Chapter 6 School Final Day
The alarm went off but this time Lucas rose without any issues. He was starting to get everything figured out. He got dressed, and walked down the hall. He just stood there for a moment and watched Jack sleep. Jack was so precious. He was glad today was Friday and he wouldn't have to worry about school for the next two days. He heard the knock on the door and he opened it to greet Laura. The chill from the bitter wind came blasting through the door. The days were getting colder as the winter was right around the corner. That also meant Christmas festival planning was about to get underway. This years Christmas festival was hopefully going to be very special at least for them he hoped.
"Jack is still sleeping. I will see you this evening Laura. I hope you and Jack have a wonderful day."
"You too!"
Lucas drove into town and pulled up by the saloon. He walked over to the café and greeted Bill.
"Good morning Bill!"
"Lucas!" He nodded. "How is Elizabeth doing?
"She is getting better. I actually came to get her some breakfast, just give me two of the specials."
"That was very thoughtful of you."
"You haven't seen me cook Bill, he laughed. Gustav only let's me in the kitchen under close supervision."
He handed him both plates and advised him to give Elizabeth his best. Once he got to Elizabeth's he noticed Faith was there.
"Is everything okay?" He asked her as he noticed she was evaluating Elizabeth.
"Yes, actually Elizabeth is doing well and can go back to teaching on Monday." She replied. "She is no longer contagious."
"YES!" Lucas shouted.
Faith and Elizabeth both laughed.
"Word around town is that you are a very fun teacher!" Faith started laughing.
"I better get back to class then. I don't want you taking my job!" Elizabeth smirked and then she kissed him.
He was about to speak, but then lost himself in her boldness. He just pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. He pulled back and ushered her to the table. Faith took the hint and politely excused herself.
"I brought you breakfast."
They both sat down at the table and ate their breakfast.
"The children are supposed to have their essays on their poems turned in on Monday morning. Just letting you know in case they try to pull one over on you." He smirked.
"I will be ready then!"
About that time there was a knock on the door.
"Lucas, will you answer that?"
"Are you expecting someone?"
Lucas opened the door.
"You're not Elizabeth." She said confused.
"No, I am Lucas Bouchard and you are Julie Thatcher! I am sorry we did not get to formally meet when you were here for Jack's christening." He took her hand and gently kissed it. "It's nice to finally meet you. Come in please!"
"Julie!"
"Elizabeth!"
They embraced in a big hug.
"Apparently you have been keeping secrets Beth? You have got to fill me in."
"We will talk later." Elizabeth told her.
"Miss Thatcher will you be staying here or at the hotel?"
"Where are you staying? She said with a playful giggle.
"Oh my word!" He said.
Elizabeth smacked her on the arm playfully and scolded her. Lucas cheeks turned extremely red.
"Stop it Julie!"
"Where is Jack?" Julie asked.
"I have had the flu so he has been staying with Lucas."
"Oh! I see well if you are better we can go get him."
"Ummm, Ummm; How about I go get him and bring him to you? Lucas asked. He wasn't ready for her to see the house. This was definitely getting more complicated.
"Lucas you are already going to be late for school. Why are you being so evasive?"
Oh this is not good he thought to himself. He did not want to lie to Elizabeth; he always said he would be nothing but honest with her.
"I am not ready for you to see where I live, just yet."
"Why not?" She asked him.
"I just need time Elizabeth."
His response left Elizabeth very confused. Lucas went back to his house and gathered up Jack and Laura and was going to drop them off and head to school. He didn't even go back inside, hoping by the time he arrived later, they would forget about the whole conversation.
The door opened. "Mama!" He threw his arms around her.
"Hi, my sweet boy! Did you have fun with Lucas?"
"Lucas fun! He has horsey and trains and daddy."
Elizabeth was feeling confused at Jack's last statement. "Jack honey, what do you mean Lucas has daddy?"
"Daddy in my room with horsey."
"Laura, do you know what he is talking about?"
"No, Mrs. Thornton, I have no idea."
'Okay we will ask Lucas about that later. Jack this is your aunt Julie!"
Julie took Jack, "We are going to spend so much time together.
Lucas walked in and prepared for school. He was running a little late, so the classroom wasn't as warm as he wanted it to be. He greeted all the kids as they came in.
"Good news! Mrs. Thornton has been cleared and will be back on Monday."
"Mr. Bouchard?"
"Yes Opal!"
"Does that mean you want be teaching us anymore?"
"I'm afraid so."
"I will miss you."
"Well thank you Opal I will miss you too. You can come see me anytime and maybe there will be a treat for you."
"Okay! Will you do magic tricks for me?"
"Sure!"
The class spent the rest of the morning, finishing their cards for Elizabeth and then after lunch they worked on their essays. Lucas had all of them place their cards in a basket, reminding them their essays were due on Monday and wished them all a good weekend.
He then went to the library and checked in all the books. Afterwards he went back to the saloon and picked up dinner for Elizabeth, Jack, him, and Julie. He figured since he didn't have to watch Jack, he would be back later to help with the Friday evening rush. He was feeling very uneasy about going back to Elizabeth's. He was so afraid Jack was going to spill the beans.
Lucas arrived at Elizabeth's and carried in dinner.
"Lucas!" Jack ran to him and wrapped his arms around him with so much force it almost knocked him down.
"Whoa little buddy I almost dropped the food!" Lucas placed all the food on the counter and let Elizabeth and Julie know dinner was up.
"Lucas you are so sweet!
He wrapped his arms around her and gently brushed her lips mindful of prying eyes. Softly he whispered in her ear, "I have waited three days to feel your lips my love!"
He pulled out her and Julie's chairs and brought them their food.
He picked Jack up and put him in his chair and got his food as well. "Lucas bring Jack cake?"
"No cake today Jack, but I did bring a cream pie."
"A bottle of wine for the ladies?" He poured them both a glass of wine.
Julie leaned over and whispered to Elizabeth, "I have got to hear about this love story! I am swooning right now!" Elizabeth kicked her under the table and Julie about spit out her wine. They both started giggling.
"I almost forgot." Lucas handed Elizabeth the basket full of get well cards. "There is one from every child in your class. They were anxious to show you they learned some French words."
She and Julie started pulling them out and reading them. "This is so wonderful Lucas! They are beautiful!"
They finished up their meal and Lucas cleaned Jack up and cleaned up all the dishes while Julie and Elizabeth sat on the settee watching Jack play. Elizabeth walked over to him and asked him if he needed any help.
"Nope, I am all done!" He hung the towel on the faucet and then turned around and took her in his arms. Holding her close he spoke, "I have to go back to work; I told Gustav I would be back for the Friday rush." He checked to see if Jack was watching and then he gave her a deep kiss. "Well I will have to make that last until tomorrow. I love you!"
"I love you too Lucas! Have a good night!"
Lucas told all of them to have a good evening and headed back to the saloon. He was grateful he had escaped and there was no mention of the house. At least for today he felt relieved. He walked in, checked in with Gustav and headed to his office. After finishing his ledgers, schedule, and orders he headed back out front. Everything seemed to be under control so he decided to join in Bill and Lee's Poker game. They played poker until about 1:00 am. Thankfully Lucas didn't have to awaken early tomorrow. He was going to enjoy some friendly poker and good company.