Chapter 5 School Day 2

The alarm went off and Lucas rolled over and shut it off. It was 6:00 am. He was dreading getting up. Most days he was up at 8:00 at the earliest. He was so tired and he had only got about 5 hours of sleep. He sat on the edge of the bed for a moment just to get his balance before he began what he knew would be another exhausting day. He slowly got up and headed for the washroom. Lucas always paid close attention to his appearance. Helen had always told him to dress for success. You never know when you may run into someone important and it could change your life forever. Lucas always tries to start his day in perfect looking condition and a positive attitude.

Once he was finished he went to check on Jack. He walked over and gently rubbed his head. He was appreciating the sound of Jack's little breaths as he slumbered. His knees were pulled into his chest and his fists were clenched lying on his pillow. Lucas caught a glimpse of what a future with Elizabeth was going to be like. He knew life would not always be picnics and rainbows, but he also knew that is was easier to have someone to fight through life beside you.

He hurried down the stairs when he heard the knock on the door. It was Laura. Lucas opened it and greeted her.

"Good morning Laura!"

"Good morning Mr. Bouchard. I had my father bring me!"

Lucas did not want the whole town knowing about the house. He was now afraid his secret was going to get out. He had managed to keep the secret for months. He had rarely stayed there. On evenings at the saloon that were busy and he worked late he just crashed in one of the suites. He always kept spare clothes in his office at work.

"Laura there is muffins over there on the counter that Gustav made. Feel free to help yourself and Jack is still asleep. I will see you this evening." He grabbed a few muffins for Elizabeth and headed out the door.

Lucas arrived at Elizabeth's and tried to be quiet as he walked inside. He turned on the lights in the kitchen and made her some hot tea. Then he placed the muffins and tea on a serving tray and carried them upstairs. The place was deathly quiet. Lucas turned a lamp on in the hallway and slowly peeked his head into Elizabeth's room. He slowly walked over to her bed and laid the tray on her nightstand taking the old tray back downstairs to wash it. Then he went back upstairs and crept over to her bed he leaned over and gently kissed her forehead. She stirred. Her eyes slowly opened.

"Lucas! What a way to wake up in the morning," She teased.

"How are you feeling love?"

"I feel better."

"I'm glad to hear that! Did you write that letter to your parents for me to mail for you?"

"I did it is over there on my hope chest."

Lucas picked it up and stuffed it into his pocket. "I will mail it this morning. I will also call my parents when I get to the saloon and invite them. I do not know if my father will make it though. He is a Canadian Ambassador and travels a lot."

"Lucas, I don't think you ever mentioned that your father was a Canadian Ambassador?"

"I guess it just never came up. You have plenty of time to learn about me. I would love nothing more than for him to spend Christmas here. I hope he makes the time."

"How did Jack do last night? I missed him."

"He missed you. He sniffled a couple times. We came to an understanding about bath time and dinner time and I think we will be fine!" He grinned.

"You look tired; there are circles under your eyes."

"I only got about 5 hours of sleep. I am not used to getting up quite so early. It is usually 8:00 at least."

"Thank you for doing this! You are the most amazing man and I love you so much!"

"You're welcome and I will see you later my love!" He kissed her hand and left for the mercantile.

He headed over to the mercantile and handed Ned the letter.

"Ned, I need to mail this letter for Elizabeth."

"Sure."He took the letter and prepared it for the mail pickup.

"Have a good day Ned!"

"You too and tell Elizabeth we all hope she is feeling better."

"I will do that."

Lucas walked over to the saloon and checked in with Gustav and grabbed all the closing paperwork for the night before and the order forms. He knew tonight he would have to place orders if he wanted to be prepared for the weekend rush. He asked Gustav to make two helpings of cream of celery soup for dinner and chicken tenders for Jack and told him he would pick it up at 5:00. Then he took a large bill out of his pocket and slipped it in Gustav's hand. Gustav loved working for Lucas. Lucas was always so generous and always compensated him for his extra tasks. Lucas headed up to his office and called his parents. His father was away, but he spent 20 minutes talking to his mother and she told him she would talk to his father and they would try to make it.

It was time for school. Lucas knew Mike could take care of everything at Gowen Petroleum and he would call if he needed him. So he was trying to put that business out of his head for now. He did not even want to go there this week. He arrived at school and turned on all the lights and began preparations for the day.

Opal was the first to arrive.

"Good morning Opal, how are feeling today?"

"I am good Mr. Bouchard. I had my mother bake you some cookies to say thank you for saving me yesterday."

"Opal, thank you! That was so kind but not necessary. Go ahead and take your seat."

Lucas continued to greet the rest of the class as they all came in and took their seats.

"Since we didn't get to the library yesterday, we are going to switch things up and go this morning."

Lucas took the students over to the library. He helped each student find a book of poetry by the author they chose and check it out. Then they took them back to the school and he let them read and begin on their papers up until lunch answering any questions they may have.

"Papers will be due on Monday morning when you arrive. That way you will have a couple extra days to perfect your essays."

He then dismissed them for lunch. This time he grabbed his turkey sandwich and went outside with them and monitored them as they played. He did not want any repeats of yesterday. He needed this day to go smooth. When lunch ended he called the class back in and taught them each how to sign their name in French and Mrs. Thornton's. He also taught them how to say (we miss you). Then they worked on their cards for most of the afternoon. Lucas was so impressed that the day had been so much better than yesterday. He stopped them about 30 minutes before time to dismiss and put on a magic show for them. The children were all excited when he dismissed them for the day. They wanted to go home and tell their parents about their day.

Lucas did not need to go back to the library. He checked everything in while they were there earlier. He had some time. He went to the mercantile and picked up 3 bouquets of flowers. He then returned to the saloon where he actually finished all his work early so he would not have to do it at home. He then picked up their dinner from the kitchen and headed to Lee and Rosemary's.

He knocked on their door. Lee answered.

"Lucas!" He said with surprise.

"Lee, I heard Rosemary was also sick with the flu and wanted to bring you guys some soup. Don't worry; Gustav made it, not me." He chuckled. "I also brought her some flowers. Please give these to her. Tell her I said I hope she gets feeling better real soon."

"Thank you Lucas, that was very thoughtful. I will do just that. You have a wonderful day and tell Elizabeth we wish her well also."

"I will do that. Good day to you Lee!"

Lucas then headed over to Elizabeth's. He walked in and she was actually sitting at her typewriter.

"I see you are feeling much better." He walked over and handed her the flowers.

"Lucas these are beautiful! Thank you."

"It was my pleasure. Lee and Rosemary send you best wishes for a quick recovery."

"That was really nice of them. We should do something nice for them."

"We already did."

"Lucas what did you do?"

"I took rosemary some flowers and also delivered them some dinner."

"You have to be the most thoughtful man; I think I have ever known."

"Does that mean you intend to keep me around forever?" He winked while he dipped her soup into a bowl for her.

"I don't know! My other suitor might not approve! She teased.

"You love to tease me ." He grinned. "I hope you know how much I want you to be well in this moment." He kissed her head. "I should be getting Jack his dinner. I will see you in the morning Love!"

Lucas headed home for the day. He walked in and Laura and Jack were sitting in the living room playing. Jack came running to Lucas and threw his arms around him. Lucas picked him up and hugged him.

"Laura, do you need a ride home?"

"No, my father is coming."

"Okay!"

He walked Jack over to his high chair and gave him his chicken tenders. Jack loved chicken tenders. Lucas ate his own dinner while watching Jack eat his. Then he gave Jack a cookie from Opal for dessert. Then they began their evening routine. Jack seemed much more relaxed this evening. Lucas was able to get to bed by 10:00 pm after he had finished cleaning up the dishes. He thanked the Lord for the blessings and faded into dreamland.