Just a quick note—

While I believe we may hear some French endearments from Lucas to Elizabeth on the show, I have decided to remove the French from my story. One of my readers kindly let me know that I was using some of it improperly and I do not want to butcher such a beautiful language. Google translate let me down. :)

Also, I wanted to mention Allie. As mature as she seems sometimes, (we have seen otherwise on the show as well) she is still a young girl. She cares deeply for her uncle/dad and wants what is best for him, thus, the matchmaking scenes. Allie thinks she needs to give Nathan a little nudge to get him back out there after what happened with Elizabeth. The women were unaware of what was going on, so it was only some fun scenes for the reader.

Now let's pick up the story from the same evening...

Chapter 6—

Lucas watched as Fiona and Mike continued their game of darts. They had gathered quite the audience as it was a close match, and all wanted to see who the winner was going to be.

Looking at his watch, Lucas smiled. "I'll take the champion," he said, not ready to head off to bed at this early hour. He had also noticed Mr. Kensington sitting at a corner table and keeping an eye on him, for what reason he didn't know, and Lucas decided to return the favor.

"Yay!" Fiona yelled, throwing her arms up in a victory salute as she hit a bullseye with her last dart. Giving Mike a pouty face and caressing his arm she turned to Lucas with a bright smile and said, "Alright Mr. Big Shot, it's your turn," causing laughter from the crowd who was even more interested in the outcome of this game.

"Let's just play for points starting at zero, not traditional rules. Each gets 10 throws per round, best two out of three," Lucas suggested.

"Sounds good to me," Fiona replied, as he gestured for her to go first, Fiona easily hitting a bullseye. "You were saying?" she said cheekily as she stepped away so he could throw.

"You talk a big talk, Miss Miller, but let's see if you can walk the walk," Lucas replied, receiving some oh's from the riveted spectators that weren't going anywhere, right before he hit a bullseye, tying the game.

The three-game match continued with Fiona winning the first game by a small margin and Lucas easily winning the second. Suddenly feeling a bit cocky, Fiona turned to Lucas, "Neck and neck, but I am feeling particularly lucky this evening. How about a bet?"

"What did you have in mind?" Lucas replied.

"If you win, you get free haircuts for a month," Fiona stated.

"And if you win?" he asked curiously.

Reaching over to pat his cheek she smirked, "If I win, I get to shave off your beard."

All the folks observing the verbal challenge began talking amongst themselves excitedly, wondering if Lucas was willing to take that kind of chance.

"You're on," he replied positively, bringing increased interest, and chattering from the crowd. Charles even rose from his corner seat and walked over to get a closer look, crossing his arms in front of him.

The game was close. Every time Lucas thought he had her, she would catch up quickly. She had thrown her last dart and he only needed a couple points on his last throw to win. With many of his darts hitting on or near the center of the board, he was self-assured of a victory.

Lucas lined up his shot, taking extra time to keep the audience's attention. Just as he was about to release his dart, Mike cleared his throat loudly, causing his arm to flinch. Watching as if in slow-motion, the dart curved wildly and bounced off the wall, hitting the floor. A look of horror crossed Lucas' face as he turned to Mike, saying "Why?" bringing a roar of laughter from the crowd and a leer from Charles. Fiona jumped up and down triumphantly, getting hugs from those around her.

Standing there in shock, but wanting to be a good sport, Lucas tipped his chin to Fiona. "Congratulations," he said, his face not quite feeling the words as those around him patted his back sympathetically.

"Well, there's no time like the present," Fiona said, looking towards the door.

"Now?" Lucas said in dismay, unconsciously rubbing his chin.

"Yes, now. Let's go cowboy," taking his arm and leading him to the door, the crowd following behind.

"Oh no, we don't need an audience this time," Fiona said, bringing grumbles as they all turned back into the saloon, except for Mike who hurried to catch them.

"Uh, sorry Lucas," he said apologetically getting a glare in return.

Opening the door, Fiona motioned for Lucas to sit down and put the cape around his neck, Mike watching from across the room.

"Here we go," she said as she picked up the shaving lotion and razor, looking into Lucas' panicked face. "Now this won't hurt a bit..."

###

"I'm leaving for school now," Cody said to Henry as he opened the door.

"No skipping today?" Henry commanded more than asked.

"No. I'll go straight to school. I'll even be early. See you later," Cody replied as he left and closed the door.

Henry couldn't help but wonder what had caused such a change in a short time. He hoped to figure it out soon.

###

The face staring back at him in the mirror the next morning took him back 20 years. His smooth baby face was the reason Lucas had grown a beard to begin with, but he decided to at least give Elizabeth the chance to see him without stubble before growing it back. The overnight growth felt prickly, so he gave himself a quick shave before leaving.

"Elizabeth won't even recognize me. Perhaps no one will," he said to himself as he wiped away the residual lotion. Heading over to the school, he got quite a few stares, but ignored them as he went on his way. When he reached the building, he saw a tall boy that looked familiar.

"Cody? Is that you?" Lucas asked. "I barely recognized you."

"Mr. Bouchard? I can definitely say the same thing about you. Your beard..."

"Will be back soon, I guarantee it. I'm going in to say hello to Mrs. Thornton, I'll see you later," Lucas replied, quietly walking up the steps into the classroom.

Happy to see Elizabeth had her back to the door, Lucas slipped up from behind and wrapped his arms around her, placing his cheek next to hers like he had the day before. What he didn't expect was the wildcat that Elizabeth became as soon as their faces touched. She quickly pulled away, spinning around as she did so with her hand in the air ready to connect with his cheek. Rapidly grabbing her arm in midair just before it struck, Elizabeth's fright turned to astonishment.

"Lucas? Is that...you?" she said in disbelief as realization came.

His laugh swiftly calmed the situation and brought a smile to her face. "Why would you shave it off?"

Looking down as if ashamed, he coolly said, "I lost a bet." Elizabeth captured his face with her hand and turned his head back and forth, examining the difference. "Do you hate it?" he asked uneasily.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Elizabeth tiptoed up close to his mouth, "I could never hate anything about you," she breathily said to his lips before taking them with hers. The kiss was thorough, but Elizabeth started laughing before they pulled apart, surprising Lucas.

"I'm pretty sure that is the first time my kisses have made you laugh," he said as he stepped back.

Putting her hand to her mouth, Elizabeth tried to stifle her snicker. "No, I'm sorry, Lucas. Your kisses do many things to me but making me laugh isn't one of them. I was just thinking how I felt like I was cheating on you with your 18-year-old self."

Wanting to be offended but not able to, Lucas started chuckling as he rubbed his face. "I guess I can understand that."

Elizabeth stepped close again and reached up, using her knuckles to softly rub his cheek. "You look very handsome, my Lucas." His dark gaze showed the longing he had for her as he ran his hands down her shoulders and arms. Leaning near, he placed his now bare cheek up against hers and whispered, "How do you really like it?" bringing a shiver down her spine at his warm breath on her ear.

Allowing herself to fall into his spell, she closed her eyes and murmured, "I don't hate it..." but before she could kiss him again, they heard boots running up the stairs and quickly parted.

Before turning to leave, Lucas spoke again. "If you don't mind telling me, just who did you think was embracing you when I came in and you almost hit me?"

Elizabeth opened her mouth and then closed it again, shaking her head. "We'll talk about that at dinner tonight," she said just as the children started running in.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said as raised his hand in a slight wave before leaving the building.

Shaking her head, Elizabeth tried to get her thoughts straight so she could start school.

###

Cody leaned against the wall looking around outside the school. He knew Elizabeth was about to ring the bell but wanted to wait another minute before going in. Just as he shoved away from the building, he saw what he was watching for. Angela was walking next to her mother much as she had the day before when she left, and a younger boy was skipping along with them. As they neared, Cody wanted to speak but wasn't sure her mother would approve so he remained quiet. After they went inside, he followed a distance behind and waited for the woman to leave. "Mrs. Thornton," Cody said, walking up to her amid the chaos that comes with school mornings.

"Yes, Cody."

"I was wondering if I could sit in the front of the room. I... can't see the blackboard as well from the back."

"Yes, of course, Cody. Why don't you take a seat next to Angela," Elizabeth replied, pointing at her.

Smiling, Cody nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Thornton," he said as he walked over and sat next to the girl. Being much closer to her than he was yesterday, he took the opportunity to look at her, knowing she couldn't see him. She sure is pretty, he thought as he stared.

"Cody, is that you?" Angela suddenly asked, bringing him out of his thoughts.

"How did you know it was me?" he asked incredulously.

"I'm sure you have heard that with blind people their other senses are sharper?" she questioned.

"Yes, I have heard that," he answered, his curiosity peaked.

"Well, it's probably true, but actually I just heard Mrs. Thornton tell you to sit by me," she said seriously, then broke into a wide smile making Cody laugh.

"I don't know about your other senses, but you certainly have a great sense of humor," he replied, making her giggle just as the bell rang.

"We'll talk later," Cody said as everyone was settling down.

"Cody," Angela leaned over and whispered, "I'm glad you didn't skip today."

So am I, he thought as Elizabeth came to the front of the room.

###

Lillian sat with the Coulters as they talked and filled out papers. "Did I tell you that Grace will be home in a couple of days?" the delight in her voice brought pleasure to both of them.

"I am thrilled for you Lillian! I know you must have missed her terribly all these months," Rosemary replied then noticed Lillian's face turn serious.

"I have. But now I have a dilemma. I'm not sure what to do about Camille. She showed up when I needed someone and has just been delightful. However, I can't afford to keep her, so I have to tell her that she needs to leave."

"Oh, dear. That is a problem," Rosemary said.

"She is simply wonderful with the kids and is a great cook. There are just no jobs here in town for her- I've already inquired."

"Wait, you said she can cook. What if she came with us to Hope Valley?" Lee suggested. "Bill certainly needs help at the café these days."

Rosemary thought it over and nodded. "That might work if she is willing to move. I'll speak to her myself."

Lillian nodded, unsure if that was the best idea, but she didn't see any other option for her- if she said yes, that is. They were planning to leave the next day with Liam, so Camille wouldn't have much time to decide.

"I should probably do that now, no time to waste," Rosemary said, rising to her feet and leaving the room.

###

Elizabeth was cleaning the blackboard after the children left for the day when she heard a voice behind her.

"I came to apologize," Charles said as he stood there waiting for a response.

Turning to face him, she nodded. "I accept your apology."

"Friends?" he asked, his gaze hopeful.

"Of course," she answered, smiling.

Stepping closer Charles spoke again. "I just don't want you to get hurt, Elizabeth. I was at the saloon last night and saw Mr. Bouchard flirting with a pretty brunette. A Miss Miller, I think he called her."

Stiffening up, Elizabeth turned back to the board. "I'm sure you are mistaken, Charles. Lucas isn't like that."

"Well, they made a bet on a dart game, which he lost, and they left the saloon alone with her holding his arm. Presumably for her to shave his beard off. But I'm sure you are right," he replied, the seed planted.

"Is there something I can do for you, Charles?" she asked turning back around.

"I would still like to take you to dinner," he replied, "as a friend," he added, smiling a dimpled smile. "We need to catch up since you never replied to any of my letters."

"Let me think about it," she replied, the irritation in her voice quite obvious.

"Of course. I'll see you later then," he said as he turned to leave.

Standing there with the eraser in her hand, Elizabeth stared after him, thinking, then shaking her head. "I trust Lucas," she said out loud tackling the blackboard with more force than needed.

###

"This is a wonderful dinner, Allie. You are becoming a fine cook," Nathan said as he finished his last bite of pie.

"Thanks, Uncle Nathan," she said, her mind preoccupied.

"Anything you want to talk about?" he asked.

"Christmas is coming up."

Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arms as he watched her eat her dessert. She had been very quiet since their talk the day before, and he wasn't sure what was bothering her.

"Anything in particular you want this year?"

"What I really want is for you to be content, Uncle Nathan. I'm very happy with just the two of us, but the truth is, I'm growing up and won't be here that much longer, so you really need a wife."

Nathan was touched by how much Allie cared about his happiness. And truthfully, he knew it was time to find the right woman as he wasn't getting any younger. He just didn't know who that might be.

"Thank you, Allie," he responded, his eyes shining. "I really don't want you worrying about me. I am such a lucky man to have someone care about me as much as you do. But apparently, I just haven't found the right one for me quite yet. She will come along; don't you fret about that. And until she does, we have each other."

Allie looked a little more at ease than she had before. "Alright, I'll try not to do any more matchmaking, but I am curious- were there any of those women you might be the least bit interested in?"

Laughing as he stood to help clean the table, Nathan replied. "Oh no, not gonna answer that one. I've seen you in action. For now, let's get this mess taken care of."

###

"I don't know what to think about it, Joseph," Minnie said as they were lying in bed quietly talking. "Did you hear how many times Angela mentioned Cody's name at dinner?"

"About 7, if my memory serves me right," was his reply.

"I'm just concerned, husband."

"I understand. But only a few days ago we were hoping she would find a friend. Now it appears she has, and we aren't sure we like it because it's a boy. You have to admit, she seems happier."

"Now Joseph, you know I don't mind her having boys as friends. And yes, she was quite bubbly this evening. But I sense there is more to this than friendship, at least in her mind. And we both know that can't happen," Minnie replied seriously.

"I know, Minnie. Let's see how things are in a few days. Maybe we are making too much of it."

"I just don't want our girl to be hurt. Or that boy either. However, you are correct. Let's not jump to conclusions after one day. Goodnight, Joseph."

"Goodnight, Minnie."

###

"I hear building on the factory is supposed to start in a few days, sir. What are you going to do about materials?" Spurlock asked Charles.

"It's all taken care of. It won't be long before we are making money hand over fist. The automotive industry is just on the cusp of greatness, and we will be in on it," his boss replied.

"Among other things..." Spurlock began getting a heated look that shut him up.

"We don't talk about that around here," Charles reminded him quietly, looking around the saloon to make sure no one had overheard.

"I'll be more careful. So, what about Walden? How does he fit in?"

"Walden? Don't worry about him. He is just a pawn in my game, someone for people to keep an eye on. He knows nothing about our other venture," the last words spoken in quiet tones as Charles finished his beer.

"Nothing at all..."

###

It was a silent evening in Elizabeth's house, as she and Lucas ate their dinner. He had tried several times to start a conversation, but she seemed more distracted than he had ever seen her. Rosemary had decided to keep Jack so the two of them could have a quiet evening together, but this was much quieter than Lucas had planned on. Finally, he stood and reached for her hand receiving a puzzled look to which he replied, "Come with me."

Taking his hand, Elizabeth stood and walked with him to the sofa, where they sat, Lucas still holding her hand. "Now, please tell me what is bothering you. I hope it isn't the fact that my beard is gone," he teased. "I would hate to think that is the only thing you like about me. Talk to me, please."

Pondering how to begin, Elizabeth slowly replied, "I... heard that Fiona is the one that shaved your beard off last night."

"Yes. We played a game of darts and made a bet on it. She has been wanting me to shave it off for a while, so I guess she finally got her wish," he replied casually.

Nodding as she lowered her head, Lucas was perplexed at her behavior. Then a light dawned.

"Elizabeth," he began, lifting her head to look at him. "Don't tell me you are jealous."

"Of course not," she replied a little too quickly. "I'm just not sure it looked appropriate for you to be leaving with her alone at night when everyone knows we are together."

The hurt in her eyes was evident and it wounded Lucas to his core. This was not okay. He would rather die than upset her.

"Where did you hear we were alone? Yes, she practically dragged me out of the saloon, but Mike quickly followed us and was there the whole time." Concern poured from his eyes as he explained.

"Really?" she asked, her expression more confident than before.

Slowly standing, Lucas once again pulled Elizabeth to her feet and place his hand on her cheek.

"Don't you know how I feel about you?" he murmured, a sensual sound to her ears.

"Tell me..." Elizabeth replied wistfully, her heart beginning to flutter.

"You are the first thought I have every morning and the last thought before I close my eyes at night. You are the only woman I want to spend my time with, and no one else even comes close. You are the one I waited a lifetime to find, and I certainly don't intend on doing anything to lose you.

"Elizabeth Thornton, I love you with everything that I am."

Tears began forming in the corners of her eyes as she heard the words she longed for and noticed that Lucas' eyes were also wet. How could I have ever doubted him for a second, she scolded herself before speaking.

"I'm sorry Lucas. Please forgive me," she said as she once again rubbed his smooth face, this time with the tips of her fingers. "I'm not sure why I have waited so long to say these words, but I mean them with all of my heart. I love you, Lucas Bouchard."

As he leaned in and place his forehead to hers, he closed his eyes for a moment, thanking God for the woman in front of him. Then he lowered his head and captured her lips with his, tasting the salty tears that had escaped her eyes. Knowing they needed to be cautious, Lucas then kissed her temple and drew her to himself in a soft embrace.

"I can't tell you how good you feel in my arms," he whispered, his voice exciting her and making her giddy. "The way you smell, and the way you taste. It takes my mind to places it shouldn't go."

"I know...I feel the same," Elizabeth replied breathlessly.

"As much as I could stay and hold you all night, I better leave while I still have the presence of mind to do so. Your kisses are intoxicating," he said once more sliding his lips over hers.

Groaning as she teased his bottom lip, Lucas regretfully pulled away and took a deep breath.

"If I may ask, where did you hear that Fiona and I were alone? Who told you that?"

"Well...it was Charles..." she answered hesitantly.

"As I suspected," he said stiffly, then smiled down at her tenderly. "I will see you tomorrow, my love." Then leaning down once again, he placed his mouth to her ear. "I love you, my darling Elizabeth," he said throatily before turning to leave.

Lucas smiled until Elizabeth closed the door, then his expression turned grave.

"Mr. Kensington, you have interfered with the wrong man," he said sternly as he shut his car door behind him and started the car.