Chapter 44
After dinner, Lucas and his staff cleared the tables and made room for the dance floor. Lucas hadn't helped with any of the preparations but it was his business and he wanted to feel included. He knew that the party was a thank you gift to the town from Elizabeth and Nathan for helping build their new home. The town had come together and helped make their dream a reality. From what he had heard, the house was almost finished and they would likely be able to move in before school resumed in the fall. Lucas hadn't helped with the build at all.
Lucas started to thinking about his role in the community. He realized that he was an outsider because he didn't really do anything for the community that didn't benefit him in some way. Sure, he did nice things but there was always something in it for him. He hosted the Christmas festival because it would bring people into his business and it reminded him of the past. He donated the library to win favor with Elizabeth. He kept Gowen oil open because Elizabeth asked him to, for the good of the community even though he was planning on closing it. Other than the search party to look for Jesse and Lee he couldn't remember anything he did just to be helpful without any reward for himself. He realized that if he was truly going to be part of this community, he had to make an effort. He decided that it was time for a fresh start in Hope Valley.
Nathan and Elizabeth were very pleased with the turnout and watched as the staff got ready for the dance. Everyone was enjoying the night out and looking forward to the dance. Hope Valley had accepted both of them when they first came to town and now, they couldn't imagine living anywhere else. They were so grateful for finding each other and this community. Their lives were better due to the influence of this town. They had seen people leave and new people move into town but the values of the town remained constant. Elizabeth did feel sorry for Lucas because he had yet to find his place.
Before the music started playing Elizabeth and Nathan stood on the stairs and thanked the community for their continued support of them as individuals and as a family. They thanked them for the time they dedicated to helping them build their dream home. Elizabeth also thanked everyone for their friendship. Nathan also thanked Julie for coming to help Elizabeth with the school celebration and thank you party. Everyone clapped and Lucas started the music. Nathan led Elizabeth to the dance floor for the first dance. It was a waltz and once again everyone was in awe of how well their Mountie and school teacher danced in perfect unison. After a few moments, other couples joined them on the dance floor.
Julie had been fluttering around the saloon checking to see if everything was under control and checking in with Gustav when there was a tap on her shoulder. She expected Bill but it wasn't him. It was the saloon owner she had met a few days prior. Lucas held out his hand, "would you care to dance, Miss Thatcher? You planned this party so you should get to enjoy it as well. I've lived in this town for a couple years now but I still miss the finer things. I see some of those things intermingled with tonight's party. You did a great job of combining Hamilton with Hope Valley". Julie accepted his hand and allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor. Nathan stiffened and Elizabeth laughed, "Nathan don't worry, Julie can handle him and he's better than Nate Tolliver. It's just a dance and Julie loves to dance". Nathan couldn't help but wonder why Elizabeth mentioned the head of the Tolliver gang, he knew there was more to that story but that was something for another day.
The party was a great success. The children were allowed to stay for most of the night because it was now officially summer but as the sky continued to darken the parents slowly started to take their children home. Laura had taken little Jack home earlier but Allie was still having fun with her friends. It was a joy to see Allie surrounded by friends. When she first came to Hope Valley, she only had her uncle and was scared to try to make friends. Allie even attempted a few dances.
Nathan and Elizabeth danced almost every dance with their friends or each other. Rosemary and Lee were attempting to do a tango, not to be outdone Lucas and Julie joined in followed by Nathan and Elizabeth. They were the only three couples that tried to navigate the tricky footwork. Two of the dance partners were more successful than the third but they all had fun. They were all out of breath after the tango showdown. For the first time, Lucas started to feel like he belonged and it as all thanks to Nathan and Elizabeth. He could no longer deny that there was something so special about them. They truly made everyone feel like they were part of a family.
Before the night ended Lucas found Julie and handed her an envelope. He was returning the money she had paid for the party. He told her that this party was the first time he truly felt like part of Hope Valley, so the food and use of the saloon was his gift to Nathan and Elizabeth. Nathan and Elizabeth thanked Lucas and Gustav for a wonderful evening and said that they would see them both the next morning in church before they left. Lee, Rosemary, and Julie followed behind Nathan, Elizabeth, and Allie. Rosemary and Julie continued to sway to the music in their hearts all the way back to the row houses. It had been a glorious night and they knew that sweet dreams were sure to follow.
The next morning came early due to the later evening but everyone was dressed and ready for church on time. The coffee was just a little stronger than usual. Elizabeth hoped the pastor wouldn't notice the yawns that several community members were trying to hide. He probably shouldn't have been annoyed but when a community comes together to help each other and give thanks there is nothing more inspiring. This little town was always an inspiration to him and made his life's work more fulfilling. His members were truly blessed to have each other.