Chapter 46 Welcome Back Bouchard's

The Bouchard's were met with hugs all around. Jack was passed from one to the other until he had received hugs from everyone.

"Lucas your telegram said you would be here two days ago. We were all quite worried." Jonathan said in a curious tone.

"Well father, I must say there is a lot to tell about this trip and not all pleasant I'm afraid. We would like to have everyone out to the house for dinner around 6:00 so we can fill everyone in on our trip?" Lucas announced loud enough everyone could hear.

"Elizabeth dear, did you make progress on that novel?" Helen asked.

"No Helen, I did not write while I was away. I do have lots of material to use in my novel which I plan to continue with very soon." Elizabeth said excitedly.

"Welcome back you guys. We are so glad to have you home. We have really missed you around here. Lee and I have some wonderful news to share with you." Rosemary spoke as Lee wrapped his arm around his wife's waist.

"What is it?" Elizabeth asked anxiously.

"Lee and I are going to be parents." She said with the most joyful tone. "We are having twins."

Lucas and Elizabeth just looked at each other with that look they only knew. "Rosemary, Lee that is absolutely wonderful. We are so happy for you!" Elizabeth hugged them both while Lucas patted Lee on the back and told him congratulations and gave Rosemary a hug.

Julie smiled that cheeky smile. "There is going to be a baby boom in this town." She started laughing.

"Julie hush!" Elizabeth shushed her sister.

"We have babies." Jack shouted loudly.

"Yes Jack Rosemary is having babies." Elizabeth explained.

"No ?" Jack said confused. Julie started laughing again knowing Jack was going to spill the beans.

All heads were now turned focusing their attention on Lucas and Elizabeth who were not exactly prepared to tell everyone just yet. Elizabeth just ignored the comment and tried to play it off like she didn't hear it.

"Elizabeth, do you two have something you need to share with all of us?" Grace asked in a curious tone. "Do not lie to your mother Elizabeth."

Lucas wrapped his arms around his Elizabeth's waist for support and told her it was okay. "Yes everyone. Lucas and I are also going to be parents again."

"Don't leave out the best part!" Julie giggled.

"What's the best part?" William asked.

Lucas let out a deep sigh. "Elizabeth is having triplets and she is due in August."

Everyone's hands came up to their mouths, they were in complete shock with this news.

"Oh Elizabeth, our children are going to grow up to be family. They will be the same age and play together!" Rosemary said all excited. "This is going to be wonderful!"

"Son, how are you doing with this?" Jonathan asked knowing it had to overwhelm him.

"Actually, your son was quite the entertainment when he found out about it. I wish you all had seen it. It was quite hysterical." Julie laughed just thinking about the way it all went down.

"Very funny, Julie." Lucas said sarcastically. "We can discuss this more over dinner this evening. William, will you take Elizabeth, Julie and Jack home while I go make dinner arrangements with Gustave?" Lucas asked.

"Absolutely." Jonathan and William helped load their luggage into the cars.

Elizabeth also let out a small giggle at her husband's sarcastic tone. "Lucas, don't throw yourself into your work when you get there. I want you home for a couple days until we get readjusted."

"I won't love! I promise." He gave her a passionate kiss while gently rubbing her abdomen. "I'll be home in about an hour."He headed for the Queen of Hearts, feeling glad to be back in Hope Valley.

Lucas walked into the Queen of Hearts and saw Mike, Henry, and Bill playing cards.

"Bouchard! You're back." Bill said in surprise. "Join us in some cards."

"I can't right now, but I am hosting a dinner at my house tonight at 6:00 if you would like to attend." He invited them.

They were more than eager to accept. Lucas and Elizabeth's dinner parties were always the best. Lucas could see that his father had done an excellent job with the place while he was gone. Not that he should be surprised. His father and William were some of the best business men he knew. Lucas made his way to the kitchen to find Gustave.

He spotted him reprimanding a cook for their lack of attention to details. "Gustave!"

"Monsieur Bouchard welcome back to Hope Valley." Gustave said while shaking his hand.

"Gustave I was hoping you could make a buffet dinner for our friends and family this evening, you know I will provide a generous bonus."

"Of course, sir. I know just what to make." Gustave responded.

"I will come back and get you and the food around 5:30." Lucas said while handing him a bonus.

William took Elizabeth, Julie and Jack home and Jonathan helped them get their luggage inside while William went back and picked up Grace and Helen. Elizabeth felt an instant relief when she walked in the door to her home. She was exhausted though and felt she could get in a quick nap before everyone arrived. She headed for her room and lay down in her bed, thankful to be home. As soon as her head hit the pillow she was sound asleep.

Julie was watching Jack so Elizabeth could rest when the door opened and Lucas walked in. He took a brief pause at the door enjoying the fact that he was home before entering.

"Julie where is Elizabeth?" He asked.

"She went to take a nap, she was very tired." Julie explained.

"I should go check on her." He walked up the stairs to the bedroom and slowly opened the door trying not to make any noise. She was sound asleep. He was going to let her sleep until the dinner party feeling sorry for what she was going through. Although he had not witnessed child birth, he knew it was going to be hard on her. He would be lying if he said he wasn't scared to death. He was afraid something bad would happen while she was giving birth. He knew with 100 percent certainty that he would never get over it if he lost her.

It was now 5:00 and Lucas went upstairs to wake Elizabeth. He opened the door to find her eyes open and just looking at him.

"Good evening, sleeping beauty. I came to tell you it is 5:00 and everyone will be here soon for dinner." He said with his usual charm as he lay on the bed beside her and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

"I am just so tired, Lucas. I am so sorry." Elizabeth said with tears in her eyes.

"What are you sorry about?" He asked confused.

"For being so tired." Elizabeth said all emotional.

"Okay, I am no woman and pretty sure if I had to go through what you are going through, it would kill me. It is I who should be apologizing. I got us in to this." He said apologetically.

She had to laugh at that remark. "I 'm pretty sure you didn't make these babies on your own."

"Fair point Mrs. Bouchard." He winked. "Let me help you up." He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. "I have to run into town and pickup the food and Gustave, I will be back in about twenty minutes my love." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. He slid his hand behind her head and pulled her lips to his for a deep, passionate, lingering kiss. "I have missed that!" He whispered as he turned to leave.

Elizabeth dressed for dinner and headed downstairs where everyone had already arrived for the evening. "Rosemary, how are you feeling?" Elizabeth asked concerned.

"I feel a little bit more tired than usual, but not bad at all." She gave her a slight grin.

"I know that feeling. That is all I want to do is sleep." Elizabeth said sadly.

Soon Lucas and Gustave had walked in with food. William and Jonathan soon joined them to assist. Once they had brought in all the food, Gustave began setting everything up in a buffet line. Lucas excused himself. "Elizabeth, I would like to talk to you for a second."

"What's a matter sweetie?" Elizabeth asked concerned.

"I was thinking I would gift majority ownership of the oil company to Mike. He has been an invaluable asset to the business and it would not have survived had it not been for him. I will keep my investment as a minority owner, but this will give him the ability to do what he thinks is best for the company. Money I have, time I do not. I need more availability to be home, that means I have to make changes." He said giving her a quick kiss.

"You are serious about this?" She asked concerned.

"I am." He responded confidently.

"Okay, if you are sure. You are so selfless Mr. Bouchard and I am so glad you belong to me." She teased with a kiss of her own.

"Me too." He returned her kiss. "I will make the announcement. I hope Mike accepts." Lucas said with anticipation.

Everyone lined up as Lucas stood front and center. "I'd like to make a toast. Here is to our friends and family that took care of everything while we were away and made our honeymoon possible. I want to toast my beautiful wife and for those of you who don't already know the mother of our children. Elizabeth is pregnant with triplets. You are the love of my life and I love and adore you so much. I also want to thank Julie who was more than amazing at helping with Jack on our trip even though she gives me a hard time.

I have one more announcement. I have decided to gift majority ownership of the oil company to Mike Hickam. Mike you have been invaluable to me and call this a well earned bonus. I will stay invested but I need to free up time and that requires changes. So cheers!" They toasted glasses.

"Lucas I don't know what to say." Mike said choking back tears.

"You've earned it Mike." Lucas said patting him on the shoulder. "Congratulations!"

"It sounds like I need to be the one offering congratulations. Triplets?" Mike said with a slight grin.

"Yep and Carson confirmed it. To be honest it is a little bit overwhelming." Lucas said a little anxious.

"I don't know how you do it Lucas. That would be overwhelming." Mike nodded and left.

Pretty soon everyone was gathered around to congratulate the couple. Lucas was less than confident though. He knew it was going to be challenging and him and Elizabeth had many more discussions to have before the babies were born. There was so much to do and figure out.

After dinner, the men sat down to play cards and talk while the woman gathered in the other room around the fireplace with tea. Jack had his tinker toys out on the rug playing with them.