Chapter 27 The Honeymoon Part 1
The Stagecoach rounded the corner at the depot where everyone was standing to say goodbye to the Bouchard's and Julie so they could embark on their adventure on a South Pacific Cruise to Bora, Bora, the French Polynesia Island in Tahiti. The weather was much warmer there. They would be leaving freezing temperatures and headed for surf, sun, and fun in the high 80's.
Jack was incredibly excited about all of it. This would be his first long trip and he could not contain all the energy he had. They would take the stage coach to the train station, which soon long would be near Hope Valley. From there they would take the train to Vancouver about an hour ride, where they would board the Santa Ana Cruise ship bound for Bora, Bora.
Neither Julie nor Elizabeth had ever been to the south pacific. They were very excited about this adventure. Lucas who had traveled extensively was excited that this time he would not be traveling alone. Lucas helped the stagecoach attendant load up their luggage and assisted the ladies in getting settled in their seats. Then he handed Jack to Elizabeth and sat down in the seat beside her. They waved out the window as the stagecoach pulled away and they were off.
Jack pointed out everything on the way to the train station. He sat on Lucas's lap for most of the way. The train ride would be a short one so Lucas did not see the need to purchase a roomette. He figured by the time they got on the train they could sit in the dining car, and eat some lunch while discussing all their plans for the trip. Elizabeth was going to treasure every moment and use it in her next book.
The stagecoach pulled up to the train station and Lucas helped the ladies board the train and then helped with their luggage. He handed Elizabeth some money and told her and Julie to go ahead to the dining car. He was going to take Jack to the potty and said he would be right in. Elizabeth and Julie made their way through the crowded train to the dining car where they found a booth seat patiently waiting for Lucas and Jack to join them. They looked around and noticed the room was filled with a majority of young women sitting at the bar. It appeared to be some sort of group traveling together.
The door to the dining car slid open and Lucas and Jack walked in and the women stopped to stare at the striking pair that had just entered the dining car. Most of the women made their way over to comment on Jack and how adorable he was and talking to Lucas. Elizabeth's eyes grew wide as she was witnessing what was happening.
"Beth, something tells me you don't like what you see." Julie laughed.
"Look at all those women fawning over my husband and my son." She said a bit indignant.
"Did you think you were going to hide him in your home forever? Face it Beth, you have a gorgeous husband who happens to be the best father and you should be proud. Wait until you hit that beach. Beth don't ever doubt that man's love for you. You guys have a rare thing. Your love is so real and passionate sometimes it makes the rest of us gag. No offense." Elizabeth was less than amused with her sister's humor.
Lucas slowly made his escape to join his wife and Julie in the booth. He leaned down and gave his wife a passionate kiss in front of everyone mindless of who was watching to reassure his lovely wife where his heart was and the other bold women that he was taken.
"Mr. Bouchard if I didn't know any better I would say you rather enjoyed that attention." She said with a slightly irritated grin.
"Well Mrs. Bouchard I would say you might have been a bit jealous." He flashed her that gorgeous dimpled smile.
"Oh, I was not jealous!" Elizabeth said indignantly.
"She was jealous," Julie chimed in.
"Daddy, why were all those women talking to you like that?" Jack asked curiously.
"Yes Mr. Bouchard let's hear you answer on this one." Elizabeth said with a mischievous smile.
"Umm, Umm I don't know Jack, let's get lunch!" Lucas said trying to change the conversation.
"Jack I believe your momma and daddy will be finishing this conversation later." Elizabeth said with a stern look.
Lucas just rolled his eyes.
Elizabeth made her way up to order lunch, not wanting her husband around all those pushy women. One of the ladies stopped her, "You have a striking family. You are one lucky lady."
"Thank You. They are very handsome." Elizabeth responded finding this whole conversation odd and quite uncomfortable. If this was what traveling with Lucas was going to be like, then she was certain she was not going to enjoy it. She ordered their lunch and waited patiently while it was being prepared. Then she carried it over to the table and set it down.
"You know Elizabeth I would have gotten that for you!" Lucas told her with a grin knowing exactly what she was thinking.
"It's okay! I've got it!" She responded knowing exactly why he would have gotten their lunch. Just the thought of him being around those women was making her cringe.
They sat there eating lunch and watching the trees pass by as the train made its way to the Vancouver Train Station. Then Lucas made sure to help Elizabeth, Julie, and Jack off the train. He supervised the unloading of their things off of the train and had it loaded onto the cruise ship where they had two club balcony suites reserved for their cruise aboard the Santa Ana. Reserving one suite for Jack and Julie, and one suite for them. Lucas spared no expense to get the best rooms possible for this special occasion.