Chapter Two

Closing my eyes and all I can see is Elizabeth running to Nathan. It has been weeks and I just cannot seem to get that image out of my mind. The more I try and keep myself busy, the more I feel the need to somehow release this sadness and keep myself occupied. I certainly feel a bit of jealousy; that I do not like to admit. I have so many feelings coming at me. I feel as though the rug was taken right from under my feet. How could that have happened? I could have sworn that we had a lovely diner together that night. I really thought things were going to progress between the two of us. She was starting to open herself up to the fact that we can go on a date, where we can both call it a date. That had all changed seeing her run into Nathan's arms the very next day.

Seeing her arms wrapped around him and all her concern about his well being, that just blew me away. We all were concerned and worried for whoever had been shot, we all ran outside to see who it was. I noticed in the distance, that Nathan was walking into Hope Valley safe and sound but what I witnessed shortly after that, was the very last thing I expected. Now, everyone is talking about Elizabeth's reaction when Nathan arrived back and how they are gossiping over her being smitten with him. It was more than apparent by her gestures that her feelings have obviously not been towards me. I even overheard Florence talking to Molly at Abigail's Café one morning, which made it even more noticeable as they hushed when I walked by and hearing the whispers of them saying, "Elizabeth has clearly made her choice in a suitor." All I could do is greet them, smile, and walk by as though I pretend not to have heard anything and that it did not bother me about "Elizabeth being smitten with Nathan." Of course, that was just a hit to the gut every single time.

Nathan is a good guy; she obviously sees that, and I just want her and little Jack to be happy. If he is what makes her happy, then that is all I can ask for. He is obviously the one she is wanting to be with, and I do respect that, but that does not mean it does not hurt. It is a strike to my heart every time I try to accept that.

The most I can do is just keep working, by keeping myself going so I have no time to think. Now I have the oil business to deal with and I have not a clue of what I am going to do. I am thinking of talking to Lee and ask for any opinions he may have. I would talk to Elizabeth, but I do not want to make it any more awkward than it already is, and it's best that I just let her be. I do not want her in the slightest to feel bad for caring for Nathan. I honestly would not even know what to say to her, things since that day has not been the same. The best for me to do now is just avoid, work and focus on other things.

I am sitting in my office at Gowen Petroleum and all I do is just stare at the paperwork. I cannot get around the numbers as it is now all a mess. I am having more of a hard time trying to figure out how to keep this business afloat. As I look out the window, I see Elizabeth walking with little Jack towards Bill and they began to talk and laugh. She has the most amazing smile and when she laughs it can make any man's heart melt. A part of me is so crushed and wishing I could go out there and just tell her how I feel but that is just impossible. I need to give her that time and allow her to work things out with Nathan and then we can talk as friends. Hopefully, by then, things may be feeling a little better emotionally for me and I can be her friend, I hope!

I have a wooden toy car sitting on my desk which I had brought back for little Jack when I went on a trip to Union City the other day. When I saw it, I knew he would absolutely love it, I just have not gotten the courage to send it to her and give him this little gift. I thought of handing it to someone else to deliver it to her, but I believe for right now, I rather just keep things as they are.

Fiona knocks and quickly walks in the door. She now works with me by organizing files, answering calls, and scheduling for me as I float between businesses.

"Here you go, I brought you some soup from Abigail's as you still haven't gotten up from that desk. You do know you can have a moment just to eat your lunch. I can help you with what you're working on." She says to me as she looks out the window and knows exactly who I am looking at.

"Oh, thank you. I have been busy just looking over these reports. I can't seem to make heads from tails of all this." I get up and move towards the other side of the room, distracting myself not to look out the window. "Oh, Fiona thanks for Lunch. I promise I will get in some time to eat today. It has been a very busy day so far."

"I wish there were more that I can do. Henry really knew what he was doing around here. That does not mean you will not be able to do the same. You are very successful with the saloon and all you do here in Hope Valley. It's just a matter of you getting accustomed to the business. I know Henry was in charge of it but I do have faith you will succeed." She says with a smile and begins to organize some files she had been working on this morning.

"I needed to hear that. Thank you." I said as I grabbed some paperwork.

The phone rang and Fiona answered and said I was needed at the saloon regarding a shipment that had not arrived. I finished up what I was doing and opened the door to leave. Just before I step out the door Fiona Says. "Lucas, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here to listen."

I nod and leave. Fiona has become a great friend and has helped me the last few weeks with the oil company. She has nicely hinted at me that she is aware of me having some feelings for Elizabeth, but I cannot seem to talk to anyone about it. Although, she does confide in me to talk about her feelings and how she shows some sort of interest in someone in Hope Valley. I can say, no it's not me! People have been gossiping about her working with me, but it's nothing like that between us. She is like a little sister to me.

I go down the steps to cross the road, I could see that Lee had walked over and was now talking with Bill and Elizabeth. Of course, both men were all giggles over little Jack. I had no choice but to walk past them.

"Hello, Lucas!" Lee said as I was walking towards them.

"Hello." I nod towards them with a smile. "I actually wanted to talk to you Lee, whenever you have some time. I was hoping you can help me go over some things over at Gowen's Petroleum." I said to Lee as I look over and smile towards Elizabeth with a nod.

"Of course! Unfortunately, I will not have time today, as I am heading home to have a lunch date with my beautiful wife. She seems to think we need more time together. More bonding time, she says. I think she misses me. After finally getting away on our trip for a couple of weeks, I think she became accustomed to me being always with her." He says with a huge grin. He has the most patience with her, and they have a wonderful marriage. Lee is someone I look up to and hope I can be like someday as a husband. I look over at Elizabeth and she is looking right at me and quickly moves her eyes to Bill.

"Rosemary is a wonderful wife and woman. She is lucky to have you Lee." Elizabeth says as she looks over at Lee, making sure she does not look towards me.

"Yes, they do definitely make a great couple!" Bill said firmly with a smirk looking at me as though hinting something at me. Was it a good or bad hint? I would not know as sometimes Bill is hard to understand!

"Well gentlemen, I do need to get going as little Jack needs to get a little nap in." She says with a smile and takes little Jack by the hand.

"I too must be going as well. Gentlemen, we will talk another time. Elizabeth, little Jack." I gently nod towards her and walk away.

My heart is beating against my chest and I cannot help but to want to ask her, how she is? Or talk to her about the book deal and how things have been since we celebrated. My mother is visiting Hope Valley in the next few weeks. She wants to meet Elizabeth since I have only spoken so highly of her. My mother understands I have feelings for Elizabeth as she says, although I do try and deny it, I cannot keep anything from her. She wanted me to introduce them when she arrives as she wants to know all about where her inspiration came from for her novel. She feels Elizabeth is a great writer and has heard wonderful things about how great a teacher she is, this makes it even more fascinating to get to know her. I couldn't agree with her more!

I walk into the saloon and I see Clara coming towards me with a concerned look on her face.

"Is everything ok?" I ask.

"Actually no. The chef was expecting some delivery today of salmon and it never arrived and he is trying to set up tonight's menu." She said quickly. "We are also running low on some other supplies today, but the Mercantile was able to help" Clara places down her tray on the bar. "Oh, and the chef wants to talk to you, to ask for your opinion on what he can prepare for tonight's menu."

"Perfect! Thanks, for helping me out Clara. I honestly would have not known what I would have done without you here. I'll go talk to him right now and try to figure things out." I smile and begin to walk towards the kitchen.

I wanted busy, well I sure have busy now, between the Saloon and Gowen's Petroleum. As much as I have thrown myself into work the last few weeks, it was still a challenge to keep my mind off Elizabeth and little Jack!

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