A Fresh Start Chapter 2
Lucas was just beginning to awake when he looked at the clock. This can't be right he thought to himself. It was six o'clock in the evening. He had missed seeing Elizabeth and would now probably not get to see her today. He hesitantly crawled out of bed and got dressed to go downstairs and help with the night rush.
"Mr. Bouchard, Mrs. Thornton was in here looking for you."
"Thank You Gustav! I'm sorry I overslept."
Lucas grabbed a quick plate of food and went to his office. He ate quickly so he could help with the evening rush. They were busy this evening and Lucas was helping tend the bar. He looked up and his eyes met hers. The most beautiful woman walked in. He was captivated! He immediately left to greet her.
He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek," This is a pleasant surprise. Hello Jack as he tousled his hair. Elizabeth are you wanting to stay and have dinner?"
"Yes. What happened to you?
"I'm sorry! He apologized. I stayed up all night crunching numbers and didn't wake up until 6:00 p.m. I am sorry I missed seeing you at the library. I was really looking forward to it."
"I was really worried about you. Are you going to join us?"
"I just ate, but I will sit with you! Jack would you like a grilled cheese and some Chicken tenders?" Lucas kept them in stock just for Jack. The little boy grinned. He ushered them to a private table and they sat down. He took Elizabeth's coat and helped her with Jack.
"I will be right back, "he told her."
He came back with both their plates. Then he took Jack and set him on his lap so Elizabeth could eat her dinner. He told himself to invest in a high chair for the saloon. Much to Lucas liking, Jack didn't mind Lucas. They actually got a long okay. It definitely made things easier. He knew he wanted to bond with him. Now that it was official. He would take every opportunity to form a relationship with Jack.
"How was school today? "He asked her.
"It was okay, but several kids were out sick."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, apparently there is a flu epidemic going around."
"I read about that in the paper. "He said.
"I had four children out today; I need to drop off their homework when I leave here."
"I will have Gustav put together some treats for them and I will go with you." He took Jack with him and went to the back. While he was back there he got Jack a cherry tart.
When he got back he had Jack in one arm and a basket in the other.
Elizabeth smiled at her two favorite men interacting. They looked so comfortable and at ease. "You are always so thoughtful; no wonder I fell for you!" She winked.
"Are you ready then love?" he asked her.
"Yes!"
Lucas set Jack down for a moment while he pulled out her chair and helped her up. Then he helped her with her coat and picked Jack back up. Elizabeth took the basket and Lucas took Jack. They spent the rest of the evening visiting all the sick children in town and bringing them treats to boost their spirits. Elizabeth did most of the deliveries. Lucas and Jack stood outside mostly trying to limit their exposure to the flu. Lucas had read it was very dangerous.
It was getting late. By the time they had delivered everything and Elizabeth gave them instructions it was well past 10:00 p.m. They finally arrived back at Elizabeth's row house.
"Lucas would you mind taking Jack on up to bed!"
Lucas paused slightly and stuttered, "Um, um Ok."
He had never been in Elizabeth's house before. The thought of entering her personal space was very overwhelming. Entering her house and putting her son to bed was definitely uncharted territory. He felt terrified.
"If I am being honest Elizabeth, I have never put a young child to bed before. I have to say the thought is making me very anxious. I am not sure exactly what I am supposed to do."
"Oh!" She couldn't help but laugh at his apparent discomfort.
"I'm glad my anxiety is amusing you!" He joked.
"Well you have invested so much time pushing me out of my comfort zone. I am going to return the favor." She chuckled. "I must say I have rarely seen you like this. It is funny seeing the handsome, generous, kind, thoughtful, humble, keeper of my heart so out of sorts."
"Ha, Ha! If you are done being amused can you help me out here?"
She ushered him up the stairs to Jack's room. She took off his shoes while Lucas held him. Then she took off his coat and instead of waking him up she was just going to put him to bed in his clothes.
She pulled back the covers. "Now lay him down gently."
Lucas laid Jack down cradling his head trying hard not to wake him. Then he proceeded to pull up the covers. He then snapped his fingers and a soft little Peter Rabbit doll appeared in his right hand. He laid it next to Jack in bed.
"Lucas, how did you do that?"
"Wouldn't you like to know? It's a trade secret, I'm afraid!"
She gave him a playful nudge and they turned out the light and headed downstairs.
"Would you like to stay for some tea?" she asked.
"Elizabeth I would love nothing more, but it is late and I know what happened to me yesterday! I should go! I will come and walk you to school in the morning my love."
She walked him to the door. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in for a deep kiss. Lucas finally pulled back.
With her eyes shut she spoke, "Your kisses leave me weak in the knees!"
"Well your kisses invade my dreams!" He teased. "I am afraid it will be another long night for me. Goodnight my sweet Elizabeth! I will see you tomorrow.
He turned and walked out the door. She slowly pulled the door shut and let out a big sigh.
She had the most amazing man! She was finally feeling more like herself than she had in a long time.