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Chapter 20

The next morning Elizabeth woke up to the sun streaming through the window and Lucas not beside her. Since it was Saturday, Elizabeth wasn't sure if her husband had planned to go to the Queen of Hearts early again. She smiled and stretched as she pleasantly recalled why any conversation about their weekend plans had not taken place. Wanting to languish in their warm bed for a few minutes longer and hold Lucas's pillow close to her, she listened and was surprised not to hear any sounds coming from Jack's room to let her know he was awake. She realized Amelia was sleeping later than usual, too.

With a sigh, knowing she had to begin her day, Elizabeth arose and after freshening up and tying her robe around her waist, she padded to her children's bedroom ready to greet them and found the room empty. Hearing faint sounds coming from downstairs, she moved closer to the landing and could hear Lucas and Jack talking. He had not left for work early. He was taking care of their children so she could sleep longer.

Wearing a smile of gratitude and love, she descended the stairs and entered the kitchen. She saw Jack eating his cereal with sliced bananas and Lucas holding Amelia in his arms, his large hand covering her tiny one, as he sat across from his son.

"Good morning, my precious family," Elizabeth said.

"Mornin', Mama," Jack said, lifting his head from his bowl to look at her.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Lucas teased.

Jack, still looking at his mother, giggled.

"Well, that's not fair," she said and grinned.

She could experience this scene every morning and never be sad.

"What time is it anyway?"

"It's after nine. Rosemary and Lee have already been here with a great idea."

"They were? Oh my. By the way, I was supposed to tell you their news."

"I know," Lucas said and smiled as he caught her eye, which caused her to cheeks to grow warm. "Don't worry. They told me."

"Isn't it wonderful?" Elizabeth said, pouring hot coffee into a cup and joining her family at the table, taking a seat next to her husband.

"It is. They will make such wonderful parents for those two children. But what a sad situation."

"I agree. But who better to give them the love and care they need than Rosemary and Lee? I hope everything goes well with the adoption."

"Mama," Jack asked, "what's 'dopshun?"

"A-dopt-tion," Lucas said. "Can you say that, Jack?"

Jack pronounced it the way his father said it and then said the word again quickly.

"What is it?" he asked again.

"Adoption," Elizabeth tried to explain in its simplest terms, "is when a child or children who no longer have their own parents are brought into the home of loving parents who want to raise them as their own."

"Oh," Jack said.

"David may soon have a brother and sister," Lucas said.

"Really?" Jack asked. "Do I get to see them?"

"Yes, you will. We hope you will all become great friends," Elizabeth said. "But we have to wait to see if the adoption goes through."

Jack nodded and seemed satisfied with his parents' answers as he finished his breakfast.

"So, what was Rosemary and Lee's great idea?" Elizabeth asked, after taking a few sips of her coffee.

"What do you think about having a picnic in our backyard today? The weather is nice. Sunny but not too warm."

"That sounds lovely, but won't you be at work?"

"Not today," Lucas said and smiled.

Elizabeth looked at him in surprise. "You're not going to the Queen of Hearts. At all?"

"Nope. I'm taking the day off. I would've told you last night, but well…"

When he gave her a playful wink, she blushed again.

"This is wonderful. But why won't you be there?"

"My uncle and Rick and Gustave said they could handle everything. I had something else in mind for us to do today as a family, but when the picnic idea was brought up by Rosemary and Lee, it sounded like a good plan."

"I'm fine with that, too, but I'd love to hear your idea."

"I was going to suggest we go for a drive outside of town and maybe stop somewhere for a picnic of our own. Amelia hasn't been out much, and now that the weather is better, I thought it might be nice to get some fresh air and be with nature. But being with our friends in our own backyard will be fun and a lot less work, I'm sure."

"It will be," Elizabeth said, taking Amelia from her husband's arms so she could tend to her, "but I want to do your idea, too. Soon."

"May I please be excused?" Jack asked.

His parents looked at his empty bowl and nodded.

"Stay down here, please," Elizabeth said.

Jack nodded and headed for the living room where he was working on a puzzle.

"If we're hosting, I'd better get this little one taken care of," Elizabeth said.

"You haven't eaten either," Lucas reminded her.

"I'll have toast. That will hold me until lunch."

"Oh, that reminds me. Rosemary said they will bring the salad and the dessert."

"Good. That helps. I think we have what we need to make a nice lunch."

"You take care of Amelia; I'll have your toast ready, and then I'll work on the lunch details."

Elizabeth gave him a kiss and then smiled as she stood. "We make such a good team."

"Here's to another eventful day in the Bouchard household," Lucas said, holding up his coffee cup while Elizabeth laughed.

"You know I wouldn't have it any other way," she said.

"I know," he agreed. "I wouldn't either."

"Did you get a chance to talk more with Bill?" Francine asked Nathan, as they sat on a blanket at the pond while Allie fished.

Allie sat close enough for them to keep an eye on her but far enough away that she could not hear their conversation. Plus, they knew, without her saying anything, her eyes were on the lookout for Cody.

"I did. I told him as much as I thought he needed to know about our situation. He understood. I'm proceeding with the adoption. We'll see what happens."

"I'm very happy you are not letting paperwork or your brother-in-law stop you from doing what I know you want to do."

"You helped with that, you know," Nathan said, his piercing blue eyes gazing into her brown ones.

She looked at him and smiled. "I think you were on this path anyway, but if I helped, I'm happy."

"You've helped in so many ways," he continued, the pad of his index finger trailing down her soft cheek, "and for the better part of my life. Do you know how happy I am you tracked me down?"

She blushed and lowered her head for a moment and then looked at him. "Do you know how hard it was for me to take that step and how happy I am I did? I love you, Nathan. And I never thought I would have a chance to say those three words to you."

"And yet, here we are. In love with each other. I know it's amazing. I love you, too, Francine. As capable as I am of being able to love someone. I know I don't always show it or say it or do…."

A soft finger pressed against his lips stopped his words.

"You do just fine," she said, her mouth inches from his. "For what I need. We understand each other. That's all that matters."

With Allie's attention still on the fish and her sights set on looking for Cody, Nathan took the opportunity to capture Francine's lips in a warm loving kiss.

Voices coming in their direction quickly ended the kiss. Francine smiled demurely as she touched her lips; Nathan gave her a crooked smile and straightened a bit to see who their visitors were. They smiled when they saw Abigail, Henry and Cody approach.

"Hello," Abigail greeted them warmly.

"Francine, Nathan," Henry said, inclining his head.

"Looks like we both had the same idea," Abigail said.

"Please," Francine said, after looking at Nathan who nodded slightly and made room on the blanket, "join us."

"Oh," Henry said, "we don't want to intrude."

"No problem," Nathan said, rising to his feet. "There's plenty of room. And Cody? I believe Allie is waving at you."

"Is it okay, Mom?"

"Of course. Just stay in our sight."

"We will."

The adults laughed as Cody, fishing pole in hand, ran to meet up with Allie.

"To be that young again," Henry said wistfully.

"You do just fine," Abigail told him with a tender smile.

And then the four adults settled on the blanket to enjoy a lovely spring day.

"I brought you something to eat," Mike said to Fiona as he entered the dress shop at lunchtime.

"Aren't you a thoughtful man," she cajoled, happy to see him.

Hickam looked around and didn't see any customers.

"Slow day?"

"Several people were browsing earlier. I've made only two sales. I'm glad Rosemary felt she could leave me in charge, though. She deserved to take a day off and to see how I would do by myself. You know they're getting ready to go to Brookfield."

"I know. Jesse told me. I'm excited for them."

"When did you see Jesse?"

"A little while ago. He and Clara were at the mercantile. Are you up to having dinner with them tonight at the saloon? They invited us to join them."

"Yes, definitely. Sounds like a fun evening."

"I think it will be."

Fiona noticed Hickam continued to look around and asked him what was wrong.

"Nothing. I just…will you be okay here working by yourself?"

"I think so. I hope so. Molly said she could help if she's not working the switchboard. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to talk about this last night. I knew you were working late."

"I'm sorry, too. I thought Henry wanted me to be in the office today, with him, but Abigail convinced him to take the day off since the weather is good, so I didn't have to go in either. I will come by at lunchtime every day while Rosemary is gone to check on you."

Fiona smiled. "That's so sweet. Thank you."

As he set the food on the counter, Mike's eyes were drawn to a sketch of an evening gown that looked like it wasn't finished but held promise.

"Is that yours?" he asked, impressed.

Fiona gave a quick nod. "It is. I was just playing around with some of the ideas Rosemary showed me about fashion design. It's not very good, but I want to practice and learn."

"It looks good to me," Mike said, giving her a tender smile. "I'm so happy you want to pursue this."

Fiona laughed. "That's because you like me. I'm sure Rosemary would have much more to say about it and not all of her words would be positive."

She didn't want to say anything to Mike, but she was hoping to be able to design her own special dress if and when he told her he had that special evening planned for them. If that were to happen, she also hoped, with Rosemary's help, she would be able to design her own wedding dress.

Knowing he needed to correct something his lady just said, Mike closed the distance between them and stared at her while shaking his head.

"Not because I like you, but because I love you."

Under his intense but loving gaze, Fiona's heart skipped a beat. She wanted so very much to pull him into a passionate kiss, but she knew she couldn't. Not in such a public place where the door could open at any time. Reluctantly, she broke their eye contact, swallowed hard and nodded.

"I know," she said. "I love you, too."

And when she dared to look at him again, their eyes met and held. The air grew still. A heated moment passed in complete silence. When Mike would have reached out for her, Fiona turned her head towards the door. She sighed and shook her head, breaking the tension between them. She couldn't let anything happen in the dress shop where she and Rosemary worked. That would not be proper, and she knew it. She smiled apologetically. Hickam knew why and nodded as he put more distance between them. They both realized that while now was not the time, there would be an opportunity. Later.

Once her breathing returned to normal, she gave him a cheerful smile.

"C'mon," she said, picking up the food. "Let's go eat in the back. I'm starving."

"So are you getting everything ready for your trip?" Elizabeth asked Rosemary as they worked in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on their lunch.

Lucas, Lee and the boys were outside, enjoying the fresh air. Amelia lay in her bassinet in the kitchen.

"Getting being the operative word," Rosemary said and laughed. "Oh my. This is a bit of a whirlwind, even for me. We've decided to stay a few extra days to celebrate an early birthday for David and visit a couple of the nearby towns."

"Good for you," Elizabeth said. "You kept saying you wanted to take a vacation and never did."

"I know. We really wanted to go to Bellingham to visit Lee's sister and her family, but now we decided to wait to see what happens with the adoption."

"If you do adopt Naomi and Noah, maybe it would be easier for Lee's sister and family to come here."

"We were thinking that, too. We'll see what happens."

"Do you think Fiona will be okay in the shop by herself?"

"We're doing a test run today. That's why I didn't go in. I did leave her your phone number in case there are any issues."

"That's fine."

"Molly said she would help when she could. I think Fiona will be okay. I'm sure Mike will check on her, too."

"Abigail is close by, too. You're right. I'm sure it will be fine."

"I'll bring the food outside," Rosemary said. "I'll let Lucas know you need help with Amelia."

When Lucas and Lee saw Rosemary carrying the food, they both stood and helped her get things organized on a table they had set up.

"Elizabeth needs help with Amelia," Rosemary told Lucas who went inside to carry the bassinet.

"I want to put a bonnet on Amelia," Elizabeth said to Lucas as soon as he entered the kitchen, "but I can't find it. Help me look."

"Of course. I'll check upstairs."

"I thought I brought it down this morning when I knew she would be outside. Check the living room first."

As soon as Lucas walked towards the living room, he stopped and smiled. The white lace bonnet was sitting next to Elizabeth's typewriter. He retrieved it and brought it to her.

"Where was it?" she asked, taking it from him and placing it on Amelia's head and tying it loosely under her chin.

"On the table next to your typewriter. Were you planning to write today?"

She gave him a sheepish look. "Earlier, I was hoping to steal a few minutes to change something I had written while it was fresh in my mind. Now I remember I set the bonnet down and then Jack called me, and I never went back. I knew I needed to get ready for our picnic."

"If you have a thought, you should type it or write it down while you're thinking of it. Go ahead. We'll be fine."

"It's gone," she said, "but it's fine. If I started writing, I could be there awhile. I want to enjoy this day, especially with you being home, Mr. Bouchard."

"Well, if it comes back to you, I say you sneak away and get it down on paper. But I'm glad we can enjoy the day, too."

Once Lucas had gotten Amelia settled in the shade, Lee started the conversation while food and beverages were being served. Jack and David were playing and didn't want to eat just yet.

"Lucas and I have come up with a great idea," he said, his voice conveying his enthusiasm about their conversation.

His wide grin made Rosemary shake her head.

"Oh no. Elizabeth, why did we leave these two men alone? You know we were only asking for trouble, and here it is."

She grinned when Lee smirked at her.

"Do tell," Elizabeth said, trying to suppress her laugh at Rosemary's words.

"Lucas and I think it would be a great idea if we went in together on a swing set. The kids will probably mostly be at our house during the summer, so we can put the swing set in our backyard, but everyone is welcome to enjoy it. What do you think?"

"A swing set isn't a horrible idea," Elizabeth said, looking at Lucas who nodded.

"Agreed," Rosemary said. "It actually sounds like it would be fun for the children. Lee Coulter, Lucas Bouchard, good idea. I approve."

"Oh, well," Lee said and laughed, "if my Rosie approves, then it's definitely a good idea. We'll look at catalogs later."

"Swing?" Jack asked, coming to the table to get something to eat. "I wanna swing and so does David."

"That's what we thought," Lucas said. "That's why we're probably going to have a swing set in Auntie Rosemary and Uncle Lee's backyard."

"Won't that be fun?" Elizabeth asked.

Jack nodded and David giggled.

"You boys will have so much fun," Rosemary said, clapping her hands. "And if we can add to our family," she said, looking lovingly at her husband, "well, that would just be the icing on the cake for us."

Elizabeth smiled and then stole a glance at her husband who looked genuinely happy for Rosemary and Lee. When Amelia began to fuss and cry, Elizabeth excused herself and brought the baby inside. She sat on the settee in the living room and comforted her.

"Am I doing the right thing, my darling baby girl?" she asked the infant as she rocked her in her arms. "Would you want another brother or sister? Jack loves you so much, and I know you will love him when you are older, but maybe you want a younger sibling. I know I adore mine."

Hearing her mother's melodic voice soothed Amelia. She settled in and closed her eyes.

Somehow knowing his daughter would probably not be outside again, Lucas carried the bassinet into the kitchen and then saw Elizabeth cradling their daughter. She was such a natural, he thought, as he watched her whispering and holding Amelia's hand in hers.

After a few moments, he made his presence known.

"I brought in the bassinet."

"Thank you. She can stay down here by us. We can leave the door open. I don't think she liked being outside. Maybe it was too warm."

"Maybe. I think she'll be fine now."

"Me, too. It's almost her nap time anyway. She's calm. I'll be there in a few minutes."

Lucas moved closer to his wife and studied her for a moment. "Are you all right?" he asked, concerned.

She looked up at him and smiled. "I'm fine. More exciting things are happening. Sometimes, I just need a moment to take it all in."

He sat down next to her. "You're okay about the swing set, right? Lee and I were talking, and one thing led to another…"

Elizabeth gently touched his cheek and smiled. "I'm fine about the swing set. I think it's a great idea and will certainly help keep the boys entertained this summer. I guess when Lee said the children would be mostly at their house, a pang of something, I'm not sure what, hit me."

"We talked about that. We want you to have the children here as much as you want them in the summer," Lucas assured her. "I told Lee you want to spend a lot of time with Jack. But we also want you to have the time you need to write and read and take care of Amelia when you want to. We know Rosemary will still be working, at least most of the time."

"I know. You're right. Laura should be at the Coulters, and I do want Clara to continue to be with Amelia so we don't confuse her routine, even though we can split the time once I'm no longer in the classroom. It's an adjustment, but it's a good one, and one that will definitely benefit all of us. I'll be fine."

"And you're sure that's all this is?" Lucas pressed, sincerely wanting to know if something else was bothering his wife.

She nodded. "Summer is coming. And with that brings more changes and more opportunity. I'm just thinking ahead. We also have Julie and Alexander's wedding to look forward to. Things are happening, darling," she said, giving him a quick kiss. "But I know they are all good things. And that makes me very happy."

After urging Lucas to go play host, she removed the bonnet from Amelia's head and kissed her gently on the cheek as she placed her in the bassinet to sleep. Watching her daughter find just the right spot to snuggle in for her nap, Elizabeth knew the words she had spoken were true. Good and happy things were happening, and she was glad they were. She remained inside for a few minutes longer, observing the adults and the children enjoying themselves. Hearing Rosemary's rollicking laugh always made Elizabeth smile.

Life is good, she told herself as she stepped outside to join them once more. And with summer coming, she knew, deep down in her heart, things would only get better.