Chapter Thirty-Six
"And that, class, concludes today's lesson," Elizabeth said, closing and setting down her history book. Picking up the cow bell, she rang it and called out, "Class dismissed! Have a good weekend and don't forget to read twenty pages per night!"
Several cheers went up as the students hustled and bustled, clamoring to see who could get to their bookbags and coats first.
Elizabeth watched the small-scale pandemonium and chuckled to herself. She tidied up her desk, placing some papers she needed to grade in her basket, along with a few books.
Goodbye, Mrs Thornton!"
"Bye!
"Have a good weekend!"
The students' calls slowly faded as the last group exited. The doors shut.
Just as Elizabeth was about to put on her coat, a burst of frigid air filled the room. She glanced toward the doors to see Lucas approaching, a huge grin on his handsome face.
"I was hoping you were still planning on coming," she greeted. "You certainly look happy."
Lucas kept his smile, his dimples on full display, as he took her in his arms and laid a kiss on her lips. When the kiss ended, he kissed her again and again… and again.
Elizabeth pinked and loosened her coat around the collar. "Keep that up, Mr. Bouchard, and I won't need a fire. What's got you in such a good mood?"
Lucas took a step back and held fast to each of her hands. "Elizabeth, I received some wonderful news today."
"More wonderful than marrying in a week?"
"Well, maybe not as wonderful as that, but wonderful all the same. Henry is back in town."
Elizabeth stared, then laughed. "Okay. Yes, that's great, but-"
"No, that's not what I meant." Lucas laughed. "Not that it isn't great to see our friend."
"Then what is it? I can tell you're like a kid bursting to share a secret."
"Well, as luck would have it, Henry owns the mineral rights to most of the land in the valley, and since Henry turned the oil company over to Mike and me, that means-"
Realization struck Elizabeth. Overflowing with joy, she squealed and threw her arms around Lucas. "Lucas! This is wonderful news!"
They laughed and leapt like the schoolchildren who had just left, exuberant for the freedom of the weekend.
"Wyman Walden won't know what hit him," Elizabeth said, recovering some.
"Exactly. And to think, we also have our party tonight."
"It's a day worth celebrating in Hope Valley. My prayers have been answered, Lucas. Not only are we marrying, not only will Jack have a father, but justice has been set on its course. I have a good feeling that peace is going to be restored to Hope Valley."
"My darling, it's just the beginning." Lucas kissed her.
Elizabeth melted into him and closed her eyes, all worry gone.
When she opened her eyes, Lucas' face was inches from hers. Her smile widened.
"I could look at you all day, but I think I should get home. Jack will want to see me for the few free hours I have before the big party tonight."
"Of course. May I walk you home?"
"That would be lovely. Thank you. Let me just grab my basket, and we'll be off."
She double checked that she had everything packed and that her desk was in order, then grabbed her basket and pulled on her gloves and hat. As Elizabeth went to put her scarf around her neck, Lucas stepped forward and asked, "May I?"
She gave a single nod, her smile sweet. His fingers gently brushed against hers as he took the scarf and lifted it over her head, then wrapped it around her neck, securing it in a half-knot in the front. Lucas patted his handiwork and stepped back.
"There, I think we're ready to go." He offered his arm.
Taking it, Elizabeth held her basket in the other. When they stepped outside, the dim sun was already low on the horizon. A soft snowfall had begun at some point during the day, adding to the magical atmosphere of white-laden branches and majestic mountain peaks beyond. As Elizabeth took in the town and the scenery, she marveled anew that Hope Valley was like a picture-perfect painting on a still winter day.
"How will you tell Wyman Walden?" Elizabeth queried after a few moments of companionable silence.
Lucas frowned in thought. "Let me worry about that, darling dear. Today is a happy day. Let's focus on us."
Elizabeth nodded. "I like that."
They arrived on her doorstep a few minutes later.
"Will you come inside?" she asked.
Lucas seemed to consider it. "Tempting, but I've been told we have a certain party where we're the guests of honor this evening. I should probably do something to look my finest." He chuckled.
"You always looked your finest." Elizabeth nipped a kiss on his nose, then tapped him there.
Lucas grabbed her hand before she could pull it away, then kissed it. "Ah, but I'm afraid there's someone in town who always outdoes me. I'm told she's the prettiest lady in Hope Valley."
Elizabeth batted her eyelashes. "Oh, do tell. Who might this pretty lady be? Do I have competition?"
He gave a low growl and kissed her. "Hmm, I think her name is Elizabeth Thornton."
"She sounds like she's real competition, then. What should I wear tonight to outshine her?"
Lucas eased back enough to gaze into her eyes, then smoothed back a curl from her cheek. "Surprise me. Whatever you wear, it will be stunning. Now, here is where I leave you, milady. I'll be back at 6:45 to accompany you." With one last parting kiss, he was off.
Elizabeth watched him go and released a heavy, hearty sigh of contentment. He paused mid-step and glanced back, offering a smile and a wave. She returned the sentiments. When he rounded the corner, she turned for the door and entered.
Leaving had been hard. After turning the corner, Elizabeth's house was out of sight. Lucas felt the inward tug pulling him back toward her house, but he kept his gaze forward.
She's right. Tonight is a big night, and we'll both want to look our best, he thought as he continued his trek through the ice and snow.
Before long, Lucas returned to the saloon. He had closed early today, so no patrons sat at the tables or along the bar. Wafts of Gustave's finest drifted into the open area from the kitchen. The decorations were in the process of being hung.
Rosemary stood halfway up a ladder, stringing some lights along the banister. She turned and spotted Lucas.
"Oh, Lucas!" she enthused. She climbed down the ladder and approached with a flourish, hands waving dramatically. "You're back!"
Amused by her over-the-top theatrics, Lucas replied, "Indeed, I am. It looks like things are coming together well here."
He glanced around, taking in the floral centerpieces, a combination of white and red roses and baby's breath. White streamers lined with the light strands adorned the railing up the staircase, the banister, and the bar. A couple of other women, who Rosemary had no doubt employed to help, were hard at work.
"I hope you like it." She grinned. "It was mostly my doing, but Elizabeth chose the colors."
"It's great." To be honest, he thought, decorations are just the icing on the cake. "I just came from seeing Elizabeth, in fact."
"Oh, tell me she isn't wasting a moment getting ready for tonight!"
Lucas chuckled. "I left her to it, and I'm about to do the same."
With a single clap, Rosemary shooed him toward the door. "Then be on your way, Lucas. You won't want to keep your lady waiting tonight. Remember, we're starting promptly at 7:00."
"I couldn't possibly forget." Lucas suppressed a good-natured eyeroll, then left for his place.
Once he was out of the cold, Lucas checked the time on his pocket watch. It was just past four, affording him plenty of time. He considered returning to the saloon to consult with Gustave on the food but didn't think Rosemary would want him back so soon.
And Gustave is the man of the kitchen. He wouldn't want me there any more than Rosemary, he thought. Hmm, and whose establishment is it?
Shaking his head, Lucas sat on the edge of his bed and replayed the day's events in his head. Contentment washed over him as he kicked off his shoes and removed his coat, then leaned back into the welcoming comfort of his pillow and mattress. Before long, he drifted to sleep.
He stood at the front of the church, next to Joseph Canfield. Lucas glanced around the inside, taking in all their friends and family gathered to celebrate his union with Elizabeth. A fleeting thought as to why they were gathered in the church instead of the library as discussed passed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it.
I'm getting married, he thought, unable to keep his feet still. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides.
"Don't worry," Henry's voice assured him from behind. "Just relax."
The processional music started, and Lucas wondered how his knees didn't give out entirely.
Then the bride appeared. A thick veil hid her face as she walked down the aisle, alone. When she arrived at Lucas' side, he lifted the veil, ready to see her face.
Wyman Walden's greedy, beady eyes glared back. "You thought it would be that simple, Bouchard?"
Lucas gasped, blinked, then opened his eyes, finding himself in his bed. Surprised to feel sweat along his forehead, he wiped it away and sat up.
"Just a bad dream," he muttered, shaking his head.
Lucas reached for his watch and exhaled a sigh of relief. He had forty-five minutes before showtime. Hating the thought of what would happen if he had overslept, Lucas pushed down those unnecessary concerns.
He changed into a black suit with a dark-blue vest and matching tie over a white shirt. Running a comb through his hair and taming his mop with some pomade, Lucas was satisfied with the outcome.
Realizing he still needed to pick Elizabeth up, Lucas shuffled into his shoes and donned his coat. Stepping into the darkness, he realized the temperature had dropped since the sun had been up. He decided to take the car.
Arriving at Elizabeth's five minutes later, Lucas knocked. She opened the door. Lucas almost couldn't believe his eyes. Standing in front of him was a radiant beauty.
"You look… absolutely gorgeous," he breathed.
She wore a sleeveless coral-red gown. The tassel-fringed skirt flared, overlaid with sheer black netting. Black sequins decorated the lower bodice in diamond patterns, which flowed up into overlapping black lines toward the upper bodice. Triple-teardrop matching earrings and elbow-length black gloves completed the ensemble.
Her hair was swept up in a low chignon, a few curls framing her face.
But it was her smile that dazzled and dazed him the most. "Thank you. You look very handsome, as always." She turned toward the interior of the house and said her goodbyes to Jack and Laura.
Lucas peeked his head inside and grinned at the little boy, who was busy reading a book in Laura's lap. "I'll bring your mother back safely, Jack. I promise."
Jack only glanced up briefly, smiled, then redirected his attention to the story.
"You can't tear him away from a good story," Elizabeth joked.
"Nor would I want to. Are you ready?" He lifted her coat from the stand beside the door and held it out for her.
Elizabeth slipped into the garment, then buttoned it up to her chin. "I am now." She joined him on the stoop.
With the door closed, Lucas escorted her to the passenger side and helped her inside.
After he got behind the wheel, he said, "I stopped by the saloon after seeing you this afternoon. Rosemary chased me off."
Elizabeth giggled. "That doesn't surprise me in the least. You were infringing on her territory."
"And just who's the owner of the saloon?"
Elizabeth laughed, then leaned on his shoulder, wrapping her hands around his bicep. "Oh, you are, but we both know when Rosemary is on a mission, there's no getting in her way."
"Hmm, much like you."
"And you."
"True enough." He pulled up in front of the saloon. "Well, here we are."
After helping Elizabeth out of the car, Lucas escorted her into the warmth of the large, open establishment. The crowd flocked around them as they entered, expressing their congratulations and welcoming them.
"Well, how do you want to start?" Rosemary asked, standing on Elizabeth's other side.
Lucas released his hold on his lady and took her coat. "I'll let you ladies mingle for a while." He winked.
"Don't go too far, Lucas!" Rosemary exclaimed. "Games are just around the corner!"
"This ought to be interesting," he said with a chuckle.
Glancing over his shoulder as he stepped up to the bar, Lucas spotted Elizabeth surrounded by a gaggle of women. Although he couldn't hear exactly what they said, their delighted squeals and laughter were evidence of a good time.
Lee clapped him on the back. "I hear congratulations are in order for more than just your upcoming wedding."
Lucas furrowed his brow. "The mineral rights, you mean? You heard?"
"Of course, Lucas. Everyone's heard by now. You know nothing is a secret in this town."
Lucas chuckled. "I'm surprised Rosemary didn't say something earlier when I stopped in."
"Well, my dear Rosie has been a bit preoccupied with making sure everything is perfect for a certain party tonight."
"Ah, that makes sense, then." Lucas wondered who Mike and Henry told, but before he could give it much further thought, Lee spoke.
"So, my good man, your days as a bachelor are numbered. Are you sure you're ready to tie the knot?"
Lucas chuckled. "More than ready."
Bill stood on Lucas' other side. "There's nothing wrong with being a bachelor, Lee."
"Is that so?" Lee teased. "Fate tells me you might be the next to be married. I hear a certain redhead has her eyes on you."
Someone placed a beer in Lucas' hand. He lifted the mug to his lips.
"More than her eyes," Jesse muttered.
A few of the guys laughed. Lucas nearly choked on a mouthful of frothy liquid. He swallowed, hard, his eyes watering.
"Now look what you've gone and done, Jesse," Joseph said. "We can't have our groom-to-be dying before he's married."
"Well, let's hope he doesn't die anytime too soon," someone said.
Lucas glanced around for the source of the voice and locked gazes with none other than Wyman Walden.