telling stories and talking about school and your friends…and sometimes, you would talk about me."
"You never told us you were listening."
Nathan gave her a crooked smile. "Well, remember I was younger than you two. You didn't want me to know anything, but I knew a lot more than you thought I did."
"Apparently," she said, her voice teasing.
"I just…I never gave us a chance because I didn't think I could give you the kind of life you deserved. You saw us at our worst, Francine. Frankly, I was ashamed of my father and feared for my mother and my sister. How could I have brought you into that kind of life on purpose? The fact you remained friends with us astounded me, to be honest. And quite frankly, I wasn't all that surprised when you left so abruptly, even though I had no idea what had happened to make you leave. But I have a different life now in Hope Valley, and after what I just experienced, I know it's a good one and one I need to be grateful for. I am also very grateful for you."
"Nathan, I am grateful for you, too. I truly am. I'm happy to be here with you and Allie and working at the Infirmary and making new friends. I'm enjoying every aspect of my life, maybe for the first time as well. We're good together."
"I think we are, too, and that's why I want to ask you this question: while Allie is considering whether or not to let me adopt her, would you be willing to consider the possibility of someday, hopefully in the not too distant future if things work out the way I am hoping they will, becoming my wife?"
He heard Francine's sharp intake of breath and thought he had said too much, too soon.
"It's okay," he quickly said. "You don't have to answer. I just…I mean, I thought…Never mind...I shouldn't have asked that question. It's too soon, I'm sure. I'm sorry."
"Nathan, no," Francine said, shaking her head. "That's not it at all. I want to answer your question. I…I'm shocked, yes, but in a good way, no, in a great way. I know you have a lot going on, but yes, Nathan. Of course, I would absolutely consider the possibility of marriage. Especially, my love, I would most definitely want to marry you. All you have to do, whenever you are ready, is ask me."
"What are you doing?" Lucas asked Elizabeth, as he sat next to her on the settee.
She looked at him and smiled.
"I'm going through our wedding album. Carson took such amazing photos. Look how happy we are sharing our first dance as husband and wife. I love dancing with you," she said, her voice wistful.
"That was an incredible day and dance," Lucas agreed. "You looked absolutely stunning, my beautiful bride."
"Followed by so many more incredible days. And you, my darling husband, never looked more dashing. Look at us cutting the cake. And look at how cute Jack is watching us. We are so blessed. Look at our friends, darling, and how much has changed. David has said 'mama' and 'dada' for the first time, which has sent Rosemary and Lee over the moon with happiness. Fiona and Mike are still going strong. Abigail is back and has made Henry so happy. Carson and Faith are now working together and more in love than ever. Nathan is coming home to Allie and Francine. Molly and your uncle look so happy as do Florence and Ned. This was the perfect day, sweetheart. I will never forget how wonderful it felt to be surrounded by all of our loved ones and friends, helping us celebrate our love for each other."
"This wouldn't have anything to do with Clara and Jesse, would it?" Lucas asked, noting they were the only couple not mentioned by his wife.
She closed the album and set it aside, reaching for Lucas's hand to hold in hers as she leaned against him.
"Maybe a little," she admitted. "I feel so bad for them. I didn't know what had happened to Clara when I told the ladies my news."
"I didn't know either," Lucas said.
"They handled it so well. I'm glad they came in to talk to me. We should do something for them, Lucas."
"Such as?"
"I don't know. Maybe invite them for dinner. Maybe, if they want to, they could babysit Jack. I know Clara enjoys being around the children, which is a credit to her. Look how she was with David. I didn't know why, but I felt something was off that evening."
"I did, too. Jesse hardly spoke. Both ideas are good ones if they are agreeable and want to do them."
"I'll talk to Clara."
She lifted her head and looked at her husband.
"Let's look at the pictures, sweetheart. I want us to recall that day and our memories together. Especially," she said, gazing into his dark eyes while caressing his cheek as he leaned in for a kiss, "since we are in the process of making a whole new set of memories to cherish."