Chapter 4—
"The Coulters will be here tomorrow," Lillian said as she placed the last of the fresh-baked cookies into the jar. "Rosemary and Lee are delightful people. I'm glad they have decided to adopt."
"It's always pleasing to see one of these little ones find a family," Camille responded. "Oh, I almost forgot, there was a letter for you at the mercantile. I put it in my bag. Let me go get it," Camille said as she left the room.
"Liam, do you want some more milk?" Lillian asked as he finished his cookie.
"No, Miss Lillian. Thank you," he politely replied, dragging his arm across his mouth.
"Here, let me help you with that. A napkin works wonders." Wiping his mouth, she tousled his hair. "Why don't you go out to play with the others?"
Liam jumped up and ran out the door bringing a laugh from Lillian just as Camille came back in the room. "Here you go," she said as she held out the letter.
"It's from Grace!" Lillian said excitedly after looking at the postmark. Quickly tearing it open, she scanned the contents, and a grin came to her face. "I can hardly believe it! She is coming home in a few days!"
Camille smiled. "How wonderful for you. I know you will love seeing her."
"It's been much too long. Thank you for this," Lillian replied, holding up the letter. "I better figure out what we are having for supper."
###
"Do you think we forgot anything," Rosemary asked, looking over at Lee behind the wheel. They had been on the road for a little over an hour.
"Well, if we did, it's a bit late to go back and get it," he replied. Seeing her tense look, he continued, "No, honey, I don't. But if we did, we could always buy what we need. Are you nervous?"
Nodding as she looked down, Lee could see the uncertainty in her expression. "Yes. Lee, what if we don't make good parents?"
Lee reached over and took her hand. "We are going to make great parents. And you will be the best mother ever."
A smile returned to her face. "Elizabeth was almost as excited as we were this morning. It will be good for Jack to have a little playmate. Lee, do you have a preference? A boy or a girl?"
"I really don't. I just want it to be the right fit. I think we will know our child when we see him or her."
Grinning now, Rosemary responded, "I do too. I love you Lee Coulter."
"Not as much as I love you," he answered.
###
Allie rushed down the street dragging Nathan behind her. "Why are you in such a hurry?" he protested.
"Because I have some other things to do, but you really need a shave, Uncle Nathan," she replied, not slowing her pace.
Trying to hide his smile, he nodded. "And there has been a run on razors so we have to run?" he joked. The look he received wasn't one of amusement. "Ah come on Allie, that was funny."
The eye-roll followed. "No, it wasn't. Miss Miller is usually busy this time of day and we don't have time to waste. And please don't tell that joke in front of her."
Practically dragging him in the door of the barbershop, Fiona turned around surprised to see them. "Hi there. What can I help you two with today?"
Stepping forward, Allie replied, "Uncle Nathan needs a haircut and a shave."
"A haircut too? Come on Allie..." Nathan argued.
"Yes. You are looking a bit scruffy."
"Well, come sit down. You got here at my slowest time of day," Fiona said.
Nathan looked at Allie who seemed to be studying something on the ceiling. When he sat down, Fiona placed the cape around him while Allie walked over to the chair.
"See, Miss Miller? You can't see his handsome face under all that stubble. He doesn't do a very good job shaving himself so I thought you should do it for him today."
"I don't what?" Nathan protested.
Fiona furrowed her brow. "It's not too bad, but I'll take care of it," she said, smiling at Nathan. Allie walked around humming as Fiona worked. It didn't take long to shave Nathan and cut his hair. Before long she was finished.
"There you go," she said, removing the cape. "Does it pass your inspection, Allie?"
Looking him over closely, Allie nodded. "That's much better. I can see your beautiful blue eyes much better now. Doesn't he have the prettiest eyes, Miss Miller?"
"Uh...how much do I owe you?" Nathan asked as he stood, interrupting Allie's strategy.
Before Fiona had a chance to answer, Allie spoke. "I really have to go, I have a project I need to finish, Goodbye, Miss Miller, Uncle Nathan!" she said, flying out the door.
Fiona laughed, not realizing she had just taken part in one of Allie's schemes. "Well, she is certainly a bit of a mother hen isn't she."
"Yes. Isn't she. Thanks, Fiona," Nathan replied after paying her then walking out the door.
What will that girl come up with next?
###
"Do you think anyone knows?"
"Knows what?" Spurlock said to the other Pinkerton agent, Henderson.
"What we are really doing here in Hope Valley. Sure, a factory is going to be built, but I'm talking about what is going on in this cabin."
Spurlock squinted his eyes, "Well if they did, do you think we would still be here?" Pointing to his head he spoke again, "Think before you speak next time, Henderson."
"I hope no one finds out. We would be in all kinds of trouble."
"Anyone finds out, they will be the ones in trouble. Now, help me move this table," Spurlock replied.
###
Entering the saloon, Elizabeth looked around. Not seeing Lucas, she went to his office and tapped on the door.
"Come in," a muffled voice said on the other side. Elizabeth opened it to find Lucas going through the ledgers on his desk. A bright smile broke out on his face when he saw who it was, and he stood to his feet as Elizabeth closed the door.
"This is a nice surprise," he said, walking around the desk and taking her hands.
"I wanted to come by and say hello before going home for the day. Did you hear about the Coulter's going to Brookfield? They are hoping to adopt."
"That's wonderful. I'm very happy for them and hope it all goes well."
"Me too...I had another reason for coming by. I thought perhaps we could try dinner again tomorrow night?" she asked hopefully.
Lucas' face grew serious before he answered. "How do you think Jack will react?"
"Honestly, I'm not sure. But he will have to get used to having you around. I know I did," Elizabeth said playfully as she stepped close and looked up into his eyes.
"I guess I grew on you, my love," he replied, his voice low, before leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on her lips. Moving his head back a few inches, he stared deeply into her eyes. "I know you grew on me."
"About 7 then?" she asked, knowing she better get home to Jack, much as she wanted to stay right where she was.
"I shall see you then," he responded, walking her to the door and opening it for her.
"Don't be late," Elizabeth teased before leaving him alone again.
"I wouldn't dream of it," he replied only to himself before returning to his desk and his work.
###
The drive was getting a little monotonous without conversation. Henry had tried several times to talk to Cody, but the boy wasn't interested in chatting. He did have a good appetite though. They had stayed in a hotel on the road the night before and he was a little nervous that Cody would bolt, but he was still sleeping when Henry got up.
I hope I'm doing the right thing, Henry thought as he drove. Maybe all Cody needed was a taste of home to get his thoughts together. He had friends there, good kids that didn't break the law.
"We'll be in Hope Valley tomorrow. I guess you are ready to see all of your old friends," Henry said, trying once again for a dialogue.
"I guess so..." Cody said tentatively.
Well, at least the boy hadn't lost the ability to speak since they got in the car. Perhaps this would turn out alright after all.
###
The day was coming to an end and the sun was just starting its descent past the horizon. Nathan stood and watched the night come on, enjoying the yellows and pinks in the evening sky. He wondered what he was going to do this evening with Allie spending the night at Opal's house. As much as he had avoided the saloon for the last week or so, he thought he might go see what was going on and have a beer. Walking down the street in his casual clothes, he waved and spoke to his friends and neighbors as they passed on their way to various places, knowing most of them were on their way to their homes. He paused at the door only briefly before pushing it open and entering.
It was fairly quiet, with two card games going on and Lucas filling up a couple of steins with a dark brew.
It's a little late now to turn around and walk out, Nathan thought as he made up his mind to walk to the bar.
"Hey...Lucas. Let me have one of those too, please." There. At least he broke the ice.
Nodding as he filled up another stein and handed it to Nathan, he took the other two to a nearby table where a game was happening and promptly returned.
"Can I get you anything else? A bite to eat?" Lucas asked as Nathan took a seat across from him.
"I'll take the day's special," Nathan responded as he took a long draw from his drink. He observed as Lucas put his order in, then came back and wiped the bar, pausing as if in thought, then continued working. The man certainly seemed distracted, and Nathan didn't think it was because he had entered the saloon. After a few moments, he motioned Lucas over.
"I know we aren't close, Lucas, but I was wondering if something was bothering you. You seem...preoccupied this evening. If there is anything I can do to help..."
Lucas slightly nodded and decided since he did need to talk with someone- he may as well start with Nathan.
"I went to Elizabeth's last night for dinner..." he paused, searching Nathan's face for anything resembling hurt. The last thing he wanted to do was rub it in that she had chosen him over the Mountie. Seeing nothing but interest, he continued. "The truth is, Jack was a little confused by my being there and ran up the stairs upset." No sense in mentioning the fact that Jack caught them kissing.
"And now you are wondering if he will ever like you..."
"Something like that. I haven't been around a lot of small children, so this is new for me. I certainly didn't expect him to hate me."
Nathan smiled.
"Lucas, he doesn't hate you. He is just confused, as you said. He'll come around," Nathan responded, taking another drink.
"How can you be so sure of that?"
The small laugh caused Lucas to tilt his head curiously.
"Because it happened to me," was the pointed response.
"Allie?" Lucas asked incredulously.
The nod confirmed his answer. "Yes, Allie."
"But you two are so close."
"We weren't at first. I wasn't around much when she was little, so when her mother died, she didn't want anything to do with me in the beginning. It took a lot of time and love to bring her over to my side. Just keep trying, Jack will come around. Kids respond to you being there for them. That should be easy with you and Elizabeth together now."
Lucas nodded and looked as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He wondered how hard it was for Nathan to speak of them as a couple, but he appreciated the advice. "Thank you, Nathan. I wasn't sure who to talk to about this, but it looks like you were the right person. I value your input."
"No problem. Now if you can figure out how to get Allie to stop matchmaking, that would be a big help," Nathan said with a laugh.
"Now this I need to hear..." Lucas said lightheartedly.
The two men continued their conversation, Lucas laughing as he listened to Nathan talk about Allie's plotting and wondering if they could ever be friends.
###
Elizabeth had finished her housework for the evening and decided to look in on Jack, who had been put to bed about a half-hour ago. Expecting him to be sleeping, Elizabeth was surprised to see he was sitting on the floor with a framed picture of Jack Sr. on his lap.
"Why aren't you sleeping little man?" she asked as she walked in and sat down next to him on the rug.
"Mama can Daddy come visit us from Heaven?" he asked as his blue eyes met hers. Pain gripped her heart for her precious son who would never know his real father and what a wonderful man he was. Taking the photograph from his small hands, Elizabeth pulled her son close, both gazing at the handsome man in uniform.
"I wish he could Jack. But it doesn't work that way. One day far into the future though, you can go see him."
Staring up at his mama he spoke again. "I miss him," Jack said looking back down at the picture. Elizabeth understood what he meant by the words, even though he had never actually met his dad.
"I miss him too, son. Now, I think it's time for you to be in bed."
Taking the frame, Jack stood and looked at it one more time. Then he kissed the photo right where his father's cheek was before placing it carefully back on his nightstand and climbing under the covers. Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he spoke once more before closing them for the night.
"Maybe I can have another daddy someday. One that lives here."
Elizabeth smiled and leaned over to kiss her son's forehead just as he was nodding off.
"I hope so, my son. I truly hope so," she said, her thoughts going to a handsome dark-haired man that was coming for dinner the next evening.
###
Bolting up from a dead sleep, Lucas broke into a cold sweat and rose from the bed. Walking over to the dresser, he took a sip of water from the glass sitting there. He had just had a dream that disconcerted him.
In his dream, Lucas was in the woods and seemed to be lost as he was looking around at all the trees and feeling disoriented. Suddenly, a man appeared. He was wearing a Mountie uniform and even though he had never met the man, Lucas knew it was Jack Thornton.
He had stared as the man walked towards him and when he was only a few steps away, the man spoke. "Take care of my son," was all he said before disappearing. Lucas looked at the spot he vanished from for a few seconds before waking up feeling troubled.
Unsure of the meaning of the dream, Lucas decided not to tell Elizabeth about it. He didn't want anything else to worry her, so, for now, he would keep it to himself.
###
The long black car pulled up in front of the saloon and a well-dressed man stepped out. Looking around at the small town, he smiled before walking towards the door which opened just before he got there.
"I've been waiting on you sir," Walden said as he strode closer and shook the man's hand. "I take it traffic wasn't too bad."
"No need for small talk, Walden. Did you get me a room at the hotel?"
"Yes sir. The best room in the house. I guess things have changed a little since you were here last."
Looking around again, the man said, "You could say that."
Lucas had just left the petroleum company and noticed Walden speaking to someone he didn't recognize standing next to a Rolls-Royce in front of the saloon. He thought he better find out who the visitor was.
"Walden, I don't believe I have met your friend," he said as he came up. "Lucas Bouchard. I am the owner of the hotel and saloon," he declared as he reached out his hand to the stranger.
"Mr. Bouchard, this is my employer," Walden replied.
The man raised an eyebrow as he shook Lucas' hand with a smirk.
"Well, Mr. Bouchard, I've heard a lot about you. I have been eager to make your acquaintance."
"I didn't catch your name..." Lucas stated.
"My apologies," the man responded.
"The name is Kensington. Charles Kensington."
Charles is back! We haven't seen him in a few seasons so I wonder what he's been up to? Perhaps we will get a chance to find out... ;)