Chapter 8 Man of Mystery
Lucas woke up around noon. He enjoyed the game with Bill and Lee last night. They talked and had a good time. Usually it's the casual, How is Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Little Jack conversations. They would only bet a few dollars and always knew when to throw in the towel. He got dressed and headed downstairs; he only goes home if he has a reason too. He preferred to be around town and around people, so most nights he crashed in the suite. Home could get very lonely. He was excited to think that someday very soon, Elizabeth and him would be sharing that home together with Jack and their other children. Lucas wanted as many children as Elizabeth would give him. When he hired the contractors a small home was not in his mind, he wanted a big family. When he saw the property he knew exactly it was meant for them. Close to town, but surrounded by trees on both sides to keep people from seeing it from the main road. That is how he had managed to keep it a secret. No one even knew it was there. Now, he had to find a way to keep his secret until he was ready to unveil it to Elizabeth. Jack, Laura, and her father all know about the house and it was going to be really hard to keep it a secret now. Lucas grabbed some paperwork and headed off to his office, letting Gustav know he would be out in a little bit.
Julie and Elizabeth strolled through town with Jack. Elizabeth wanted to check for mail, so they stopped in the mercantile.
"Mr. Campbell, how are you? Elizabeth asked.
"I'm good. Laura is around here somewhere. She has not stopped talking about the two days she spent with Mr. Bouchard."
Julie immediately jumped in,"Really!"
"Yes, he has the nicest home! It is beautiful!"
"We were just looking for Mr. Bouchard! I don't suppose you want to take us there?" Julie grinned.
Elizabeth elbowed her, "Julie Stop it."
"I'm sorry not today. I have to get back to the farm." Mr. Campbell told her as he walked out of the mercantile.
"Hi, . I am glad to see you out and about and feeling better. I have to go!"
"Bye Laura, I will see you on Monday.
"Okay Beth now I really need to see this place!"
"Julie, let it go. When Lucas is ready to take me to his home, he will!"
They took Jack and headed over to the saloon. When they walked in they looked around hoping to see Lucas. When Elizabeth didn't see him she handed Jack to Julie and headed toward his office. She knocked on the door.
"Come in!" He said in his husky voice.
When she opened the door, he immediately put down his pen and stood up to greet her.
"Elizabeth this is a pleasant surprise!"
"We thought we would come and have lunch with you."
"I am so glad you did I have been missing you!" He slowly wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. "I have been waiting to do this." He placed his forehead on hers and you could hear their rapid breaths speeding up with anticipation. He kissed her passionately and she reciprocated by deepening the kiss. Their hearts were racing and neither one wanted to lose the moment.
Elizabeth finally pulled back, "Julie is out front with Jack waiting on us."
"We better not keep her waiting too long then. I must say Elizabeth; your sister makes me a little uncomfortable." He smirked.
"Are you telling me, the big strong businessman is afraid of my sister?" She teased.
"I didn't say that, I said uncomfortable. "He laughed.
They went out front to join Jack and Julie. Jack saw Lucas and lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Lucas!" Jack ran to him and leaped up in his arms.
"I missed you too buddy!"
"Hi Miss Thatcher, It is nice to see you again!"
Lucas escorted them all to a private table so they could sit down and enjoy their lunch.
"Do you guys want to order off the menu or should I surprise you?"
"Surprise us!" Julie said and winked at Elizabeth.
Lucas went into the kitchen to get their lunch.
"Julie stop being devious!" Elizabeth scolded her and kicked her under the table.
Lucas came back with a serving tray and three plates of Braised lamb with steamed veggies.
"Here Jack you are going to love this! This is a very popular Italian dish called a margarita pizza! Gustav learned to make it in Italy!" He sat Jack on his lap while he ate.
"Lucas! That doesn't have alcohol in it, does it?
Lucas laughed, "Elizabeth, do you really think I would serve alcohol to Jack or any child?"
"So Lucas! Jack tells us he had so much fun at your house!" Julie smirked. "Maybe we can go to your place for dinner?" Elizabeth kicked her under the table.
Lucas started shifting in his seat. "I don't really cook Julie. Gustav usually does all my cooking. It is a weekend so I will be working late tonight!" At this point he would say anything to get out of this situation. She was making him so uneasy.
"Oh, well maybe one day next week then?" She grinned.
The saloon doors opened and Wyman Walden walked in. Good timing he thought to himself. Thankful for getting him out of Julie's game, he knew exactly what she was doing. Lucas handed Jack to Elizabeth.
"If you ladies will excuse me, I owe this man a conversation! Elizabeth, I will see you tomorrow and I love you!" He kissed her on the cheek and headed to greet Walden at the bar. Lucas didn't want to have this conversation either. Anything was better than dinner with Julie! He knew she was going to be a thorn in his side.