Hello! :-) Thank you for your kind reviews, faves and follows. I appreciate each of them very much. :-) This latest chapter includes a LucaBeth love scene near the end of the chapter, so if that is something that does not interest you, I wanted to let you know you can stop reading after the scene with Faith and Francine. I hope you will enjoy at least parts, if not all, of the chapter. Thank you for reading. :-)

Chapter 19

Two months later

Things could not be going better. I am back in the classroom fulltime and loving it more than ever. I'm almost sad to see the school year end soon, but I'm also looking forward to spending more time with my children and being able to concentrate on my writing. I am excited about this latest novel I am writing now that I've gotten it back on track. My darling husband is being his usual supportive self while giving me gentle suggestions here and there when I ask him for his honest opinion about the direction of a certain scene or dialogue I am wrestling with. I find him to be so helpful and understanding of where he sees the scene or the chapter going. Maybe, someday, we will co-write a story together. Of course, if I mention that to him, he would just grace me with that shy smile of his and shake his head, but I seriously could see it happening. Some day.

Lucas and I are very happy Amelia has taken so well to Clara. Jesse also spends time with her when he has a break from work. I enjoy seeing the two of them taking care of our daughter. It's so sweet.

Under Rosemary's knowledgeable and positive guidance, Fiona has taken an interest in design. The two of them will probably lead the fashion world at some point. Abigail and Henry continue to do well. Lucas and I spent a very nice evening with them not too long ago. We both couldn't be happier for them. We are wondering when we might see a ring on Abigail's finger and hear those wedding bells.

We also spent a lovely evening with Faith and Carson. It was so nice to see them together and happy. While they assured us nothing had been decided about their future, I couldn't help but notice and smile that Faith was wearing her engagement ring. To me, that means there is hope for the two of them to reconcile whatever may be standing in their way of building a life together.

A knock followed by a hearty hello ended Elizabeth's journal writing. She rose from her chair to greet Rosemary and Lee who both wore smiles that could only mean good news.

"Good morning," Elizabeth said. "You two certainly look happy."

Rosemary glanced at her husband and nodded.

"We are," they said in unison.

"Sit down," she said, leading them into the living room. "Tell me what's going on."

"Is Lucas here?" Lee asked.

"No, he's not. He headed to the saloon early to take care of a few things."

"Oh," Lee said, slightly disappointed he wouldn't hear their announcement as he sat next to his wife. "Well, that's okay. You can tell him our news."

"Yes," Rosemary said. "Or, Lee, you can tell him if you see him later. We have to tell Elizabeth."

"Yes, please," Elizabeth said, eager to know what had them looking ecstatic. "Tell me."

They laced their fingers together and then Lee nodded that Rosemary should be the one to speak.

"We're going to Brookfield next week to begin adoption proceedings."

Elizabeth squealed with delight. "That's wonderful. Congratulations."

"For two children," Lee said, unable to keep the excitement from his voice. "A brother and a sister, born two and a half years apart. The sister Naomi is older. She turned four in March. Noah will be two in September."

"Incredible," Elizabeth said. "May I ask what happened to their parents?"

"Grace told us the father ran out on them when Noah was three months old," Rosemary began. "Unfortunately, soon after, their mother became ill and couldn't take care of them by herself. Apparently, there are no relatives who could help, so the mother ended up going to the orphanage and pleading with Lillian and Grace to find good homes for them. I'm sure it was heartbreaking, and I can't even imagine something like that happening. Grace said she could tell there had been neglect. No abuse, but neglect. Grace and Lillian took excellent care of them. They recently received word that the mother passed on, and the father is now in jail for some crime he committed while on the run and willingly gave up his parental rights. They decided it was time to try to find a permanent home for the children."

"Grace thought of us," Lee continued. "Neither Grace nor Lillian or the children's mother wanted them to be separated. Grace and Lillian both spoke with us and asked if we would consider meeting them and possibly providing a home for both children."

"Of course, we said yes," Rosemary said, excited once more. "It's an answer to a prayer even though we do feel so badly for them."

"Apparently, enough time has passed that Lillian and Grace can begin the paperwork to look into the option of the two children being adopted."

"So, we agreed to go to Brookfield. We leave next week."

"This is a lot to take in," Elizabeth said, looking at her friends' beaming faces and smiling with them. "But I am so thrilled for you. Sounds like the possibility is strong David will get the siblings I know you wanted to give him. You will be wonderful parents to those children. I can't wait to hear all about it when you return."

"We can't wait to tell you and Lucas," Lee said and smiled. "But we should let you go so you can get ready for school."

"Laura will come here once we return home. She's with David."

"Tell her to take her time. I still need to finish getting Jack and Amelia ready."

Rosemary said goodbye and then turned and gave her friend an impulsive hug.

"Our families are growing," she said and smiled as she and Lee waved goodbye and saw themselves out.

After taking a moment to reflect on Rosemary's parting words, Elizabeth climbed the stairs prepared to ask Jack if he needed any help getting ready when she stopped and entered her bedroom instead. Before she could change her mind, she withdrew an envelope from the top dresser drawer and sat down on the end of the bed she shared every night with Lucas. After pulling back the flap of the envelope, she retrieved the few pictures Lucas's father had sent when she was writing the story of Catherine Rose's short but meaningful life for Lucas's Christmas present.

With a smile forming on her lips, Elizabeth stared at the cute little boy who stood between his mother and his father. Helen held Catherine in her arms in one picture and the next picture Elizabeth looked at, Lucas was sitting in a chair, holding his sister. Unbidden tears sprang to Elizabeth's eyes as she looked through the remaining five pictures. They were the only ones the Bouchards had of their entire family, but they were very precious ones that Nicholas had sent to his son as keepsakes.

As Elizabeth's blue eyes bore into the photo of Lucas holding his sister surrounded by his parents, she offered up a silent prayer for a sign she had made the right decision not to have any more children.

"Mama?" Jack said, standing in the doorway, ready to go.

"Yes, Jack?"

"Crying?" he asked, not stepping into the room until Elizabeth said it was okay.

"Maybe a little," she said, offering him a smile and motioning for him to enter.

"Why?" he asked, now standing next to her and looking at her as she wiped her eyes.

"Just thinking about our family and how blessed we are."

"Who's that?" Jack asked, pointing to the picture Elizabeth still held in her hands.

"You haven't seen these," Elizabeth said, drawing her son closer to her side. "This is your Grandma Helen, Grandpa Nicholas, your daddy, and his sister Catherine."

"Daddy has a sister, too?" Jack asked in awe. "Just like me!"

Elizabeth smiled and brushed her son's fine hair. "Your daddy had a sister. Now, she's an angel."

"Oh," Jack said. "Not here, right?"

"That's right, son. But she's watching over all of us and so happy we are a family."

"Daddy looks funny," Jack said and giggled, which made Elizabeth chuckle, too.

"Don't tell him that," Elizabeth said and tickled her son to make him laugh even more because she needed to hear the melodious sound before embracing him in a heartfelt hug. She laid her head on top of his. "I love you so much, my darling son."

"Love you, too, Mama."

She held her son for probably a moment or two longer than necessary or that he liked, but she didn't care. She needed her precious mother-son connection she prayed she would never lose. When Jack squirmed, she knew it was time they began their day in earnest.

"Laura will be here soon and then you will be with David. Let's go check on Amelia. Help me get her ready?"

Jack nodded and walked with Elizabeth the short distance to the room he now shared with his sister. Elizabeth and Lucas had recently moved her in with Jack since she was sleeping a bit longer at night. Amelia, barely awake but still quite alert, looked up at them as they leaned over her. The sweet smile Jack gave his mother and then his sister melted Elizabeth's heart.

Yes, she thought, as she lifted Amelia from her crib and said good morning to her, they were blessed indeed.

"Well, that was quite an eventful morning," Francine said to Faith after Carson had left the Infirmary to pay a house call on two patients. "Want to grab something to eat at the café?"

"Sure," Faith said.

After speaking several times with her mentor, Faith decided to return to the Infirmary in a limited role. She assisted Francine and observed Carson but chose to hold off practicing medicine. She and her mentor agreed she needed to give herself more time. Carson assured her he understood and told her he was relieved she wanted to be there and had not abandoned medicine completely.

Abigail greeted the two women with a smile when they entered the café and seated them near a window.

"Nathan is talking to Bill in the back if you want to say hi," Abigail said to Francine.

Francine looked to Faith who nodded.

"Of course. Go say hello."

"I'll only be a minute."

Abigail stayed to chat with Faith while Francine made her way towards the kitchen area. She saw both men who appeared to be having a serious conversation. Nathan looked over Bill's shoulder and saw her. He ceased talking and motioned for her to join them.

"Hi," Francine tentatively greeted both men. "Faith and I thought we'd get something to eat, and Abigail said you were here. Is everything all right? Your conversation looked a bit intense."

"I'll let you two talk," Bill said, excusing himself but not before telling Francine it was nice to see her. "I have to get back to my office. Nathan, you know where to find me."

After Bill stepped outside, Nathan escorted Francine to the couch in the back of the café, asked her to sit and then took a seat next to her.

"Nathan, what is going on?"

"I think we've hit a bit of a snag with Allie's adoption. Bill was explaining the procedure to me in more detail. Apparently, notices are going to have to be posted in newspapers and, of course, court filings will need to be done."

"What does that mean?"

"It means," Nathan said and sighed, as he ran a frustrated hand through his hair, "Isaac may see I have decided to adopt Allie. He disappeared, but we have no idea where he is, and I have always assumed he didn't want to look for Allie because, like you did, he could have tracked me down if he'd wanted to. Francine, it also means if he happens to show up here, he will know you are here, too."

"And this is the only way the adoption can go forward?"

"That's what Bill just told me."

"If you are willing to risk Isaac finding out where you are in order to be a father to Allie, then that is what you have to do."

"I also have to protect Allie and you and quite possibly other residents, depending on what he does if he shows up," Nathan said. "You know what a loose cannon he is or at least was."

"I have no doubt you will be able to protect all of us. Are you going to mention any of this to Bill? He would look out for all of us, too, if he knew the situation. Right?"

"Without going into a lot of detail, I can explain my concerns about Isaac to Bill. I think he knows that's why I reacted so strongly when he told me the news and why he knew he needed to tell me what I was getting us all into by proceeding with the adoption."

"Sweetheart," Francine said, her voice soft and caring as she placed a gentle hand on his, "Allie wants this, and I want this for both of you. We will be all right. If Isaac shows up, I highly doubt it will be because he wants Allie. More likely, it'll be because he wants something, from you, in return for letting you adopt Allie. Whatever he wants, I'm sure it will be worth it if it means he won't stand in your way of doing what is best for your niece."

Nathan looked at the woman he had come to care about more than he ever thought he could and nodded while giving her a small smile.

"You're right. I'll talk to Bill. You…you should go eat your lunch with Faith. I know you have to get back to the Infirmary."

She nodded. "I'll see you tonight?"

"Yes. I'll come by once I've finished my rounds."

She squeezed his hand. "Everything is going to work out. You'll see."

They shared a smile before she left to join Faith at their table.

"I know you like the soup," Faith told her. "I hope you don't mind I ordered it for you."

"Soup sounds fine. Thank you."

"Is everything okay with Nathan?" Faith asked, noticing Francine now seemed preoccupied.

"Yes. I think so. Actually, I'm not so sure."

"If you want to talk about it, I'm here."

"It seems he's run into a bit of a problem regarding Allie's adoption."

"Oh, no," Faith said. "That's not good. It's fixable, right?"

"He and Bill need to talk more, but in order to proceed with the adoption, public notices have to be posted in newspapers and there will be court filings. Nathan is concerned these might trigger a visit by Allie's father."

"But if he hasn't contacted them by now…"

Francine nodded. "I know. What are the chances, right? But I think Nathan was hoping he could just adopt Allie without having to make his wishes so public. I guess I understand why it would have to be noticed and, of course, why there would be court filings, but honestly, I'm not happy about this either."

"Because of the delay or because Allie's father might show up?"

Francine studied the woman she had come to consider a close friend and inclined her head to speak more quietly when Abigail returned with their meals.

"Thank you," they both said and smiled.

"I think you were about to tell me something," Faith said, after taking a bite of her sandwich.

Francine nodded and leaned in closer. "I was. I haven't told anybody but Nathan what I'm about to tell you, but I feel I can trust you, Faith, and I would like someone else to know this just in case."

"Just in case?" Faith asked and then lowered her voice, too. "Just in case what?"

"Should Allie's father, his name is Isaac by the way, show up, he may also find out or already know I am here, too. We have somewhat of a past, which Nathan is fully aware of. It was not a pleasant situation, and he's the reason I was not able to be around for my best friend's last few days before she died, so I am doubly hoping he doesn't show up."

"That's terrible," Faith said. "Nathan will surely protect you and Allie if this man decides to show his face which, of course, I hope he doesn't."

"I know. I feel totally protected, but I thought Isaac was a closed book and someone I would not have to think about again. Turns out, we may very realistically not have heard or seen the last of him. And that bothers me. A lot."

Lucas arrived home and finding the downstairs in darkness, he made his way upstairs. His first stop was to look in on Jack and Amelia. He made sure both were comfortable in their slumber and then he whispered how much he loved them. He quietly exited their room and made his way to the room he shared with his beautiful wife.

Stepping inside, he was about to speak when Elizabeth, sitting up in their bed, her long tresses fanned around her while she read a book, held up her index finger, motioning for him to wait. A small grin played about his face as he watched her crystal blue eyes scan every word on the page.

He heard her sigh contentedly as she closed the book and placed in on her nightstand. Only then did she give him her full attention.

"You may speak, my darling," she said in a teasing tone. "Sorry, but I had to finish that chapter."

"I can't believe my entrance was upstaged by a novel," he teased in return.

"It's a wonderful story," Elizabeth countered, stretching her arms and smiling at him. "How I long to be as good of a writer as these authors I am reading. I love the stories they weave, but I also want to learn from them. I no longer read for pure enjoyment but also to learn and hone my craft."

"You are well on your way, my darling wife," Lucas encouraged, moving closer to her while loosening his tie. "When do I get the pleasure of reading more of your work?"

"Maybe sooner than you think," Elizabeth teased with a smile.

"You know I look forward to it, but I never want to pressure you. I know you'll let me read your chapter or chapters when you are ready."

"Speaking of ready," she said, patting her husband's side of the bed. "I'm more than ready for you to join me, Mr. Bouchard."

Lucas gave her a dimpled smile and told her he would be right back. She waited as patiently as she could, which wasn't easy. She rose from the bed to check on her children who were sleeping soundly and then returned to her room and closed the door. About to turn around, she felt her husband sidle up behind her, wrap his arms around her petite waist, and nuzzle her neck.

"I love you," he said in a hushed but suggestive tone against her ear.

His low, honeyed timbre ignited her insides. His nearness, as it always did, made her knees weak.

Looking down at his arms securely holding her and feeling his warm breath against the nape of her neck, she sighed and leaned back, running the palm of her hand along his forearm and nodding as she turned her head so she could feel his bearded cheek against her soft one. She loved being this close to him and did not want to break the connection.

"I love you, too," she said, her voice trembling with need. "So much."

Turning her within the circle of his arms so he could appreciate her lovely features, he smiled knowingly when he saw how much his touch and his nearness had already affected her. Her eyes revealed the deep desire he had created in her, and as he watched her moving her mouth towards his, he met her halfway, and their lips collided in a crushing kiss that left them both breathless. They continued enjoying the taste and feel of their lips and their close proximity. When Elizabeth felt Lucas's hands begin to roam along her back, she did the same.

"I love you so much," Elizabeth said, still needing to feel his soft lips on hers as she positioned herself so Lucas could work his magic.

"Not as much as I love you," he countered, as he began to slide his warm palms along the back of her toned thighs.

When his fingers began to slightly raise her nightgown, her body involuntarily shook and instinctively moved closer to him, aching to be touched. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer for yet another melding of their lips.

Their need to be with each other brought them to their bed. Elizabeth said Lucas's name with a playful laugh when she unceremoniously sank onto the mattress, her hair cascading about her, but her tone soon turned solemn when she met her husband's gaze and saw the passion and fire he had for her in his darkened orbs.

"Lucas," she said again, almost reverently, unable to take her eyes off the handsome man she didn't think she could love more who hovered over her while she trailed her finger along his jawline.

Witnessing his desire for her increase with every ragged breath he took and every flick of his tongue in all the right places, her breath caught as her eyes drank in his unmasked love for her and then she spoke.

"Lucas," she breathed, arching and slowly running her hands through his hair to enjoy the feel and texture of it as it splayed through her fingers.

He lay on top of her and captured her parted and slightly swollen lips in a smoldering kiss that sent her insides reeling.

Holding on to him, she matched his intensity and soon they were coming together to pleasure and enjoy each other as they had so many times before. He knew just where to kiss her and touch her and tease her to bring her to the brink of ecstasy while also knowing just how to make her wait and almost beg for sweet release while her heated body writhed under his expert touch and shivered with anticipation at the ultimate pleasure she knew she would experience.

Wanting him to know how ready and willing she was to be satisfied by him, she returned his kisses and his touches. His trailing kisses and masterful hand movements against her now hot flesh caused her to sink deeper into him while softly whimpering against the now matted hair on his chest with a yearning that threatened to consume her as he continued to pleasure her. She remained in seamless rhythm with him as they began their crescendo before ultimately coming together as one in perfect unison.

Elizabeth, flushed and still in a blissful afterglow of love and desire, looked at her husband and smiled. He never failed to satisfy her and to fulfill her every need. She adored him and craved the excitement he enticed her with and then delivered with flawless ecstasy.

"I love you," she said, reaching for his hand that knew every inch of her.

Now looking disheveled but still devilishly handsome as far as Elizabeth was concerned, he turned and brought her close to him, letting her rest her head on his still slightly heaving chest.

"I love you, too," he whispered against her hair.

She snuggled closer, sleep now calling her name.

Ready to close her eyes knowing her husband would be holding her, she looked up at him and smiled.

"You are my lifetime," she said, bringing her forefinger to his lips to touch him one more time before he captured and kissed it, "and I couldn't be happier."

And then she kissed him goodnight and with a smile on her face, drifted off into a restful but short-lived sleep. Somehow, she didn't mind.

As she rocked Amelia back to sleep and watched as her husband never moved from his position of slumber, his hair still tousled as he faced her side of the warm bed with one arm outstretched, she knew she wouldn't trade this life she had for anything. Once more, because of the man who deserved to be sleeping so soundly and so peacefully, her joy was complete.